too noble. Our wants are few, and health and strength hesitating—“ "Twas but a common act to give shelter to the destitute; and you "Not as a recompence-not as a reward, my friend," interrupted Vermandois, but as a token of my regard. Youth will pass away; health and strength may fail; but the record of a good action is eternal; accept my offers of service-I would but give you competence; follow your own track of bliss, nor need I whisper succour to the unfortunate." Crowned with the prayers, the blessings of the cottagers, Vermandois and Juliette quitted the valley, rich in the internal, the heartfelt satisfaction of having bestowed happiness, of having rewarded merit. Early the following morning, ere yet the dappled east reflected the sun's bright VOL. IV, beams, or Nature, rising from the lap of slumber, chanted the awakening matin of her praise, the marquis de Lurenville and his party, bidding adieu to the lady abbess, and the holy sisterhood, returned into Roussillon. The months of mourning had imperceptibly worn away; and the memory of a murdered mother no longer claiming the sacrifice of appearance, Love resumed his wonted empire-Love pined to substantiate his claims. Parental approbation seconded alike the wishes of Vermandois and Montelioné; and quick did the busy ardour of preparation announce the approach of a double union. All was harmony, all was concord: the marquis internally blessed the escape of Ju-. liette; and the marchioness, Louisine, Du Plessis, all bore evidence of peace. One alone was wanting-Vermandois eyed eyed the group, and thought of the absent father Betsolin-" Yes, from thy hands, from thy hands alone must I receive my happiness," he exclaimed; and instantly he formed the design of visiting the monastery of Valombre, of imploring the officiating offices of his preceptor. 'Twas his counsels which had instilled the early rudiments of virtue-'twas his experience which had armed his mind against the inroads of error-'twas his example which had coloured the native play of his actions-be it then the same power to stamp the dye of his destiny. High throbbed his heart as the gates of Valombre shut out the prospect-as his ear caught the eager gratulations of interest and regard—as his eye wandered o'er the well-remembered features of his earliest friends-as every haunt, endeared by memory, broke upon his view as the arms arms of his revered preceptor expanded to receive him. "Be it so," replied father Betsolin, as, with thankful joy, he listened to the eager hopes of his ever-loved charge; " I will petition our holy supérior-I will. quit once more my retirement-I will return with you to Lurenville Abbey, and enrich your union with the altar's, blissful sanction; then for the last-last time, I bid adieu to the world; then I hasten hither, to pray for the continua-. tion of your happiness-for the perpetuity of virtue !" your THE END. Printed by Lane, Darling, & Co Leadenhall-street, London. |