confusion, it was with difficulty she could make a reply; at length recovering from her agitation in some degree, she softly lisped, "she had as yet been a stranger to the tender passion."

"The powers of love be praised!" exclaimed the enraptured youth; "then you have a polished space still undefaced on your heart, and capable of receiving the soft impression; though undeserving, should I be so fortunate as to obtain a place there, believe me, loveliest of women, I should feel myself the most fortunate creature in the world!"

"Nay, for Heaven's sake!" she tremblingly utters; "Florimund forbear: Gunilda comes this way."

"No, sweet Adeliza," he replies, "she still maintains her seat in conversation with the poor unhappy maniac. Who knows but it was love first drove his exalted brain from out of the cavity? and

would you be the means of banishing another to the desert woods and wilds that here surround us? Oh, impossible! it is not in your gentle nature to be capable of such a cruelty; turn then in pity, and listen to the pure and earnest efforts of a passion I cannot avoid, but (considering myself beneath you) tremble to declare."

"Again, referring to a difference of circumstance when in reality there is none, she cries, you hurt me beyond measure."

"Oh, pardon me, for mercy's sake, as I love you, so do I tremble at offending you; and could I be the means of bringing on that heavenly countenance a frown, to disturb the various charms that sport there? never, never! Those glistening and soul-piercing eyes, enchanting lips, and lovely dimples, were formed alone for smiles; and cruel must that being be

pronounced, who would cause a gloom to mantle on them."

"No more, no more; for look, contrary to our expectations, Gunilda is really approaching.".

i fi It is even so; and every moment she occupies as she advances is precious to us indeed ! say, before she arrives, you do not hate me?”

Hate you, Florimund! what have you ever done to apprehend so?".

"I have made a declaration, in the first place, presuming; in the second, perhaps, disagreeable."

Suffice it to say, I could not hate any one; and to be offended with those ! who profess a respect for me would be cruel."

"That cold word respect does not comprehend the passion I feel; it is love, all powerful, all conquering love, that has talken possession of my soul, and you

alone can give me relief! dare I continue my addresses?"

"I must not admit of any thing contrary to the pleasure of the Earl; he was my father's friend, to me he has proved such, and the least I can do in return is to shew myself grateful." designs

"If that is the only obstacle, I fear nothing. But pray tell me (Gunilda I see comés néár), for all the love I have for you, my sweetest Adeliza! (dare I not hope for a smile in return?orod X

Oh, Florimund! how can you put

such a question to me now?"

"It is that I most wish to know, as it has been that alone which I have feared.".

"Then cease your fears! as I admire freedom and candour in others, so would I wish those qualities ever to prevail in myself. Though too sudden an acknowledgment of what is felt for each other,

may tend in vulgar minds to destroy the passion altogether, still I trust it will not, Florimund, be thus with you; for where it does so occur, as the object (which ever it be) becomes indifferent, it ought likewise to be esteemed unworthy. I blush to own, yet, as I despise affectation, must confess since the first moment I saw you, and heard your story, you have possessed my heart; despise me not for the confession: without you I could never be happy; to you I resign the cause; succeed with the Earl and Gunilda; abide in constancy, and be assured of my everlasting love!"

The words of this celestial creature, so liberal and unexpected, were received into the heart of Florimund, and treasured according to their deserts. He was about suddenly to clasp her to his bosom, in the warmth of his extacy, and pronounce eternal blessings on her for what : VOL. Į.

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