reflection would smooth my last moments. Travelling down to this place, I read an account of his death in a newspaper, at one of the inns we stopped at; and judging myself to have been the cause of shortening his unfortunate life, the shock had a most dangerous effect on my health, and 1 have never since wished to live."

Amelrosa now essayed to divert the conversation from this mournful topic, and began to speak of her child, whose praises she heard with the satisfaction of a fond mother. The little. Conrade was at her request, brought to them, and she perceived with benevolent pleasure, that Minette's countenance looked more cheerful as she gazed on the blooming boy, and she flattered herself, that if there was any hope of her recovery, much as she doubted it, her child would contribute to reconcile the lovely penitent.

After remaining as long as possible, to

amuse

amuse and banish her melancholy, Amelrosa returned home quite dejected, resolving to send to the nearest town for a doctor; and consulting the following evening with the nurse, a man and horse were dispatched for the most eminent medical gentleman he could procure, as she knew Lord Conrade was too generous and humane, notwithstanding his libertinism, to mind expence.

She found herself under the necessity of acquainting Mrs. Skinner, she had a friend dangerously ill in the neighbouring hamlet, whom she had met with unexpectedly, that she might be allowed to go to her when the doctor arrived, having desired the nurse to send for her, as she was anxious to have his opinion of Minette's disorder. Mrs. Skinner gave her permission, and with a bursting heart when summoned, Amelrosa repaired to the hamlet..

After the gentleman had seen Minette,

she

she waited with the utmost anxiety to speak to him in another apartment, and with the deepest grief heard him pronounce, that he was assured from every alarming symptom, she could not live more than a fortnight. Medicine, the doctor added, would not be of any service to her; she was too far gone and ought to have had advice before; however, he should send her some trifling things that would relieve her sufferings and soften the violence of her cough.

When this gentleman was departed, she communicated what had passed to the nurse, requesting at the same time, she would give her Mr. Belmont's direction', as it was absolutely necessary she should write to inform him of Minette's hopeless situation. The nurse instantly procured it, and Amelrosa immediately wrote Lord Conrade, describing the affecting condition to which the victim of his perfidy was reduced, in the most emphatical and pathetic terms.

A week

A vek had elapsed since her writing to him and at the close of the day she was earl verwbeained with sorrow, by the sle of Minette, who could not now quit bar bed. Her cough had entirely left her, Who Amenosa considered as a favorable siga, till the doctor, who had continued to arrend at ber request, assured her it was put: and desired they would be prepared to expect her dissolution, as she could not Live many days. Suddenly her melancholy refections were disturbed by the sound of an approaching carriage, a circumstance so unusual in the hamlet, that supposing it was either Lord Conrade, or some messenger from him, eagerly she arose and drew near the window, at the moment that a post-chaise stopped before the door, and she beheld his lordship alight, accompanied by an elderly gentleman in mourning. Minette enquired who it was, but returning a vague answer, she left the room to prevent Lord Conrade from abruptly entering and terrifying her.

Dejection

Dejection was visible on his countenance, and regarding Amelrosa with_mingled emotion, in a faultering voice articulated, "I hope Minette is not so ill as your

66

fears have made you represent, and that the atonement I shall willingly make for my breach of promise, will contribute to restore her health, as the indisposition she labours under, proceeds, I imagine, from grief; and when all anxiety is removed from her mind, her youth will be in her favor; and I flatter myself, it will not be long before she is recovered. I have brought a clergyman and a licence with me, and make her happy by imparting the intelligence, that I am ready to marry her immediately, truly repenting of my former conduct."

of

Sincerely does it grieve me, my Lord," rejoined Amelrosa, "to be obliged to wound your feelings, by depriving you all hope. The justice (she mournfully continued, while tears flowed fast from her eyes)