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adding, in disjointed sentences, "I do not regret the trials I have undergone ;-but for your sake since at length you know my heart-I only wished-to live to recommend--my little boy to you-and toprove my ardent affection and fidelity:" then grasping Lord Conrade's hand, e're Amelrosa or his lordship were aware of the fatal event, the last spark of life fluttered. in her breast, became extinguished, and the young and beautiful Minette was gone

for ever!

The cruel truth, that those cyes were closed by the remorseless hand of death, and the harmony of her voice was never more to be heard, no sooner Aushed on Amelrosa, than she was overwhelmed with the deepest sorrow, notwithstanding she was prepared for it; and Lord Conrade's grief rising almost to frenzy, he threw himself on the floor, tore his hair, struck himself violently, and with justice accused himself as her destroyer. When his frantic emotions

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tions began, however, to subside, his lordship addressed himself to Amelrosa and the clergyman, who had continued with him, saying, he could not endure to remain a moment longer in a place that reminded him of the amiable woman he had lost, in too forcible a manner, as conscious of his perfidy and guilty neglect, if he continued where her image would constantly present itself, his senses he was convinced, would not support the recollection; and in consequence of these reflections, he should depart immediately with the child and its

nurse.

Lord Conrade then requested Mr. Percival, the reverend divine, and Amelrosa, to conduct every thing necessary and proper for the funeral, and to act as they judged best in all respects; and the post-chaise having been got ready, he flung himself into it in a state of misery almost inconceivable; and the lovely boy and his nurse being likewise placed in it, the carriage drove off.

Almost

Almost blind with the tears she had shed, Amelrosa wrote to entreat Mrs. Skinner, would give her leave to remain at the cottage till the last obsequies were paid her friend; informing her at the same time of the melancholy event that had happened; and having dispatched this letter, sent for an elderly woman that resided in the hamlet, to continue with her for the present. In a few hours one of the footmen brought an answer from Mrs. Skinner, in which she replied, that Amelrosa was not only welcome to remain at the cottage during the period she requested, but for ever, if she pleased; as she did not wish her to enter her doors again, not having occasion for a person who devoted their whole time to others, to educate her children; nor would' she give credit to its being a female dying friend that occupied her attention, but rather concluded, it was a male living one. Her rags and the money due to her, she desired she would send for directly, and ended her elegant epistle, with insolently wishing

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wishing Amelrosa success in her future. undertakings.

This letter, disgraceful to the pen of a lady, or any person who had received a decent education and had the least feeling, shocked Amelrosa, and more particularly from arriving at such a moment.

How

ever, she comforted herself with the hope of procuring some superior situation, where she would not be subject to the folly and ill-humor of such a mother as Mrs. Skinner, and the unamiable dispositions of similar children; for partial as she was to children, she could not avoid disliking Martha and Anne, as their tempers were so violent, and their propensities to act wrong, she had found impossible to eradicate. Her mind was not only filled with sorrow for the misfortunes and sufferings of Minette, but with apprehension and uneasiness for herself, disappointed as she was in every plan she had formed, and all the wishes of her heart.

Often as she sat

weeping

weeping by the pale inanimate corpse of her friend, she would almost wish for the same peaceful and desirable rest. No longer troubled with the misfortunes of life, her gentle spirit had ceased to lament the afflictions that sunk her to the grave, while the man who possessed her warmest regard, would mourn her loss, since he had learned to appreciate her worth; far different from herself, who when shrouded in her native clay, would probably be execrated rather than lamented by him she faithfully loved.

Mr. Percival, who was to continue at the house till the funeral had taken place, by his religious and benevolent conversation, somewhat soothed her mind; and trusting to the Almighty source of every blessing, she struggled to resume her fortitude. The necessary preparations being made, the period arrived which was to consign the lovely and unfortunate Lady Conrade Mansforth, to the silent mansions

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