tempt at disguising any thing from you. That base woman has betrayed me, though she knows I would rather have had a sword plunged into my heart, than you, who are so good, so pure, and that from the first moment I saw you, I adored, should have been made acquainted with my crime. Never will I behold her more. Curses

"Forbear, my lord," interrupted Amelrosa, with sweet and gentle dignity, that commanded his attention, while he gazed with increasing admiration. The energy with which she spoke, caused a pale blush to suffuse her fair and lovely face, and her azure tinted eyes shone with bright and mellowed lustre, as with winning and melodious accents she continued :-" Add not to your guilt, by loading with execrations, the gentle victim of your perfidy. Chance alone discovered to me her retreat, and so studiously has she avoided infusing into my mind, the least suspicion of who was her seducer, that till this moment, the

truth

truth never flashed on me; and I am convinced this accidental interview will overwhelm her with the deepest affliction."

"I must believe it is as you represent; for truth alone, flows from those lovely lips," replied his lordship, somewhat calmed," and shall not regret the occasion of meeting you here, if it has not lessencd me in your esteem," he rejoined, lowering his voice," since it has given me an opportunity of declaring the fervent and honorable passion I entertain for you; which I have long wished to disclose, and flattered myself, I hope not vainly, you would receive in a favorable manner; as surely you will not be so severe as not to make some excuse for the indiscretions of youth."

"I am shocked beyond the power of expression," returned Amelrosa, with horror depicted in her countenance. even if I loved you with

"No,

greater fondness

than

than ever woman did, instead of having my affections engaged, as they are to another, who possesses my tenderest regard, I should detest myself, if I could listen one moment, to a man who has ruined the happiness of a most amiable girl, dishonored a noble family, whose affecting misfortunes, ought to have protected her from your libertine designs; and will, probably, by this additional insult, committed almost in her presence, hurry her to a premature grave; as the critical situation of her health must render any violent emotion fatal to her delicate frame."

Scarcely had she uttered these words, which seemed to make a deep impression on Lord Conrade, by the convulsive agony that shook his frame, and denoted the tormenting sensations which laboured in his breast; when a loud exclamation in the adjacent room, made her conclude, that Minette, hearing what had passed, was taken ill, and she hastily arose to fly to

her

her assistance. The kindness of her intentions were not, however, seconded by her strength. Her mind and body had been weakened by the affliction she had sustained for some days past, and the benevolence of her disposition, united with the most exquisite sensibility, caused her to feel so acutely for the unhappy Minette, whose pangs she thought must be dreadful, during the preceding scene with Lord Conrade; as the want of tenderness he displayed, must aggravate her sufferings; that when she attempted to proceed to her, she feebly tottered, her legs trembled under her, and would have fallen to the floor, had not his lordship caught her in his arms.

She struggled to free herself from him, and Lord Conrade assisted to convey her to a chair, but before they could reach it, exhausted with the effect, she sunk quite lifeless on his shoulder. A decanter of water stood on a table in the apartment, which he contrived to reach with one arm,

while with the other he supported her, not daring to call for assistance; dreading if the door should open, to behold Minette. He sprinkled her with the water, and she began to revive, when a loud knocking was heard at the door, quick and hurried steps, with the sound of different voices followed, and immediately after, Montague Glenholme burst into the room and beheld, Oh killing sight! the lovely mistress of his soul, reclining in Lord Conrade's arms. The destruction of all his fair hopes of happiness, now seemed decisive, not having the least idea of her being ill; but seeing her in that position, the most racking pangs of jealousy pervaded his mind, and clouded his reason.

Over his regimentals he wore a military great coat; his fine hair disordered, as if just arrived from a long and fatiguing journey; a paleness the most livid, supplied the place of the healthy hue that always adorned his manly face; and the frantic