The question, my dear Grandison, said the mar-chioness, is this We have all of us told my Clemen — tina, thatyou are invincible on the article of religion. She believes us: she doubts it not from your beha-viour and words: but as she would not omit any means to convince you of her high regard for you, she is desirous to hear from your own lips, that you are not to be convinced; she is not afraid, the article so important, to hear you declare, that you will not be a Catholic. It will make her more easy, upon reflection, to be told, by you. yourself, that you can-not comply, even were she to consent to be yours, at a very short day, if you could

The exalted lady stood up, still not withdrawing her hand False shame, I despise thee, said she: yet covered with blushes, she turned her face from me. That hand, as this heart, putting her other hand to her throbbing bosom, is yours, on that one condition I am convinced of your affection for me But fear not to tell me (it is for rny own future peace of mind, that I ask it) thatyou cannot accept it on the terms.

She then withdrew her hand, and would have gone from me: but again I snatched it with both mine.

Do youy most excellent Lady Clementina, let mc ask you, do you consider the inequality in the case between us, as you are pleased to put it? I presume not to require a change of principles in you. You are only afraid of your perseverance, though you are to be left, to your freedom; and your confessor to strengthen and confirm you. Of me, is not. an actual change required against conviction? Dearest Lady Clementina! Can you, can you (your mind great and generous in every other case) insist upon a condition so unequal? Be great throughout; and I kneeled to her Be uniformly noble Withdraw not your hand.

She struggled it, however, from me; and, hastening to her closet Once more, chevalier, said she, read my paper.

I left her, and approaching the marchioness, who was in tears, Judge me, madam, said I, as I, in your opinion, deserve What shall I say? I can urge my hopes no farther: my promise is against me: Clementina is despotic Forgive me! But indeed Clementina is not impartial

Dear chevalier, said the marchioness, giving me her hand, what can I say? I admire you! I glory in my child? I could not, myself in her place, have withstood your plea. When her imagination is cool. I still question if she will hold her purpose Propose to her, if you can engage her to descend from these heights, your intended absences You must calm her. You only can. Her soul is wrought up to too high a pitch. madam! But I must first try to quiet my own.