They prevailed on me to stay dinner. She excused herself from being present; but desired to see me, when it was over.

Camilla then led me to her. I found her in tears. She was afraid, she said, that I would not forgive her: yet I would, she was sure, if I knew the conflicts with which her soul laboured.

I soothed her disturbed mind. I told her, that I desired her direction, and was resolved to pursue it. Her paper should be one of my constant lessons;and her conscience the rule of my conduct, with regard to my expectations of her favour.

O Sir, said she, how good you are! It is from your generosity, next to the divine assistance, that 1 expect support in my resolution. I but imperfectly remember what I would have done, and what 1 consented to, when you were last amongst us But when I best knew myself. I was more inclined to support my parents and brothers in their expect-ations, with regard to the two great articles of re — ligion and residence, than to comply with yours. My fortune, my rank, merited your consideration; and my pride was sometimes piqued. “ But it was the regard that I had to the welfare of your immortal 6oul, that weighed most with me. O Sir! could you have been a Catholic!

She then wrung her clasped hands, and tears trickled down her cheeks. God Almighty convert you, chevalier! But you must leave me. 1 am beginning to be again unhappy! Leave me, Sir. But let me see you tomorrow. I will pray for a composure of mind, in the mean time. Do you pray for me too. “ And pray for yourself, chevalier! The welfare of your soul, your immortal soul, was ever my principal concern.”

She began to ramble. Her looks were a little wild. I took leave of her; and going hastily from her, in order to hide my own emotion, 1 surprised Father Marescotti, who, as it was at first sight evident to me, from the confusion I found him in, and the attempts he hesitatingly made to excuse himself, had been listening to what passed betweeu Q 2 the lady and me. Pity! that a well-intended zea^ should make a good man do mean things!

No apologies, my dear father, said I. If you doubted my honour, I can think myself, in some measure, obliged to your condescension, for taking this method to prove me. Allow me, my dear Sir, to say (it is to Father Marescotti) that the man, who, in the greater actions of his life, thinks himself under the All-seeing eye, will not be afraid of a fel-low-creature’s ear.

I beg a thousand pardons, said he, hesitating, and in confusion. But I will confess the truth; I believed it was next to impossible, that a young man, whose love to one of the most excellent of women is not to be questioned, should be able to keep the conditions prescribed to him, and forbear to make use of the power she acknowledges he has over her affections But forgive me, chevalier.