I would not. I never did. I would only assure her of my firm resolution never to attempt to bring her over to mine, nor to traverse the endeavours of her confessor to keep her steady in hers. But were we to consider only her future ease of mind [you see, my lord, that she herself has a view to that, in the proposal made me, as from herself] in which the happiness of all your family is included, it is right to see, if she builds on a foundation that can-not be shaken; that she may not hereafter regret the steps she has taken, which might possibly

I understand you, chevalier It is prudently, it is kindly, put, as well for her sake, as ours.

I shall be glad, my lord, that you should be within hearing of every word that shall pass between us on this occasion. One effort I ought to make. If she is determined, I will not urge her further. For all the world, and the dear Clementina in it, I would not have her act against her conscience: nor will I take advantage of the declaration she has repeatedly made, that it is in my power to hold her fast, or to set her free. I will not so much as urge it to her, lest, if she should alter her purpose, it should be from the consciousness of a kind of promise implied in that declaration, and not from her heart. No, my lord, she shall ha wholly free. I will not, excel-lent as she is, accent of her hand against her con science: neither my conscience, nor, let me say, my pride will permit me to do so. But the world, as well as my own heart, would blame me, if I made not one effort. If it fail, I shall be easier in my own mind; and so will she in hers. Be, you, my lord, within hearing of our next conversation.

I would not, Dr. Bartlett, propose to Father Ma-rescotti, that he should, for fear of making him un easy, on his listening to what passed between the lady and me.

I can absolutely depend upon your honour, che-valier, replied the bishop. We have brought our — selves to be sincere favourers of this alliance with you. But I own to you, that both Father Mare-scotti and myself, on the unexpected turn my sister has voluntarily taken, are of opinion that you will both be happier, if it take not place. The difference in religion; her malady

No more, my lord, of this subject. If I cannot succeed, I must endeavour to draw consolation to myself from reason and reflection. Mean time, all I ask is, that you will both acquit me of any sup-posed breach of condition, as well in your own minds, as to the rest of the family, if I make this one effort: after which, if it succeed not, I will, whatever I suffer, divest myself of self, and join with you, and Father Marescotti, to secure the ground gained in the restoration of the noblest of female minds.