'I know not how I have deserved that character of the marchioness,'

said the count with a smile, 'but that heart must be either fickle or

insensible in an uncommon degree, which can boast of freedom in the

presence of lady Julia.' The marchioness, mortified by the whole

conversation, now felt the full force of Vereza's reply, which she

imagined he pointed with particular emphasis.

The entertainment concluded with a grand firework, which was exhibited

on the margin of the sea, and the company did not part till the dawn

of morning. Julia retired from the scene with regret. She was

enchanted with the new world that was now exhibited to her, and she

was not cool enough to distinguish the vivid glow of imagination from

the colours of real bliss. The pleasure she now felt she believed

would always be renewed, and in an equal degree, by the objects which

first excited it. The weakness of humanity is never willingly

perceived by young minds. It is painful to know, that we are operated

upon by objects whose impressions are variable as they are

indefinable--and that what yesterday affected us strongly, is to-day

but imperfectly felt, and to-morrow perhaps shall be disregarded. When

at length this unwelcome truth is received into the mind, we at first

reject, with disgust, every appearance of good, we disdain to partake

of a happiness which we cannot always command, and we not unfrequently

sink into a temporary despair. Wisdom or accident, at length, recal us

from our error, and offers to us some object capable of producing a

pleasing, yet lasting effect, which effect, therefore, we call

happiness.

Happiness has this essential difference from what is

commonly called pleasure, that virtue forms its basis, and virtue

being the offspring of reason, may be expected to produce uniformity of

effect. The passions which had hitherto lain concealed in Julia's heart,

touched by circumstance, dilated to its power, and afforded her a

slight experience of the pain and delight which flow from their

influence. The beauty and accomplishments of Vereza raised in her a

new and various emotion, which reflection made her fear to encourage,

but which was too pleasing to be wholly resisted. Tremblingly alive to

a sense of delight, and unchilled by disappointment, the young heart

welcomes every feeling, not simply painful, with a romantic

expectation that it will expand into bliss.

Julia sought with eager anxiety to discover the sentiments of Vereza

towards her; she revolved each circumstance of the day, but they

afforded her little satisfaction; they reflected only a glimmering and

uncertain light, which instead of guiding, served only to perplex her.

Now she remembered some instance of particular attention, and then

some mark of apparent indifference. She compared his conduct with that

of the other young noblesse; and thought each appeared equally

desirous of the favor of every lady present. All the ladies, however,

appeared to her to court the admiration of Vereza, and she trembled

lest he should be too sensible of the distinction. She drew from these

reflections no positive inference; and though distrust rendered pain

the predominate sensation, it was so exquisitely interwoven with

delight, that she could not wish it exchanged for her former ease.

Thoughtful and restless, sleep fled from her eyes, and she longed with

impatience for the morning, which should again present Vereza, and

enable her to pursue the enquiry. She rose early, and adorned herself

with unusual care. In her favorite closet she awaited the hour of

breakfast, and endeavoured to read, but her thoughts wandered from the

subject.




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