'The very reverse,' replied Ferdinand; 'tis you who deceive yourself,

or rather it is the delicacy of the passion which animates you, and

which will ever operate against your clear perception of a truth in

which your happiness is so deeply involved. Believe me, I speak not

without reason:--she loves you.'

At these words Hippolitus started from his seat, and clasping his

hands in fervent joy, 'Enchanting sounds!' cried he, in a voice

tenderly impassioned; 'could I but believe ye!--could I but

believe ye-this world were paradise!'

During this exclamation, the emotions of Julia, who sat in her closet

adjoining, can with difficulty be imagined. A door which opened into

it from the apartment where this conversation was held, was only half

closed. Agitated with the pleasure this declaration excited, she yet

trembled with apprehension lest she should be discovered. She hardly

dared to breathe, much less to move across the closet to the door,

which opened upon the gallery, whence she might probably have escaped

unnoticed, lest the sound of her step should betray her. Compelled,

therefore, to remain where she was, she sat in a state of fearful

distress, which no colour of language can paint.

'Alas!' resumed Hippolitus, 'I too eagerly admit the possibility of

what I wish. If you mean that I should really believe you, confirm

your assertion by some proof.'--'Readily,' rejoined Ferdinand.

The heart of Julia beat quick.

'When you was so suddenly called to Naples upon the illness of the

Marquis Lomelli, I marked her conduct well, and in that read the

sentiments of her heart. On the following morning, I observed in her

countenance a restless anxiety which I had never seen before. She

watched the entrance of every person with an eager expectation, which

was as often succeeded by evident disappointment. At dinner your

departure was mentioned:--she spilt the wine she was carrying to her

lips, and for the remainder of the day was spiritless and melancholy.

I saw her ineffectual struggles to conceal the oppression at her

heart. Since that time she has seized every opportunity of

withdrawing from company. The gaiety with which she was so lately

charmed--charmed her no longer; she became pensive, retired, and I

have often heard her singing in some lonely spot, the most moving and

tender airs. Your return produced a visible and instantaneous

alteration; she has now resumed her gaiety; and the soft confusion of

her countenance, whenever you approach, might alone suffice to

convince you of the truth of my assertion.'

'O! talk for ever thus!' sighed Hippolitus. 'These words are so sweet,

so soothing to my soul, that I could listen till I forgot I had a wish

beyond them. Yes!--Ferdinand, these circumstances are not to be

doubted, and conviction opens upon my mind a flow of extacy I never

knew till now. O! lead me to her, that I may speak the sentiments

which swell my heart.'




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