THE following morning Imogen rose late, and when she descended from her boudoir to the library found the chevalier there before her. "This is kind indeed," said she, holding out her hand to him; "and yet I never wished, and never feared more to see you-for I am sure you are displeased with me."-" That assurance, "Imogen, argues a consciousness of "having given me cause."

VOL. IV.

B

your

"The conversation you over heard yes"terday-"

"Pained me, Imogen, beyond expres❝sion."

"And yet, my dear chevalier, 'tis so "hard to resist, when-when-"

"I understand you :-'tis so hard to "resist the influence of example, and the "opportunity of shining; to repress the

jeu d'esprit which covers the malignity "of a personal reflection; to chace from "the lip the bon-mot which sanctions. "an ill-natured remark; and to sacri"fice illiberal wit at the shrine of hu"manity and benevolence."

"Oh! sir, say no more! Spare me, I entreat; do not make me hate myself beyond the power of ever regaining my own approbation."

"No, my sweet friend, I do not wish "to make you hate yourself, but to ren"der you the object of the world's love "as you now are of its adiniration, and

"to warn you against the seducing al"lurements which distinguished talents "hold out to their possessors. Every

one, Imogen, is not acquainted with "the benevolence, the goodness of that "sensible and tender heart, whose hu"manity would shrink from wounding "the feelings of the most inconsequent "being but those severe sallics which "the unguarded impulses of lively wit

betray you into those who are its "objects will make the criterion by which

your heart is to be judged, and though.

"some may admire, the many will con"demn, and all will fear you. The la"dies who were the subjects of the i66 marquis de Sancy's severe raillery yes

-66

terday, were the countesses de Noirmou"tier, de Sauves, and Duzes, whose influence at court has been long established, " and the latter of whom I have the ho"nour to call a near relative." Imogen started, and changed colour. << She in

"tends paying you a visit to-day," continued the chevalier; "and seems anxious "to render you every service and atten"tion in her power." Tears of self-condemnation swelled to the eyes of Imogen, and she raised them in silence, with a meek and deprecating glance, to the chevalier's face. "It is enough," said he, touched with the eloquence of her looks; "'tis enough, while contrition ever pur

66

sues the conviction of involuntary error; "while the sweet tear of penitence pursues the blush of witty, but illiberal triumph, I shall not fear for you. Long may the goodness of your heart surpass the brilliancy of your head, and your

66

genius shine most conspicuous when "exerting its divine efforts in the cause "of humanity!"" Oh! rather wish," exclaimed Imogen, in emotion, "that I may long be worthy the possession of your friendship, and that will include "all I am most desirous of attaining to."

66