bed, and Therese with me; she was bathing me with her tears. "Thank heaven, my dear young lady, you are alive still! O, what a dismal day for me to see you thus." I thanked the poor creature, her kindness was of service,—I shed a copious flood of tears. Soon after my father sent to know how I did, and to tell me I was expected in the library. I obeyed the summons with trembling steps. The odious Count, I must call him so, was with him. My father advanced, and rudely snatching my hand, "There, my Lord, I give her to you, your day shall be ours." "This day, this hour, (cried he, eagerly, kissing my hand,) do not delay my happiness." A sickness came over my heart-I sunk into a chair. "Victoria! (cried my father, in an angry voice.) I endeavoured to reply, but burst into tears. "Foolish girl, (said he) receive the honor my Lord does you, in a manner more worthy of yourself and me." He left the room. The Count approached me with a malicious air, "Charming Victoria, am I so very hateful; has theChevalier
