able to deliver a coherent narrative: let the last words that I shall speak afford some glimmering of my better days—let me execute without faltering the only task that remains for me!"
CHAPTER VI.
"How propitious, how incredible, was this event! I could scarcely confide in the testimony of my senses. Was it true that Clarice was before me—that she was prepared to countenance my presumption—that she had slighted obstacles which I had deemed insurmountable—that I was fondly beloved by her, and should shortly be admitted to the possession of so inestimable a good? I will not repeat the terms in which I poured forth, at her feet, the raptures of my gratitude: my impetuosity soon extorted from Clarice a confirmation of her mother's declaration. An unrestrained intercourse was thenceforth established between us: dejection and languor gave place, in my bosom, to the irradiations of joy and hope, my flowing fortunes seemed to have attained their utmost and immutable height.
"Alas! they were destined to ebb with unspeakably greater rapidity, and to leave me, in a moment, stranded and wrecked!
"Our nuptials would have been solemnised without delay, had not a melancholy duty interfered. Clarice had a friend in a distant part of the kingdom: her health had long been the prey of a consumption: she was now evidently tending to dissolution. In this extremity she entreated her friend to afford her the consolation of her presence: the only wish that remained was to die in her arms.
"This request could not but be willingly complied with: it became me patiently to endure the delay that would thence arise to the completion of my wishes: considering the urgency and mournfulness of the occasion, it was impossible for me to murmur; and the affectionate Clarice would suffer nothing to interfere with the duty which she owed to her dying friend.
