the voice of thy Alberto shall soothe thy spirit to peace and compliance."

Fearful of her own weakness, Valeria refused to see Sforza." She cannot (cried he), interdict my writing; surely she does not know, she does not conceive what I suffer; I have deceived myself, she never loved me."

"Be not unjust, my son (said his mother), the noblest motives actuate this charming and disinterested girl; nor is her heart less a sufferer I am convinced than your's; believe me, I regret her resolution not less than you do; I respect her motives, and I know well what a perseverance in them must cost her."

but

That day, Alberto sent her the following letter:

"In what words can I beseech my adored Isabel (for by that name only does my heart acknowledge you), to grant me at least a hearing? my mother, my dear mother, tells me, that her prayers and tears have been un

availing; and can I expect that my influence will prevail, where her's has failed? yet, to resign that hope, which is the charm of my existence; that prospect which alone enables me to live. Oh, Isabel! do not require from your Alberto such a sacrifice.

"Suffer me to picture to you, beloved of my heart, what must be the consequences of your persisting in the cruel resolution which you have formed. Yes, Isabel, I must call it a cruel one; think you behold my mother, whose heart is known to you, sinking into old age, and surrounded, perhaps, by the children of my sisters, but languishing to add to the little groupe, those of her Alberto; and reflecting with bitterness, that no hopes of such a blessing remains, and that the name of Sforza must perish. You love my mother, can you consent then to plant a perpetual thorn in her breast for you well know that my happiness would constitute hers. You have owned that VOL. II.

M

I am not indifferent to you; and yet to what a dreary fate would you consign me; for it is my resolution, should you persist in refusing me your hand, never to marry: you possess, and will always possess my whole heart, and no other woman shall ever have my hand.

* I am sensible that the scenes through which you have lately passed, must have shocked your gentle nature; but, my Isabel, say only that you will at last be mine, and I will patiently wait your own time. I will not, I cannot believe that my beloved can per sist in a resolution which will destroy the of those whom she tenderly regards. More, much more could I say on this subject, but I cannot be satisfied without an assurance that you will suffer me to see you; one interview is all I ask, and that you will not, you cannot deny me. Oh, Isabel! think for a moment, that the happiness or misery of my life hangs upon your

peace

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decision. Ah! need I say more to influence that best, and most gentle of human hearts in favour of

"ALBERTO SFORZA."

Laura, the beloved friend of Valeria's youthful days, was the bearer of this letter, and the lady abbess was present when Valeria received it.

"Oh! my mother (cried Valeria), guide and support your poor child; I cannot, I dare not become the wife of Sforza."

"Hear me Valeria (replied the abbess), there is a middle way, and one that I think you ought to pursue. Alberto has declared that he will wait your own time; should his love stand the test of absence, you may, you must be assured, that by refusing to become his, you will eventually render him miserable. Dearly as the signora loves her son, she would, I am sure, consent to his travelling for one year;

and if at the end of that period his constancy remained unshaken, you' would then owe it to the purity and constancy of his affection. Shake off the prejudice which at present presents your blessing him with your hand, and do not, my Valeria, suppose, that that Providence which has so miraculously preserved you, would be pleased with your devoting your future days to misery; for well do I know what your heart would suffer, if you gave up Sforza."

Laura joined her entreaties to those of the abbess; and at length Valeria consented to see Alberto. "I will try every argument to induce him to agree to our separation (said she), and should all fail, should I find that my entreaties are unavailing, I will then submit to him your proposal, but not for one year, that is surely too short a period."

The next day, Alberto was allowed to see her, and his entreaties, his solemn

declaration, that on her, and her only,