"I can conceal it no longer," replied she; "every farther indulgence for your friend, would be committing a crime against you. No doubt you must have perceived for some time, the oddity of Don Fernandos's conduct. Here is the billet which I this moment found on my toilet table."
She gave it to me, and I read as follows,
"Don't be afraid, fair Adela, of my betraying the secret with which your eyes have entrusted me. Mute joy is the greatest happiness. But supreme love requires expression. Will you receive a vow at eight o'clock to-morrow evening under the great linden tree in the garden; a vow which my heart has long ago taken?
I knew it immediately to be my friend's hand-writing, and was at first so much overcome with indignation, as to throw myself with such violence into a chair, as made the very walls shake. Alfonso, hearing the noise, came in to ask if I had rung the bell? I an-
