I sat down by her side and held both her hands, "Adela," said I, "my poor wife! Abuse not the weakness of thy husband. He has forgiven thee. Give him not reason to repent it. He would deem this despair a mere artifice to blind him once more—employ the future part of thy life to convince him, that if thou haft been misled, it was only for a moment."
She pressed my hands to her bosom, and then leaned her face on them. Her distressed eyes spoke enthusiastic gratitude. She durst go no farther. It was the angel of Repentance, cheered by the distant glimpse of hope revived.
"Now I call your women, Adela," pursued I, "prepare yourself for a journey. We have no time to lose. I am surrounded with base listeners, the next town we come to discharge Isabella, I ask it as a favor."
This Isabella was her confidential servant, and the marchioness understood me. "I am all obedience my most injured husband," answered she kissing my hand. I rose, unlocked the door of the room in which the women were confined, let them out, and desired them to walk up to their mistress. The men had
