to a scene so distressing, with a voice and manner firm, yet gentle, addressed him: "Mr. Melliphant," said she, "if it will conduce to your satisfaction to learn that you possess my esteem, I will not hesitate to declare it; but as a friend only can I regard you. Believe me, I have no warmer sentiment to bestow; and even if I had I could not indulge it, since it would meet with the decided disapprobation of my family, and never could I bring myself to act in opposition to them."
Having spoken, as she thought sufficient to soften her refusal, she ceased, whilst Melliphant, not offering a reply, with a profound and thoughtful gravity stood contemplating her. The last words, as they sounded upon his ear, seemed to have implied that with the consent of her parents he might have been encouraged.
Concern for the pain she had unavoidably occasioned in delivering the sentiments of her heart, diffused a sweet and pensive languor over her countenance, whilst, unable to raise her eyes, she added,
"I wish that you could induce yourself to think that my quitting London at this period is more fortunate than otherwise. In a little time you will be restored to peace. These impressions will fade; yes, I am assured, by a slight effort, you will be enabled to forget me."
Alas! the artless Rosilia—she was ignorant that such touching language, far from soothing, only aug-
