While thus meditating, and pacing to and fro in his private chamber, some one tapped gently at the door, and he heard the voice of his friend soliciting entrance. "Harcourt," said he, on being admitted, "I have not, I trust, suffered in your estimation by what has passed this night; you are too honourable and generous not to do me justice, and to be assured I could never wilfully have played and tampered with your nicest feelings." A profound silence succeeded, after which Douglas added, "Hearken to me with moderation, and I will relate to you some of the circumstances of my past eventful life; and those more particularly connected with what I have this night declared,—'we have been friends, but we have been also rivals.'"
Touched by such an ingenuous appeal, Harcourt advanced, and seating himself near Douglas, replied:
"Your story," said he, "cannot but be gratifying to me, and will, no doubt, confirm me in the high sentiments of esteem I have ever borne you: proceed, but first let me tell you that to-morrow morning I go from hence."
Acutely feeling for the delicate position of his friend, Douglas communicated his narrative; at the conclusion of which Harcourt expressed his high sense of gratitude, mingled with admiration of a conduct towards himself so noble and generous.
"How feeble seem my claims," said he, "when compared with yours! It is you alone who merit the fair object your arm has this night redeemed from
