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it suspended reflection; Maria was also much more enlivened than he had ever seen her; her eyes darted fire, and when turned to Hamilton, glistened with un-*dissembled love. He swore he had never seen her so exquisitely charming. She answered, "my dearest William, I can return the compliment: I never saw you so lovely and so graceful." The reply to this answer was obvious; the fondest caresses and endearments succeeded; but though prudence was asleep, honour, though somewhat inclined to slumber, was not altogether overwhelmed, and fear, perhaps, proved as effectual a sentinel. Apprehensions of the arrival of their hostess were unfounded, as she had no intention of interrupting their conversation; but this forbearance our hero did not know. Soon after, the masks began to make their appearance, and several charac-