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bear anything now, but have no fortitude for to-morrow. Counsel me what I am to do." And her father said, "The truth is best to be told in these matters. Hitherto thy happiness has been in my hands, and thou hast been happy; but now it goes from me. I think thy passion is foremost: I do not think this youth loves you, and it is not delicate in us to ask him in marriage." Julia began weeping afresh, and said, "In matters of this nature we may sometimes break through the common laws. I think I could ask him to marry me." Her father, seeing her thus bent on it, kissed her, and said, "Though his fortunes are most mean compared to thine, and his estate low; yet, if he like it, you shall be his wife: and if he take thee, I pray that he may grow into that passion for thee that thy tender nature deserves. I will send messengers to say I cannot attend the court to-day, and will go about this thing; I shall do all for the best, so I hope you will contrive in the meanwhile to be somewhat comfortable." And kissing her, and blessing her, he went from her chamber. The great kindness of Julia's father wrought upon her heart; and the sudden hope that she was willing to entertain, arising from despair, thrilled her with an ecstasy, that was but seldom damped with the sad thought of failure.