year. No, (replied she;) when she marries there will be many things to prevent it. Indeed, (added she, in tears) good and amiable as the Count is, I wish Matilda had never known him." "Possibly, madam, (answered the Marchioness, very gravely) she might then never have seen the convent, never have been carried off, and you still ignorant you had such a daughter living, whose generous self-denial deserves some praise, as the Count's disinterested and uncommon passion is entitled to some consideration: but I beg your ladyship's pardon; I have only done my duty in making this communication; the lady Matilda, will doubtless conform herself to your wishes"
The Countess, struck with her words and manner of speaking them, caught her hand, and kissing it, "Pardon me, dearest madam, (said she) if I have appeared petulent and ungrateful, my heart is not so, but consider how natural it is for a mother, just in possession of a treasure so long and painfully regretted as entirely lost, to be jealous of a superior attachment, and unhappy at the idea of parting from an object so entwined about her heart." "It is natural, my dear madam, (answered the Marchioness) and if I did not hope some method might be found out to obviate the objection, I believe the Count would have little chance of succeeding with———." "Your and my Matilda, (said the Countess, eagerly.) That "Lady Matilda" struck me to the heart." "She is indeed mine, (replied the Marchioness) my adopted child; and had the want of fortune only prevented her union with the Count, we offered largely to remove it; but her objections proceeded from an elevation of soul, a greatness of mind, that would not disgrace the man she married, whilst the Count thought she would dignify any rank, and honour any man to whom she gave her hand." "Amiable, good young people! (said the lady Marcillini.) O! my dear Countess, they ought not to be separated." "Nor shall they, (answered
