Within a few days after this, a respectable farmer offered to lease the estate; terms were soon concluded upon between them, and immediate possession was to be given; they only waited to hear from Eugenia, and at the promised time her letter came.
The contents gave pleasure, surprise and pain; it breathed a spirit of serenity and contentment. She had entered upon the strict observance of the Convent rules; they grew easy and delightful; her mind was more tranquil, her soul superior to earthly considerations, farther than her wishes for the happiness of her friends, of which the Count was the dearest. She had already met with two Ladies who had kindred souls, in whose society she looked forward to much comfort and pleasure. Her friend Ferdinand would not be surprised to hear that one of these Ladies was the person he had requested to see; but she believed he would be astonished to be told that Lady was not Claudina; a coincidence of circumstances had led to a
