into the garden: They were absent near an hour: I was almost sick with suspense and apprehension what this conference could mean. At length they returned: Joy shone in the eyes of the Count: he flew towards me; and kissing my hand with transport,—"My love—my Louisa!" exclaimed he, "the dear Abbe has consented to our union."—"Conditionally, only," said the latter, with an embarrassed air; "and I expect you do not interrupt me, Sir, whilst I speak my whole mind to my dear ward."
He then told me, that the Count had urged him to unite us immediately, as the only way to secure my happiness and reputation: That, should his father refuse to gratify his wishes, all he would desire was, that our marriage might be concealed until he had either softened him, or obtained the sanction of his relation, whose fortune would amply support us; whose tender regard for him he had little doubt would incline him to use his influence with his father. In short, every argument love and ingenuity could
