CHAPTER XX.

A VISIT.

Her terrors vanish'd; and a softer train
Of mix'd emotions, hard to be describ'd,
Her sudden bosom seiz'd: shame, void of guilt,
The charming blush of innocence, esteem
And admiration of her lover's flame,
By modesty exalted: even a sense
Of self-approving beauty stole across
Her busy thought.

THOMSON'S SEASON3.

LORD Melville was soon informed, by Mr. Belmont, of this stroke of unexpected happiness, as well as of the real state of Louisa's health, whose recovery they no longer despaired of.

"To tell you, my good friend," said Lord Melville, "I rejoice at your happiness, is to say too little; perhaps I should find it hard to express myself suitably on the occasion. My heart ever owned you its friend, exclusive of the obligations I owe you on my Louisa's account. You will now

seek happiness no more in foreign climes--you have it now at home and I shall enjoy the society of a man I esteem as a brother."

Little more passed between the gentlemen; for

Belmont was impatient to return to his Maria; and Lord Melville, freed from his uncertainty, longed to try his strength in getting up, that he might be soon able to visit the fair object of his affections.

Some few days after was fixed on, by Lady Melville, for the lovers' meeting; but her son, whose spirits ill brooked the restraint long laid on them, determined, at all events, the next day, to see his Louisa. Accordingly, he dressed himself as well as his weak state would permit, and, by the help of his valet, reached the antichamber of her room. Sending for Julia, he told her, he was determined to see Louisa, but desired she she would first acquaint her with his visit, as the surprise might be of disservice to her.

Julia, laughing, re-entered the apartment, where indeed all our friends were assembled." A visitor, a visitor, good folks!" said she; "one Dr. Melville. Have you any opinion of his skill, Louisa? He is come to offer his best services, and only waits in the next room for permission to pay his devoirs. in person."

Louisa, who was sitting on the sofa for the first time since her illness, wrapped in a large morninggown, intreated Lady Melville to make an excuse for her. "That I should be happy to see Lord Melville, I own," said she; "but indeed I cannot see him in this situation."-"Oh, a truce with

a privilege to see people in any dishabille; so, pray enter, Doctor." A second permission was not waited for, and in a moment, our lovers met. Why have I been so cruelly deceived?" said Lord Melville; "those pallid looks import much more than I have been told."

"It would have been of little use to tell you," said Julia," she was in extreme danger.-Only remember, Augustus, next time you are seized with an heroic fit, you may chance to wound more than your enemies."

"You are a painful flatterer, Julia," said he: "though to be of consequence to those we love, must give us delight; yet 'tis infinitely lessened, when we think we have occasioned them pain.”

"Indeed, my Lord," replied Louisa, "I have severely felt your illness, particularly as I knew myself the cause; for my own, I shall always look on it as one of the happiest passages of my life, as it has occasioned the meeting of Mr. Belmont and my amiable friend.

That gentleman then presented his adored Maria to Lord Melville; and the general happiness of this little company made wounds and pain give way to cheerfulness and good humour.

"For a company of ladies, you possess very little curiosity," said Belmont.—" You see a man and wife by different names, yet don't inquire the reason,"

"Had I not thought the question rude," said Lady Melville, "I should have intreated to know what calamity could have parted you so many years, and what strange fatality could have made you believe each other dead,"

"The story, my dear Madam," returned he, " is so very intricate, that as yet I cannot tell the motives for this cruel separation; but, that it must be the work of my uncle, is past all doubt. Start ́not, Maria-shrink not, Louisa-when I tell you that Lord Danford and Mr. Rivers are one. Nothing, my love, but your absence from the world could have prevented you hearing of it: 'tis now thirteen years since he was created Earl Danford. Bear up, Louisa," seeing her pale and trembling; "I am offended at your want of confidence. Do you think, because I partake of his blood, that I share his vices-or that, as his relation, I must be your foe? No, my dear girl, I will take on me the guardianship which his behaviour has forfeited: and the day which gives you to your worthy lover, a fortune waits your acceptance, which, though unequal to your merits, I would wish to be a memento of my gratitude."

"Spare me," returned Louisa: "you overwhelm me with kindness. I did not doubt your protection; but indeed I cannot hear Lord Danford's name without horror."

Belmont: "for nothing but his contrivance could have caused my unhappiness!-But, come, my dear Maria, tell me what has happened to you since our separation; and, in return, I will inform you how severely I have felt your loss."

Mrs. Rivers instantly obeyed; and, with a grace peculiar to herself, related what she had before told Louisa; therefore a repetition here would be needless.

"And now, my dear Henry," said she, as she concluded, " tell me every circumstance that bas happened to you since our parting." Belmont received a bow of attention from the company, and

immediately began.