he passed the window, in at the open casement, he felt comforted on beholding Constantia weeping almost convulsively on the arm of the chair on which she sat :She loves me, thought Eugene, and her severity is only a proof of her virtue ! EUGENE had not hitherto, since the trial was over, ventured to call on Madeleine, lest he should meet Constantia therenot only because he knew that the sight of her would increase his torture at the idea of his approaching marriage, but because, on pretence of wanting to speakings, and therefore resolved not to her on business, he had dared to follow her thither a few evenings preceding the trial, and had been forced to withdraw again immediately to avoid Constantia's anger who told him that morning was the hour for business, and that the place in which she considered it was proper for him to consult with her, was the study of his father. Eugene, awed, piqued, yet more full of admiration of Constantia than ever, in respectful silence obeyed her commands, and departed; but, stealing a look as But though he was disposed to respect the rigidness of Constantia's principles, and his own feel to attempt to see her alone again, or even with no other witness than Madeleine, Eugene could not endure the idea of beholding her no more before he became a husband; and therefore, in hopes of seeing her, requested his father to accompany him to Madeleine's cottage, and the President cheerfully complied. Eugene's expec tations were not deceived. On entering Madeleine's apartment, they beheld Constantia, pale and dejected, sitting by the side of her friend, to whom she had been unburthening her distressed heart, and reproaching herself as an un natural child for not being more elated, now justice was done to ner parents' memory. At sight of the Fresident and Eugene, she rose, blushing and embarrassed : nor was the latter more at ease than herself: but he was a little relieved by the diversion Madeleine gave to his thoughts, by seizing his hand, pressing it to her quivering lips, and exclaiming"I have heard of your eloquence, and God bless you for it, my child; for never was it exerted in a better cause !" "Never in one so dear to my heart," replied Eugene. And Constantia thanked him by a look which worlds could not have purchased from him. At length, being all seated by the bed of Madeleine, they endeavoured to enter into conversation: but they found not their thoughts at their posts; some of them were wandering over forbidden, indeed, but delightful ground. Constantia felt how dear to her was the presence of Eugene, how instanta. neously his presence could dispel her cares; and Eugene, satisfied with being near her, even forgot that he must soon behold her no more, and gave himself entirely up to the enjoyment of the moment. Madeleine was thinking what a happy, well matched couple Eugene and her young friend would be, and how cruel and wicked it was in any one to op pose their union: while the President-(but what engrossed his thoughts, and uufitted them for leading to conversation, will ap pear by what follows)-" Mademoiselle," said he, gravely addressing Constantia, "I wish to know, whether, on mature teflexion, you do not see reason fo repent the rash and ill-advised rejection which you gave to my friend, the baron's, flattering pro posal?" No, sir, I have not, nor ever can repent it, she replied eagerly and almost indignantlymonsient de Coulanges is wholly indifferent to me, and ever will remain so; nor can any consider. ation of rank and fortune induce me to give my haad without my heart. Perhaps, replied the President, you object to the married state itself?—I think you said that you would never marry? I did say so, said Constantia, and depend on it, sir, I shall keep my resolution. Then I fear, madam, I too must plead for an unfortunate in vain. I, too, have to offer you the hand of a young man, equal in birth and fortune to him whom you have rejected; but I see that you are resolved to be cruel to every one, and that my friend has no chance.-Eugene could scarcely support himself under this new trial. His father, though aware of the state of his heart, soliciting Constantia in his presence to mar ry another, was insupportable to his feelings nor was Constantia less moved; but with considerable effort, she replied-To reject the love of any one who has requested and obtained the honour of your interference, sir, is particularly painful to me; but I beg you to inform your friend, that I will never marry any one-never -never! Here, unable to re strain her emotion any longer, she leaned her head on Madeleine's pillow, and gave way to an agony of grief, while Eugene, pleased, pained, wretched, yet contented, stood gazing on her in silent fondness. If this be your firm resolve, said the President, in a faultering voice, (who now began to believe he had been acting foolishly, if not cruelly) I shall have reason for regret eternal and unavailing. But I am a bad pleader for a young and impassioned man; he may, perhaps, succeed better for himself. Now, Eugene, try your powers of persuasion-fall at her feet, and tell her, my dear child, to have compassion on the father and son too, and make me happy in her as a daughter, and you happy in her as a wife. Eugene, scarcely believing what he heard, yet too happy to allow himself to doubt that he heard aright, was in an instant at the feet of Constantia, who, agitated and overcome with emotion, was for a few moments insensible to all that passed; while Madeleine, terrified at her situation, declared that the President relented too late, for that the joyful surprise had certainly killed her. But Constantia had known sufficient trials, and she was reserved for recompense and happiness. Constantia, cried Eugene, must I too plead in vain? will yon indeed and in truth never be the wife of any man? I will never be the wife of any man but you, she replied, and the President held her to his bosom with the affection of a father. |