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“ Then, by a thousand kind and affectionate attentions, did this generous girl endeavour toclose the wound, and pour the balm of comfort into the heart of her infatuated friend; hopingthat, by degrees, she might be led to succeed in restoring to her mind a faint resemblance of thehappy, tranquil state, they had once enjoyedbut in vain. Rosina, rather than believe herfriend, cherished the cruel flame ; and instead of seeking the advice of a tender mother, whichshe stood so much in need of, encouraged the consuming flame in silence, and pined in endlesshope.

“ Justine, on finding that neither tears nor entreaties availed, determined on trying her lastresource; and, though a cruel and trying task, she candidly confessed, that, if she still persistedin her silence, she should unavoidably break through every tie of friendship, and prefer relinquish-ing what she held most dear, rather than become ungrateful to her benefactress. Thus, com-pelled to sacrifice the confidence of friendship to the sentiments of gratitude, she instantly re-paired to Rosina’s mother, and not only apprised her of her daughter’s deplorable situation andpartiality for Servietti, assuring her that she had used every persuasive argument to prevail on herto disclose the fatal secret, but added, that this confidence was not to be disregarded, for thatshe knew the attachment preyed on Rosina’s mind, and might, in the sequel, prove fatal.

“ The deluded parent, resting confidently on her daughter’s virtue and innocence, paid scarcelyany attention to Justine’s report; yet, lest she might appear totally to disbelieve it, sent herdaughter to Avignon , on a visit to some relatives, where she made a considerable stay ;—an ab-sence, which would doubtless have proved effectual, had hot the mother’s ill-timed affection,who could but ill dispense with the cruel, and, as she thought, unnecessary separation, hastenedRosina’s return; for, in consequence of having imparted to Justine the desire she had of fetchingher home, they both instantly set off for Avignon , and brought back her daughter, apparentlyrestored to health and spirits. No sooner had she regained her wonted confidence in her friend,than she seemed anxious to return to that delightful abode, where they had previously experiencedhappiness and content.

“The fond and credulous parent, pleased at the request, hastened their departure; far fromsuspecting that, the moment she acquiesced, her fate would be decided. For, .in allowing her toreturn to solitude, she not only signed her own death-warrant, but that of her beloved child.Ere two months had elapsed since the young friends had quitted Lyons, as they were sitting to-gether at supper, talking over the many interesting scenes they had witnessed from their infancy)and dwelling particularly on the early and lasting friendship they had formed for each other,Rosina suddenly changed colour; and, complaining of indisposition, entreated Justine to excuseher retiring earlier than usual; but.not to be alarmed, as she should soon be better.

“ The unsuspecting friend, from the idea that she had entirely conquered her attachment forServietti, not having heard her mention him since her return, made no farther inquiry, but re-mained, till alarmed about an hour after, when all was silent, and every one, as she thought,retired to rest, save herself, by the report of two pistols, which appeared to issue from a part ofthe house contiguous to their chapel. Petrified with horror, and filled with a thousand appre-hensions, she endeavoured to recollect herself, and directed her tottering steps towards Rosina’sapartment, — when, behold ! the aged and venerable domestic, previously mentioned, met herbefore she had been able to reach it, and with broken and unintelligible accents, intermixed withtears of sorrow, which trickled down his furrowed cheeks, unfolded such a tale as harrowed upher soul ! * Ilis dear young mistress; his child,’ as he was wont to call her (being in the family atthe time of her birth) ; ‘ his dear young mistress,’ he said, ‘ was no more !—that infamous, thatdetestable Servietti, had murdered her in the chapel; and not deeming that a sufficient crime, hadadded the one of murdering himself’

“ Paint to your mind, if you can, the deplorable and agonising situation of this generous andamiable young woman;— for, ere the tale had been half told, she had fainted; and a long timeelapsed before she could be restored to her recollection. ■ ~

“ On enquiry, it appeared that the lovers had had frequent interviews with each other sinceRosina’s return, though unknown to her friend; that she had even that very day fixed on thehour for the completion of a deed at which humanity shudders.

“ To such lengths had these unfortunate victims carried their infatuation, that, in order tpfall at one and the same moment, the pistols had been tied to the back of a chair, in the formof a sautoir, or cross. A prayer-book was found by them, opened at the funeral-service; and