"coincide with Fitzofborne's fenti"ments?" "Rather fay, does he ever oppose "them? Fitzofborne is too fubtle to "let me ever hear his real fentiments; « but I read them reflected in the un"difguifed countenance of your lord. "His eye continually watches his art"ful favourite, a proof that he feels his "influence. He is not only warm and "uniform in his approbation of Fitz"ofborne, but his behaviour is marked by a degree of respect and deference " which I never obferved him to fhow "to any one elfe, except to you in "those happy days when you reigned "the undisputed fovereign of his heart. "You, who knew the gentle clue by "which he was imperceptibly led to comply with your wishes, must know "that the delicate management which "his temper requires can only be vi"fible to others by its effect." his "For what purpofe fhould Edward "wish for this afcendancy over lord Monteith?" inquired the countess. "In my opinion for the most dia"bolical purpose to alienate "heart from you, and to induce him « to treat you with fuch unkindness, "as may fubvert, in your mind, those "fentiments of affection and esteem "which, next to the principles of duty "and honour, form the "guards of female purity. ftrongest Nay, hear Every au "me one moment more. "dacious whisper which he utters "against your husband, every look of "artificial tenderness by which he dares "to recommend himself, are employed "to batter down the fame defence, "while his atheistical infinuations tend "to reprefs the compunctions of con"fcie K 2 science, and to weaken that principle "of religion upon which your safety principally depends." "Before you draw fuch harsh con"clufions, Miss Evans," faid the offended countess, "you should defcribe "what parts of my conduct will, in your opinion expofe me to the in"dignity of a licentious addrefs. I "must also add, that as your judgment " of Mr. Fitzofborne feems to be too "decided to be the mere refult of fuf If he picion, I have a right to bid you prove, that he feels for me a bolder "fentiment than pity or esteem. " is what you describe, instead of being "the ornament of fociety he is its dif"grace." "Do recollect,” replied Lucy," that "I give him credit for the deepest con"trivance, the most profound artifice. "I am not in his confidence. The "only 66 only pofitive proofs which I can bring "against him are, your present wretch"edness, his influence both over lord "Monteith and yourself, and his avowed "infidelity.” "You and Mr. Powerfcourt have "ever given that harsh name to a fingularity of opinion which your can"did father only fufpected of leaning to « deifm. All doubt with you appears "to be a crime, and a diffent from your notions on fome important but "myfterious point fubjects your ill"fated opponent to the most confirmed imputation of the blackeft guilt, even "though his whole previous conduct " evinces a course of almost unfinning "rectitude and exemplary virtue." "O my Geraldine! I will urge you "but this once more. Is it from him"felf that you hear of this unfinning"rectitude and fhining virtue? His "character is comparatively unknown "in his own country. Abroad it was "efteemed to be far from immaculate. "His conftant affociates were men of "loose principles and profligate man<<ners." "Is it from Henry Powerfcourt that you learned this catalogue of vices ?" inquired Geraldine with a resentful air. "It is," returned Lucy. "It is "from that Henry Powerfcourt whom "we both fo tenderly esteem; the "dear companion of our early happy years, thofe years of confidence, "tranquillity, and mutual affection. "O lady Monteith! how exquifitely painful is that reflection now. Hear "me yet on my bended knees; hear "my folemn request. difplay of officious zeal, Mine is no no false co If I have "erred, |
