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had brought from Vienna, and which stood in her chamber, where I am sure it would be found now."

"But how can we procure it?" asked Caroline.

"For that matter, ma�mselle, you may see it directly if you please; for under that painting there is a false panel which opens a secret way to the chamber of my poor lady. If you have courage, ma�amselle, I will put some more oil in the lamp, and shew you the way; there is no danger, for the doors are all nailed up on the other side, and I do not believe that the baron knows of this private passage."

"Let us not lose a moment," said Caroline, rising. Alithee followed her example, and they were soon in the apartment of the late baroness. Alithee pointed out the chest, and at Caroline�s desire opened the concealed drawer, from which she drew forth the manuscript.

With averted eyes they both turned from the skull which had before been the object of so much terror to Caroline, and hastily regaining their own chamber, she sat down to examine the contents of the paper. Alithee besought that she might hear her it read; "for," said she, "my beloved lady told me all; and often, and often she said to me, �Alithee, I hope somebody will find this, and pity and avenge me.�"

It was not in Caroline�s nature to refuse this pathetic request, and she therefore, began in a low, but audible voice, to read as follows:

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CHAPTER XII

THE MANUSCRIPT

"To those who have surmounted difficulties and distresses who have triumphed over adversity, and like gold, have become more pure and beautiful from the ordeal, the recollection of past events, and the relation of them may be pleasing; but the unhappy wretch who has sunk under calamity, and who feels the consequences of broken faith, finds it a mournful task to retrace those painful scenes which busy memory conjures up. This task, however, I have imposed upon myself, though fully convinced that I shall feel an additional pang, for every circumstance I recapitulate; and that whether I look back on the past, dwell on the present, or penetrate into the future, I shall only find additional cause to bewail my unhappy fate.

"To you, worthy Sandomin, do I dedicate this. Yet I ask you not to revenge me. I have been guilty of weaknesses. Let my punishment atone for them. I have nearly done with this world. The scene fades fast from before me, and standing as I do on the verge of eternity, I would not disturb even the tranquility of the wicked. Banishing from me all the violent emotions of the soul, I would resign myself to my fate, and meet my Merciful Creator in a frame of mind fitted for the peace and harmony of heaven.

"Write to my unhappy, mistaken father. Tell him he has my full forgiveness; yet, let him not know all that his wretched daughter has suffered, lest the consequence be fatal. His hairs are silvered: may they descend in peace to the grave!

"Never sacrifice your lovely daughter to ambition, but remember my hapless fate. Give to the woman who conveys you this a trifling gratuity. She has been faithful to me, and the only comfort which has remained to me in the hours of bitter anguish. I mean to apprise her of your address before my eyes finally close on this life; and have no doubt but that she will have fidelity enough to convey my packet to you."

Here the sobs of Alithee became audible.

"Oh, my lady! my dear lady!" exclaimed she, "you never lived to tell me this. Alas! alas! you died not a natural death, or poor Alithee would have known your wishes, and have performed them at the hazard of her life."

Caroline, in pitying accents, soothed her grief, and then proceeded in the manuscript.

"Under the wing of an indulgent parent, my early years passed sweetly and tranquilly away. Ah, happy days! for ever gone! the remembrance of you heightens my present misery! Happy, indeed, had I prized them

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before it was too late, had I properly estimated them before they were irrecoverably lost!

"I had attained the age of fifteen, and had never known sorrow but by name. Caressed and admired by all around me, I awoke but to happiness and joy. And never dreamt that whilst health thus animated my frame, and gaiety my countenance, the period for a sad reverse was fast approaching.

"It was at this period of my life that I first saw the Baron de Zindorf at a ball. Unfortunately for me I struck his fancy, and he asked me to dance with him. As my engaged partner had been unexpectedly prevented attending, I could not excuse myself, and I believe it was the first evening I ever past to my dissatisfaction; his heavy and saturnine disposition, being ill calculated for the gaiety of the scene.

"The next day he got introduced to my father, and by his permission visited us constantly, and professedly on my account. But neither his person, or manners were agreeable to me, and he made no progress whatever in my affections. Indeed, I must confess, that for some time I had entertained a predilection for a Monsieur Vileroy, a young French soldier, of little or no fortune, and had indulged it without reflecting on the consequences, till the baron de Zindorf became assiduous. This M. Vileroy, as his own country was at peace, had offered his services to the Emperor, who gave him a commission; and it was at a grand review of the troops, where, together with many other ladies, I was present, that I first saw him. The beauty and elegance of his person, exceeded anything I had ever seen, it is no wonder, therefore, that when he paid his respects to the ladies, and particularly to me, that my young heart fluttered, and became entangled. He soon after found means to make a declaration of his passion, and I had the felicity of finding that he whom I admired beyond any earthly being, was solely devoted to me. Vileroy, whose feelings were ever of the most acute kind, loved with a degree of ardour that was scarcely to be paralleled; and from that day we studied little else than the means of enjoying each other�s company, and exchanging vows of perpetual constancy.

"Soon after I met with the baron, my peace received a severe shock. That part of the army to which Vileroy belonged, was destined to a distant service, and the day approached for his departure. The tears shed by us on this occasion, were innumerable. Vileroy attempted to chase away those which bedewed my cheeks, but my boding heart would admit of no consolation. I felt the deepest pangs which misery could inflict, and parted after a thousand farewells, vowing inviolable faith and constancy, yet, at the same time, overwhelmed with doubt and despair. Ah! why were these vows ever broken by me? Why did I suffer my credulity to be imposed upon? To this want of firmness I ascribe all my subsequent misfortunes!

"The baron now became unremitting in his intentions, and his proposals were but too agreeable to my father. But my heart was too much occupied by Vileroy, to think of any other person, and I, therefore, resolutely re-

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jected all his overtures. The baron pleaded, and my father commanded, but I firmly resisted the importunity of the one, and the harsh dictates of the other.

"Surprised at a degree of obstinacy so unusual, and so unexpected in a child who had ever been dutiful, my father at length took me to task, and demanded the cause. With many tears, and much confusion, I was constrained to acknowledge my regard for Vileroy, and my engagements with him. My father was much enraged, and argued with me some time. At last he left me, denouncing vengeance if I did not sacrifice an attachment he was pleased to call so unworthy.

"I continued immoveable. Nothing could induce me to violate my promises; and I was supported in the conflict by the letters I frequently received from Vileroy. This pleasure I was at length deprived of; my father suspecting our correspondence, discovered the channel through which it passed, and intercepted our letters. This gave him an opportunity of putting in execution a plan, which finally secured my submission, and rendered me, what perhaps I deserved to be, the most wretched of human beings. When I no longer heard from Vileroy, I became almost frantic. The idea of his inconstancy pursued me like an hideous fiend wherever I went. It is true, I sometimes reflected on the dangers of his profession, and thought it possible that he might be no more. And this reflection was far more supportable than the other. In the meantime, the baron persecuted me continually, and was one day by my side, when my father entered the room.

" �Well� said he, �the prayers of an outraged parent are seldom made in vain. Mine are at length heard.�

"I dared not speak, but the baron enquired what he meant.

" �Only,� said he, �to inform my undutiful daughter, that her lover is no more, and that as there now remains no obstacle to your union, I insist upon her obedience.� I turned pale. �Read this,� said he, handing me a newspaper. I took it, but had scarcely cast my eyes on the passage before I fainted. The paper gave information that Vileroy had been slain in a late battle.

"Without having time allowed me sufficient to recover from my grief, I was again assailed by the commands of my father, and the persecutions of the baron. Ah, why did I yield obedience to the former, whilst my soul revolted? Why promise my vows to the latter, whilst my heart was devoted consecrated to the memory of Vileroy? Had I not been thus precipitate had I kept that faith which I pledged should be inviolable, what misery would have been spared to us both.

"But I was not left to a moment�s reflection. I was told that death was irrevocable that the happiness of my father depended on my obedience that the life of an adoring lover awaited my decision in short, I was led to the altar and became the wife of the baron.

"It now became necessary for me to suppress my grief. the baron ap-

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peared immoderately fond of me, and as he was at that time addicted to the love of gaiety, we partook of all the amusements which Vienna afforded.

"Some months passed away, and the army returned. Victory crowned its endeavours with success, and the city resounded with acclamations of joy on their entrance. Alas! I knew not that when I joined the general cry of gladness, I was celebrating the return and triumph of Vileroy!

"At a grand entertainment given upon the occasion by the arch-duchess, I beheld him beheld him in all the bloom of health, and manly beauty! I was engaged in a dance, when he entered the ball-room. My head became giddy. I panted for respiration and at length dropped senseless on the floor.

"The company alarmed, crowded round to assist me, and among them Vileroy. His gaiety had been assumed to conceal a bleeding heart; but the moment he saw me, and beheld my danger, he yielded to the impetuosity of his feelings, and flying to me raised, and supported me in his arms. The faithless mistress was at that moment forgot, and he beheld me only as the woman he idolized.

"The means which were employed for my recovery, at length proved effectual. But oh, heavens! what were my sensations when I discovered myself in the arms of Vileroy! The gentle pressure which he gave me, thrilled through my whole frame! I forgot the whole world, but Vileroy and myself, and was just yielding to the warm and tender expressions of my joy at seeing him again, and alive, when the voice of the baron shot like a bolt of ice through my heart, and instantly brought me to my recollection. The person of Vileroy was unknown to him, but having been drawn to the spot by hearing my name pronounced, with the addition that I was supposed to be dying, and seeing me supported as he thought in the arms of a stranger, he had thanked him for the assistance he had given to his wife, and withdrawn me from his support. I now sunk again motionless into the arms of the baron; nor was Vileroy less prompt to resign, than he had before been to assist me.

"The baron conveyed me into another apartment, where I soon recovered to a full sense of all my miseries, for I perceived that I had been cruelly deceived, and that by unjustifiable means, I had been made to believe the death of Vileroy. The baron had ordered the carriage. I begged to go home immediately, and he was very inquisitive to know the cause of my illness. It struck me that his inquiries were made more out of curiosity; but I strove to conceal my emotions, and ascribed it to the heat of the room. He seemed satisfied with this account, but at the same time became more reserved, and said little during the remainder of our ride. I went immediately to bed, where, instead of sleeping, I gave myself up to reflection. The more I thought of the affair, the more I was convinced that my father and the baron had made use of a most ungenerous stratagem to induce me to believe in the death of Vileroy, and my heart would have prompted me to that resentment of so cruel an act which

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it deserved, had I not considered the relation in which they stood to me, and reason suggested to me the criminality of violating the oath of obedience which I had solemnly pledged at the altar to one, and the duty which was imposed by nature towards the other.

"I resolved, if possible, to forget that there was such a person in the world as Vileroy. Alas! how strong were these resolutions how weak the result.

"The very next morning, whilst the baron was away from home, and I in my dressing-room, my maid informed me that a gentleman desired to see me. I ordered him to be admitted. It was Vileroy.

"I was confused speechless and could only point to a vacant chair.

" �Perhaps, madame,� said he, �I ought to apologise to you for this intrusion perhaps the presence of Vileroy has become hateful to you. But distracted and lost as he is to happiness, he yet wishes to know if he ever gave you cause for displeasure?�

" �Ah, Alphonso!� replied I, �I never alleged a single fault against you. My heart was ever yours is so still, unhappy as I am, although my hand has been bestowed on another.�

" �Why, then,� cried he, wildly, �have you broken the vows of plighted faith which we exchanged, and made yourself a wretch as well as me?�

" �Because the most cruel stratagems were practised against me, to persuade me of your death. Even proofs were produced to me of it for such I may surely term your having been numbered with the slain in the gazettes. Oh, Alphonso! life then became so great a burthen to me, that I made a sacrifice to the will of my father, of what was of no longer of value to me. I even indulged a romantic hope, that if you could be acquainted with my destiny, you would be gratified that a sense of duty, and not choice, had made me become the wife of another.�

" �Heavens!� cried he, throwing himself at my feet, �is it possible that such villany should have been practised successfully against us? But my Sophia still loves me. She is neither perjured, or I abandoned.�

" �Reflect, Alphonso� said I, �if such words ought to be addressed to me. I am a wife and although in my own defence I might be justified in using the language I have done, yet that task performed, it becomes criminal for me to listen further to you.�

" �Cruel Sophia!� exclaimed he, �is it thus you heal my lacerated bosom? Should coldness, disdain, succeed the confidence, the fervour of that affection we have mutually known and cherished?�

" �Alas! Alphonso, what sentiment can we now cherish for each other, without a crime? Let us part I beseech you. The conflict in your own bosom cannot exceed what I now endure.� I motioned to withdraw.

" �Beloved Sophia,� passionately exclaimed he, still continuing on his knees, and holding my garment to detain me, �you impose upon me you love me not you never did. If you had, you could not behave with this indifference, this cruel insensibility. Stay, I beseech you, and hear me; or

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if not, stay only while you explain the deception you have mentioned, and of which I never heard before?�

" �That is soon done,� said I. �Have you ever been left for dead in any engagement during your absence, and the event published in the returns which have been made?�

" �Never. And has it been by such dishonourable means,� cried he, �that I have been robbed of her my heart adores? Oh, name to me the villain never shall he triumph.�

"At that instant a loud rap at the door announced the return of the baron.

" �Leave me, Vileroy,� exclaimed I, �it is my husband. I cannot meet his eye in this agitated state.�

" �Promise me, then, that you will once more see me.�

" �I do,� cried I, with increased agony.

" �But swear to me that you will.�

" �By all my hopes of heaven I do swear it.�

"He rushed precipitately from me.

"I sought my own chamber, and swallowed a glass of water. My cheeks were pale, my whole frame trembling. I heard the voice of the baron imperiously demanding where I was. Almost gasping for breath, I re-entered the boudoir.

" �It is well, madam,� said he, with a countenance inflamed with wrath, �that I have discovered the cause of your illness, as I am now prepared to offer a remedy. Your removal to Zindorf castle takes place to-morrow morning. See that everything is ready, for you take with you no attendant.�

" �What can be the meaning,� said I, �of the anger, of this hasty resolution, and of the allusion you make to the cause of my illness? Explain it to me I beseech you?�

" �Your adoring lover, your favoured Vileroy is returned. You fainted at the sight of him last night, and he received you in his arms. Madame, madame, I shall take steps to preserve my honour.�

" �That, my lord, is in the keeping of your wife; and she who sacrificed her happiness to the duty she owed a father, is not likely to break that which she has sworn to her husband.�

"He seemed surprised at the cool firmness which had taken possession of me, and too much embarrassed by my reply to give me an immediate answer; I, therefore, proceeded.

" �It is true that I fainted last night at the sight of Vileroy, but you, my lord, who knew of the base arts which were practised to make me believe that he had died in the field of battle, should be the first to show indulgence to so sudden a surprise. I told you my whole soul was devoted to him; and if you thought my hand worth receiving, after so generous a proceeding, you ought to allow for the first shock you have given to a faithful, but an upright heart.�

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"His rage exceeded any description I can give of it. I really felt alarmed for my personal safety. He once shook me, and pushed me back upon the sofa, as I demanded to see my father, and was quitting the apartment to send for him. My maid had rushed into the room, dreading violence, and he had hurled her almost head foremost through the door. His passion did not subside until he saw me reduced to a state almost bordering on insensibility.

"My servant was then summoned to my assistance, and she undressed and put me to bed. When I recovered in some measure to my recollection, I found her weeping beside me, and soon received from her a confirmation of the melancholy facts, which imperfectly presented themselves to my remembrance. She told me everything was prepared for the departure of the baron on the following morning, for his castle in Bohemia, and every servant had notice that they should be discharged, except Roland; that she had on her knees besought to accompany me, and gratuitously offered her services; but that the baron had replied, sneeringly, �that there would be no intrigues to be carried on there.� She added that it had long been the opinion of the people in Vienna, that the baron was a ruined man from gaming.

"This last hint tempted me to believe that jealousy had only been a mean pretext he had made use of to compel me to leave Vienna in so disgraceful a manner; however, as submission was all that remained for me, I determined to yield to my fate with all the fortitude I could assume. I recompensed this affectionate girl, in the best manner I was able, for her fidelity to me, and promised, if my fate ever knew a happy change, that I would recall her. This reconciled her in some measure to a separation from me, and she exerted herself to prepare everything for my departure, and pack up whatever she thought might conduce to my comfort in the castle.

"I wish not to speak of my departure from Vienna. Indeed the agony I suffered is indescribable! To the occurrences on the journey, I was insensible. The only consciousness I had, was what arose from the indifference of the baron, who now did not pretend to feel the least tenderness for me. Ill, dejected, and worn out with fatigue, we at length reached these melancholy walls. I shuddered at the sight of the castle. Ah! sad presentment of the sorrows that awaited me there!

" �It is not to your taste, madame,� said the baron, as he observed my dismay at the sight of the draw-bridge; �but use will reconcile it to you.�

"This place, so vast, so desolate, seemed only occupied by two human beings. The blood almost congealed in my heart, as I traversed the gloomy courts, and surveyed the spacious apartments, where not a vestige of their former comfort seemed to remain. The domestics were a gardener, who had had the care of the chateau, and a female attendant for me, who had been selected from the neighbouring hamlet. These, with Roland, (my