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 tentions. I am now compelled to retire to the convent, but at the close of day I shall return with some of my brother monks to say mass for the soul of the departed. farewell! (rising as he spoke) may the blessing of heaven rest upon you, and peace soon revisit your heart!"

He had scarcely left the room ere Agatha entered it. "Had you not better lay down Mam'selle (said she, in a voice broken by sobs); for my part I can hold up no longer; as soon as I have given orders about what is to be done I shall go to bed, and I little care if I never rise from it." The melancholy accent in which these words were pronounced, redoubled the tears of Madeline.

"We have lost indeed (cried she) the kindest, the best of friends; never can we expect again to meet with one like her."

The door now softly opened, and Floretta made her appearance; she came with a message of condolence from the physician, who had just arrived, to Madeline, and a request to know whether he could in any manner be serviceable to her.