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 vants: even on the slightest foundation they are apt to raise improbabilities and horrors, which, in spite of reason, make too often a dangerous impression on the mind, and overturn its quiet, by engendering superstition:—Heaven knows, (he proceeded) the evils of life are sufficiently great without adding to them those of the imagination."

Madeline assured him she would never more encourage any conversation from the domestics, on family affairs.

"You look fatigued, (said he) and I will now (rising as he spoke) leave you to repose; retire to it, my love, without fear or trembling; blessed with conscious innocence, you can dread no evil, no angry spirit demanding retribution:—Oh! never may your bosom lose that peace which must ever belong to virtue!—Oh! never may reflection break your slumbers, or an offended conscience present terrific images to your view. farewell, my child, (tenderly embracing her)