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298 been wind, rain, hail, and thunder, enough to banish sleep from the couch of every inhabitant in the town.

Just as they expected, Florentine came to receive them, evidently in great agitation, and embraced them, even with more than usual affection. “A fine morning for our excursion!” said Amelia, trying to assume a tone of pleasantry; “How have you got through that awful night?” “Not very tranquilly, as you may suppose,” said Florentine; “this house, you are aware, is none of the best; the situation too is exposed; and I thought every moment it would have been blown down about our ears.” “It is well then that you are not to remain in it long,” said Maria, smiling rather archly. “Aye, very true!” replied Florentine, “to-morrow is the day fixed for the Count’s return from Italy. His last letter was dated from Berne. He is in hopes that our marriage will take place immediately, and that we shall set out directly afterwards for his grand castle near Hanover.”

“He is only in hopes then?” said Maria; “you pronounced these words, too, in a tone so mysterious, that I could almost think you in-