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 thou loveliest blossom, early nipped in the very spring-time of thy life, pardon thy murderer. Thou art the heir and lord of all that the pride of man can devise; yet victim to the ambition of a false and cruel woman, thou hast experienced the chastening rod of adversity, and art now prepared for the fate that awaits thee.

"Albert," he continued, "let me be the first to address thee by that name, canst thou forgive, say, canst thou forgive me?" "I know as yet but imperfectly," said the boy, "what your conduct to me has been. At times I have trusted you as a friend, and considered you as a master." "This is no time, my dear boy, for explanations—are you prepared? At least, embrace the wretch who has betrayed you. Let these tainted and polluted lips impress one last fond kiss upon thy cheek of rose, fair opening blossom, whose young heart, spotless as that of cherubims on high, has early felt