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 fate to derange it. But Mela was still very far from this philosophical composure, and her mother’s advice had therefore a very different effect from what she intended. The conscience stricken maiden looked upon herself as the destroyer of a mother’s sweetest hope, and reproached herself most bitterly. Though she had never agreed with her mother on the subject of marriage, and had thought bread and salt when seasoned by love, would be sufficient for happiness: yet, since she had heard of the wealth and trade of her sweetheart, she had indulged in more luxurious domestic arrangements, and was often delighted to think she might still be enabled to realize her mother’s former dreams, and restore her to opulence without sacrificing her own heart and inclinations.

This charming delusion vanished however by degrees, as time flowed on, and Frank came not near them. A report also was spread, that he was preparing his house with all possible despatch for the reception of his bride, a rich lady from Antwerp, who was already on the road.