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 "on the agreeable change there is in your health and spirits, Madam."

"I am sure," answered she, "the intention of your remark is friendly, but not at all calculated to increase my cheerfulness, by reminding me of the alteration. Retrospections are not always pleasing, and I owe much of my health and spirits to a resolution henceforth to look forwards."

"I beg your pardon, my dear Madam," returned he, very seriously, "your reproof is very just, and I take shame to myself for the rudeness of my observation, which I entreat you to believe arose entirely from the real delight I felt in the charms of your conversation."

"It must be owned," said she, with a returning smile, "that you know how to extricate yourself from an error extremely well, and my self-love accepts of the apology."

They had scarcely dined when an express came from Ernest with letters to Ferdinand. He retired to read them, and was surprised