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 of the impetuosity of his feelings checked the impulse. She only, therefore, said, "Ah, my lord, how is it that with a sister so pure, so perfect, and whose virtues you so warmly appreciate, you should find it so difficult to believe that other females may be exempt, at least, from depravity? Alas! I had presumed, my lord, to think of you as indeed the brother of Lady Aurora; and, as such, I had even dared to consider you as a succour to me in distress, and a protector in danger!"

"Ah! consider me so again!" cried he, with sudden rapture; "good—excellent Miss Ellis! consider me so again, and you shall not repent your generous pardon!"

Ellis irresistibly wept, but, by a motion of her hand, forbad his approach.

"Fear, fear me not!" cried he, "I am a reclaimed man for the rest of my life! I have hitherto, Miss Ellis, been but a boy, and therefore so easily led wrong. But I will think and act, now,