THE NOVICE OF ST. DOMINICK. CHAP. XXX. E a che sorvite Odoni di fortuna? a che per voi Defendete si mal chi vi possiede ? METASTASIO. THE following morning Imogen roselate, and, when she descended from her boudoir to the library, found the chevalier there before her. "This is kind indeed," said she, holding out her hand to him; " and yet I never wished, and never fear"ed more to see you-for I am sure you are displeased with me."-" That as surance, Imogen, argues a conscious"ness of your having given me cause." "The conversation you overheard yes❝day-" "Pained me, Imogen, beyond expres❝sion." "And yet, my dear chevalier, 'tis so hard "to resist, when-when-" "I understand you:-'tis so hard to re"sist the influence of example, and the "opportunity of shining; to repress the "jeu d'esprit which covers the malignity "of a personal reflection; to chase from "the lip the bon-mct which sanctions an "ill-natured remark; and to sacrifice il"liberal wit at the shrine of humanity and "benevolence." "O sir, say no more! Spare me, I en"treat; do not make me hate myself beyond the power of ever regaining my own approbation." "No, my sweet friend, I do not wish to "make you hate yourself, but to render you the object of the world's love as you "now are of its admiration, and to warn 66 you against the seducing allurements "which distinguished talents hold out to "their possessors. Every one, Imogen, is "not acquainted with the benevolence, "the goodness of that sensible and tender "heart, whose humanity would shrink "from wounding the feelings of the most inconsequent being; but those severe "sallies which the unguarded impulses "of lively wit betray you into, those who are its objects will make the criterion by which your heart is to be judged, " and though some may admire, the many "will condemn, and all will fear you."The ladies who were the subjects of the "marquis de Sancy's severe raillery yesterday were the countesses de Noirmon tier, de Sauves, and Duzes, whose in"fluence at court has been long establish ed, and the latter of whom I have the "honour to call a near relative." Imogen started, and changed colour. "She "intends paying you a visit to day," continued the chevalier; "and seems anxious "to render you every service and attention in her power. Tears of self-condemnation swelled to the eyes of Imogen, and she raised them in silence, with a meek and deprecating glance, to the chevalier's face. "It is enough," said he, touched with the eloquence of her looks, "'tis enough, while contrition ever pursues "the conviction of involuntary error, while "the sweet tear of penitence pursues the "blush of witty but illiberal triumph, I "shall not fear for you. Long may the goodness of your beart surpass the bril 66 liancy of your head, and your genius "shine most conspicuous when exerting "its divine efforts in the cause of huma nity!" "Oh! rather wish," exclaimed Imogen, in emotion, "that I may long be "worthy the possession of your friendship, " and that will include all I am most desi 66 rous of attaining to." The eyes of de Sorville glistened with pleasure; and, raising her hands to his lips, he gaily said, "And now, my charming penitent, here "ends my dictatorship for the day." "Then you expect to resume it diurnally, I suppose," said Imogen; "and that |