a few weeks must unavoidably
dissolve.--As a friend of Captain Howard, and a gentleman, I shall ever
be happy to see you in the circle of my acquaintance, but never as the
lover of Louise.

"It is now nineteen years, Captain," continued the Marchioness, "since
Louise was found at the gate of the Convent of St. Ursule: the picture,
as we suppose, of her mother, was tied round her neck with a paper, on
which was written the word--"Louisa!" The Abbess caused a search to be
made after the parents; but, not being able to discover them, received
and reared the infant. My daughters were educated at St. Ursule's, and
attached to Louise from her childhood; at their request, when she was
about sixteen, the Abbess resigned her to my protection."

Ill could the haughty soul of Harland brook this refusal of the
Marchioness, which was beginning to raise a sentiment of indignation in
his breast against that lady, when the entrance of Louise obliterated
every idea but of her; each moment presented new attractions to his
fascinated senses; and he determined to espouse her privately, and leave
the issue to Providence, rather than forego his addresses; as love and
pride whispered--her birth must be reputable, if not noble!

The day succeeding this, he accompanied the Captain and Frederick to a
_fete_ at the Governor's, where the Marchioness and her family were
likewise present: but the pleasure Louise's presence would have created,
was destroyed by the marked attentions of young Ferrand, the Governor's
nephew; and, unable to endure the seeming satisfaction, or even the
presence of his rival, which prevented his conversing freely with
Louise, he entreated to speak with her in private, and, without waiting
for an answer, conducted her into an adjoining room. He there acquainted
her with his application to the Marchioness; her rejection of his suit;
and vehemently urged her to a private marriage.

Louise was concerned at the Marchioness's refusal, but declared she
never would consent to any engagement without her approbation; and
gently chid Harland for the rudeness of his behaviour to Ferrand.
Harland could not conceal his chagrin at this second rejection, and
accused Louise of an unjust preference to his rival; against whom he
vowed the severest vengeance.

The East-Indian, who had equally observed the assiduities of Harland,
and equally felt the influence of jealousy, had followed them
unperceived, and heard the whole of their conve