is Attendants expressed serious apprehensions for
his life; But the Uncle entertained not the same fears. He was of
opinion, and not unwisely, that 'Men have died, and worms have eat
them; but not for Love!' He therefore flattered himself that however
deep might be the impression made upon his Nephew's heart, Time and
Virginia would be able to efface it. He now hastened to the afflicted
Youth, and endeavoured to console him: He sympathised in his distress,
but encouraged him to resist the encroachments of despair. He allowed
that He could not but feel shocked at an event so terrible, nor could
He blame his sensibility; But He besought him not to torment himself
with vain regrets, and rather to struggle with affliction, and preserve
his life, if not for his own sake, at least for the sake of those who
were fondly attached to him. While He laboured thus to make Lorenzo
forget Antonia's loss, the Duke paid his court assiduously to Virginia,
and seized every opportunity to advance his Nephew's interest in her
heart.

It may easily be expected that Agnes was not long without enquiring
after Don Raymond. She was shocked to hear the wretched situation to
which grief had reduced him; Yet She could not help exulting secretly,
when She reflected, that his illness proved the sincerity of his love.
The Duke undertook the office himself, of announcing to the Invalid the
happiness which awaited him. Though He omitted no precaution to
prepare him for such an event, at this sudden change from despair to
happiness Raymond's transports were so violent, as nearly to have
proved fatal to him. These once passed, the tranquillity of his mind,
the assurance of felicity, and above all the presence of Agnes, (Who
was no sooner reestablished by the care of Virginia and the
Marchioness, than She hastened to attend her Lover) soon enabled him to
overcome the effects of his late dreadful malady. The calm of his soul
communicated itself to his body, and He recovered with such rapidity as
to create universal surprize.

No so Lorenzo. Antonia's death accompanied with such terrible
circumstances weighed upon his mind heavily. He was worn down to a
shadow. Nothing could give him pleasure. He was persuaded with
difficulty to swallow nourishment sufficient for the support of life,
and a consumption was apprehended. The society of Agnes formed his
only comfort. Though accident had never permitted their being much
together, He entertained fo