ed and
agitated at the too obvious state of the lover's sentiments. He sought
and soon obtained an opportunity of speaking to him, and Frederic was at
that moment anxious to see the old man, and putting to him that
question, which, whether addressed to the fair one in person, or to her
pa and ma, is always embarrassing; always makes a man look, and feel,
and act, very much like a fool; and when answered in the affirmative,
is not unfrequently the forerunner of most sincere and hearty
repentance. In fact, repentance being so often the consequence of
marriage, (it is gravely asserted by some of the old fathers,) is in our
mind reason why Catholics regard it (that is, the marriage, not the
repentance) a sacrament, "because it produces repentance, which is a
step towards grace." I am so far a Catholic, as to admit most
cheerfully, that it is a holy state, and that there is no text in
scripture more true, than that "it is not good for man to be alone;"
still if I was about entering that holy state, I am sadly afraid that my
feelings would be wholly uninfluenced by any hopes of approaching any
nearer towards a state of grace, not even over the thorny path of the
consequent repentance.

"Signior Count," began old Morelli, as soon as he had ascertained that
they were alone, "you cannot suppose me ignorant of the cause of your
frequent visits to my poor house, or that as a father I am so
indifferent to my daughter's happiness as to see it without extreme
anxiety."

"I was about speaking to you on the same subject," said Frederic,
hesitatingly, "I have already told you that it is my fixed determination
to leave the army, and retire to peaceful life on my own estate. But
although my fortune is princely, I feel it would be valueless without
your lovely daughter. Signior Morelli, I love Bianca; I have made no
attempt to conceal it from you; were my intentions dishonorable, do you
not think that I would endeavor to hide them from a father's eye? Do
you take me for the bold, hardened libertine that would trample under
foot a father's hospitality to accomplish his daughter's infamy? You
wrong me, Signior, if you do; but I cannot believe that in your dislike
to my country, you believe all her children base and unprincipled."

"Nay, my young friend, I believe nothing of that detestable character
can be laid to your charge. But consider for a moment the immense
distance between you. You are an Austrian nobleman of high rank and of
anc