s morals, I
assure you. It is enough to say, at present, that I am not at liberty
to disclose them; and, indeed, I never intended to do so; but as a
knowledge of the secret I possess may not only promote your happiness,
but relieve you from the persecution and misery you endure on this young
nobleman's account, I think it becomes my duty to have an interview with
your father on the subject."

"Before you do so, my dear madam," replied Lucy, "it is necessary that I
should put you in possession of--of--" there was here a hesitation, and
a blush, and a confusion of manner, that made Mrs. Mainwaring look at
her with some attention.

"Take care, Lucy," she said smiling; "a previous engagement, I'll
warrant me. I see you blush."

"But not for its object, Mrs. Mainwaring," she replied. "However, you
are right; and papa is aware of it."

"I see, Lucy; and on that account he wishes to hurry on this hated
marriage--?"

"I think so."

"And what peculiar dislike has papa against the object of your
choice?--are you aware?"

"The same he would entertain against any choice but his own--his
great ambition. The toil and labor of all his thoughts, hopes, and
calculations, is to see me a countess before he dies. I know not whether
to consider this as affection moved by the ambition of life, or ambition
stimulated by affection."

"Ah, my dear Lucy, I fear very much that if your papa's heart were
analyzed it would be found that he is more anxious to gratify his own
ambition than to promote your happiness, and that, consequently, his
interest in the matter altogether absorbs yours. But we need not discuss
this now. You say he is aware of your attachment?"

"He is; I myself confessed it to him."

"Is he aware of the name and condition in life of your lover?"

"Alas, no! Mrs. Mainwaring. He has seen him, but that is all. He
expressed, however, a fierce and ungovernable curiosity to know who
and what he is; but, unfortunately, my lover, as you call him, is so
peculiarly circumstanced, that I could not disclose either the one or
the other."

"But, my dear Lucy, is not this secrecy, this clandestime conduct,
on the part of your lover, wrong? Ought you, on the other hand, to
entertain an attachment for any person who feels either afraid or
ashamed to avow his name and rank? Pardon me, my love."

Lucy rose up, and Mrs. Mainwaring felt somewhat alarmed at the length
she had gone, especially on observing that the lovely girl's face