been so strongly manifested, seemed forever fled from their hearts.
Mr. Aubrey appeared to have lost all memory of his departed sister, the
mother of Fostina, and would shrink as if from her presence, whenever
her name was recalled by her lovely daughter.

Rineldo Aubrey was their only son, and had consequently received every
indulgence from his parents; and he now thought, by exerting his
influence over them, he should obtain their assistance in persuading
Fostina to accept his offer. But when he found that all their efforts
were in vain, he devised every means in his power to destroy the
happiness of his cousin.

He vainly endeavored to draw her mind from Lewis, and convince her of
the improbability of his returning.

Fostina's grief, on hearing this from her cousin, was beyond
description; she passed the most of her time in retirement, seldom
joining the family circle, and avoiding all conversation with them, as
much as her circumstances would admit; and when her situation rendered
it necessary for her to be in their society, she met them with calm
indifference and submitted with quiet resignation to her fate, hoping
soon to receive intelligence from her absent friends.

CHAPTER IV.

_Rineldo's sudden Departure--His Return--He pleads in vain for
the Love of his Cousin--Sad Intelligence and the Death of Lewis
Mortimer--Fostina's Illness._

It was late one evening that Rineldo entered the apartment where his
father was seated, and informed him that he had received intelligence
from a friend residing in the country requesting to see him immediately
on business of importance. He made known his intention to his parents,
and accordingly, on the following morning, he started on his journey,
expecting to return in a few weeks.

Fostina, on hearing this, felt greatly relieved, thinking she should
now rest in peace and quietness during his absence. But the unfortunate
girl found no consolation; although she was no longer annoyed by her
cousin's presence, yet his parents were constantly endeavoring to
influence her in his favor, and without hesitation informed her, that
her future happiness would depend upon her marriage with their son. But
the determined girl, in a firm and decided manner, refused to comply
with their wishes, in accepting the proposals of her cousin, telling
them that she would never give her hand to one, while another possessed
her love.

Rineldo had been absent several weeks, and Mr. Aubrey