rapture possessed us both, while we flew into each other's arms! This
was no time for speech: locked in a mutual embrace, we continued some
minutes in a silent trance of joy! When I thus encircled all my soul
held dear--while I hung over her beauties--beheld her eyes sparkle, and
every feature flush with virtuous fondness--when I saw her enchanting
bosom heave with undissembled rapture, and knew myself the happy
cause--heavens! what was my situation! I am tempted to commit my paper
to the flames, and to renounce my pen for ever, because its most ardent
and lucky expression so poorly describes the emotions of my soul. "O
adorable Narcissa!" cried I, "O miracle of beauty, love and truth! I
at last fold thee in my arms! I at last can call thee mine! No jealous
brother shall thwart our happiness again; fortune hath at length
recompensed me for all my sufferings, and enabled me to do justice to my
love." The dear creature smiled ineffably charmingly, and, with a look
of bewitching tenderness, said, "and shall we never part again?" "Never,"
I replied, "thou wondrous pattern of all earthly perfection! never,
until death shall divide us! By this ambrosial kiss, a thousand times
more fragrant than the breeze that sweeps the orange grove, I never more
will leave thee!"

As my first transport abated, my passion grew turbulent and unruly. I
was giddy with standing on the brink of bliss, and all my virtue and
philosophy were scarce sufficient to restrain the inordinate sallies of
desire. Narcissa perceived the conflict within me, and with her usual
dignity of prudence, called off my imagination from the object in view,
and with eager expressions of interested curiosity, desired to know the
particulars of my voyage. In this I gratified her inclination, bringing
my story down to the present hour. She was infinitely surprised at the
circumstance of finding my father, which brought tears into her
lovely eyes. She was transported at hearing that approved of my flame,
discovered a longing desire of being introduced to him, congratulated
herself and me upon my good fortune, and observed, that this great
and unexpected stroke of fate seemed to have been brought about by the
immediate direction of Providence. Having entertained ourselves some
hours with the genuine effusions of our souls, I obtained her consent to
complete my happiness as soon as my father should judge it proper; and,
applying with my own hands a valuable necklace, composed o