ABSTRACT
When Louisa found herself alone, she freely yielded to the sorrow that oppressed her heart, which the presence of Mr. Howard had restrained her from indulging before. Having wept for some time, she felt the weight that had pressed on her breast, so as nearly to occasion su ocation, considerably relieved. ‘ en our fate is inevitably decided,’/ said she; ‘Sir Walter’s imprudence has ruined his family, and his amiable son must be sacri ced to atone for his folly. He loves me too, with a passion pure and disinterested as my own for him; yet I must, by his cruel father’s command, resign him: I must not even let him know that he has not bestowed the valuable treasure of such a heart as his on a being insensible of its value: yet, were he to know it, his distress would only be augmented; for now we can never be any thing more to each other than strangers. Oh! that I was still ignorant of his love! how much easier I should nd it to regain my lost peace of mind!’
