6.

I would not willingly be too rash,' continues the agitated Earl," but that the proofs appear so plain against her. This artful scroll; their walk to the cave; bis being found in her arms after my reprimand; she bathing his temples and endeavouring to restore him; and above all, as a corroborating proof, the words of the miscreant, in the iron mask, convey a chain of proceeding composed of the most ingenious cunning on her part, and the most combined villany on his."

"You must be assured, my dear brother," replied Wolfred, as he inwardly exulted in Ethelbald's torture, you must be assured how painful the task to me is to afford you advice under such afflicting circumstances; indeed, I am sorry I have had the misfortune to ar rive at so unpleasant a crisis; but on the other hand, it would be equally blameable

in me to behold a branch of our house dishonoured, and stand quietly by without ever aiding to obtain redress."

"Most assuredly, Wolfred," he observes; and though you are younger than myself, in point of years, I do not think you are in experience. I married early in life---you have had more opportunities of watching the dispositions of the other sex, never having solely united yourself to one woman, therefore, to you must I look for advice. But one thing let me first remark, they are at present strangers to what it is thiat thus disturbs me, unless they appre hend, from having missed the epistle. How did you find them ??

* If I must speak, I must adhere to truth, and if the truth should chance to wound you further, you must not think I am unfeeling. Suffice it then, on my approach, which was sudden as unexpected, I met Adeliza in the gallery; she was

weeping, and before she noticed me she pronounced the following words :-' I am surprised and hurt at what I have witnessed; the Earl is strangely deceived.' On entering the apartment, Florimund was on his knee pressing the hand of Gunilda, who seemed much agitated, but on seeing me she started back: the youth arose, and slunk in confusion from my. presence."

"Thank you, my brother, for this generous information; I see it too plain, and before long am determined to have revenge, that I may set my soul at rest--rest say I? that is impossible! for when I reflect on such unheard of duplicity, letchery, nay, I may term it madness, at her years, it almost tells me I could not shake it from my troubled recollection, even in another world."

"Yet, be both cool and collected, my Lord, you may then, perhaps meet with

some convincing proof, and on that determine; you are sure, for my own honor's sake, I would wish to advise you for the best."

"You are, indeed, my brother, and I will comply with your request; I will be governed entirely by you. But then, reflect on the threats of the being in the sable mask; what can it all imply? It comes on me, like the hurricane, before I can get my shattered bark in trim to withstand the fury of the squall. The safety of my castle I will leave to you whilst I seek renovation in sleep, and avoid the company of the old adultress. Look to her well; if you discover more; pray let me know it."

Wolfred promised he would do so, and the Earl retired to his chamber.

"Now to be bold, and at one aim execute my every purpose," exclaims the brother, whose pride it was to play the villain, independent of his interest.

"If

I can but invent some plan that may produce the appearance of a proof of their criminal correspondence, I work the Earl, by degrees, into so extravagant a frenzy, that, under the operation of his disorder, he shall perform whatever I may dictate, to assist my dark intents. Gunilda shall be disposed of in some private way I will hereafter fix on; my rival fall by the hands of the owner of these possessions; or he by my rival; and whichever escape, (as I will appear the advocate on both sides,) perishes at my own will---so will report give out they fell by each other, and my aims be all rendered complete. Let me consider. Hold---a better plan than drawing them together may be to Ha! by hell I have it. It shall be so; the rest will follow of course.--if I am not thwarted in my expectations"-. With these words he stalked from the apartment.