have clasped her to his bosom, and pressed upon her lips the first kiss of love—the dearest, the truest pledge of fondness and devotion. But, scarcely able to speak, confused and faultering, he dared not approach her:—he saw one before him robed in purity, and more than vestal innocence—one timidly fearful of even a look, or thought, that breathed aught against that virtue which alone it worshipped.
"I am come," he said, at length, "forgive my rashness, to restore this bracelet, and myself to place it around your arms. Permit me to say—farewell, before I leave you, perhaps for ever." As he spoke, he endeavoured to clasp the diamond lock;—his hand trembled;—Calantha started from him. "Oh!" said she, "you know not what you do:—I am enough his already:—be not you the person to devote me to him more completely:—do not render me utterly miserable. Though not entirely understanding her, he scarcely
