open my brief. A gentleman of rank, fortune, and unquestionable merit (here Matilda trembled) has, for some time, entertained the warmest affection and respect for an amiable woman. When first he knew and admired her she was in a situation that precluded hope, he was therefore condemned to silence; that situation is changed; he has no obstacles to combat but the lady's over-strained delicacy: she owns a preferable esteem, but—she cannot approve of a second marriage." Here all eyes were glanced at the Countess, who was confused. Matilda began to respire. "Tell me, ladies, (resumed the Marquis, ingenuously) should so futile an objection preclude her from making a worthy man happy, gratifying her own partiality in his favour, and giving a dear and valuable additional relation to her friends? You see I put the case simply and plainly. Will you, madam, (addressing the Countess Berniti) have the goodness to speak first?" "I am not an advocate, Sir, (she answered) for second marriages; on the contrary, I think there are but
