life of solitude in the country, I came in a short time back to the capital, that I might enjoy the society of my two beloved friends. You are aware how long I remained inconsolable, but your ceaseless endeavours had succeeded in restoring me to cheerfulness, and I joined, like others of my own age, in the diversions of the beau monde. My father had, indeed, advised me to avoid marriage, but had made this no positive condition. Count Bruno paid his addresses, and appeared to me, in every respect, so amiable, that I could not help returning his affection. I believe, however, that my father had overlooked one effect, which, of necessity, followed his entrusting me with that mysterious packet; for if I never resolved on marriage, it was impossible that I could ever break the seal, or know what Seraphina had divined regarding me. As I had accepted the Count’s proposal, and our nuptials were even fixed, there could be no reason for longer delay. I examined the paper, therefore, and shall now read to you its contents, which are as follows.
‘Seraphina, no doubt, informed you, that when she wished to question the apparition about your
