CHAP. V.
The mind of Adela still continued to be serious, and my gaiety insensibly lost itself in her solemn ideas. She was eager to learn my history, and loved to hear me talk of Elmira. She lamented the melancholy fate of this excellent woman, but was soon captivated with the idea of the Mystic Cabal, and admired its spirit and principles. Not a might passed without our talking on this subject, whenever we were by ourselves. Her ingenious arguments could not reconcile me to a society which had occasioned all my sufferings, but gently removed the reluctance I had conceived for its principles. In point of diversion, Adela always went a-hunting, fishing, or walking with us. I was an excellent performer on the German flute, Don Fernandos, the count's secretary, and our servants also understood music, and we formed little concerts, which highly amused my father-in-law. The reading of new publications completed
