would not exchange for the most splendid
acquirements of wealth, or the most dignified titles of fame."

The young officer sat for some time silent. "Well, sir, he said, since
it is thus, seeing that these things are so, I will urge you no farther.
You will pardon me respecting the part I have taken in this business,
since it was with the purest designs. May consolation, comfort, and
happiness, yet be yours."

"To you and your fair friend, said Alonzo, I consider myself under the
highest obligations. The gratitude I feel I can but feebly express.
Believe me, sir, when I tell you, (and it is all I can say,) that your
ingenuous conduct has left impressions in my bosom which can never be
obliterated."

The stranger held out his hand, which Alonzo ardently grasped. They were
silent, but their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted.

Alonzo immediately prepared, and was soon ready to depart. As he was
stepping into his carriage, he saw the young officer returning. As he
came up, "I must detain you a few moments longer, he said, and I will
give you no farther trouble. You will recollect that the lady about whom
I have so much teazed you, when she became _acquainted_ with you in her
dream, believed that if she could speak with you, all difficulties would
be removed. Conscious that this may be the case, (for with all her
accomplishments she is a little superstitious,) she desires to see you.
You have nothing to fear, sir; she would not for the world yield you her
hand, unless in return you could give her your heart. Nor was she
willing you should know that she made this request, but wished me to
introduce you, as it were by stratagem. Confident, however, that you
would thus far yield to the caprice of a lady, I chose to tell you the
truth. She resides near by, and it will not hinder you long."

"It is capriciousness in the extreme," thought Alonzo; but he told the
stranger he would accompany him--who immediately stepped into the
carriage, and they drove, by his direction, to an elegant house in a
street at a little distance, and alighted. As they entered the house, a
servant handed the stranger a note, which he hastily looked over: "Tell
the gentleman I will wait on him in a moment," said he to the servant,
who instantly withdrew. Turning to Alonzo, "a person is in waiting, said
he, on urgent business; excuse me, therefore, if it is with reluctance I
retire a few moments, after I have announced you; I will soon again be
with