othing but the flattering insinuations of my
own heart, and I succeeded in persuading myself that her coldness arose
solely from maidenly reserve, and from the annoyance of being too
much the object of public attention. I remembered the sweetness of her
manner, when one day in reply to some fond anticipation of my future
happiness, she assured me, although she could not promise me at once
that ardour of affection which my present enthusiasm seemed to require,
that if a grateful and submissive wife could satisfy my wishes, I should
be possessed of her entire devotion. But although thus reassured, I
could scarcely divest myself of apprehension, and on the morning of our
nuptials, which took place in the Royal Chapel, in presence of the whole
court, her countenance wore a look of such deadly, such fixed despair,
that the joy even of that happy moment when I was about to receive the
hand of the woman I adored, before the altar of God, was completely
obliterated.

"She had been adorned by the hand of the Queen, by whom she was fondly
beloved, with all the splendour and elegance which could enrich her
lovely figure; and in the foldings of her bridal veil, her countenance
assumed a cast of such angelic beauty, that even Charles, as he
presented me with her hand, paused for a moment in delighted emotion
to gaze upon her. But even thus late as it was, and embarrassed by the
royal presence, I was so pained by her tears that I could keep silence
no longer. 'Theresa,' I whispered to her as we approached the altar, 'if
this marriage be not the result of your own free will, speak--it is
not yet too late. Heed not these preparations--fear not the King's
displeasure, I will take all upon myself. Speak to me dearest, deal with
me sincerely.--Theresa, are you willing to be mine?' She only replied by
bending her knee upon the gorgeous cushion before her. 'Hush!' said she
in a suppressed tone, 'hush! my lord--let us pray to the Almighty for
support,' and the service instantly began."

CHAPTER III.

"Let not the Heavens hear these tell-tale women,
Rail on the Lord's anointed."--_RICHARD III._

"The month which followed our marriage we passed in the happy retirement
of Silsea; and there for the first time I became acquainted with the
real character of my Theresa. Her beauty had indeed been the glory of
the court, but it was only amid the privacy of domestic life that the
accomplishments of her cultivated mind, and the