clutched the Great Seal,
and taken his precedence before princes, borne onward by the breeze
of her inspiring hope, and illumined by the sunshine of her prophetic
smile! A female friend, amiable, clever, and devoted, is a possession
more valuable than parks and palaces; and, without such a muse, few men
can succeed in life, none be content.

The plans and aspirations of Henrietta had relieved Ferdinand from
a depressing burthen. Inspired by her creative sympathy, a new scene
opened to him, adorned by a magnificent perspective. His sanguine
imagination sought refuge in a triumphant future. That love for which
he had hitherto schooled his mind to sacrifice every worldly advantage
appeared suddenly to be transformed into the very source of earthly
success. Henrietta Temple was to be the fountain, not only of his bliss,
but of his prosperity. In the revel of his audacious fancy he seemed, as
it were, by a beautiful retribution, to be already rewarded for having
devoted, with such unhesitating readiness, his heart upon the altar
of disinterested affection. Lying on his cottage-couch, he indulged
in dazzling visions; he wandered in strange lands with his beautiful
companion, and offered at her feet the quick rewards of his unparalleled
achievements.

Recurring to his immediate situation, he resolved to lose no time in
bringing his affairs to a crisis. He was even working himself up to his
instant departure, solaced by the certainty of his immediate return,
when the arrival of his servant announced to him that Glastonbury had
quitted Armine on one of those antiquarian rambles to which he was
accustomed. Gratified that it was now in his power to comply with the
wish of Henrietta to visit his home, and perhaps, in truth, not
very much mortified that so reasonable an excuse had arisen for the
postponement of his intended departure, Ferdinand instantly rose, and as
speedily as possible took his way to Ducie.

He found Henrietta in the garden. He had arrived, perhaps, earlier than
he was expected; yet what joy to see him! And when he himself proposed
an excursion to Armine, her grateful smile melted his very heart.
Indeed, Ferdinand this morning was so gay and light-hearted, that his
excessive merriment might almost have been as suspicious as his passing
gloom the previous day. Not less tender and fond than before, his
sportive fancy indulged in infinite expressions of playful humour
and delicate pranks of love. When he first r