likeness of an ancestor who, in his youth, had
displayed an extraordinary share of sense, courage, and every estimable
quality; this strengthened my first impression, and frequently after
that day I used to delight in recalling to my mind the fine countenance
and noble features of one I believed to have been long numbered with the
dead. By degrees these reveries began to form one of my greatest
pleasures, and many an hour have I passed gazing, amid smiles and tears,
on one I fondly hoped I might be permitted to know and to love in
another world. For in this," continued poor Fleur-de-Marie, with a most
touching expression, "I well know I am unworthy to aspire to the love of
any one but you, my kind, indulgent parents."

"I can now understand the nature of the reproof you once gave me for
having misled you on the subject of the portrait."

"Conceive, dearest father, what was my confusion when I learnt from the
superior that the portrait was a living subject,--that of her nephew! My
trouble was extreme, and earnestly did I endeavour to erase from my
heart all the fond associations connected with that picture. In vain!
the pertinacity with which I strove to forget but riveted the impression
I had received; and, unfortunately, dear father, you rendered the task
of forgetting more difficult, by continually eulogising the heart,
disposition, and principles of Prince Henry."

"You loved him, then, my child, from merely seeing his likeness and
hearing his praises?"

"Without positively loving him, I felt myself attracted towards him by
an irresistible impulse, for which I bitterly reproached myself; my only
consolation was the thought that no person knew my fatal secret. For how
could I presume to love? How excuse my ingratitude in not contenting
myself with the tenderness bestowed on me by you, my father, and you,
also, dearest mother? In the midst of all these conflicting feelings I
met my cousin, for the first time, at a ball given by you to the
Archduchess Sophia; his resemblance to the portrait too well assured me
it was he; and your introducing Prince Henry to me as a near relative
afforded me ample opportunities of discovering that his manners were as
captivating as his mind was cultivated."

"It is easy to conceive, then, that a mutual passion sprung up between
you! Indeed, he won upon my regard ere I was aware of the ground he had
gained; he spoke of you so admiringly, yet so respectfully."

"You had yourself prai