Love has been represented with a Bandeau; of all her attributes, this is, perhaps, the most formidable, and the least dreaded: it seems, at first sight, that it has in fact some charms for hearts really captivated. A man loves to shut his eyes on the faults of a beloved mistress, and a woman would wish never to have discovered the infidelity of an amiable lover: it is pleasant to be ignorant of both. But, nevertheless, ought not the excesses into which error hurries us, make us apprehend a blindness that may become fata!? I shall answer this question only by the recital of a real adventure, the model of which would not be found in all the Amadises of romances. [NO. 1. distinguished him to advantage; a just discernment, an engaging temper, had gained him the esteem and good will of all those who knew him; these procured him a blessing perhaps s'ill more uncommon, I mean a sincere, enlightened, generous and feeling friend, whose superior mind did not wait for years, to develope itself with nobleness, and produce those actions which in general are only the fruits of a virtue strengthened by experience. ་ Dulilot, older than his friend, who was but three aud twenty, was at that period of life, when reason and strength naturally meet together. He was a partner, as are most of the merchats of Lyons who by this mean, facilitate to themselves the greatest undertakings; but his heart was not yet engaged; he had not apparently met with an object that could fix his choice, and a rational prudence had contributed to retard the de In one of the most considerable towns in France, Dulilot occupied termination of it. He wished with a respectable rank among the rich traders that are there to be found in great numbers. A character for integrity, which constitutes the principal quality and the greatest ogium of a man in business, his hand to offer a briliant situa tion, which several years of an established business can alone procure: He had, in tlás respect, attained the point that he might wish, when his affairs obliged him to make a journey to Faris. Although the motives which prompted him to his journey were not very pressing, he gladly availed himself of them to visit the capital: he set off in spirits, and in this manner performed half of the route. In one of the inns where carriages stop, in the evening, to pass and rest the night, Dulilot was struck, on his arrival, by a woman whom he perceived there. A fasinating A fasinating countenance, an affecting look, that air which interests, and more than all this, that certain something which captivates, overset him in a moment. He was surprized, troubled, and enchanted, before he had reflected on the cause of an impression so warm and so sudden; his eyes greedily surveved the features of the person, the sight of whom agitated him he could not resist the desire of knowing who she was. He enquired of a clergyman who fre. quently conversed with her, and appeared to be acquainted with her; from him he learned that this woman, respectable from her birth and her manners, was flying from the injustice of her parents and the rigours of fate, by which she was alike pursued. This opening, by still exciting his curiosity, also moved his liberality: he offered the person who informed him, two louis d'ors, which he begged him to prevail on the amiable and unfortunate lady to accept, at the same time charging him to conceal from her the ben efactor. The clergyman undertook a commission so suitable to his character, and the zeal with which he accompanied the execution of it, made it succeed to Dulilots desire. In the mean time it was grow ing late; Dulilot, who sought only the means of making acquaintance with the beautiful stranger, contrive ed to engage her to supper. The lady displayed, during the repast, so much grace and wit, that she completely inspired Dulilot with the most violent passion. He learnt that Nerealle (this was the name the lady assumed) was going to Lyons; how was it possible for him to leave her, by continuing his route towards Paris? He changed his plan at the very instant; and resolving to charge his correspondents to supply his place at Paris, he returned to his own country, where he proposed to render service to Nervalle, who, after some difficulties, at length suffered Dulilot to accompany her. Before they had arrived, the obliging eclesiastic, who served her as a guardian and a guide, disappeared without his being able to learn what became of him; Dulilot was overjoyed at having it in his power to be his substitute; he was transported to find that he was become necessary; and he availed himself of the oportunities of the journey, to inform himself more fully of Nervalle's situation, of the causes of a grief which she appeared to wish teaceal, and of the reasons ed. My uncle destined me for which made her fly from her fam-person of his choice, that is to say, ily in order to take refuge in a strange country. One day, when he was pressing her more warmly, he backed his solicitations with so many assurances of discretion, and promises of attachment, that Nervalle, overcome, yielded to his desires. The interest that you take in my fate,' said she to him, is too generous not to surmount my repugnance to describe it to you, such as it is. I am the daughter of a gentleman, whose name is not perhaps unknown to you; I lost my mother very early in life, and with her that necessary guide of our tender years, that scource of consolation and salutary advice, which is so seldom to be supplied by any other person. My father died in the service; I was entrusted to the care of a very old uncle, who was rather fond of me. I should have found the quiet and retired kind of life, that he made me pass at his house, agreeable enough, had not the unsupportable temper of his wife tormented me incessantly. Among the small number of persons that he saw, there was a son of one of his friends, who formed upon me designs which I did not disapprove; he was young, amiable, and since my uncle admitted him into his house, it is needless to say that he considered him as a gentleman. He declared his intentions respecting me; but as fortune did not favour him, his proposal was not accept old and rich, but besides, so infirm and avaricious, that I could not find it in my heart to receive bin for a husband. My rejected lover had contrived to transmit me the marks of his despair, and the assurances of his eternal fidelity; I loved him; my uncle himself knew no other defect in him than his not having a sufficient fortune, and yet he wished to force me to follow his will in taking the odious miser whom I could not endure. The extremity to which he reduced me, made me yield to my inclination; I married my lover, after having eloped from my uncle's house. Our union being accomplished, my new husband compelled my uncle to give up to me the property of my father; scarcely did he possess it, when I saw him dissipate it by his prodigality to the extreme tenderness which he had at first shewn me, succeeded some shameful behaviour; he totaly deserted me; and having obtained a situation as an officer in the regiment of Bourbonnois, he set off for the Island of Corsica, where he is at present. My family exasperated, caused me to be sought after, in order to secure my person; I am flying from their anger, victim as I am, of a betrayed love I am looking for an asylum where I can pass my days quietly without feeling the resentment of my cruel relations. My friends have not quite forsaken |