I am so far from pining for an interview with the Earl of Rochester, that nothing in the world should induce me to see him again.

I have loved him deeply," she continued in a tremulous tone; "nay, I will not attempt to disguise that I feel strongly towards him still, while I will also freely confess that his conduct towards me has so preyed upon my spirits, that it has impaired, perhaps destroyed, my health.

In spite of this, I cannot sufficiently rejoice that I have escaped the earl's snares--I cannot be sufficiently thankful to the merciful Being who, while he has thought fit to chastise me, has preserved me from utter ruin." "Since you are of this mind," returned Patience, in a tone of incredulity, "you are more to be rejoiced with than pitied.

But we are not overheard," she added, almost in a whisper, and glancing towards the door.

"You may entirely confide in me.