Repaid! nay, all gratitude--all homage is for me to render!" Blushing again, but with far different emotions than before, Irene, after a momentary pause, replied, "Yet, my Lord, I must consider it a debt the more weighty that you speak of it so lightly.

And now, complete the obligation.

I do not see my companion--suffer her to accompany me home; it is but a short way hence." "Blessed, then, is the air that I have breathed so unconsciously!" said Adrian.

"But thy companion, dear lady, is not here.

She fled, I imagine, in the confusion of the conflict; and not knowing thy name, nor being able, in thy then state, to learn it from thy lips, it was my happy necessity to convey thee hither;--but I will be thy companion.