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No one knew from whence He came, and when questioned in the subject He preserved a profound silence A Stranger, whose rich habit and uished rank, had engaged the Monks to receive a Novice, and had deposited the necessary sums The next day He returned with Rosario, and from that time no more had been heard of him

The Youth had carefully avoided the company of the Monks: He answered their civilities with sweetness, but reserve, and evidently showed that his inclination led hieneral rule the Superior was the only exception To hiht his coerly seized every ratiate himself in his favour In the Abbot's society his Heart seeaiety pervaded his whole manners and discourse Ambrosio on his side did not feel less attracted towards the Youth; With him alone did He lay aside his habitual severity When He spoke to him, He insensibly assumed a tone milder than was usual to him; and no voice sounded so sweet to him as did Rosario's He repayed the Youth's attentions by instructing him in various sciences; The Novice received his lessons with docility; Ambrosio was every day more charmed with the vivacity of his Genius, the simplicity of his manners, and the rectitude of his heart: In short He loved him with all the affection of a Father He could not help so a desire secretly to see the face of his Pupil; But his rule of self-denial extended even to curiosity, and prevented hi his wishes to the Youth

'Pardon my intrusion, Father,' said Rosario, while He placed his basket upon the Table; 'I coerously ill, I entreat your prayers for his recovery If supplications can prevail upon heaven to spare him, surely yours must be efficacious'

'Whatever depends upon me, my Son, you know that you may command

What is your Friend's name?'

'Vincentio della Ronda'

''Tis sufficient I will not forget hin to listen to my intercession!--What have you in your basket, Rosario?'

'A few of those flowers, reverend Father, which I have observed to bethem in your chamber?'

'Your attentions charm me, my Son'

While Rosario dispersed the contents of his Basket in small Vases placed for that purpose in various parts of the room, the Abbot thus continued the conversation