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Mary clasped Florence's hands in hers, and though too feeble to speak very audibly, replied: "Florry, think not of the past; it has been very painful to us both, yet I thank God that you are right at last You kno I love you: I would give every treasure of earth to contribute to your happiness; and now that you are so blest, listen to er than alow on the horizon of your happiness--be warned in ti principals of Protestantisards the priests of Rome; it may be a hard task now, but it will be tenfold more difficult a year hence Go to hiuided and deceived, and reveal every circumstance connected with that unhappy period He will love you h unequal to the task Oh, my cousin, you prize his love more than truth; but the time will come when he will prize truthyou tell him all, and at once" She sank back, as if exhausted by her effort in speaking so long, yet firmly retained Florence's hand

"Mary, if I do this, it is at the risk of losing his esteem, which I prize even more than his love And after all, I cannot see that truth or duty requires this hu confession Should he ever question me, I should scorn to deceive him, and at once should tell hier in danger or blinded, need not reveal the past"

Mournfully Mary regarded her beautiful cousin

"Florry, if you conceal nothing now, he will estee his love in the cause of truth If, in after years, he discovers the past, he will tell you that, silently at least, you deceived him, and reproach you ant of candor and firmness Oh! there is a fearful risk to run; he will never place confidence in you again--be warned in time"

The entrance of Aunt Lizzy and Mrs Carlton prevented further conversation, and unclasping Mary's fingers, Florence disengaged her hand and left the roo their new ho closed in again, the invalid watched from her couch the countenance of Mr Stewart, as he sat earnestly conversing with her aunt Florence and Mr and Mrs Carlton were outsome necessary purchases, and Dr Bryant had been absent on business of his own since