ing the doors as he passed through. Once more alone, Viola had again scope for meditation: What would Albenza think, was the first presentation of her thoughts, and one that so entirely overcame her, as to leave no resource but to dismiss it as soon as possible. That the unhappy Gradisca, already sufficiently bowed down by adversity, should thus at last fall into the net spread by her enemies, was an idea replete with anguish; for she plainly saw through the schemes of the Marchese, whose purpose it was not only to secure one victim, but completely to ensnare the other. In sorrowful ruminations on her own destiny, and tender anxiety for the fate of him she loved, did Viola pass her long and solitary day, without a book, or one single solace to beguile the heavy mo. notony of inactive existence; yet as

the

the hour approached when she might expect the coming of Beatrice, apprehension chilled her bosom; for the account of Laurentine had given her a most unfavourable prospect in her new gaoler, and she had early learnt to think hardness and depravity in a female form, infinitely more disgusting and fatal, than in any other shape whatever. Her conjectures, however, on this subject were soon dispersed by the entrance of the woman, and her own observations soon convinced her that Laurentine had drawn her description but too faithfully. She was tall, awkward, and masculine; a face of uncommon ugliness was assisted by an expression of cunning and harshness; and as Viola withdrew her eyes from this short survey of her companion, she felt assured no one soft sentiment could exist in so ruthless a dwelling.

dwelling. She was laden with a large bundle of wearing apparel belonging to Viola; her purse, containing her whole little stock of money; and an hour-glass, which she placed upon the table; and then observing in a laconic manner, that the provisions would hold out till the next evening, when she should return again, quitted the room without the smallest salutation, leaving to solitude and sadness the dejected Viola, though still determining to look forward with hope, and to acquire fortitude and resignation. The effort, as is generally the case, was in a degree followed by success; and, miserable as she was, she carefully avoided giving way to those violent paroxysms of grief, which only injure the constitution, and enervate the mind. Her sorrow was settled, but serene; that gloomy window, at

first so despised, now became a consolation and source of comfort; while a pencil, found by accident among her clothes, was regarded with exquisite satisfaction; and the pleasure she experienced in delineating the distant landscape on the rough walls of her prison, effectually evinced that a mind, naturally active and vigorous, will, though apparently deprived of every means of enjoyment, find solid resources within itself.

CHAP

CHAP. V.

"Every thing becomes intolerable to the man who is once subdued by grief."

BOLINGBROKE'S Reflections upon Exile.

WITHOUT dwelling further on the painful feelings of Albenza, the hopes, doubts, and guilty fears of the Marchese, or the more dark and inscrutable plans of Zanotti, we will hasten to that period, when a numerous and splendid retinue announced the near approach of Montebino and his daughter to the castle. At that moment the Marchese and Zanotti were engaged over a game at chess, while Albenza, wholly occupied with the idea of Viola's flight, was leaning with folded arms against the window,