It was late, and Markham pressed the old gentleman to dine with him. And their conversation grew extremely animated after dinner, and the priest was so communicative that he actually told Markham of the intention of proposing, and that immediately, to place Clara in a religious house on the continent. The enamoured barrister found that no time was to be lost; and though it might not be altogether consonant to his exquisitely refined notions of disinterestedness, he resolved to take the earliest opportunity of offering his hand to Clara. There is a point beyond which disinterestedness and generosity are not expected to proceed. Markham saw that he was now at that point; and as soon as his guest had left him, he wrote a note to Signora Rivolta, and another to Clara. These notes were received early on the following morning; and soon after them, and before the arrival of Father Martini, the barrister was at the house of Signora Rivolta, and whether it was accidental or intentional, Clara was alone in the drawing-room. Markham’s notes were on the table. The young gentleman saw the notes, and that they had been opened; and he knew by the countenance of the young lady that they had been read, and he thought that they had produced the effect designed. We have made very particular inquiries of both parties as to what was said by each, but we could not persuade them to tell us: in fact, they both protested that they did not know. We are sorry for this, because it would have made a beautiful scene, and have filled a chapter in a style perfectly original. From this moment the interest of the narrative ceases; and we have only to say, that the parents of Markham lived to see their son enjoy the fruits of integrity and intellect; and that Signora Rivolta was more leniently disposed towards heretics than Father Martini thought perfectly safe; and for fear he should witness her apostacy, he returned to Italy. Colonel Rivolta may be seen any day during the season smoking a cigar in Pall Mall. THE END. LONDON: PRINTED BY A. J. VALPY, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. INTERESTING WORKS JUST PUBLISHED BY HENRY COLBURN, NEW BURLINGTON STREET. 1. ZILLAH; a TALE of the HOLY CITY. By the Author of “BRAMBLETYE-HOUSE,” “THE TOR HILL,” and “REUBEN APSLEY.” Second Edition, in 3 vols. post 8vo. 31s. 6d.