"But no sooner were these words uttered, than my heart smote me, for I thought of _you_, dear Albert, and suddenly a cloud seemed to pass over me, and my deceitful heart sickened at the thought of the possibility of losing you; and then I knew how ill I was prepared to yield that perfect obedience which we are called upon to yield to the will of heaven.--I believe my countenance betrayed somewhat of this self-condemning spirit, for Mr. Foley quickly asked, whilst fixing his searching eyes on mine, 'What, is there _nothing_ which could make you miserable?' and I trembled, and blushed, and felt a tear of shame rise in my eye, as I answered: "'Perhaps I deceive myself, and think of myself too highly. Perhaps--in short--at all events, I know that I am _trying_ so to feel, and so to think.' He laughed contemptuously, saying: "'I guessed how it was--poor Lady Adeline! this false system is spreading fearfully indeed!' What could he mean? Mamma told me on my repeating to her this conversation, 'that to many persons Mr. Foley would be a dangerous man; but not to you, my child; and I have a love for that wayward creature, the son of the dearest friend I ever possessed, which makes me incline to overlook his faults, and hope that he will amend them. Who knows but the mode of life we lead may be the means of sowing some good seed in his heart? However, my dear child, encourage not his conversation on such points.' I believe Mamma is right, for notwithstanding my dislike of his irreligious tenets, he is so well-informed, and so very diverting, that I cannot help being entertained by him. And in many respects I assure you, Albert, he is a good man, and general report bespeaks him such. He is very charitable; is kind to people in distress; and goes regularly to church, when he is with us--is not all this very unaccountable with his strange way of talking to me? I do not understand it, and indeed it is not worth thinking much about, one way or the other. Write to me, dear Albert, and tell me what your opinion is upon this subject. I wish in all things to conform to your wishes, and to model my opinion on yours: for I well know your excellent principles and unerring judgment. To-morrow, I allow myself to return to the delight of copying your dear bust, '_O che festa!_'--Sometimes (I am almost ashamed of telling you) I divert myself with putting my caps and hats on it, and please myself with the idea that it is very like _me_--do not laugh and call me 'foolish child!' Now I dislike that _you_ should call me child; remember the day you receive this I shall be seventeen, so put on all your gravity and consider me with due respect.