“It does seem to me, my dear sir,” said Ambulinia, “that you have been gone an age.  Oh, the restless hours I have spent since I last saw you, in yon beautiful grove.  There is where I trifled with your feelings for the express purpose of trying your attachment for me.  I now find you are devoted; but ah!  I trust you live not unguarded by the powers of Heaven.  Though oft did I refuse to join my hand with thine, and as oft did I cruelly mock thy entreaties with borrowed shapes:  yes, I feared to answer thee by terms, in words sincere and undissembled.  O! could I pursue, and you have leisure to hear the annals of my woes, the evening star would shut Heaven’s gates upon the impending day before my tale would be finished, and this night would find me soliciting your forgiveness.”

“Dismiss thy fears and thy doubts,” replied Elfonzo.

“Look, O! look:  that angelic look of thine—­bathe not thy visage in tears; banish those floods that are gathering; let my confession and my presence bring thee some relief.”  “Then, indeed, I will be cheerful,” said Ambulinia, “and I think if we will go to the exhibition this evening, we certainly will see something worthy of our attention.  One of the most tragical scenes is to be acted that has ever been witnessed, and one that every jealous-hearted person should learn a lesson from.  It cannot fail to have a good effect, as it will be performed by those who are young and vigorous, and learned as well as enticing.  You are aware, Major Elfonzo, who are to appear on the stage, and what the characters are to represent.”  “I am acquainted with the circumstances,” replied Elfonzo, “and as I am to be one of the musicians upon that interesting occasion, I should be much gratified if you would favor me with your company during the hours of the exercises.”

“What strange notions are in your mind?” inquired Ambulinia.  “Now I know you have something in view, and I desire you to tell me why it is that you are so anxious that I should continue with you while the exercises are going on; though if you think I can add to your happiness and predilections, I have no particular objection to acquiesce in your request.  Oh, I think I foresee, now, what you anticipate.”  “And will you have the goodness to tell me what you think it will be?” inquired Elfonzo.  “By all means,” answered Ambulinia; “a rival, sir, you would fancy in your own mind; but let me say for you, fear not! fear not!  I will be one of the last persons to disgrace my sex by thus encouraging every one who may feel disposed to visit me, who may honor me with their graceful bows and their choicest compliments.  It is true that young men too often mistake civil politeness for the finer emotions of the heart, which is tantamount to courtship; but, ah! how often are they deceived, when they come to test the weight of sunbeams with those on whose strength hangs the future happiness of an untried life.”