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contained some latent signification which he was not exactly prepared to solve.

The two most concerned enjoyed their own particular thoughts upon the matter, with as much outward unconcern as they were able to put on. Breakfast ended, More felt as if released from the rack. He hastened to his own apartment, where he remained the whole day in a state of mind little better than what he had suffered the foregoing night. His only safety was to exclude every thought; to preserve as much as he could a state of torpor and insensibility. The instant he admitted an idea, that idea brought with it a crowd of others, not one of which but was in some way associated with the cause of all his sufferings. So unspeakable was his anguish, that at times his ravings were those of a madman. He narrowly escaped bringing upon himself the fearful visitation he

had imprecated on his own head. In these

fits of distraction he was more than once on the verge of self-murder; but the hand of Providence saved him from the horrid crime, and towards evening, exhausted nature found rest in sleep. He woke calmer and more subdued, and listening to the inward promptings of his conscience, sought and received from prayer that consolation and respite to his misery, which the Divine Mercy never withholds from those who ask it.

The scene of the breakfast hour was reenacted at dinner time. Lady Eda talked more than usual on the most common topics. Pierce was aware she did this as a blind to others and out of kindness to him; but the sound of her voice left him no power to abstract his thoughts. As all inanimate things vibrate to some particular chord, so his whole being thrilled when she spoke; even the rustle of her dress made his blood run cold. He himself made less effort to conceal the effects of his malady. He was

incapable of exertion. The sudden change in his manner and appearance was observed by all; and some, perhaps, half-guessing at the cause, ceased to throw out insinuations, which the conventions of society would have held as a breach of good feeling and

decorum.

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WHEN the ladies retired, and he was again by himself, he could not support the idea of going to bed. Sleep was out of the question. If he did fall asleep, he should dream of her; and then to wake and feel the sickening void, would only aggravate his misery. Oh! the dead, heavy pain to be endured till sleep came again. Oh! the days after days still blank, still the same, with memory going ever where he went. No peace! no peace! Friends to see, to

talk, to laugh with, all the functions of life the same, but now how burthensome! He felt hopeless, faithless, unpitied, alone, unloved for ever. He took pen and paper and

thus addressed her:

"I used hard words yesterday; I accused you of having trifled with me. I recall them; I would not leave you, perhaps for ever, with ill-feeling between us. Illfeeling? O Heaven! as if ill-feeling could exist in any heart toward you, and that heart mine! Mine, whose very principle of life is in its adoration of you! Mine, which for one throb false to you, I would with these nails dig out, and torture! O Eda! Indeed, indeed, I love you! But I will be calm. You told me to forget that I had ever seen you.' What mean you? that I am to destroy myself! Were I then sure of forgetfulness-no, no! 'Forget that I have seen you! My brain reels at the struggle:

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