r792. P^'er, a tale. J^T 



r ason, fhe spoke of her father, and turned the conversation- 

 off. Little did I imagine that Frederick was the cause of" 

 her grief. 



'' This young man, with all the heat incident to youth, 

 observed Theresa's lovelinefs as well myself. His virtue 

 was weaker than his pafsion. He knew our misfortunes j 

 he knevT how much we depended on him ; and was bold 

 enough to give Theresa to understand what reward he 

 expected for his patronage. My wife witnefsed her in- 

 dignation ; but knowing my character to be both violent 

 and jealous, flie with-held the fatal secret from me 5 while 

 I, too credulous, was daily laviih in the praises of my cap- 

 tain's generosity and friendHiij . 



" One day coming off guard, and returning home to 

 my wife, who fhould appear before my astoniihed eyes, 

 but Aimar! " At last I have found thee," exclaimed he, 

 '■ infamous ravifher ! Restore my daughter to me ! Give 

 me back that comfort thou hast robbed me of, thou trea- 

 cherous friend !" I fell at his knees : I endured the first 

 storm of his wrath. My tears began to soften him 5 he 

 consented to listen to me. I did not undertake my own 

 justification. " The deed is done j" said I, " Theresa is 

 mine 5 — Ihe is my wife I — P>ly life is in your hands, pu- 

 nilh me j — forgive your child, — your only daughter; Do 

 not di(honour herhufband, — do not let her fall a victim to 

 -grief; — forget me that you may more efiectually remem. 

 b^r lier." With that, instead of conducting him to The- 

 resa, I led him to the house where you were at nurse, m/ 

 girl. " Come," added I, " come and view one more, ycu 

 must extend your pity to." 



" You were in your cradle, Gertrude; you were fast 

 asleep ; your countenance, a lovely mixture of alabaster 

 and vermilion, was the picture of innocence and healtli, 

 Aimar gazed upon you. The big tear stood in his eye- 



