"
"I firmly believe so, my child; it is you that I would
have know what it is that you love: I am satisfied
for myself. I repeat, did Anna Miller ever excite
such emotions?"
"Certainly not: my love to you is natural; but my
friendship for Anna rests on sympathy, and a
perfect knowledge of her character."
"I am glad, however, that you know her so well,
since you are so intimate. What testimony have
you of all this excellence?"
"Innate evidence. I see it--I feel it--Yes, that is the
best testimony--I feel her good qualities. Yes, my
friendship for Anna forms the spring of my
existence; while any accident or evil to you would
afflict me the same as if done to myself--this is
pure nature, you know."
"I know it is pleasing to learn it, come from what it
will," said the aunt, smiling, and rising to withdraw.
CHAPTER III.
SEVERAL days passed after this conversation, in the
ordinary quiet of a well regulated family.
Notwithstanding the house of Miss Emmerson stood
in the midst of the numberless villas that adorn
Manhattan Island, the habits of its mistress were
retiring and domestic. Julia was not of an age to
mingle much in society, and Anna had furnished her
with a theme for her meditations, that rather
rendered her averse from the confusion of company.
Her mind was constantly employed in canvassing
the qualities of the unseen Antonio. Her friend had
furnished her with a catalogue of his perfections in
gross, which her active thoughts were busily
arranging into form and substance.
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