I hope, my dear sir, you will find it convenient as well as agreeable to give me a favorable answer, with the signature of Mrs.
Valeer, as well as yourself.
With very great esteem, your humble servant, J.I.Elfonzo.
The moon and stars had grown pale when Ambulinia had retired to rest.

A crowd of unpleasant thoughts passed through her bosom.

Solitude dwelt in her chamber--no sound from the neighboring world penetrated its stillness; it appeared a temple of silence, of repose, and of mystery.
At that moment she heard a still voice calling her father.

In an instant, like the flash of lightning, a thought ran through her mind that it must be the bearer of Elfonzo's communication.

"It is not a dream!" she said, "no, I cannot read dreams.