There was no fear of my transgressing her wishes in this respect.

I had already lost my dread,--my awe was melting away, but I could no more approach him with familiarity than if fourfold bars of gold surrounded him.

I had another conviction, that she encouraged and wished me to return the attachment of Richard Clyde.

Her urgent advice had induced me to accept the proffered correspondence with him,--a compliance which I afterwards bitterly regretted.

He professed to write only as a _friend_, according to the bond, but amid the evergreen wreath of friendship, he concealed the glowing flowers of love.