Antonia spoke of her Mother’s health with all the enthusiastic joy of a youthful heart.
‘I admire your filial affection,’ said the Abbot; ‘It proves the excellence and sensibility of your character; It promises a treasure to him whom Heaven has destined to possess your affections. The Breast, so capable of fondness for a Parent, what will it feel for a Lover? Nay, perhaps, what feels it for one even now? Tell me, my lovely Daughter; Have you known what it is to love? Answer me with sincerity: Forget my habit, and consider me only as a Friend.’
‘What it is to love?’ said She, repeating his question; ‘Oh! yes, undoubtedly; I have loved many, many People.’
‘That is not what I mean. The love of which I speak can be felt only for one. Have you never seen the Man whom you wished to be your Hu
