youngest sister, was destined to take the veil, as the Baron d'Arrambert possessed all the pride of his ancestors, and considered, that by devoting his youngest child to her Maker, he should be enabled to increase the fortune of his son, who would thereby be better able to support the dignity of his house. His wife made no objection to these arrangements; she saw no reason why Josephine should not be a nun, especially as it was the custom in all families of rank to devote some of the females to a monastic life, and she had a sister, who was abbess of the convent in which her children resided.

Such was the situation of the chancellor's family, when Colonel Honeywood introduced Major Godefroï to the Baron d'Arrambert. The friends attended all Madame d'Arrambert's parties, and she invited them to join several of her relations, who were to accompany her to Antwerp, where she was going to see her daughters, and to be present when a re

lation of her's was professed, who had just then completed her noviciate. This ceremony was to take place in a few days. Colonel Honeywood and Major Godefroï were delighted at having such a favourable opportunity of gratifying their curiosity, and accepted the invitation. As the party were to stay sometime at Antwerp, a large house was taken for their accommodation, and Hubertine d'Arrambert being soon to pledge her faith at the altar, the Count de Belgrade was of course one of the party, and as a great indulgence, the sisters were permitted to remain with their mother.

Hubertine d'Arrambert was uncommonly tall of her age, and assuredly very handsome; she was extremely lively, and was in such raptures at being in the world, that she appeared like a bird escaped from its cage.

Major Godefroï was soon sensible of the charms and amiable disposition of Hubertine, and she was delighted in

having an opportunity of improving herself in the English language, which she was studying in the convent. She, therefore, constantly walked with the Major, and before she was aware of being in danger, had disposed of her heart; for she was so unacquainted with the manners of society, that she knew no reason. why she should disguise her feelings. Every one was so taken up with viewing the beautiful paintings of the Dutch and Flemish schools, that they did not notice what was going forward; and Hubertine and the Major had come to a full explanation of the sentiments which they entertained for each other, before the expiration of the week. The Count de Belgrade was an amiable man, and calculated to make the marriage state happy, as he possessed a good heart and many valuable qualifications; but he had paid no more attention to Hubertine d'Arrambert than to the rest of the party. It had been agreed for some years that one

should be his wife, and he had no idea that any thing could prevent an alliance, which was very desirable, as the Baron d'Arrambert's estates joined his, and some land, which the Count de Belgrade had long been anxious to possess, was to be part of Hubertine's portion.

An awful bell announced that the morning was arrived when Mademoiselle de Colbert was to resign the pomp and vanities of this wicked world, and the party were summoned to the convent of Notre Dame; but the multitude which were assembled in the hope of obtaining permission to see the beautiful girl make her vows was so great as to render it difficult to gain admittance.. As soon as it was known that the Baroness d'Arrambert and her party were waiting, measures were taken to procure them an entrance. Places had been prepared for them in a gallery opposite to the spot where Sophia de Colbert was to take her station. chapel was filled with novices, who were

The

decorating it with ornaments and flowers; and at the upper end was an eminence covered with a rich carpet, where the object who had brought so many spectators was to be seated. The ceremony that followed was most imposing: the father and brother of the devoted victim were both present, and weeping: they were dressed in deep mourning, and the English friends found great difficulty in refraining from joining them in tears. Their attention was now roused by the most solemn airs being performed on a fine-toned organ, accompanied by some of the most harmonious voices which they had ever heard, and immediately afterwards the procession commenced. The lady abbess first made her appearance, followed by all the nuns; after these came all the novices and the children educated in the convent; then Sophia de Colbert, holding a lighted taper in her hand. She was conducted by two sisters to the altar, which was nearly in