in Elvira's commendation, praised her purity and fortitude of
mind, and declared that She had inspired him with the highest
esteem and reverence. Antonia's innocent heart swelled with
gratitude: Joy danced in her eyes, where a tear still sparkled.
The hopes which He gave her of her Mother's recovery, the lively
interest which He seemed to feel for her, and the flattering way
in which She was mentioned by him, added to the report of his
judgment and virtue, and to the impression made upon her by his
eloquence, confirmed the favourable opinion with which his first,
appearance had inspired Antonia. She replied with diffidence,
but without restraint: She feared not to relate to him all her
little sorrows, all her little fears and anxieties; and She
thanked him for his goodness with all the genuine warmth which
favours kindle in a young and innocent heart. Such alone know
how to estimate benefits at their full value. They who are
conscious of Mankind's perfidy and selfishness, ever receive an
obligation with apprehension and distrust: They suspect that
some secret motive must lurk behind it: They express their
thanks with restraint and caution, and fear to praise a kind
action to its full extent, aware that some future day a return
may be required. Not so Antonia; She thought the world was
composed only of those who resembled her, and that vice existed,
was to her still a secret. The Monk had been of service to her;
He said that He wished her well; She was grateful for his
kindness, and thought that no terms were strong enough to be the
vehicle of her thanks. With what delight did Ambrosio listen to
the declaration of her artless gratitude! The natural grace of
her manners, the unequalled sweetness of her voice, her modest
vivacity, her unstudied elegance, her expressive countenance, and
intelligent eyes united to inspire him with pleasure and