"I do not much observe pictures," said Isabella: "much less have I
examined this young man so attentively as you seem to have done.
Ah? Matilda, your heart is in danger, but let me warn you as a
friend, he has owned to me that he is in love; it cannot be with
you, for yesterday was the first time you ever met--was it not?"

"Certainly," replied Matilda; "but why does my dearest Isabella
conclude from anything I have said, that"--she paused--then
continuing: "he saw you first, and I am far from having the vanity
to think that my little portion of charms could engage a heart
devoted to you; may you be happy, Isabella, whatever is the fate of
Matilda!"

"My lovely friend," said Isabella, whose heart was too honest to
resist a kind expression, "it is you that Theodore admires; I saw
it; I am persuaded of it; nor shall a thought of my own happiness
suffer me to interfere with yours."

This frankness drew tears from the gentle Matilda; and jealousy
that for a moment had raised a coolness between these amiable
maidens soon gave way to the natural sincerity and candour of their
souls. Each confessed to the other the impression that Theodore
had made on her; and this confidence was followed by a struggle of
generosity, each insisting on yielding her claim to her friend. At
length the dignity of Isabella's virtue reminding her of the
preference which Theodore had almost declared for her rival, made
her determine to conquer her passion, and cede the beloved object
to her friend.