The novels of Charles Brockden Brown, consisting of Wieland;or, The transformation. Arthur Mervyn; or, Memoirs of the year 1793. Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a sleep-walker. Jane Talbot. Ormond; or, The secret witness. Clara Howard; or, The enthusiasm of love. With a memoir of the author.

THE ENTHUSIASM OF LOVE.

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we are busy in marking the agreement between objects as
they rise before us, and our previous imaginations. Thus
it was with me. My palpitations increased as I drew near
the house to which I had been directed, and I could
scarcely govern my emotions sufficiently to inquire of the
servant who appeared to my summons, for Mrs. Howard.
I was ushered into a lighted parlour, and presently a
lady entered. She bore no marks of having passed the
middle age, and her countenance exhibited the union of
fortitude and sweetness. Her air was full of dignity and
condescension. Methought I wanted no other assurance
but that which the sight of her conveyed, that this was
the wife of my friend.
I was thrown, by her entrance, into some confusion, and
was at a loss in what manner to announce myself. The
moment she caught a distinct glance of my figure, her
features expanded into a smile, and, offering her hand,
she exclaimed,"Ahah! This, without doubt, is the young friend whom
we have so anxiously looked for. Your name is Philip
Stanley, and as such I welcome you, with the tenderness
of a mother, to this home." Turning to a servant who
followed her, she continued:-" Call Clara hither. Tell
her that a friend has arrived."
Before I had time to comment on this abrupt reception,
the door was again opened. A nymph, robed with the
most graceful simplicity, entered, and, advancing towards
me, offered me her hand.
"Here," said the elder lady, "is the son and brother
whom Mr. Howard promised to procure for us. Welcome
him, my girl, as such."
Lifting her eyes from the floor, and casting on me bashful but affectionate looks, the young lady said, in a half
whisper, "He is truly welcome," and again offered the
hand which, confounded and embarrassed as I at first
was, I had declined to accept. Now, however, I was less
backward.
An unaffected and sprightly conversation followed, that
tended to banish those timidities which were too apparent
in my deportment. Mrs. Howard entered into a gay and
almost humorous description of my person, such as she
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