It happened once at Manheim, in the year 175—, late in the month of October, that there had been a frightful tempest through the night. The roads were become almost impassable from the rain, and three young ladies, who had been for some time inseparable companions in the public gardens, found themselves debarred of their usual promenade. Amelia and Maria, however, would by no means be prevented from making their appearance, at the hour appointed, in the house of their friend Florentine, for she had through the last fortnight been so reserved, melancholy, and nervous, that they had no doubt the storm must have alarmed and disturbed her exceedingly. Indeed, there had