VolumeI
　　CHAPTERI。
　　ABoardingSchool。
　　CHAPTERII。
　　DomesticConcerns。
　　CHAPTERIII。
　　UnexpectedMisfortunes。
　　CHAPTERIV。
　　ChangeofFortune。
　　CHAPTERV。
　　SuchThingsAre。
　　CHAPTERVI。
　　AnIntriguingTeacher。
　　CHAPTERVII。
　　NaturalSenseofProprietyInherentintheFemaleBosom。
　　CHAPTERVIII。
　　DomesticPleasuresPlanned。
　　CHAPTERIX。
　　WeKnowNotWhataDayMayBringForth。
　　CHAPTERX。
　　WhenWeHaveExcitedCuriosity，ItIsButanActofGoodNaturetoGratifyit。
　　CHAPTERXI。
　　ConflictofLoveandDuty。
　　CHAPTERXII。
　　Nature’slast，bestgift：
　　Creatureinwhomexcell’d，whatevercouldTosightorthoughtbenam’d！
　　Holy，divine！good，amiable，andsweet！
　　Howthouartfalln’！——
　　CHAPTERXIII。
　　CruelDisappointment。
　　CHAPTERXIV。
　　MaternalSorrow。
　　CHAPTERXV。
　　Embarkation。
　　CHAPTERXVI。
　　NecessaryDigression。
　　CHAPTERXVII。
　　AWedding。
　　VOLUMEII。
　　CHAPTERXVIII。
　　Reflections。
　　CHAPTERXIX。
　　AMistakeDiscovered。
　　CHAPTERXX。
　　Virtueneverappearssoamiableaswhenreachingforthherhandtoraiseafallensister。
　　ChapterofAccidents。
　　CHAPTERXXI。
　　Teachmetofeelanother’swoe，TohidethefaultIsee，ThatmercyItoothersshowThatmercyshowtome。POPE。
　　CHAPTERXXII。
　　SorrowsoftheHeart。
　　CHAPTERXXIII。
　　AManMaySmile，andSmile，andBeaVillain。
　　CHAPTERXXIV。
　　MysteryDeveloped。
　　CHAPTERXXV。
　　ReceptionofaLetter。
　　CHAPTERXXVI。
　　WhatMightBeExpected。
　　CHAPTERXXVII。
　　Pensiveshemourn’d，andhungherlanguidhead，Likeafairlilyovercharg’dwithdew。
　　CHAPTERXXVIII。
　　ATriflingRetrospect。
　　CHAPTERXXIX。
　　WeGoForwardAgain。
　　CHAPTERXXX。
　　Andwhatisfriendshipbutaname，Acharmthatlullstosleep，Ashadethatfollowswealthandfame，Butleavesthewretchtoweep。
　　CHAPTERXXXI。
　　SubjectContinued。
　　CHAPTERXXXII。
　　ReasonsWhyandWherefore。
　　CHAPTERXXXIII。
　　WhichPeopleVoidofFeelingNeedNotRead。
　　CHAPTERXXXIV。
　　Retribution。
　　CHAPTERXXXV。
　　Conclusion。
　　PREFACE。
　　FORtheperusaloftheyoungandthoughtlessofthefairsex，thisTaleofTruthisdesigned;andIcouldwishmyfairreaderstoconsideritasnotmerelytheeffusionofFancy，butasareality。
　　ThecircumstancesonwhichIhavefoundedthisnovelwererelatedtomesomelittletimesincebyanoldladywhohadpersonallyknownCharlotte，thoughsheconcealedtherealnamesofthecharacters，andlikewisetheplacewheretheunfortunatesceneswereacted：
　　yetasitwasimpossibletoofferarelationtothepublicinsuchanimperfectstate，Ihavethrownoverthewholeaslightveiloffiction，andsubstitutednamesandplacesaccordingtomyownfancy。
　　Theprincipalcharactersinthislittletalearenowconsignedtothesilenttomb：itcanthereforehurtthefeelingsofnoone;
　　andmay，Iflattermyself，beofservicetosomewhoaresounfortunateastohaveneitherfriendstoadvise，orunderstandingtodirectthem，throughthevariousandunexpectedevilsthatattendayoungandunprotectedwomaninherfirstentranceintolife。
　　WhilethetearofcompassionstilltrembledinmyeyeforthefateoftheunhappyCharlotte，Imayhavechildrenofmyown，saidI，towhomthisrecitalmaybeofuse，andiftoyourownchildren，saidBenevolence，whynottothemanydaughtersofMisfortunewho，deprivedofnaturalfriends，orspoiltbyamistakeneducation，arethrownonanunfeelingworldwithouttheleastpowertodefendthemselvesfromthesnaresnotonlyoftheothersex，butfromthemoredangerousartsoftheprofligateoftheirown。
　　SensibleasIamthatanovelwriter，atatimewhensuchavarietyofworksareusheredintotheworldunderthatname，standsbutapoorchanceforfameintheannalsofliterature，butconsciousthatIwrotewithamindanxiousforthehappinessofthatsexwhosemoralsandconducthavesopowerfulaninfluenceonmankindingeneral;
　　andconvincedthatIhavenotwrotealinethatconveysawrongideatotheheadoracorruptwishtotheheart，Ishallrestsatisfiedinthepurityofmyownintentions，andifImeritnotapplause，IfeelthatIdreadnotcensure。
　　IfthefollowingtaleshouldsaveonehaplessfaironefromtheerrorswhichruinedpoorCharlotte，orrescuefromimpendingmiserytheheartofoneanxiousparent，Ishallfeelamuchhighergratificationinreflectingonthistriflingperformance，thancouldpossiblyresultfromtheapplausewhichmightattendthemostelegantfinishedpieceofliteraturewhosetendencymightdepravetheheartormisleadtheunderstanding。
　　CHARLOTTETEMPLE，VOLUMEI
　　CHAPTERI。
　　ABOARDINGSCHOOL。
　　"AREyouforawalk，"saidMontravilletohiscompanion，astheyarosefromtable;"areyouforawalk？orshallweorderthechaiseandproceedtoPortsmouth？"Belcourpreferredtheformer;
　　andtheysaunteredouttoviewthetown，andtomakeremarksontheinhabitants，astheyreturnedfromchurch。
　　MontravillewasaLieutenantinthearmy：Belcourwashisbrotherofficer：theyhadbeentotakeleaveoftheirfriendsprevioustotheirdepartureforAmerica，andwerenowreturningtoPortsmouth，wherethetroopswaitedordersforembarkation。
　　TheyhadstoppedatChichestertodine;andknowingtheyhadsufficienttimetoreachtheplaceofdestinationbeforedark，andyetallowthemawalk，hadresolved，itbeingSundayafternoon，totakeasurveyoftheChichesterladiesastheyreturnedfromtheirdevotions。
　　Theyhadgratifiedtheircuriosity，andwerepreparingtoreturntotheinnwithouthonouringanyofthebelleswithparticularnotice，whenMadameDuPont，attheheadofherschool，descendedfromthechurch。Suchanassemblageofyouthandinnocencenaturallyattractedtheyoungsoldiers：theystopped;and，asthelittlecavalcadepassed，almostinvoluntarilypulledofftheirhats。
　　Atall，elegantgirllookedatMontravilleandblushed：
　　heinstantlyrecollectedthefeaturesofCharlotteTemple，whomhehadonceseenanddancedwithataballatPortsmouth。
　　Atthattimehethoughtonheronlyasaverylovelychild，shebeingthenonlythirteen;buttheimprovementtwoyearshadmadeinherperson，andtheblushofrecollectionwhichsuffusedhercheeksasshepassed，awakenedinhisbosomnewandpleasingideas。
　　Vanityledhimtothinkthatpleasureatagainbeholdinghimmighthaveoccasionedtheemotionhehadwitnessed，andthesamevanityledhimtowishtoseeheragain。
　　"Sheisthesweetestgirlintheworld，"saidhe，asheenteredtheinn。
　　Belcourstared。"Didyounotnoticeher？"continuedMontraville：
　　"shehadonabluebonnet，andwithapairoflovelyeyesofthesamecolour，hascontrivedtomakemefeeldevilishoddabouttheheart。"
　　"Pho，"saidBelcour，"amusketballfromourfriends，theAmericans，mayinlessthantwomonthsmakeyoufeelworse。"
　　"Ineverthinkofthefuture，"repliedMontraville;"butamdeterminedtomakethemostofthepresent，andwouldwillinglycompoundwithanykindFamiliarwhowouldinformmewhothegirlis，andhowImightbelikelytoobtainaninterview。"
　　ButnokindFamiliaratthattimeappearing，andthechaisewhichtheyhadordered，drivinguptothedoor，MontravilleandhiscompanionwereobligedtotakeleaveofChichesteranditsfairinhabitant，andproceedontheirjourney。
　　ButCharlottehadmadetoogreatanimpressiononhismindtobeeasilyeradicated：havingthereforespentthreewholedaysinthinkingonherandinendeavouringtoformsomeplanforseeingher，hedeterminedtosetoffforChichester，andtrusttochanceeithertofavourorfrustratehisdesigns。
　　Arrivingatthevergeofthetown，hedismounted，andsendingtheservantforwardwiththehorses，proceededtowardtheplace，where，inthemidstofanextensivepleasureground，stoodthemansionwhichcontainedthelovelyCharlotteTemple。
　　Montravilleleanedonabrokengate，andlookedearnestlyatthehouse。
　　Thewallwhichsurroundeditwashigh，andperhapstheArgus’swhoguardedtheHesperianfruitwithin，weremorewatchfulthanthosefamedofold。
　　"’Tisaromanticattempt，"saidhe;"andshouldIevensucceedinseeingandconversingwithher，itcanbeproductiveofnogood：
　　ImustofnecessityleaveEnglandinafewdays，andprobablymayneverreturn;whythenshouldIendeavourtoengagetheaffectionsofthislovelygirl，onlytoleaveherapreytoathousandinquietudes，ofwhichatpresentshehasnoidea？
　　IwillreturntoPortsmouthandthinknomoreabouther。"
　　Theeveningnowwasclosed;aserenestillnessreigned;
　　andthechasteQueenofNightwithhersilvercrescentfaintlyilluminatedthehemisphere。ThemindofMontravillewashushedintocomposurebytheserenityofthesurroundingobjects。
　　"Iwillthinkonhernomore，"saidhe，andturnedwithanintentiontoleavetheplace;butasheturned，hesawthegatewhichledtothepleasuregroundsopen，andtwowomencomeout，whowalkedarm-in-armacrossthefield。
　　"Iwillatleastseewhotheseare，"saidhe。Heovertookthem，andgivingthemthecomplimentsoftheevening，beggedleavetoseethemintothemorefrequentedpartsofthetown：
　　buthowwashedelighted，when，waitingforananswer，hediscovered，undertheconcealmentofalargebonnet，thefaceofCharlotteTemple。
　　Hesoonfoundmeanstoingratiatehimselfwithhercompanion，whowasaFrenchteacherattheschool，and，atparting，slippedaletterhehadpurposelywritten，intoCharlotte’shand，andfiveguineasintothatofMademoiselle，whopromisedshewouldendeavourtobringheryoungchargeintothefieldagainthenextevening。
　　CHAPTERII。
　　DOMESTICCONCERNS。
　　MR。Templewastheyoungestsonofanoblemanwhosefortunewasbynomeansadequatetotheantiquity，grandeur，andImayadd，prideofthefamily。
　　Hesawhiselderbrothermadecompletelywretchedbymarryingadisagreeablewoman，whosefortunehelpedtopropthesinkingdignityofthehouse;andhebeheldhissisterslegallyprostitutedtoold，decrepidmen，whosetitlesgavethemconsequenceintheeyesoftheworld，andwhoseaffluencerenderedthemsplendidlymiserable。
　　"Iwillnotsacrificeinternalhappinessforoutwardshew，"saidhe：
　　"IwillseekContent;and，ifIfindherinacottage，willembraceherwithasmuchcordialityasIshouldifseatedonathrone。"
　　Mr。Templepossessedasmallestateofaboutfivehundredpoundsayear;andwiththatheresolvedtopreserveindependence，tomarrywherethefeelingsofhisheartshoulddirecthim，andtoconfinehisexpenseswithinthelimitsofhisincome。
　　Hehadaheartopentoeverygenerousfeelingofhumanity，andahandreadytodispensetothosewhowantedpartoftheblessingsheenjoyedhimself。
　　Ashewasuniversallyknowntobethefriendoftheunfortunate，hisadviceandbountywasfrequentlysolicited;norwasitseldomthathesoughtoutindigentmerit，andraiseditfromobscurity，confininghisownexpenseswithinaverynarrowcompass。
　　"Youareabenevolentfellow，"saidayoungofficertohimoneday;
　　"andIhaveagreatmindtogiveyouafinesubjecttoexercisethegoodnessofyourheartupon。"
　　"Youcannotobligememore，"saidTemple，"thantopointoutanywaybywhichIcanbeserviceabletomyfellowcreatures。"
　　"Comealongthen，"saidtheyoungman，"wewillgoandvisitamanwhoisnotinsogoodalodgingashedeserves;and，wereitnotthathehasanangelwithhim，whocomfortsandsupportshim，hemustlongsincehavesunkunderhismisfortunes。"
　　Theyoungman’sheartwastoofulltoproceed;andTemple，unwillingtoirritatehisfeelingsbymakingfurtherenquiries，followedhiminsilence，tiltheyarrivedattheFleetprison。
　　TheofficerenquiredforCaptainEldridge：apersonledthemupseveralpairofdirtystairs，andpointingtoadoorwhichledtoamiserable，smallapartment，saidthatwastheCaptain’sroom，andretired。
　　Theofficer，whosenamewasBlakeney，tappedatthedoor，andwasbidtoenterbyavoicemelodiouslysoft。Heopenedthedoor，anddiscoveredtoTempleascenewhichrivettedhimtothespotwithastonishment。
　　Theapartment，thoughsmall，andbearingstrongmarksofpoverty，wasneatintheextreme。Inanarm-chair，hisheadreclineduponhishand，hiseyesfixedonabookwhichlayopenbeforehim，satanagedmaninaLieutenant’suniform，which，thoughthreadbare，wouldsoonercallablushofshameintothefaceofthosewhocouldneglectrealmerit，thancausethehecticofconfusiontoglowonthecheeksofhimwhoworeit。
　　Besidehimsatalovelycreaturebusiedinpaintingafanmount。
　　Shewasfairasthelily，butsorrowhadnippedtheroseinhercheekbeforeitwashalfblown。Hereyeswereblue;andherhair，whichwaslightbrown，wasslightlyconfinedunderaplainmuslincap，tiedroundwithablackribbon;awhitelinengownandplainlawnhandkerchiefcomposedtheremainderofherdress;
　　andinthissimpleattire，shewasmoreirresistiblycharmingtosuchaheartasTemple’s，thanshewouldhavebeen，ifadornedwithallthesplendorofacourtlybelle。
　　Whentheyentered，theoldmanarosefromhisseat，andshakingBlakeneybythehandwithgreatcordiality，offeredTemplehischair;
　　andtherebeingbutthreeintheroom，seatedhimselfonthesideofhislittlebedwithevidentcomposure。
　　"Thisisastrangeplace，"saidhetoTemple，"toreceivevisitorsofdistinctionin;butwemustfitourfeelingstoourstation。
　　WhileIamnotashamedtoownthecausewhichbroughtmehere，whyshouldIblushatmysituation？Ourmisfortunesarenotourfaults;
　　andwereitnotforthatpoorgirl——"
　　Herethephilosopherwaslostinthefather。Herosehastilyfromhisseat，andwalkingtowardthewindow，wipedoffatearwhichhewasafraidwouldtarnishthecheekofasailor。
　　TemplecasthiseyeonMissEldridge：apelluciddrophadstolenfromhereyes，andfallenuponaroseshewaspainting。
　　Itblottedanddiscolouredtheflower。"’Tisemblematic，"
　　saidhementally："theroseofyouthandhealthsoonfadeswhenwateredbythetearofaffliction。"
　　"MyfriendBlakeney，"saidhe，addressingtheoldman，"toldmeI
　　couldbeofservicetoyou：besokindthen，dearSir，astopointoutsomewayinwhichIcanrelievetheanxietyofyourheartandincreasethepleasuresofmyown。"
　　"Mygoodyoungman，"saidEldridge，"youknownotwhatyouoffer。
　　WhiledeprivedofmylibertyIcannotbefreefromanxietyonmyownaccount;butthatisatriflingconcern;myanxiousthoughtsextendtoonemoredearathousandtimesthanlife：
　　Iamapoorweakoldman，andmustexpectinafewyearstosinkintosilenceandoblivion;butwhenIamgone，whowillprotectthatfairbudofinnocencefromtheblastsofadversity，orfromthecruelhandofinsultanddishonour。"
　　"Oh，myfather！"criedMissEldridge，tenderlytakinghishand，"benotanxiousonthataccount;fordailyaremyprayersofferedtoheaventhatourlivesmayterminateatthesameinstant，andonegravereceiveusboth;forwhyshouldIlivewhendeprivedofmyonlyfriend。"
　　Templewasmovedeventotears。"Youwillbothlivemanyyears，"
　　saidhe，"andIhopeseemuchhappiness。Cheerly，myfriend，cheerly;
　　thesepassingcloudsofadversitywillserveonlytomakethesunshineofprosperitymorepleasing。Butwearelosingtime：
　　youmighterethishavetoldmewhowereyourcreditors，whatweretheirdemands，andotherparticularsnecessarytoyourliberation。"
　　"Mystoryisshort，"saidMr。Eldridge，"buttherearesomeparticularswhichwillwringmyheartbarelytoremember;yettoonewhoseoffersoffriendshipappearsoopenanddisinterested，Iwillrelateeverycircumstancethatledtomypresent，painfulsituation。
　　Butmychild，"continuedhe，addressinghisdaughter，"letmeprevailonyoutotakethisopportunity，whilemyfriendsarewithme，toenjoythebenefitofairandexercise。
　　Go，mylove;leavemenow;to-morrowatyourusualhourIwillexpectyou。"
　　MissEldridgeimpressedonhischeekthekissoffilialaffection，andobeyed。
　　CHAPTERIII。
　　UNEXPECTEDMISFORTUNES。
　　"MYlife，"saidMr。Eldridge，"tillwithinthesefewyearswasmarkedbynoparticularcircumstancedeservingnotice。Iearlyembracedthelifeofasailor，andhaveservedmyKingwithunremittedardourformanyyears。Attheageoftwenty-fiveImarriedanamiablewoman;
　　oneson，andthegirlwhojustnowleftus，werethefruitsofourunion。
　　Myboyhadgeniusandspirit。Istraitenedmylittleincometogivehimaliberaleducation，buttherapidprogresshemadeinhisstudiesamplycompensatedfortheinconvenience。
　　AttheacademywherehereceivedhiseducationhecommencedanacquaintancewithaMr。Lewis，ayoungmanofaffluentfortune：
　　astheygrewuptheirintimacyripenedintofriendship，andtheybecamealmostinseparablecompanions。
　　"Georgechosetheprofessionofasoldier。Ihadneitherfriendsormoneytoprocurehimacommission，andhadwishedhimtoembraceanauticallife：butthiswasrepugnanttohiswishes，andIceasedtourgehimonthesubject。
　　"ThefriendshipsubsistingbetweenLewisandmysonwasofsuchanatureasgavehimfreeaccesstoourfamily;andsospeciouswashismannerthatwehesitatednottostatetohimallourlittledifficultiesinregardtoGeorge’sfutureviews。
　　Helistenedtouswithattention，andofferedtoadvanceanysumnecessaryforhisfirstsettingout。
　　"Iembracedtheoffer，andgavehimmynoteforthepaymentofit，buthewouldnotsuffermetomentionanystipulatedtime，ashesaidImightdoitwhenevermostconvenienttomyself。
　　AboutthistimemydearLucyreturnedfromschool，andIsoonbegantoimagineLewislookedatherwitheyesofaffection。
　　Igavemychildacautiontobewareofhim，andtolookonhermotherasherfe，，end。Shewasunaffectedlyartless;andwhen，asIsuspected，Lewismadeprofessionsoflove，sheconfidedinherparents，andassuredusherheartwasperfectlyunbiassedinhisfavour，andshewouldchearfullysubmittoourdirection。
　　"Itookanearlyopportunityofquestioninghimconcerninghisintentionstowardsmychild：hegaveanequivocalanswer，andIforbadehimthehouse。
　　"Thenextdayhesentanddemandedpaymentofhismoney。
　　Itwasnotinmypowertocomplywiththedemand。Irequestedthreedaystoendeavourtoraiseit，determininginthattimetomortgagemyhalfpay，andliveonasmallannuitywhichmywifepossessed，ratherthanbeunderanobligationtosoworthlessaman：
　　butthisshorttimewasnotallowedme;forthatevening，asIwassittingdowntosupper，unsuspiciousofdanger，anofficerentered，andtoremefromtheembracesofmyfamily。
　　"Mywifehadbeenforsometimeinadecliningstateofhealth：
　　ruinatoncesounexpectedandinevitablewasastrokeshewasnotpreparedtobear，andIsawherfaintintothearmsofourservant，asIleftmyownhabitationforthecomfortlesswallsofaprison。
　　MypoorLucy，distractedwithherfearsforusboth，sunkonthefloorandendeavouredtodetainmebyherfeebleefforts，butinvain;
　　theyforcedopenherarms;sheshrieked，andfellprostrate。
　　Butpardonme。Thehorrorsofthatnightunmanme。
　　Icannotproceed。"
　　Herosefromhisseat，andwalkedseveraltimesacrosstheroom：
　　atlength，attainingmorecomposure，hecried——"WhatamereinfantIam！Why，Sir，Ineverfeltthusinthedayofbattle。"
　　"No，"saidTemple;"butthetrulybravesoulistremblinglyalivetothefeelingsofhumanity。"
　　"True，"repliedtheoldman，（somethinglikesatisfactiondartingacrosshisfeatures）"andpainfulasthesefeelingsare，Iwouldnotexchangethemforthattorporwhichthestoicmistakesforphilosophy。
　　HowmanyexquisitedelightsshouldIhavepassedbyunnoticed，butforthesekeensensations，thisquicksenseofhappinessormisery？
　　Thenletus，myfriend，takethecupoflifeasitispresentedtous，temperedbythehandofawiseProvidence;bethankfulforthegood，bepatientundertheevil，andpresumenottoenquirewhythelatterpredominates。"
　　"Thisistruephilosophy，"saidTemple。
　　"’Tistheonlywaytoreconcileourselvestothecrosseventsoflife，"
　　repliedhe。"ButIforgetmyself。Iwillnotlongerintrudeonyourpatience，butproceedinmymelancholytale。
　　"TheveryeveningthatIwastakentoprison，mysonarrivedfromIreland，wherehehadbeensometimewithhisregiment。
　　Fromthedistractedexpressionsofhismotherandsister，helearntbywhomIhadbeenarrested;and，lateasitwas，flewonthewingsofwoundedaffection，tothehouseofhisfalsefriend，andearnestlyenquiredthecauseofthiscruelconduct。Withallthecalmnessofacooldeliberatevillain，heavowedhispassionforLucy;
　　declaredhersituationinlifewouldnotpermithimtomarryher;
　　butofferedtoreleasemeimmediately，andmakeanysettlementonher，ifGeorgewouldpersuadehertolive，asheimpiouslytermedit，alifeofhonour。
　　"Firedattheinsultofferedtoamanandasoldier，myboystruckthevillain，andachallengeensued。Hethenwenttoacoffee-houseintheneighbourhoodandwrotealongaffectionatelettertome，blaminghimselfseverelyforhavingintroducedLewisintothefamily，orpermittedhimtoconferanobligation，whichhadbroughtinevitableruinonusall。Hebeggedme，whatevermightbetheeventoftheensuingmorning，nottosufferregretorunavailingsorrowforhisfate，toencreasetheanguishofmyheart，whichhegreatlyfearedwasalreadyinsupportable。
　　"Thisletterwasdeliveredtomeearlyinthemorning。
　　Itwouldbevaintoattemptdescribingmyfeelingsontheperusalofit;sufficeittosay，thatamercifulProvidenceinterposed，andIwasforthreeweeksinsensibletomiseriesalmostbeyondthestrengthofhumannaturetosupport。
　　"Afeverandstrongdeliriumseizedme，andmylifewasdespairedof。
　　Atlength，nature，overpoweredwithfatigue，gavewaytothesalutarypowerofrest，andaquietslumberofsomehoursrestoredmetoreason，thoughtheextremeweaknessofmyframepreventedmyfeelingmydistresssoacutelyasIotherwaysshould。
　　"Thefirstobjectthatstruckmeonawaking，wasLucysittingbymybedside;herpalecountenanceandsabledresspreventedmyenquiriesforpoorGeorge：fortheletterIhadreceivedfromhim，wasthefirstthingthatoccurredtomymemory。
　　Bydegreestherestreturned：Irecollectedbeingarrested，butcouldnowaysaccountforbeinginthisapartment，whithertheyhadconveyedmeduringmyillness。
　　"Iwassoweakastobealmostunabletospeak。IpressedLucy’shand，andlookedearnestlyroundtheapartmentinsearchofanotherdearobject。
　　"Whereisyourmother？"saidI，faintly。
　　"Thepoorgirlcouldnotanswer：sheshookherheadinexpressivesilence;
　　andthrowingherselfonthebed，foldedherarmsaboutme，andburstintotears。
　　"What！bothgone？"saidI。
　　"Both，"shereplied，endeavouringtorestrainheremotions：
　　"buttheyarehappy，nodoubt。"
　　HereMr。Eldridgepaused：therecollectionofthescenewastoopainfultopermithimtoproceed。
　　CHAPTERIV。
　　CHANGEOFFORTUNE。
　　"ITwassomedays，"continuedMr。Eldridge，recoveringhimself，"beforeIcouldventuretoenquiretheparticularsofwhathadhappenedduringmyillness：atlengthIassumedcouragetoaskmydeargirlhowlonghermotherandbrotherhadbeendead：
　　shetoldme，thatthemorningaftermyarrest，Georgecamehomeearlytoenquireafterhismother’shealth，staidwiththembutafewminutes，seemedgreatlyagitatedatparting，butgavethemstrictchargetokeepuptheirspirits，andhopeeverythingwouldturnoutforthebest。
　　Inabouttwohoursafter，astheyweresittingatbreakfast，andendeavouringtostrikeoutsomeplantoattainmyliberty，theyheardaloudrapatthedoor，whichLucyrunningtoopen，shemetthebleedingbodyofherbrother，borneinbytwomenwhohadliftedhimfromalitter，onwhichtheyhadbroughthimfromtheplacewherehefought。Herpoormother，weakenedbyillnessandthestrugglesoftheprecedingnight，wasnotabletosupportthisshock;gaspingforbreath，herlookswildandhaggard，shereachedtheapartmentwheretheyhadcarriedherdyingson。
　　Shekneltbythebedside;andtakinghiscoldhand，’mypoorboy，’saidshe，’Iwillnotbepartedfromthee：
　　husband！son！bothatoncelost。Fatherofmercies，spareme！’
　　Shefellintoastrongconvulsion，andexpiredinabouttwohours。
　　Inthemeantime，asurgeonhaddressedGeorge’swounds;buttheywereinsuchasituationastobarthesmallesthopesofrecovery。
　　Heneverwassensiblefromthetimehewasbroughthome，anddiedthateveninginthearmsofhissister。
　　"Lateasitwaswhenthiseventtookplace，myaffectionateLucyinsistedoncomingtome。’Whatmusthefeel，’saidshe，’atourapparentneglect，andhowshallIinformhimoftheafflictionswithwhichithaspleasedheaventovisitus？’
　　"Sheleftthecareofthedeardepartedonestosomeneighbourswhohadkindlycomeintocomfortandassisther;andonenteringthehousewhereIwasconfined，foundmeinthesituationIhavementioned。
　　"Howshesupportedherselfinthesetryingmoments，Iknownot：
　　heaven，nodoubt，waswithher;andheranxietytopreservethelifeofoneparentinsomemeasureabatedherafflictionforthelossoftheother。
　　"Mycircumstancesweregreatlyembarrassed，myacquaintancefew，andthosefewutterlyunabletoassistme。Whenmywifeandsonwerecommittedtotheirkindredearth，mycreditorsseizedmyhouseandfurniture，whichnotbeingsufficienttodischargealltheirdemands，detainerswerelodgedagainstme。Nofriendsteppedforwardtomyrelief;
　　fromthegraveofhermother，mybelovedLucyfollowedanalmostdyingfathertothismelancholyplace。
　　"Herewehavebeennearlyayearandahalf。Myhalf-payIhavegivenuptosatisfymycreditors，andmychildsupportsmebyherindustry：
　　sometimesbyfineneedlework，sometimesbypainting。
　　Sheleavesmeeverynight，andgoestoalodgingnearthebridge;
　　butreturnsinthemorning，tochearmewithhersmiles，andblessmebyherduteousaffection。Aladyonceofferedheranasyluminherfamily;butshewouldnotleaveme。
　　’Wearealltheworldtoeachother，’saidshe。’IthankGod，Ihavehealthandspiritstoimprovethetalentswithwhichnaturehasendowedme;andItrustifIemploytheminthesupportofabelovedparent，Ishallnotbethoughtanunprofitableservant。
　　Whilehelives，Iprayforstrengthtopursuemyemployment;
　　andwhenitpleasesheaventotakeoneofus，mayitgivethesurvivorresignationtobeartheseparationasweought：
　　tillthenIwillneverleavehim。’"
　　"Butwhereisthisinhumanpersecutor？"saidTemple。
　　"Hehasbeenabroadeversince，"repliedtheoldman;"buthehasleftorderswithhislawyernevertogiveupthenotetilltheutmostfarthingispaid。"
　　"Andhowmuchistheamountofyourdebtsinall？"saidTemple。
　　"Fivehundredpounds，"hereplied。
　　Templestarted：itwasmorethanheexpected。"Butsomethingmustbedone，"saidhe："thatsweetmaidmustnotwearoutherlifeinaprison。Iwillseeyouagainto-morrow，myfriend，"
　　saidhe，shakingEldridge’shand："keepupyourspirits：
　　lightandshadearenotmorehappilyblendedthanarethepleasuresandpainsoflife;andthehorrorsoftheoneserveonlytoincreasethesplendoroftheother。"
　　"Youneverlostawifeandson，"saidEldridge。
　　"No，"repliedhe，"butIcanfeelforthosethathave。"
　　Eldridgepressedhishandastheywenttowardthedoor，andtheypartedinsilence。
　　Whentheygotwithoutthewallsoftheprison，TemplethankedhisfriendBlakeneyforintroducinghimtosoworthyacharacter;
　　andtellinghimhehadaparticularengagementinthecity，wishedhimagoodevening。
　　"Andwhatistobedoneforthisdistressedman，"saidTemple，ashewalkedupLudgateHill。"WouldtoheavenIhadafortunethatwouldenablemeinstantlytodischargehisdebt：
　　whatexquisitetransport，toseetheexpressiveeyesofLucybeamingatoncewithpleasureforherfather’sdeliverance，andgratitudeforherdeliverer：butisnotmyfortuneaffluence，"
　　continuedhe，"naysuperfluouswealth，whencomparedtotheextremeindigenceofEldridge;andwhathaveIdonetodeserveeaseandplenty，whileabraveworthyofficerstarvesinaprison？
　　Threehundredayearissurelysufficientforallmywantsandwishes：
　　atanyrateEldridgemustberelieved。"
　　Whenthehearthaswill，thehandscansoonfindmeanstoexecuteagoodaction。
　　Templewasayoungman，hisfeelingswarmandimpetuous;
　　unacquaintedwiththeworld，hishearthadnotbeenrenderedcallousbybeingconvincedofitsfraudandhypocrisy。
　　Hepitiedtheirsufferings，overlookedtheirfaults，thoughteverybosomasgenerousashisown，andwouldchearfullyhavedividedhislastguineawithanunfortunatefellowcreature。
　　Nowonder，then，thatsuchaman（withoutwaitingamomentfortheinterferenceofMadamPrudence）shouldresolvetoraisemoneysufficientforthereliefofEldridge，bymortgagingpartofhisfortune。
　　Wewillnotenquiretoominutelyintothecausewhichmightactuatehiminthisinstance：sufficeittosay，heimmediatelyputtheplaninexecution;andinthreedaysfromthetimehefirstsawtheunfortunateLieutenant，hehadthesuperlativefelicityofseeinghimatliberty，andreceivinganamplerewardinthetearfuleyeandhalfarticulatedthanksofthegratefulLucy。
　　"Andpray，youngman，"saidhisfathertohimonemorning，"whatareyourdesignsinvisitingthusconstantlythatoldmanandhisdaughter？"
　　Templewasatalossforareply：hehadneveraskedhimselfthequestion：hehesitated;andhisfathercontinued——
　　"ItwasnottillwithinthesefewdaysthatIheardinwhatmanneryouracquaintancefirstcommenced，andcannotsupposeanythingbutattachmenttothedaughtercouldcarryyousuchimprudentlengthsforthefather：
　　itcertainlymustbeherartthatdrewyouintomortgagepartofyourfortune。"
　　"Art，Sir！"criedTempleeagerly。"LucyEldridgeisasfreefromartassheisfromeveryothererror：sheis——"
　　"Everythingthatisamiableandlovely，"saidhisfather，interruptinghimironically："nodoubtinyouropinionsheisapatternofexcellenceforallhersextofollow;butcome，Sir，praytellmewhatareyourdesignstowardsthisparagon。
　　Ihopeyoudonotintendtocompleteyourfollybymarryingher。"
　　"Weremyfortunesuchaswouldsupportheraccordingtohermerit，Idon’tknowawomanmoreformedtoinsurehappinessinthemarriedstate。"
　　"Thenprithee，mydearlad，"saidhisfather，"sinceyourrankandfortunearesomuchbeneathwhatyourPRINCESSmightexpect，besokindastoturnyoureyesonMissWeatherby;who，havingonlyanestateofthreethousandayear，ismoreuponalevelwithyou，andwhosefatheryesterdaysolicitedthemightyhonourofyouralliance。
　　Ishallleaveyoutoconsideronthisoffer;andprayremember，thatyourunionwithMissWeatherbywillputitinyourpowertobemoreliberallythefriendofLucyEldridge。"
　　Theoldgentlemanwalkedinastatelymanneroutoftheroom;
　　andTemplestoodalmostpetrifiedwithastonishment，contempt，andrage。
　　CHAPTERV。
　　SUCHTHINGSARE。
　　MISSWeatherbywastheonlychildofawealthyman，almostidolizedbyherparents，flatteredbyherdependants，andnevercontradictedevenbythosewhocalledthemselvesherfriends：
　　Icannotgiveabetterdescriptionthanbythefollowinglines。
　　ThelovelymaidwhoseformandfaceNaturehasdeck’dwithev’rygrace，Butinwhosebreastnovirtuesglow，Whoseheartne’erfeltanother’swoe，Whosehandne’ersmooth’dthebedofpain，Oreas’dthecaptive’sgallingchain;
　　Butlikethetulipcaughttheeye，Bornjusttobeadmir’danddie;
　　Whengone，nooneregretsitsloss，Orscarceremembersthatitwas。
　　SuchwasMissWeatherby：herformlovelyasnaturecouldmakeit，butherminduncultivated，herheartunfeeling，herpassionsimpetuous，andherbrainalmostturnedwithflattery，dissipation，andpleasure;
　　andsuchwasthegirl，whomapartialgrandfatherleftindependentmistressofthefortunebeforementioned。
　　ShehadseenTemplefrequently;andfancyingshecouldneverbehappywithouthim，noronceimagininghecouldrefuseagirlofherbeautyandfortune，sheprevailedonherfondfathertoofferthealliancetotheoldEarlofD————，Mr。Temple’sfather。
　　TheEarlhadreceivedtheoffercourteously：hethoughtitagreatmatchforHenry;andwastoofashionableamantosupposeawifecouldbeanyimpedimenttothefriendshipheprofessedforEldridgeandhisdaughter。
　　UnfortunatelyforTemple，hethoughtquiteotherwise：
　　theconversationhehadjusthadwithhisfather，discoveredtohimthesituationofhisheart;andhefoundthatthemostaffluentfortunewouldbringnoincreaseofhappinessunlessLucyEldridgeshareditwithhim;andtheknowledgeofthepurityofhersentiments，andtheintegrityofhisownheart，madehimshudderattheideahisfatherhadstarted，ofmarryingawomanfornootherreasonthanbecausetheaffluenceofherfortunewouldenablehimtoinjureherbymaintaininginsplendorthewomantowhomhisheartwasdevoted：
　　hethereforeresolvedtorefuseMissWeatherby，andbetheeventwhatitmight，offerhisheartandhandtoLucyEldridge。
　　Fullofthisdetermination，hefoughthisfather，declaredhisresolution，andwascommandednevermoretoappearinhispresence。
　　Templebowed;hisheartwastoofulltopermithimtospeak;
　　heleftthehouseprecipitately，andhastenedtorelatethecauseofhissorrowstohisgoodoldfriendandhisamiabledaughter。
　　Inthemeantime，theEarl，vexedtothesoulthatsuchafortuneshouldbelost，determinedtoofferhimselfacandidateforMissWeatherby’sfavour。
　　Whatwonderfulchangesarewroughtbythatreigningpower，ambition！thelove-sickgirl，whenfirstsheheardofTemple’srefusal，wept，raved，toreherhair，andvowedtofoundaprotestantnunnerywithherfortune;andbycommencingabbess，shutherselfupfromthesightofcruelungratefulmanforever。
　　Herfatherwasamanoftheworld：hesufferedthisfirsttransporttosubside，andthenverydeliberatelyunfoldedtohertheoffersoftheoldEarl，expatiatedonthemanybenefitsarisingfromanelevatedtitle，paintedinglowingcoloursthesurpriseandvexationofTemplewhenheshouldseeherfiguringasaCountessandhismother-in-law，andbeggedhertoconsiderwellbeforeshemadeanyrashvows。
　　TheDISTRESSEDfaironedriedhertears，listenedpatiently，andatlengthdeclaredshebelievedthesurestmethodtorevengetheslightputonherbytheson，wouldbetoacceptthefather：
　　sosaidsodone，andinafewdaysshebecametheCountessD————。
　　Templeheardthenewswithemotion：hehadlosthisfather’sfavourbyavowinghispassionforLucy，andhesawnowtherewasnohopeofregainingit："butheshallnotmakememiserable，"saidhe。
　　"LucyandIhavenoambitiousnotions：wecanliveonthreehundredayearforsomelittletime，tillthemortgageispaidoff，andthenweshallhavesufficientnotonlyforthecomfortsbutmanyofthelittleeleganciesoflife。Wewillpurchasealittlecottage，myLucy，"
　　saidhe，"andthitherwithyourreverendfatherwewillretire;wewillforgettherearesuchthingsassplendor，profusion，anddissipation：
　　wewillhavesomecows，andyoushallbequeenofthedairy;
　　inamorning，whileIlookaftermygarden，youshalltakeabasketonyourarm，andsallyforthtofeedyourpoultry;andastheyflutterroundyouintokenofhumblegratitude，yourfathershallsmokehispipeinawoodbinealcove，andviewingtheserenityofyourcountenance，feelsuchrealpleasuredilatehisownheart，asshallmakehimforgethehadeverbeenunhappy。"
　　Lucysmiled;andTemplesawitwasasmileofapprobation。
　　Hesoughtandfoundacottagesuitedtohistaste;thither，attendedbyLoveandHymen，thehappytrioretired;where，duringmanyyearsofuninterruptedfelicity，theycastnotawishbeyondthelittleboundariesoftheirowntenement。Plenty，andherhandmaid，Prudence，presidedattheirboard，Hospitalitystoodattheirgate，Peacesmiledoneachface，Contentreignedineachheart，andLoveandHealthstrewedrosesontheirpillows。
　　SuchweretheparentsofCharlotteTemple，whowastheonlypledgeoftheirmutuallove，andwho，attheearnestentreatyofaparticularfriend，waspermittedtofinishtheeducationhermotherhadbegun，atMadameDuPont’sschool，wherewefirstintroducedhertotheacquaintanceofthereader。
　　CHAPTERVI。
　　ANINTRIGUINGTEACHER。
　　MADAMEDuPontwasawomaneverywaycalculatedtotakethecareofyoungladies，hadthatcareentirelydevolvedonherself;
　　butitwasimpossibletoattendtheeducationofanumerousschoolwithoutproperassistants;andthoseassistantswerenotalwaysthekindofpeoplewhoseconversationandmoralswereexactlysuchasparentsofdelicacyandrefinementwouldwishadaughtertocopy。
　　AmongtheteachersatMadameDuPont’sschool，wasMademoiselleLaRue，whoaddedtoapleasingpersonandinsinuatingaddress，aliberaleducationandthemannersofagentlewoman。
　　Shewasrecommendedtotheschoolbyaladywhosehumanityoversteppedtheboundsofdiscretion：forthoughsheknewMissLaRuehadelopedfromaconventwithayoungofficer，and，oncomingtoEngland，hadlivedwithseveraldifferentmeninopendefianceofallmoralandreligiousduties;yet，findingherreducedtothemostabjectwant，andbelievingthepenitencewhichsheprofessedtobesincere，shetookherintoherownfamily，andfromthencerecommendedhertoMadameDuPont，asthinkingthesituationmoresuitableforawomanofherabilities。ButMademoisellepossessedtoomuchofthespiritofintriguetoremainlongwithoutadventures。
　　Atchurch，wheresheconstantlyappeared，herpersonattractedtheattentionofayoungmanwhowasuponavisitatagentleman’sseatintheneighbourhood：shehadmethimseveraltimesclandestinely;
　　andbeinginvitedtocomeoutthatevening，andeatsomefruitandpastryinasummer-housebelongingtothegentlemanhewasvisiting，andrequestedtobringsomeoftheladieswithher，Charlottebeingherfavourite，wasfixedontoaccompanyher。
　　Themindofyoutheagerlycatchesatpromisedpleasure：
　　pureandinnocentbynature，itthinksnotofthedangerslurkingbeneaththosepleasures，tilltoolatetoavoidthem：
　　whenMademoiselleaskedCharlottetogowithher，shementionedthegentlemanasarelation，andspokeinsuchhightermsoftheeleganceofhisgardens，thesprightlinessofhisconversation，andtheliberalitywithwhichheeverentertainedhisguests，thatCharlottethoughtonlyofthepleasuresheshouldenjoyinthevisit，——
　　notontheimprudenceofgoingwithouthergoverness’sknowledge，orofthedangertowhichsheexposedherselfinvisitingthehouseofagayyoungmanoffashion。
　　MadameDuPontwasgoneoutfortheevening，andtherestoftheladiesretiredtorest，whenCharlotteandtheteacherstoleoutatthebackgate，andincrossingthefield，wereaccostedbyMontraville，asmentionedinthefirstchapter。
　　Charlottewasdisappointedinthepleasureshehadpromisedherselffromthisvisit。Thelevityofthegentlemenandthefreedomoftheirconversationdisgustedher。ShewasastonishedatthelibertiesMademoisellepermittedthemtotake;grewthoughtfulanduneasy，andheartilywishedherselfathomeagaininherownchamber。
　　Perhapsonecauseofthatwishmightbe，anearnestdesiretoseethecontentsoftheletterwhichhadbeenputintoherhandbyMontraville。
　　Anyreaderwhohastheleastknowledgeoftheworld，willeasilyimaginetheletterwasmadeupofencomiumsonherbeauty，andvowsofeverlastingloveandconstancy;norwillhebesurprisedthataheartopentoeverygentle，generoussentiment，shouldfeelitselfwarmedbygratitudeforamanwhoprofessedtofeelsomuchforher;
　　norisitimprobablebuthermindmightreverttotheagreeablepersonandmartialappearanceofMontraville。
　　Inaffairsoflove，ayoungheartisneverinmoredangerthanwhenattemptedbyahandsomeyoungsoldier。Amanofanindifferentappearance，will，whenarrayedinamilitaryhabit，shewtoadvantage;
　　butwhenbeautyofperson，eleganceofmanner，andaneasymethodofpayingcompliments，areunitedtothescarletcoat，smartcockade，andmilitarysash，ah！well-a-dayforthepoorgirlwhogazesonhim：
　　sheisinimminentdanger;butifshelistenstohimwithpleasure，’tisalloverwithher，andfromthatmomentshehasneithereyesnorearsforanyotherobject。
　　Now，mydearsobermatron，（ifasobermatronshoulddeigntoturnoverthesepages，beforeshetruststhemtotheeyeofadarlingdaughter，）letmeintreatyounottoputonagraveface，andthrowdownthebookinapassionanddeclare’tisenoughtoturntheheadsofhalfthegirlsinEngland;Idosolemnlyprotest，mydearmadam，ImeannomorebywhatIhavehereadvanced，thantoridiculethoseromanticgirls，whofoolishlyimaginearedcoatandsilverepauletconstitutethefinegentleman;
　　andshouldthatfinegentlemanmakehalfadozenfinespeechestothem，theywillimaginethemselvessomuchinloveastofancyitameritoriousactiontojumpoutofatwopairofstairswindow，abandontheirfriends，andtrustentirelytothehonourofaman，whoperhapshardlyknowsthemeaningoftheword，andifhedoes，willbetoomuchthemodernmanofrefinement，topracticeitintheirfavour。
　　Graciousheaven！whenIthinkonthemiseriesthatmustrendtheheartofadoatingparent，whenheseesthedarlingofhisageatfirstseducedfromhisprotection，andafterwardsabandoned，bytheverywretchwhosepromisesoflovedecoyedherfromthepaternalroof——
　　whenheseesherpoorandwretched，herbosomtombetweenremorseforhercrimeandloveforhervilebetrayer——whenfancypaintstomethegoodoldmanstoopingtoraisetheweepingpenitent，whileeverytearfromhereyeisnumberedbydropsfromhisbleedingheart，mybosomglowswithhonestindignation，andIwishforpowertoextirpatethosemonstersofseductionfromtheearth。
　　Ohmydeargirls——fortosuchonlyamIwriting——listennottothevoiceoflove，unlesssanctionedbypaternalapprobation：
　　beassured，itisnowpastthedaysofromance：
　　nowomancanberunawaywithcontrarytoherowninclination：
　　thenkneeldowneachmorning，andrequestkindheaventokeepyoufreefromtemptation，or，shoulditpleasetosufferyoutobetried，prayforfortitudetoresisttheimpulseofinclinationwhenitrunscountertothepreceptsofreligionandvirtue。
　　CHAPTERVII。
　　NATURALSENSEOFPROPRIETY
　　INHERENTINTHEFEMALEBOSOM。
　　"ICANNOTthinkwehavedoneexactlyrightingoingoutthisevening，Mademoiselle，"saidCharlotte，seatingherselfwhensheenteredherapartment："nay，Iamsureitwasnotright;
　　forIexpectedtobeveryhappy，butwassadlydisappointed。"
　　"Itwasyourownfault，then，"repliedMademoiselle：
　　"forIamsuremycousinomittednothingthatcouldservetorendertheeveningagreeable。"
　　"True，"saidCharlotte："butIthoughtthegentlemenwereveryfreeintheirmanner：Iwonderyouwouldsufferthemtobehaveastheydid。"
　　"Prithee，don’tbesuchafoolishlittleprude，"saidtheartfulwoman，affectinganger："Iinvitedyoutogoinhopesitwoulddivertyou，andbeanagreeablechangeofscene;however，ifyourdelicacywashurtbythebehaviourofthegentlemen，youneednotgoagain;
　　sothereletitrest。"
　　"Idonotintendtogoagain，"saidCharlotte，gravelytakingoffherbonnet，andbeginningtoprepareforbed："Iamsure，ifMadameDuPontknewwehadbeenoutto-night，shewouldbeveryangry;
　　anditistentoonebutshehearsofitbysomemeansorother。"
　　"Nay，Miss，"saidLaRue，"perhapsyourmightysenseofproprietymayleadyoutotellheryourself：andinordertoavoidthecensureyouwouldincur，shouldshehearofitbyaccident，throwtheblameonme：
　　butIconfessIdeserveit：itwillbeaverykindreturnforthatpartialitywhichledmetopreferyoubeforeanyoftherestoftheladies;butperhapsitwillgiveyoupleasure，"continuedshe，lettingfallsomehypocriticaltears，"toseemedeprivedofbread，andforanactionwhichbythemostrigidcouldonlybeesteemedaninadvertency，losemyplaceandcharacter，andbedrivenagainintotheworld，whereIhavealreadysufferedalltheevilsattendantonpoverty。"
　　ThiswastouchingCharlotteinthemostvulnerablepart：
　　sherosefromherseat，andtakingMademoiselle’shand——"Youknow，mydearLaRue，"saidshe，"Iloveyoutoowell，todoanythingthatwouldinjureyouinmygoverness’sopinion：Iamonlysorrywewentoutthisevening。"
　　"Idon’tbelieveit，Charlotte，"saidshe，assumingalittlevivacity;
　　"forifyouhadnotgoneout，youwouldnothaveseenthegentlemanwhometuscrossingthefield;andIratherthinkyouwerepleasedwithhisconversation。"
　　"Ihadseenhimoncebefore，"repliedCharlotte，"andthoughthimanagreeableman;andyouknowoneisalwayspleasedtoseeapersonwithwhomonehaspassedseveralchearfulhours。
　　"But，"saidshepausing，anddrawingtheletterfromherpocket，whileagentlesuffusionofvermilliontingedherneckandface，"hegavemethisletter;whatshallIdowithit？"
　　"Readit，tobesure，"returnedMademoiselle。
　　"IamafraidIoughtnot，"saidCharlotte："mymotherhasoftentoldme，Ishouldneverreadalettergivenmebyayoungman，withoutfirstgivingittoher。"
　　"Lordblessyou，mydeargirl，"criedtheteachersmiling，"haveyouamindtobeinleadingstringsallyourlifetime。
　　Pritheeopentheletter，readit，andjudgeforyourself;ifyoushowityourmother，theconsequencewillbe，youwillbetakenfromschool，andastrictguardkeptoveryou;soyouwillstandnochanceofeverseeingthesmartyoungofficeragain。"
　　"Ishouldnotliketoleaveschoolyet，"repliedCharlotte，"tillIhaveattainedagreaterproficiencyinmyItalianandmusic。
　　Butyoucan，ifyouplease，Mademoiselle，taketheletterbacktoMontraville，andtellhimIwishhimwell，butcannot，withanypropriety，enterintoaclandestinecorrespondencewithhim。"
　　Shelaidtheletteronthetable，andbegantoundressherself。
　　"Well，"saidLaRue，"Ivowyouareanunaccountablegirl：
　　haveyounocuriositytoseetheinsidenow？formypartIcouldnomoreletaletteraddressedtomelieunopenedsolong，thanIcouldworkmiracles：hewritesagoodhand，"continuedshe，turningtheletter，tolookatthesuperscription。
　　"’Tiswellenough，"saidCharlotte，drawingittowardsher。
　　"Heisagenteelyoungfellow，"saidLaRuecarelessly，foldingupherapronatthesametime;"butIthinkheismarkedwiththesmallpox。"
　　"Ohyouaregreatlymistaken，"saidCharlotteeagerly;"hehasaremarkableclearskinandfinecomplexion。"
　　"Hiseyes，ifIcouldjudgebywhatIsaw，"saidLaRue，"aregreyandwantexpression。"
　　"Bynomeans，"repliedCharlotte;"theyarethemostexpressiveeyesIeversaw。""Well，child，whethertheyaregreyorblackisofnoconsequence：youhavedeterminednottoreadhisletter;
　　soitislikelyyouwillnevereitherseeorhearfromhimagain。"
　　Charlottetookuptheletter，andMademoisellecontinued——
　　"HeismostprobablygoingtoAmerica;andifeveryoushouldhearanyaccountofhim，itmaypossiblybethatheiskilled;andthoughhelovedyoueversofervently，thoughhislastbreathshouldbespentinaprayerforyourhappiness，itcanbenothingtoyou：
　　youcanfeelnothingforthefateoftheman，whoselettersyouwillnotopen，andwhosesufferingsyouwillnotalleviate，bypermittinghimtothinkyouwouldrememberhimwhenabsent，andprayforhissafety。"
　　Charlottestillheldtheletterinherhand：herheartswelledattheconclusionofMademoiselle’sspeech，andateardroppeduponthewaferthatclosedit。
　　"Thewaferisnotdryyet，"saidshe，"andsuretherecanbenogreatharm——"Shehesitated。LaRuewassilent。
　　"Imayreadit，Mademoiselle，andreturnitafterwards。"
　　"Certainly，"repliedMademoiselle。