"AtanyrateIamdeterminednottoanswerit，"continuedCharlotte，assheopenedtheletter。
　　Hereletmestoptomakeoneremark，andtrustmemyveryheartacheswhileIwriteit;butcertainIam，thatwhenonceawomanhasstifledthesenseofshameinherownbosom，whenonceshehaslostsightofthebasisonwhichreputation，honour，everythingthatshouldbedeartothefemaleheart，rests，shegrowshardenedinguilt，andwillsparenopainstobringdowninnocenceandbeautytotheshockinglevelwithherself：andthisproceedsfromthatdiabolicalspiritofenvy，whichrepinesatseeinganotherinthefullpossessionofthatrespectandesteemwhichshecannolongerhopetoenjoy。
　　MademoiselleeyedtheunsuspectingCharlotte，assheperusedtheletter，withamalignantpleasure。Shesaw，thatthecontentshadawakenednewemotionsinheryouthfulbosom：sheencouragedherhopes，calmedherfears，andbeforetheypartedforthenight，itwasdeterminedthatsheshouldmeetMontravilletheensuingevening。
　　CHAPTERVIII。
　　DOMESTICPLEASURESPLANNED。
　　"ITHINK，mydear，"saidMrs。Temple，layingherhandonherhusband’sarmastheywerewalkingtogetherinthegarden，"IthinknextWednesdayisCharlotte’sbirthday：nowIhaveformedalittleschemeinmyownmind，togiveheranagreeablesurprise;
　　andifyouhavenoobjection，wewillsendforherhomeonthatday。"
　　Templepressedhiswife’shandintokenofapprobation，andsheproceeded。——"Youknowthelittlealcoveatthebottomofthegarden，ofwhichCharlotteissofond？Ihaveaninclinationtodeckthisoutinafancifulmanner，andinviteallherlittlefriendstopartakeofacollationoffruit，sweetmeats，andotherthingssuitabletothegeneraltasteofyoungguests;andtomakeitmorepleasingtoCharlotte，sheshallbemistressofthefeast，andentertainhervisitorsinthisalcove。Iknowshewillbedelighted;andtocompleteall，theyshallhavesomemusic，andfinishwithadance。"
　　"Averyfineplan，indeed，"saidTemple，smiling;"andyoureallysupposeIwillwinkatyourindulgingthegirlinthismanner？
　　Youwillquitespoilher，Lucy;indeedyouwill。"
　　"Sheistheonlychildwehave，"saidMrs。Temple，thewholetendernessofamotheraddinganimationtoherfinecountenance;
　　butitwaswithaltemperedsosweetlywiththemeekaffectionandsubmissivedutyofthewife，thatasshepausedexpectingherhusband’sanswer，hegazedathertenderly，andfoundhewasunabletorefuseherrequest。
　　"Sheisagoodgirl，"saidTemple。
　　"Sheis，indeed，"repliedthefondmotherexultingly，"agrateful，affectionategirl;andIamsurewillneverlosesightofthedutysheowesherparents。"
　　"Ifshedoes，"saidhe，’shemustforgettheexamplesetherbythebestofmothers。"
　　Mrs。Templecouldnotreply;butthedelightfulsensationthatdilatedherheartsparkledinherintelligenteyesandheightenedthevermilliononhercheeks。
　　Ofallthepleasuresofwhichthehumanmindissensible，thereisnoneequaltothatwhichwarmsandexpandsthebosom，whenlisteningtocommendationsbestowedonusbyabelovedobject，andareconsciousofhavingdeservedthem。
　　Yegiddyflutterersinthefantasticroundofdissipation，whoeagerlyseekpleasureintheloftydome，richtreat，andmidnightrevel——
　　tellme，yethoughtlessdaughtersoffolly，haveyeeverfoundthephantomyouhavesolongsoughtwithsuchunremittedassiduity？
　　Hasshenotalwayseludedyourgrasp，andwhenyouhavereachedyourhandtotakethecupsheextendstoherdeludedvotaries，haveyounotfoundthelong-expecteddraughtstronglytincturedwiththebitterdregsofdisappointment？Iknowyouhave：
　　Iseeitinthewancheek，sunkeye，andairofchagrin，whichevermarkthechildrenofdissipation。Pleasureisavainillusion;
　　shedrawsyouontoathousandfollies，errors，andImaysayvices，andthenleavesyoutodeploreyourthoughtlesscredulity。
　　Look，mydearfriends，atyonderlovelyVirgin，arrayedinawhiterobedevoidofornament;beholdthemeeknessofhercountenance，themodestyofhergait;herhandmaidsareHumility，FilialPiety，ConjugalAffection，Industry，andBenevolence;hernameisCONTENT;
　　sheholdsinherhandthecupoftruefelicity，andwhenonceyouhaveformedanintimateacquaintancewiththeseherattendants，nayyoumustadmitthemasyourbosomfriendsandchiefcounsellors，then，whatevermaybeyoursituationinlife，themeekeyedVirginwigimmediatelytakeupherabodewithyou。
　　Ispovertyyourportion？——shewilllightenyourlabours，presideatyourfrugalboard，andwatchyourquietslumbers。
　　Isyourstatemediocrity？——shewillheighteneveryblessingyouenjoy，byinformingyouhowgratefulyoushouldbetothatbountifulProvidencewhomighthaveplacedyouinthemostabjectsituation;
　　and，byteachingyoutoweighyourblessingsagainstyourdeserts，showyouhowmuchmoreyoureceivethanyouhavearighttoexpect。
　　Areyoupossessedofaffluence？——whataninexhaustiblefundofhappinesswillshelaybeforeyou！Torelievethedistressed，redresstheinjured，inshort，toperformallthegoodworksofpeaceandmercy。
　　Content，mydearfriends，willblunteventhearrowsofadversity，sothattheycannotmateriallyharmyou。Shewilldwellinthehumblestcottage;shewillattendyoueventoaprison。
　　HerparentisReligion;hersisters，PatienceandHope。
　　Shewillpasswithyouthroughlife，smoothingtheroughpathsandtreadtoearththosethornswhicheveryonemustmeetwithastheyjourneyonwardtotheappointedgoal。Shewillsoftenthepainsofsickness，continuewithyoueveninthecoldgloomyhourofdeath，and，cheatingyouwiththesmilesofherheaven-bornsister，Hope，leadyoutriumphanttoablissfulleternity。
　　IconfessIhaverambledstrangelyfrommystory：butwhatofthat？ifIhavebeensoluckyastofindtheroadtohappiness，whyshouldIbesuchaniggardastoomitsogoodanopportunityofpointingoutthewaytoothers。Theverybasisoftruepeaceofmindisabenevolentwishtoseealltheworldashappyasone’sSelf;andfrommysouldoIpitytheselfishchurl，who，rememberingthelittlebickeringsofanger，envy，andfiftyotherdisagreeablestowhichfrailmortalityissubject，wouldwishtorevengetheaffrontwhichpridewhispershimhehasreceived。
　　Formyownpart，Icansafelydeclare，thereisnotahumanbeingintheuniverse，whoseprosperityIshouldnotrejoicein，andtowhosehappinessIwouldnotcontributetotheutmostlimitofmypower：
　　andmaymyoffencesbenomorerememberedinthedayofgeneralretribution，thanasfrommysoulIforgiveeveryoffenceorinjuryreceivedfromafellowcreature。
　　Mercifulheaven！whowouldexchangetheraptureofsuchareflexionforallthegaudytinselwhichtheworldcallspleasure！
　　Buttoreturn。——ContentdweltinMrs。Temple’sbosom，andspreadacharminganimationoverhercountenance，asherhusbandledherin，tolaytheplanshehadformed（forthecelebrationofCharlotte’sbirthday，）beforeMr。Eldridge。
　　CHAPTERIX。
　　WEKNOWNOTWHATADAY
　　MAYBRINGFORTH。
　　VARIOUSwerethesensationswhichagitatedthemindofCharlotte，duringthedayprecedingtheeveninginwhichshewastomeetMontraville。Severaltimesdidshealmostresolvetogotohergoverness，showhertheletter，andbeguidedbyheradvice：
　　butCharlottehadtakenonestepinthewaysofimprudence;
　　andwhenthatisoncedone，therearealwaysinnumerableobstaclestopreventtheerringpersonreturningtothepathofrectitude：
　　yettheseobstacles，howeverforcibletheymayappearingeneral，existchieflyinimagination。
　　Charlottefearedtheangerofhergoverness：shelovedhermother，andtheveryideaofincurringherdispleasure，gaveherthegreatestuneasiness：buttherewasamoreforciblereasonstillremaining：shouldsheshowthelettertoMadameDuPont，shemustconfessthemeansbywhichitcameintoherpossession;
　　andwhatwouldbetheconsequence？Mademoisellewouldbeturnedoutofdoors。
　　"Imustnotbeungrateful，"saidshe。"LaRueisverykindtome;
　　besidesIcan，whenIseeMontraville，informhimoftheimproprietyofourcontinuingtoseeorcorrespondwitheachother，andrequesthimtocomenomoretoChichester。"
　　HoweverprudentCharlottemightbeintheseresolutions，shecertainlydidnottakeapropermethodtoconfirmherselfinthem。Severaltimesinthecourseoftheday，sheindulgedherselfinreadingovertheletter，andeachtimeshereadit，thecontentssunkdeeperinherheart。
　　Aseveningdrewnear，shecaughtherselffrequentlyconsultingherwatch。
　　"Iwishthisfoolishmeetingwasover，"saidshe，bywayofapologytoherownheart，"Iwishitwasover;forwhenIhaveseenhim，andconvincedhimmyresolutionisnottobeshaken，Ishallfeelmymindmucheasier。"
　　Theappointedhourarrived。CharlotteandMademoiselleeludedtheeyeofvigilance;andMontraville，whohadwaitedtheircomingwithimpatience，receivedthemwithrapturousandunboundedacknowledgmentsfortheircondescension：hehadwiselybroughtBelcourwithhimtoentertainMademoiselle，whileheenjoyedanuninterruptedconversationwithCharlotte。
　　Belcourwasamanwhosecharactermightbecomprisedinafewwords;
　　andashewillmakesomefigureintheensuingpages，Ishallheredescribehim。Hepossessedagenteelfortune，andhadaliberaleducation;dissipated，thoughtless，andcapricious，hepaidlittleregardtothemoralduties，andlesstoreligiousones：
　　eagerinthepursuitofpleasure，hemindednotthemiseriesheinflictedonothers，providedhisownwishes，howeverextravagant，weregratified。Self，darlingself，wastheidolheworshipped，andtothathewouldhavesacrificedtheinterestandhappinessofallmankind。SuchwasthefriendofMontraville：
　　willnotthereaderbereadytoimagine，thatthemanwhocouldregardsuchacharacter，mustbeactuatedbythesamefeelings，followthesamepursuits，andbeequallyunworthywiththepersontowhomhethusgavehisconfidence？
　　ButMontravillewasadifferentcharacter：generousinhisdisposition，liberalinhisopinions，andgood-naturedalmosttoafault;
　　yeteagerandimpetuousinthepursuitofafavoriteobject，hestaidnottoreflectontheconsequencewhichmightfollowtheattainmentofhiswishes;withamindeveropentoconviction，hadhebeensofortunateastopossessafriendwhowouldhavepointedoutthecrueltyofendeavouringtogaintheheartofaninnocentartlessgirl，whenheknewitwasutterlyimpossibleforhimtomarryher，andwhenthegratificationofhispassionwouldbeunavoidableinfamyandmiserytoher，andacauseofnever-ceasingremorsetohimself：
　　hadthesedreadfulconsequencesbeenplacedbeforehiminaproperlight，thehumanityofhisnaturewouldhaveurgedhimtogiveupthepursuit：
　　butBelcourwasnotthisfriend;heratherencouragedthegrowingpassionofMontraville;andbeingpleasedwiththevivacityofMademoiselle，resolvedtoleavenoargumentuntried，whichhethoughtmightprevailonhertobethecompanionoftheirintendedvoyage;andhemadenodoubtbutherexample，addedtotherhetoricofMontraville，wouldpersuadeCharlottetogowiththem。
　　Charlottehad，whenshewentouttomeetMontraville，flatteredherselfthatherresolutionwasnottobeshaken，andthat，consciousoftheimproprietyofherconductinhavingaclandestineintercoursewithastranger，shewouldneverrepeattheindiscretion。
　　Butalas！poorCharlotte，sheknewnotthedeceitfulnessofherownheart，orshewouldhaveavoidedthetrialofherstability。
　　Montravillewastender，eloquent，ardent，andyetrespectful。
　　"ShallInotseeyouoncemore，"saidhe，"beforeIleaveEngland？
　　willyounotblessmebyanassurance，thatwhenwearedividedbyavastexpanseofseaIshallnotbeforgotten？"
　　Charlottesighed。
　　"Whythatsigh，mydearCharlotte？couldIflattermyselfthatafearformysafety，orawishformywelfareoccasionedit，howhappywoulditmakeme。"
　　"Ishalleverwishyouwell，Montraville，"saidshe;"butwemustmeetnomore。""Ohsaynotso，mylovelygirl：reflect，thatwhenIleavemynativeland，perhapsafewshortweeksmayterminatemyexistence;
　　theperilsoftheocean——thedangersofwar——"
　　"Icanhearnomore，"saidCharlotteinatremulousvoice。
　　"Imustleaveyou。"
　　"Sayyouwillseemeonceagain。"
　　"Idarenot，"saidshe。
　　"Onlyforonehalfhourto-morrowevening：’tismylastrequest。
　　Ishallnevertroubleyouagain，Charlotte。"
　　"Iknownotwhattosay，"criedCharlotte，strugglingtodrawherhandsfromhim："letmeleaveyounow。"
　　"Andyouwillcometo-morrow，"saidMontraville。
　　"PerhapsImay，"saidshe。
　　"Adieuthen。Iwillliveuponthathopetillwemeetagain。"
　　Hekissedherhand。Shesighedanadieu，andcatchingholdofMademoiselle’sarm，hastilyenteredthegardengate。
　　CHAPTERX。
　　WHENWEHAVEEXCITED
　　CURIOSITY，ITISBUTANACTOF
　　GOODNATURETOGRATIFYIT。
　　MONTRAVILLEwastheyoungestsonofagentlemanoffortune，whosefamilybeingnumerous，hewasobligedtobringuphissonstogenteelprofessions，bytheexerciseofwhichtheymighthopetoraisethemselvesintonotice。
　　"Mydaughters，"saidhe，"havebeeneducatedlikegentlewomen;
　　andshouldIdiebeforetheyaresettled，theymusthavesomeprovisionmade，toplacethemabovethesnaresandtemptationswhichviceeverholdsouttotheelegant，accomplishedfemale，whenoppressedbythefrownsofpovertyandthestingofdependance：
　　myboys，withonlymoderateincomes，whenplacedinthechurch，atthebar，orinthefield，mayexerttheirtalents，makethemselvesfriends，andraisetheirfortunesonthebasisofmerit。"
　　WhenMontravillechosetheprofessionofarms，hisfatherpresentedhimwithacommission，andmadehimahandsomeprovisionforhisprivatepurse。"Now，myboy，"saidhe，’go！seekgloryinthefieldofbattle。YouhavereceivedfrommeallIshalleverhaveitinmypowertobestow：itiscertainIhaveinteresttogainyoupromotion;butbeassuredthatinterestshallneverbeexerted，unlessbyyourfutureconductyoudeserveit。
　　Remember，therefore，yoursuccessinlifedependsentirelyonyourself。
　　ThereisonethingIthinkitmydutytocautionyouagainst;
　　theprecipitancywithwhichyoungmenfrequentlyrushintomatrimonialengagements，andbytheirthoughtlessnessdrawmanyadeservingwomanintoscenesofpovertyanddistress。
　　Asoldierhasnobusinesstothinkofawifetillhisrankissuchastoplacehimabovethefearofbringingintotheworldatrainofhelplessinnocents，heirsonlytopenuryandaffliction。
　　If，indeed，awoman，whosefortuneissufficienttopreserveyouinthatstateofindependenceIwouldteachyoutoprize，shouldgenerouslybestowherselfonayoungsoldier，whosechiefhopeoffutureprosperitydependedonhissuccessinthefield——
　　ifsuchawomanshouldoffer——everybarrierisremoved，andI
　　shouldrejoiceinanunionwhichwouldpromisesomuchfelicity。
　　Butmarkme，boy，if，onthecontrary，yourushintoaprecipitateunionwithagirloflittleornofortune，takethepoorcreaturefromacomfortablehomeandkindfriends，andplungeherintoalltheevilsanarrowincomeandincreasingfamilycaninflict，Iwillleaveyoutoenjoytheblessedfruitsofyourrashness;forbyallthatissacred，neithermyinterestorfortuneshalleverbeexertedinyourfavour。
　　Iamserious，"continuedhe，"thereforeimprintthisconversationonyourmemory，andletitinfluenceyourfutureconduct。
　　Yourhappinesswillalwaysbedeartome;andIwishtowarnyouofarockonwhichthepeaceofmanyanhonestfellowhasbeenwrecked;
　　forbelieveme，thedifficultiesanddangersofthelongestwintercampaignaremucheasiertobeborne，thanthepangsthatwouldseizeyourheart，whenyoubeheldthewomanofyourchoice，thechildrenofyouraffection，involvedinpenuryanddistress，andreflectedthatitwasyourownfollyandprecipitancyhadbeentheprimecauseoftheirsufferings。"
　　AsthisconversationpassedbutafewhoursbeforeMontravilletookleaveofhisfather，itwasdeeplyimpressedonhismind：
　　when，therefore，BelcourcamewithhimtotheplaceofassignationwithCharlotte，hedirectedhimtoenquireoftheFrenchwomanwhatwereMissTemple’sexpectationsinregardtofortune。
　　Mademoiselleinformedhim，thatthoughCharlotte’sfatherpossessedagenteelindependence，itwasbynomeansprobablethathecouldgivehisdaughtermorethanathousandpounds;andincaseshedidnotmarrytohisliking，itwaspossiblehemightnotgiveherasingleSOUS;nordiditappeartheleastlikely，thatMr。Templewouldagreetoherunionwithayoungmanonthepointofembarkingforthefeatofwar。
　　MontravillethereforeconcludeditwasimpossibleheshouldevermarryCharlotteTemple;andwhatendheproposedtohimselfbycontinuingtheacquaintancehehadcommencedwithher，hedidnotatthatmomentgivehimselftimetoenquire。
　　CHAPTERXI。
　　CONFLICTOFLOVEANDDUTY。
　　ALMOSTaweekwasnowgone，andCharlottecontinuedeveryeveningtomeetMontraville，andinherhearteverymeetingwasresolvedtobethelast;butalas！whenMontravilleatpartingwouldearnestlyintreatonemoreinterview，thattreacherousheartbetrayedher;and，forgetfulofitsresolution，pleadedthecauseoftheenemysopowerfully，thatCharlottewasunabletoresist。
　　Anotherandanothermeetingsucceeded;andsowelldidMontravilleimproveeachopportunity，thattheheedlessgirlatlengthconfessednoideacouldbesopainfultoherasthatofneverseeinghimagain。
　　"Thenwewillneverbeparted，"saidhe。
　　"Ah，Montraville，"repliedCharlotte，forcingasmile，"howcanitbeavoided？Myparentswouldneverconsenttoourunion;
　　andevencouldtheybebroughttoapproveit，howshouldIbeartobeseparatedfrommykind，mybelovedmother？"
　　"Thenyouloveyourparentsmorethanyoudome，Charlotte？"
　　"IhopeIdo，"saidshe，blushingandlookingdown，"Ihopemyaffectionforthemwilleverkeepmefrominfringingthelawsoffilialduty。"
　　"Well，Charlotte，"saidMontravillegravely，andlettinggoherhand，"sincethatisthecase，IfindIhavedeceivedmyselfwithfallacioushopes。Ihadflatteredmyfondheart，thatIwasdearertoCharlottethananythingintheworldbeside。
　　Ithoughtthatyouwouldformysakehavebravedthedangersoftheocean，thatyouwould，byyouraffectionandsmiles，havesoftenedthehardshipsofwar，and，haditbeenmyfatetofall，thatyourtendernesswouldchearthehourofdeath，andsmoothmypassagetoanotherworld。Butfarewel，Charlotte！Iseeyouneverlovedme。
　　Ishallnowwelcomethefriendlyballthatdeprivesmeofthesenseofmymisery。"
　　"Ohstay，unkindMontraville，"criedshe，catchingholdofhisarm，ashepretendedtoleaveher，"stay，andtocalmyourfears，Iwillhereprotestthatwasitnotforthefearofgivingpaintothebestofparents，andreturningtheirkindnesswithingratitude，Iwouldfollowyouthrougheverydanger，and，instudyingtopromoteyourhappiness，insuremyown。
　　ButIcannotbreakmymother’sheart，Montraville;Imustnotbringthegreyhairsofmydoatinggrand-fatherwithsorrowtothegrave，ormakemybelovedfatherperhapscursethehourthatgavemebirth。"
　　Shecoveredherfacewithherhands，andburstintotears。
　　"Allthesedistressingscenes，mydearCharlotte，"criedMontraville，"aremerelythechimerasofadisturbedfancy。Yourparentsmightperhapsgrieveatfirst;butwhentheyheardfromyourownhandthatyouwaswithamanofhonour，andthatitwastoinsureyourfelicitybyanunionwithhim，towhichyoufearedtheywouldneverhavegiventheirassent，thatyoulefttheirprotection，theywill，beassured，forgiveanerrorwhichlovealoneoccasioned，andwhenwereturnfromAmerica，receiveyouwithopenarmsandtearsofjoy。"
　　BelcourandMademoiselleheardthislastspeech，andconceivingitapropertimetothrowintheiradviceandpersuasions，approachedCharlotte，andsowellsecondedtheentreatiesofMontraville，thatfindingMademoiselleintendedgoingwithBelcour，andfeelingherowntreacheroushearttoomuchinclinedtoaccompanythem，thehaplessCharlotte，inanevilhour，consentedthatthenexteveningtheyshouldbringachaisetotheendofthetown，andthatshewouldleaveherfriends，andthrowherselfentirelyontheprotectionofMontraville。
　　"Butshouldyou，"saidshe，lookingearnestlyathim，hereyesfulloftears，"shouldyou，forgetfulofyourpromises，andrepentingtheengagementsyouherevoluntarilyenterinto，forsakeandleavemeonaforeignshore——""Judgenotsomeanlyofme，"saidhe。
　　"Themomentwereachourplaceofdestination，Hymenshallsanctifyourlove;andwhenIshallforgetyourgoodness，mayheavenforgetme。"
　　"Ah，"saidCharlotte，leaningonMademoiselle’sarmastheywalkedupthegardentogether，"IhaveforgotallthatIoughttohaveremembered，inconsentingtothisintendedelopement。"
　　"Youareastrangegirl，"saidMademoiselle："youneverknowyourownmindtwominutesatatime。justnowyoudeclaredMontraville’shappinesswaswhatyouprizedmostintheworld;
　　andnowIsupposeyourepenthavinginsuredthathappinessbyagreeingtoaccompanyhimabroad。"
　　"IndeedIdorepent，"repliedCharlotte，"frommysoul：
　　butwhilediscretionpointsouttheimproprietyofmyconduct，inclinationurgesmeontoruin。"
　　"Ruin！fiddlestick！"saidMademoiselle;"amInotgoingwithyou？
　　anddoIfeelanyofthesequalms？"
　　"Youdonotrenounceatenderfatherandmother，"saidCharlotte。
　　"ButIhazardmydearreputation，"repliedMademoiselle，bridling。
　　"True，"repliedCharlotte，"butyoudonotfeelwhatIdo。"
　　Shethenbadehergoodnight：butsleepwasastrangertohereyes，andthetearofanguishwateredherpillow。
　　CHAPTERXII。
　　Nature’slast，bestgift：
　　Creatureinwhomexcell’d，whatevercouldTosightorthoughtbenam’d！
　　Holy，divine！good，amiable，andsweet！
　　Howthouartfall’n！——
　　WHENCharlotteleftherrestlessbed，herlanguideyeandpalecheekdiscoveredtoMadameDuPontthelittlereposeshehadtasted。
　　"Mydearchild，"saidtheaffectionategoverness，"whatisthecauseofthelanguorsoapparentinyourframe？Areyounotwell？"
　　"Yes，mydearMadam，verywell，"repliedCharlotte，attemptingtosmile，"butIknownothowitwas;Icouldnotsleeplastnight，andmyspiritsaredepressedthismorning。"
　　"Comechearup，mylove，"saidthegoverness;"IbelieveIhavebroughtacordialtorevivethem。Ihavejustreceivedaletterfromyourgoodmama，andhereisoneforyourself。"
　　Charlottehastilytooktheletter：itcontainedthesewords——
　　"Asto-morrowistheanniversaryofthehappydaythatgavemybelovedgirltotheanxiouswishesofamaternalheart，Ihaverequestedyourgovernesstoletyoucomehomeandspenditwithus;andasI
　　knowyoutobeagoodaffectionatechild，andmakeityourstudytoimproveinthosebranchesofeducationwhichyouknowwillgivemostpleasuretoyourdelightedparents，asarewardforyourdiligenceandattentionIhavepreparedanagreeablesurpriseforyourreception。
　　Yourgrand-father，eagertoembracethedarlingofhisagedheart，willcomeinthechaiseforyou;soholdyourselfinreadinesstoattendhimbynineo’clock。Yourdearfatherjoinsineverytenderwishforyourhealthandfuturefelicity，whichwarmstheheartofmydearCharlotte’saffectionatemother，L。TEMPLE。"
　　"Graciousheaven！"criedCharlotte，forgettingwhereshewas，andraisingherstreamingeyesasinearnestsupplication。
　　MadameDuPontwassurprised。"Whythesetears，mylove？"saidshe。
　　"Whythisseemingagitation？Ithoughttheletterwouldhaverejoiced，insteadofdistressingyou。"
　　"Itdoesrejoiceme，"repliedCharlotte，endeavouringatcomposure，"butIwasprayingformerittodeservetheunremittedattentionsofthebestofparents。"
　　"Youdoright，"saidMadameDuPont，"toasktheassistanceofheaventhatyoumaycontinuetodeservetheirlove。
　　Continue，mydearCharlotte，inthecourseyouhaveeverpursued，andyouwillinsureatoncetheirhappinessandyourown。"
　　"Oh！"criedCharlotte，ashergovernesslefther，"Ihaveforfeitedbothforever！Yetletmereflect：——theirrevocablestepisnotyettaken：
　　itisnottoolatetorecedefromthebrinkofaprecipice，fromwhichI
　　canonlybeholdthedarkabyssofruin，shame，andremorse！"
　　Shearosefromherseat，andflewtotheapartmentofLaRue。
　　"OhMademoiselle！"saidshe，"Iamsnatchedbyamiraclefromdestruction！
　　Thisletterhassavedme：ithasopenedmyeyestothefollyIwassonearcommitting。Iwillnotgo，Mademoiselle;Iwillnotwoundtheheartsofthosedearparentswhomakemyhappinessthewholestudyoftheirlives。"
　　"Well，"saidMademoiselle，"doasyouplease，Miss;butprayunderstandthatmyresolutionistaken，anditisnotinyourpowertoalterit。
　　Ishallmeetthegentlemenattheappointedhour，andshallnotbesurprizedatanyoutragewhichMontravillemaycommit，whenhefindshimselfdisappointed。IndeedIshouldnotbeastonished，washetocomeimmediatelyhere，andreproachyouforyourinstabilityinthehearingofthewholeschool：
　　andwhatwillbetheconsequence？youwillbeartheodiumofhavingformedtheresolutionofeloping，andeverygirlofspiritwilllaughatyourwantoffortitudetoputitinexecution，whileprudesandfoolswillloadyouwithreproachandcontempt。
　　Youwillhavelosttheconfidenceofyourparents，incurredtheiranger，andthescoffsoftheworld;andwhatfruitdoyouexpecttoreapfromthispieceofheroism，（forsuchnodoubtyouthinkitis？）
　　youwillhavethepleasuretoreflect，thatyouhavedeceivedthemanwhoadoresyou，andwhominyourheartyouprefertoallothermen，andthatyouareseparatedfromhimforever。"
　　Thiseloquentharanguewasgivenwithsuchvolubility，thatCharlottecouldnotfindanopportunitytointerrupther，ortoofferasinglewordtillthewholewasfinished，andthenfoundherideassoconfused，thatsheknewnotwhattosay。
　　AtlengthshedeterminedthatshewouldgowithMademoiselletotheplaceofassignation，convinceMontravilleofthenecessityofadheringtotheresolutionofremainingbehind;assurehimofheraffection，andbidhimadieu。
　　Charlotteformedthisplaninhermind，andexultedinthecertaintyofitssuccess。"HowshallIrejoice，"saidshe，"inthistriumphofreasonoverinclination，and，wheninthearmsofmyaffectionateparents，liftupmysoulingratitudetoheavenasI
　　lookbackonthedangersIhaveescaped！"
　　Thehourofassignationarrived：Mademoiselleputwhatmoneyandvaluablesshepossessedinherpocket，andadvisedCharlottetodothesame;butsherefused;"myresolutionisfixed"saidshe;
　　"Iwillsacrificelovetoduty。"
　　Mademoisellesmiledinternally;andtheyproceededsoftlydownthebackstairsandoutofthegardengate。MontravilleandBelcourwerereadytoreceivethem。
　　"Now，"saidMontraville，takingCharlotteinhisarms，"youaremineforever。"
　　"No，"saidshe，withdrawingfromhisembrace，"Iamcometotakeaneverlastingfarewel。"
　　Itwouldbeuselesstorepeattheconversationthathereensued，sufficeittosay，thatMontravilleusedeveryargumentthathadformerlybeensuccessful，Charlotte’sresolutionbegantowaver，andhedrewheralmostimperceptiblytowardsthechaise。
　　"Icannotgo，"saidshe："cease，dearMontraville，topersuade。
　　Imustnot：religion，duty，forbid。"
　　"CruelCharlotte，"saidhe，"ifyoudisappointmyardenthopes，byallthatissacred，thishandshallputaperiodtomyexistence。
　　Icannot——willnotlivewithoutyou。"
　　"Alas！mytornheart！"saidCharlotte，"howshallIact？"
　　"Letmedirectyou，"saidMontraville，liftingherintothechaise。
　　"Oh！mydearforsakenparents！"criedCharlotte。
　　Thechaisedroveoff。Sheshrieked，andfaintedintothearmsofherbetrayer。
　　CHAPTERXIII。
　　CRUELDISAPPOINTMENT。
　　"WHATpleasure，"criedMr。Eldridge，ashesteppedintothechaisetogoforhisgrand-daughter，"whatpleasureexpandstheheartofanoldmanwhenhebeholdstheprogenyofabelovedchildgrowingupineveryvirtuethatadornedthemindsofherparents。
　　Ifoolishlythought，somefewyearssince，thateverysenseofjoywasburiedinthegravesofmydearpartnerandmyson;
　　butmyLucy，byherfilialaffection，soothedmysoultopeace，andthisdearCharlottehastwinedherselfroundmyheart，andopenedsuchnewscenesofdelighttomyview，thatIalmostforgetIhaveeverbeenunhappy。"
　　Whenthechaisestopped，healightedwiththealacrityofyouth;
　　somuchdotheemotionsofthesoulinfluencethebody。
　　Itwashalfpasteighto’clock;theladieswereassembledintheschoolroom，andMadameDuPontwaspreparingtoofferthemorningsacrificeofprayerandpraise，whenitwasdiscovered，thatMademoiselleandCharlotteweremissing。
　　"Sheisbusy，nodoubt，"saidthegoverness，"inpreparingCharlotteforherlittleexcursion;butpleasureshouldnevermakeusforgetourdutytoourCreator。Go，oneofyou，andbidthembothattendprayers。"
　　Theladywhowenttosummonthem，soonreturned，andinformedthegoverness，thattheroomwaslocked，andthatshehadknockedrepeatedly，butobtainednoanswer。
　　"Goodheaven！"criedMadameDuPont，"thisisverystrange："
　　andturningpalewithterror，shewenthastilytothedoor，andorderedittobeforcedopen。Theapartmentinstantlydiscovered，thatnopersonhadbeeninittheprecedingnight，thebedsappearingasthoughjustmade。Thehousewasinstantlyasceneofconfusion：
　　thegarden，thepleasuregroundsweresearchedtonopurpose，everyapartmentrangwiththenamesofMissTempleandMademoiselle;
　　buttheyweretoodistanttohear;andeveryfaceworethemarksofdisappointment。
　　Mr。Eldridgewassittingintheparlour，eagerlyexpectinghisgrand-daughtertodescend，readyequippedforherjourney：
　　heheardtheconfusionthatreignedinthehouse;heheardthenameofCharlottefrequentlyrepeated。"Whatcanbethematter？"
　　saidhe，risingandopeningthedoor："Ifearsomeaccidenthasbefallenmydeargirl。"
　　Thegovernessentered。Thevisibleagitationofhercountenancediscoveredthatsomethingextraordinaryhadhappened。
　　"WhereisCharlotte？"saidhe，"Whydoesnotmychildcometowelcomeherdoatingparent？"
　　"Becomposed，mydearSir，"saidMadameDuPont，"donotfrightenyourselfunnecessarily。Sheisnotinthehouseatpresent;
　　butasMademoiselleisundoubtedlywithher，shewillspeedilyreturninsafety;andIhopetheywillbothbeabletoaccountforthisunseasonableabsenceinsuchamannerasshallremoveourpresentuneasiness。"
　　"Madam，"criedtheoldman，withanangrylook，"hasmychildbeenaccustomedtogooutwithoutleave，withnoothercompanyorprotectorthanthatFrenchwoman。Pardonme，Madam，Imeannoreflectionsonyourcountry，butIneverdidlikeMademoiselleLaRue;
　　IthinkshewasaveryimproperpersontobeentrustedwiththecareofsuchagirlasCharlotteTemple，ortobesufferedtotakeherfromunderyourimmediateprotection。"
　　"Youwrongme，Mr。Eldridge，"repliedshe，"ifyousupposeIhaveeverpermittedyourgrand-daughtertogooutunlesswiththeotherladies。
　　IwouldtoheavenIcouldformanyprobableconjectureconcerningherabsencethismorning，butitisamysterywhichherreturncanaloneunravel。"Servantswerenowdispatchedtoeveryplacewheretherewastheleasthopeofhearinganytidingsofthefugitives，butinvain。
　　DreadfulwerethehoursofhorridsuspensewhichMr。Eldridgepassedtilltwelveo’clock，whenthatsuspensewasreducedtoashockingcertainty，andeverysparkofhopewhichtillthentheyhadindulged，wasinamomentextinguished。
　　Mr。Eldridgewaspreparing，withaheavyheart，toreturntohisanxiously-expectingchildren，whenMadameDuPontreceivedthefollowingnotewithouteithernameordate。
　　"MissTempleiswell，andwishestorelievetheanxietyofherparents，bylettingthemknowshehasvoluntarilyputherselfundertheprotectionofamanwhosefuturestudyshallbetomakeherhappy。
　　Pursuitisneedless;themeasurestakentoavoiddiscoveryaretooeffectualtobeeluded。Whenshethinksherfriendsarereconciledtothisprecipitatestep，theymayperhapsbeinformedofherplaceofresidence。Mademoiselleiswithher。"
　　AsMadameDuPontreadthesecruellines，sheturnedpaleasashes，herlimbstrembled，andshewasforcedtocallforaglassofwater。
　　ShelovedCharlottetruly;andwhenshereflectedontheinnocenceandgentlenessofherdisposition，sheconcludedthatitmusthavebeentheadviceandmachinationsofLaRue，whichledhertothisimprudentaction;sherecollectedheragitationatthereceiptofhermother’sletter，andsawinittheconflictofhermind。
　　"DoesthatletterrelatetoCharlotte？"saidMr。Eldridge，havingwaitedsometimeinexpectationofMadameDuPont’sspeaking。
　　"Itdoes，"saidshe。"Charlotteiswell，butcannotreturntoday。"
　　"Notreturn，Madam？whereisshe？whowilldetainherfromherfond，expectingparents？"
　　"Youdistractmewiththesequestions，Mr。Eldridge。IndeedIknownotwheresheis，orwhohasseducedherfromherduty。"
　　ThewholetruthnowrushedatonceuponMr。Eldridge’smind。
　　"Shehaselopedthen，"saidhe。"Mychildisbetrayed;thedarling，thecomfortofmyagedheart，islost。OhwouldtoheavenIhaddiedbutyesterday。"
　　Aviolentgushofgriefinsomemeasurerelievedhim，and，afterseveralvainattempts，heatlengthassumedsufficientcomposuretoreadthenote。
　　"AndhowshallIreturntomychildren？"saidhe："howapproachthatmansion，solatethehabitationofpeace？Alas！mydearLucy，howwillyousupporttheseheart-rendingtidings？orhowshallI
　　beenabledtoconsoleyou，whoneedsomuchconsolationmyself？"
　　Theoldmanreturnedtothechaise，butthelightstepandchearfulcountenancewerenomore;sorrowfilledhisheart，andguidedhismotions;
　　heseatedhimselfinthechaise，hisvenerableheadreclineduponhisbosom，hishandswerefolded，hiseyefixedonvacancy，andthelargedropsofsorrowrolledsilentlydownhischeeks。
　　Therewasamixtureofanguishandresignationdepictedinhiscountenance，asifhewouldsay，henceforthwhoshalldaretoboasthishappiness，oreveninideacontemplatehistreasure，lest，intheverymomenthisheartisexultinginitsownfelicity，theobjectwhichconstitutesthatfelicityshouldbetornfromhim。
　　CHAPTERXIV。
　　MATERNALSORROW。
　　SLOWandheavypassedthetimewhilethecarriagewasconveyingMr。Eldridgehome;andyetwhenhecameinsightofthehouse，hewishedalongerreprievefromthedreadfultaskofinformingMr。andMrs。Templeoftheirdaughter’selopement。
　　Itiseasytojudgetheanxietyoftheseaffectionateparents，whentheyfoundthereturnoftheirfatherdelayedsomuchbeyondtheexpectedtime。Theywerenowmetinthediningparlour，andseveraloftheyoungpeoplewhohadbeeninvitedwerealreadyarrived。
　　Eachdifferentpartofthecompanywasemployedinthesamemanner，lookingoutatthewindowswhichfacedtheroad。Atlengththelong-expectedchaiseappeared。Mrs。Templeranouttoreceiveandwelcomeherdarling：heryoungcompanionsflockedroundthedoor，eachoneeagertogiveherjoyonthereturnofherbirth-day。
　　Thedoorofthechaisewasopened：Charlottewasnotthere。
　　"Whereismychild？"criedMrs。Temple，inbreathlessagitation。
　　Mr。Eldridgecouldnotanswer：hetookholdofhisdaughter’shandandledherintothehouse;andsinkingonthefirstchairhecameto，burstintotears，andsobbedaloud。
　　"Sheisdead，"criedMrs。Temple。"OhmydearCharlotte！"andclaspingherhandsinanagonyofdistress，fellintostronghysterics。
　　Mr。Temple，whohadstoodspeechlesswithsurprizeandfear，nowventuredtoenquireifindeedhisCharlottewasnomore。
　　Mr。Eldridgeledhimintoanotherapartment;andputtingthefatalnoteintohishand，cried——"BearitlikeaChristian，"andturnedfromhim，endeavouringtosuppresshisowntoovisibleemotions。
　　ItwouldbevaintoattemptdescribingwhatMr。Templefeltwhilsthehastilyranoverthedreadfullines：
　　whenhehadfinished，thepaperdroptfromhisunnervedhand。
　　"Graciousheaven！"saidhe，"couldCharlotteactthus？"
　　Neithertearnorsighescapedhim;andhesattheimageofmutesorrow，tillrousedfromhisstuporbytherepeatedshrieksofMrs。Temple。
　　Herosehastily，andrushingintotheapartmentwhereshewas，foldedhisarmsabouther，andsaying——"Letusbepatient，mydearLucy，"
　　naturerelievedhisalmostburstingheartbyafriendlygushoftears。
　　Shouldanyone，presumingonhisownphilosophictemper，lookwithaneyeofcontemptonthemanwhocouldindulgeawoman’sweakness，lethimrememberthatmanwasafather，andhewillthenpitythemiserywhichwrungthosedropsfromanoble，generousheart。
　　Mrs。Templebeginningtobealittlemorecomposed，butstillimaginingherchildwasdead，herhusband，gentlytakingherhand，cried——"Youaremistaken，mylove。Charlotteisnotdead。"
　　"Thensheisveryill，elsewhydidshenotcome？ButIwillgotoher：
　　thechaiseisstillatthedoor：letmegoinstantlytothedeargirl。
　　IfIwasill，shewouldflytoattendme，toalleviatemysufferings，andchearmewithherlove。"
　　"Becalm，mydearestLucy，andIwilltellyouall，"saidMr。Temple。
　　"Youmustnotgo，indeedyoumustnot;itwillbeofnouse。"
　　"Temple，"saidshe，assumingalookoffirmnessandcomposure，"tellmethetruthIbeseechyou。Icannotbearthisdreadfulsuspense。
　　Whatmisfortunehasbefallenmychild？Letmeknowtheworst，andIwillendeavourtobearitasIought。"
　　"Lucy，"repliedMr。Temple，"imagineyourdaughteralive，andinnodangerofdeath：whatmisfortunewouldyouthendread？"
　　"Thereisonemisfortunewhichisworsethandeath。ButIknowmychildtoowelltosuspect——"
　　"Benottooconfident，Lucy。"
　　"Ohheavens！"saidshe，"whathorridimagesdoyoustart：
　　isitpossiblesheshouldforget——"
　　"Shehasforgotusall，mylove;shehaspreferredtheloveofastrangertotheaffectionateprotectionofherfriends。
　　"Noteloped？"criedsheeagerly。
　　Mr。Templewassilent。
　　"Youcannotcontradictit，"saidshe。"Iseemyfateinthosetearfuleyes。OhCharlotte！Charlotte！howillhaveyourequitedourtenderness！But，FatherofMercies，"continuedshe，sinkingonherknees，andraisingherstreamingeyesandclaspedhandstoheaven，"thisoncevouchsafetohearafond，adistractedmother’sprayer。
　　OhletthybounteousProvidencewatchoverandprotectthedearthoughtlessgirl，saveherfromthemiserieswhichIfearwillbeherportion，andoh！ofthineinfinitemercy，makehernotamother，lestsheshouldonedayfeelwhatInowsuffer。"
　　Thelastwordsfaulteredonhertongue，andshefellfaintingintothearmsofherhusband，whohadinvoluntarilydroppedonhiskneesbesideher。
　　Amother’sanguish，whendisappointedinhertenderesthopes，nonebutamothercanconceive。Yet，mydearyoungreaders，Iwouldhaveyoureadthisscenewithattention，andreflectthatyoumayyourselvesonedaybemothers。Ohmyfriends，asyouvalueyoureternalhappiness，woundnot，bythoughtlessingratitude，thepeaceofthemotherwhoboreyou：rememberthetenderness，thecare，theunremittinganxietywithwhichshehasattendedtoallyourwantsandwishesfromearliestinfancytothepresentday;beholdthemildrayofaffectionateapplausethatbeamsfromhereyeontheperformanceofyourduty：listentoherreproofswithsilentattention;
　　theyproceedfromaheartanxiousforyourfuturefelicity：
　　youmustloveher;nature，all-powerfulnature，hasplantedtheseedsoffilialaffectioninyourbosoms。
　　ThenoncemorereadoverthesorrowsofpoorMrs。Temple，andremember，themotherwhomyousodearlyloveandveneratewillfeelthesame，whenyou，forgetfuloftherespectduetoyourmakerandyourself，forsakethepathsofvirtueforthoseofviceandfolly。
　　CHAPTERXV。
　　EMBARKATION。
　　ITwaswiththeutmostdifficultythattheunitedeffortsofMademoiselleandMontravillecouldsupportCharlotte’sspiritsduringtheirshortridefromChichestertoPortsmouth，whereaboatwaitedtotakethemimmediatelyonboardtheshipinwhichtheyweretoembarkforAmerica。
　　Assoonasshebecametolerablycomposed，sheentreatedpenandinktowritetoherparents。Thisshedidinthemostaffecting，artlessmanner，entreatingtheirpardonandblessing，anddescribingthedreadfulsituationofhermind，theconflictshesufferedinendeavouringtoconquerthisunfortunateattachment，andconcludedwithsaying，heronlyhopeoffuturecomfortconsistedinthe（perhapsdelusive）
　　ideasheindulged，ofbeingoncemorefoldedintheirprotectingarms，andhearingthewordsofpeaceandpardonfromtheirlips。
　　Thetearsstreamedincessantlywhileshewaswriting，andshewasfrequentlyobligedtolaydownherpen：butwhenthetaskwascompleted，andshehadcommittedthelettertothecareofMontravilletobesenttothepostoffice，shebecamemorecalm，andindulgingthedelightfulhopeofsoonreceivingananswerthatwouldsealherpardon，sheinsomemeasureassumedherusualchearfulness。
　　ButMontravilleknewtoowelltheconsequencesthatmustunavoidablyensue，shouldthisletterreachMr。Temple：
　　hethereforewiselyresolvedtowalkonthedeck，tearitinpieces，andcommitthefragmentstothecareofNeptune，whomightormightnot，asitsuitedhisconvenience，conveythemonshore。
　　AllCharlotte’shopesandwisheswerenowconcentredinone，namelythatthefleetmightbedetainedatSpitheadtillshecouldreceivealetterfromherfriends：butinthisshewasdisappointed，forthesecondmorningaftershewentonboard，thesignalwasmade，thefleetweighedanchor，andinafewhours（thewindbeingfavourable）
　　theybidadieutothewhitecliffsofAl-bion。
　　InthemeantimeeveryenquirythatcouldbethoughtofwasmadebyMr。andMrs。Temple;formanydaysdidtheyindulgethefondhopethatshewasmerelygoneofftobemarried，andthatwhentheindissolubleknotwasoncetied，shewouldreturnwiththepartnershehadchosen，andentreattheirblessingandforgiveness。
　　"Andshallwenotforgiveher？"saidMr。Temple。
　　"Forgiveher！"exclaimedthemother。"Ohyes，whateverbeourerrors，isshenotourchild？andthoughbowedtotheearthevenwithshameandremorse，isitnotourdutytoraisethepoorpenitent，andwhisperpeaceandcomforttoherdespondingsoul？wouldshebutreturn，withrapturewouldIfoldhertomyheart，andburyeveryremembranceofherfaultsinthedearembrace。"
　　Butstilldayafterdaypassedon，andCharlottedidnotappear，norwereanytidingstobeheardofher：yeteachrisingmorningwaswelcomedbysomenewhope——theeveningbroughtwithitdisappointment。
　　Atlengthhopewasnomore;despairusurpedherplace;andthemansionwhichwasoncethemansionofpeace，becamethehabitationofpale，dejectedmelancholy。
　　ThechearfulsmilethatwaswonttoadornthefaceofMrs。Templewasfled，andhaditnotbeenforthesupportofunaffectedpiety，andaconsciousnessofhavingeversetbeforeherchildthefairestexample，shemusthavesunkunderthisheavyaffliction。
　　"Since，"saidshe，"theseverestscrutinycannotchargemewithanybreachofdutytohavedeservedthisseverechastisement，Iwillbowbeforethepowerwhoinflictsitwithhumbleresignationtohiswill;
　　norshallthedutyofawifebetotallyabsorbedinthefeelingsofthemother;Iwillendeavourtoappearmorechearful，andbyappearinginsomemeasuretohaveconqueredmyownsorrow，alleviatethesufferingsofmyhusband，androusehimfromthattorporintowhichthismisfortunehasplungedhim。Myfathertoodemandsmycareandattention：
　　Imustnot，byaselfishindulgenceofmyowngrief，forgettheinterestthosetwodearobjectstakeinmyhappinessormisery：
　　Iwillwearasmileonmyface，thoughthethornranklesinmyheart;
　　andifbysodoing，Iinthesmallestdegreecontributetorestoretheirpeaceofmind，Ishallbeamplyrewardedforthepaintheconcealmentofmyownfeelingsmayoccasion。
　　Thusarguedthisexcellentwoman：andintheexecutionofsolaudablearesolutionweshallleaveher，tofollowthefortunesofthehaplessvictimofimprudenceandevilcounsellors。
　　CHAPTERXVI。
　　NECESSARYDIGRESSION。
　　ONboardoftheshipinwhichCharlotteandMademoisellewereembarked，wasanofficeroflargeunincumberedfortuneandelevatedrank，andwhomIshallcallCrayton。
　　Hewasoneofthosemen，who，havingtravelledintheiryouth，pretendtohavecontractedapeculiarfondnessforeverythingforeign，andtoholdincontempttheproductionsoftheirowncountry;
　　andthisaffectedpartialityextendedeventothewomen。
　　WithhimthereforetheblushingmodestyandunaffectedsimplicityofCharlottepassedunnoticed;buttheforwardpertnessofLaRue，thefreedomofherconversation，theeleganceofherperson，mixedwithacertainengagingJENESAISQUOI，perfectlyenchantedhim。
　　ThereadernodoubthasalreadydevelopedthecharacterofLaRue：
　　designing，artful，andselfish，shehadacceptedthedevoirsofBelcourbecauseshewasheartilywearyoftheretiredlifesheledattheschool，wishedtobereleasedfromwhatshedeemedaslavery，andtoreturntothatvortexoffollyanddissipationwhichhadonceplungedherintothedeepestmisery;
　　butherplansheflatteredherselfwasnowbetterformed：
　　sheresolvedtoputherselfundertheprotectionofnomantillshehadfirstsecuredasettlement;buttheclandestinemannerinwhichsheleftMadameDuPont’spreventedherputtingthisplaninexecution，thoughBelcoursolemnlyprotestedhewouldmakeherahandsomesettlementthemomenttheyarrivedatPortsmouth。
　　Thisheafterwardscontrivedtoevadebyapretendedhurryofbusiness;
　　LaRuereadilyconceivinghenevermeanttofulfilhispromise，determinedtochangeherbattery，andattacktheheartofColonelCrayton。
　　Shesoondiscoveredthepartialityheentertainedforhernation;
　　andhavingimposedonhimafeignedtaleofdistress，representingBelcourasavillainwhohadseducedherfromherfriendsunderpromiseofmarriage，andafterwardsbetrayedher，pretendinggreatremorsefortheerrorsshehadcommitted，anddeclaringwhateverheraffectionforBelcourmighthavebeen，itwasnowentirelyextinguished，andshewishedfornothingmorethananopportunitytoleaveacourseoflifewhichhersoulabhorred;butshehadnofriendstoapplyto，theyhadallrenouncedher，andguiltandmiserywouldundoubtedlybeherfutureportionthroughlife。
　　Craytonwaspossessedofmanyamiablequalities，thoughthepeculiartraitinhischaracter，whichwehavealreadymentioned，inagreatmeasurethrewashadeoverthem。Hewasbelovedforhishumanityandbenevolencebyallwhoknewhim，buthewaseasyandunsuspicioushimself，andbecameadupetotheartificeofothers。
　　Hewas，whenveryyoung，unitedtoanamiableParisianlady，andperhapsitwashisaffectionforherthatlaidthefoundationforthepartialityheeverretainedforthewholenation。Hehadbyheronedaughter，whoenteredintotheworldbutafewhoursbeforehermotherleftit。
　　Thisladywasuniversallybelovedandadmired，beingendowedwithallthevirtuesofhermother，withouttheweaknessofthefather：
　　shewasmarriedtoMajorBeauchamp，andwasatthistimeinthesamefleetwithherfather，attendingherhusbandtoNew-York。
　　CraytonwasmeltedbytheaffectedcontritionanddistressofLaRue：
　　hewouldconversewithherforhours，readtoher，playcardswithher，listentoallhercomplaints，andpromisetoprotecthertotheutmostofhispower。LaRueeasilysawhischaracter;
　　hersoleaimwastoawakenapassioninhisbosomthatmightturnouttoheradvantage，andinthisaimshewasbuttoosuccessful，forbeforethevoyagewasfinished，theinfatuatedColonelgaveherfromunderhishandapromiseofmarriageontheirarrivalatNew-York，underforfeitureoffivethousandpounds。
　　AndhowdidourpoorCharlottepasshertimeduringatediousandtempestuouspassage？naturallydelicate，thefatigueandsicknesswhichsheenduredrenderedhersoweakastobealmostentirelyconfinedtoherbed：yetthekindnessandattentionofMontravilleinsomemeasurecontributedtoalleviatehersufferings，andthehopeofhearingfromherfriendssoonafterherarrival，keptupherspirits，andcheeredmanyagloomyhour。
　　ButduringthevoyageagreatrevolutiontookplacenotonlyinthefortuneofLaRuebutinthebosomofBelcour：
　　whilstinpursuitofhisamourwithMademoiselle，hehadattendedlittletotheinteresting，inobtrusivecharmsofCharlotte，butwhen，cloyedbypossession，anddisgustedwiththeartanddissimulationofone，hebeheldthesimplicityandgentlenessoftheother，thecontrastbecametoostrikingnottofillhimatoncewithsurpriseandadmiration。HefrequentlyconversedwithCharlotte;
　　hefoundhersensible，wellinformed，butdiffidentandunassuming。
　　Thelanguorwhichthefatigueofherbodyandperturbationofhermindspreadoverherdelicatefeatures，servedonlyinhisopiniontorenderhermorelovely：heknewthatMontravilledidnotdesigntomarryher，andheformedaresolutiontoendeavourtogainherhimselfwheneverMontravilleshouldleaveher。
　　LetnotthereaderimagineBelcour’sdesignswerehonourable。
　　Alas！whenonceawomanhasforgottherespectduetoherself，byyieldingtothesolicitationsofillicitlove，theylosealltheirconsequence，evenintheeyesofthemanwhosearthasbetrayedthem，andforwhosesaketheyhavesacrificedeveryvaluableconsideration。
　　TheheedlessFair，whostoopstoguiltyjoys，Amanmaypity——buthemustdespise。Nay，everylibertinewillthinkhehasarighttoinsultherwithhislicentiouspassion;
　　andshouldtheunhappycreatureshrinkfromtheinsolentoverture，hewillsneeringlytauntherwithpretenceofmodesty。
　　CHAPTERXVII。
　　AWEDDING。
　　ONthedaybeforetheirarrivalatNew-York，afterdinner，Craytonarosefromhisseat，andplacinghimselfbyMademoiselle，thusaddressedthecompany——
　　"Aswearenownearlyarrivedatourdestinedport，Ithinkitbutmydutytoinformyou，myfriends，thatthislady，"
　　（takingherhand，）"hasplacedherselfundermyprotection。
　　Ihaveseenandseverelyfelttheanguishofherheart，andthrougheveryshadewhichcrueltyormalicemaythrowoverher，candiscoverthemostamiablequalities。Ithoughtitbutnecessarytomentionmyesteemforherbeforeourdisembarkation，asitismyfixedresolution，themorningafterweland，togiveheranundoubtedtitletomyfavourandprotectionbyhonourablyunitingmyfatetohers。
　　Iwouldwisheverygentlemanherethereforetorememberthatherhonourhenceforthismine，and，"continuedhe，lookingatBelcour，"shouldanymanpresumetospeakintheleastdisrespectfullyofher，Ishallnothesitatetopronouncehimascoundrel。"
　　Belcourcastathimasmileofcontempt，andbowingprofoundlylow，wishedMademoisellemuchjoyintheproposedunion;andassuringtheColonelthatheneednotbeintheleastapprehensiveofanyonethrowingtheleastodiumonthecharacterofhislady，shookhimbythehandwithridiculousgravity，andleftthecabin。
　　Thetruthwas，hewasgladtoberidofLaRue，andsohewasbutfreedfromher，hecarednotwhofellavictimtoherinfamousarts。
　　TheinexperiencedCharlottewasastonishedatwhatsheheard。
　　ShethoughtLaRuehad，likeherself，onlybeenurgedbytheforceofherattachmenttoBelcour，toquitherfriends，andfollowhimtothefeatofwar：howwonderfulthen，thatsheshouldresolvetomarryanotherman。Itwascertainlyextremelywrong。
　　Itwasindelicate。ShementionedherthoughtstoMontraville。
　　Helaughedathersimplicity，calledheralittleideot，andpattingheronthecheek，saidsheknewnothingoftheworld。
　　"Iftheworldsanctifiessuchthings，’tisaverybadworldIthink，"
　　saidCharlotte。"WhyIalwaysunderstoodtheyweretohavebeenmarriedwhentheyarrivedatNew-York。IamsureMademoiselletoldmeBelcourpromisedtomarryher。"
　　"Well，andsupposehedid？"
　　"Why，heshouldbeobligedtokeephiswordIthink。"
　　"Well，butIsupposehehaschangedhismind，"saidMontraville，"andthenyouknowthecaseisaltered。"
　　Charlottelookedathimattentivelyforamoment。Afullsenseofherownsituationrusheduponhermind。Sheburstintotears，andremainedsilent。Montravilletoowellunderstoodthecauseofhertears。Hekissedhercheek，andbiddinghernotmakeherselfuneasy，unabletobearthesilentbutkeenremonstrance，hastilylefther。
　　Thenextmorningbysun-risetheyfoundthemselvesatanchorbeforethecityofNew-York。Aboatwasorderedtoconveytheladiesonshore。
　　Craytonaccompaniedthem;andtheywereshewntoahouseofpublicentertainment。Scarcelyweretheyseatedwhenthedooropened，andtheColonelfoundhimselfinthearmsofhisdaughter，whohadlandedafewminutesbeforehim。Thefirsttransportofmeetingsubsided，CraytonintroducedhisdaughtertoMademoiselleLaRue，asanoldfriendofhermother’s，（fortheartfulFrenchwomanhadreallymadeitappeartothecredulousColonelthatshewasinthesameconventwithhisfirstwife，and，thoughmuchyounger，hadreceivedmanytokensofheresteemandregard。）
　　"If，Mademoiselle，"saidMrs。Beauchamp，"youwerethefriendofmymother，youmustbeworthytheesteemofallgoodhearts。
　　""Mademoisellewillsoonhonourourfamily，"saidCrayton，"bysupplyingtheplacethatvaluablewomanfilled：andasyouaremarried，mydear，Ithinkyouwillnotblame——"
　　"Hush，mydearSir，"repliedMrs。Beauchamp："Iknowmydutytoowelltoscrutinizeyourconduct。Beassured，mydearfather，yourhappinessismine。Ishallrejoiceinit，andsincerelylovethepersonwhocontributestoit。Buttellme，"
　　continuedshe，turningtoCharlotte，"whoisthislovelygirl？
　　Issheyoursister，Mademoiselle？"
　　Ablush，deepastheglowofthecarnation，suffusedthecheeksofCharlotte。
　　"Itisayounglady，"repliedtheColonel，"whocameinthesamevesselwithusfromEngland。’Hethendrewhisdaughteraside，andtoldherinawhisper，CharlottewasthemistressofMontraville。
　　"Whatapity！"saidMrs。Beauchampsoftly，（castingamostcompassionateglanceather。）"Butsurelyhermindisnotdepraved。