Thegoodnessofherheartisdepictedinheringenuouscountenance。"
　　"Charlottecaughtthewordpity。"AndamIalreadyfallensolow？"
　　saidshe。Asighescapedher，andatearwasreadytostart，butMontravilleappeared，andshecheckedtherisingemotion。
　　MademoisellewentwiththeColonelandhisdaughtertoanotherapartment。CharlotteremainedwithMontravilleandBelcour。
　　ThenextmorningtheColonelperformedhispromise，andLaRuebecameindueformMrs。Crayton，exultedinherowngoodfortune，anddaredtolookwithaneyeofcontemptontheunfortunatebutfarlessguiltyCharlotte。
　　ENDOFTHEFIRSTVOLUME。
　　CHARLOTTETEMPLE，VOLUMEII
　　CHAPTERXVIII。
　　REFLECTIONS。
　　"ANDamIindeedfallensolow，"saidCharlotte，"astobeonlypitied？
　　Willthevoiceofapprobationnomoremeetmyear？andshallIneveragainpossessafriend，whosefacewillwearasmileofjoywheneverIapproach？
　　Alas！howthoughtless，howdreadfullyimprudenthaveIbeen！
　　Iknownotwhichismostpainfultoendure，thesneerofcontempt，ortheglanceofcompassion，whichisdepictedinthevariouscountenancesofmyownsex：theyarebothequallyhumiliating。
　　Ah！mydearparents，couldyounowseethechildofyouraffections，thedaughterwhomyousodearlyloved，apoorsolitarybeing，withoutsociety，herewearingoutherheavyhoursindeepregretandanguishofheart，nokindfriendofherownsextowhomshecanunbosomhergriefs，nobelovedmother，nowomanofcharacterwillappearinmycompany，andlowasyourCharlotteisfallen，shecannotassociatewithinfamy。"
　　ThesewerethepainfulreflectionswhichoccupiedthemindofCharlotte。
　　MontravillehadplacedherinasmallhouseafewmilesfromNew-York：hegaveheronefemaleattendant，andsuppliedherwithwhatmoneyshewanted;butbusinessandpleasuresoentirelyoccupiedhistime，thathehadlittletodevotetothewoman，whomhehadbroughtfromallherconnections，androbbedofinnocence。
　　Sometimes，indeed，hewouldstealoutatthecloseofevening，andpassafewhourswithher;andthensomuchwassheattachedtohim，thatallhersorrowswereforgottenwhileblestwithhissociety：
　　shewouldenjoyawalkbymoonlight，orsitbyhiminalittlearbouratthebottomofthegarden，andplayontheharp，accompanyingitwithherplaintive，harmoniousvoice。Butoften，veryoften，didhepromisetorenewhisvisits，and，forgetfulofhispromise，leavehertomournherdisappointment。Whatpainfulhoursofexpectationwouldshepass！Shewouldsitatawindowwhichlookedtowardafieldheusedtocross，countingtheminutes，andstraininghereyestocatchthefirstglimpseofhisperson，tillblindedwithtearsofdisappointment，shewouldleanherheadonherhands，andgivefreeventtohersorrows：thencatchingatsomenewhope，shewouldagainrenewherwatchfulposition，tilltheshadesofeveningenvelopedeveryobjectinaduskycloud：
　　shewouldthenrenewhercomplaints，and，withaheartburstingwithdisappointedloveandwoundedsensibility，retiretoabedwhichremorsehadstrewedwiththorns，andcourtinvainthatcomforterofwearynature（whoseldomvisitstheunhappy）
　　tocomeandsteephersensesinoblivion。
　　WhocanformanadequateideaofthesorrowthatpreyeduponthemindofCharlotte？Thewife，whosebreastglowswithaffectiontoherhusband，andwhoinreturnmeetsonlyindifference，canbutfaintlyconceiveheranguish。Dreadfullypainfulisthesituationofsuchawoman，butshehasmanycomfortsofwhichourpoorCharlottewasdeprived。
　　Theduteous，faithfulwife，thoughtreatedwithindifference，hasonesolidpleasurewithinherownbosom，shecanreflectthatshehasnotdeservedneglect——thatshehaseverfulfilledthedutiesofherstationwiththestrictestexactness;
　　shemayhope，byconstantassiduityandunremittedattention，torecallherwanderer，andbedoublyhappyinhisreturningaffection;
　　sheknowshecannotleavehertounitehimselftoanother：
　　hecannotcastherouttopovertyandcontempt;shelooksaroundher，andseesthesmileoffriendlywelcome，orthetearofaffectionateconsolation，onthefaceofeverypersonwhomshefavourswithheresteem;andfromallthesecircumstancesshegatherscomfort：
　　butthepoorgirlbythoughtlesspassionledastray，who，inpartingwithherhonour，hasforfeitedtheesteemoftheverymantowhomshehassacri-icedeverythingdearandvaluableinlife，feelshisindifferenceinthefruitofherownfolly，andlamentsherwantofpowertorecallhislostaffection;sheknowsthereisnotiebuthonour，andthat，inamanwhohasbeenguiltyofseduction，isbutveryfeeble：
　　hemayleaveherinamomenttoshameandwant;hemaymarryandforsakeherforever;andshouldhe，shehasnoredress，nofriendly，soothingcompaniontopourintoherwoundedmindthebalmofconsolation，nobenevolenthandtoleadherbacktothepathofrectitude;
　　shehasdisgracedherfriends，forfeitedthegoodopinionoftheworld，andundoneherself;shefeelsherselfapoorsolitarybeinginthemidstofsurroundingmultitudes;shamebowshertotheearth，remorsetearsherdistractedmind，andguilt，poverty，anddiseaseclosethedreadfulscene：shesinksunnoticedtooblivion。
　　Thefingerofcontemptmaypointouttosomepassingdaughterofyouthfulmirth，thehumblebedwhereliesthisfrailsisterofmortality;
　　andwillshe，intheunboundedgaietyofherheart，exultinherownunblemishedfame，andtriumphoverthesilentashesofthedead？
　　Ohno！hassheaheartofsensibility，shewillstop，andthusaddresstheunhappyvictimoffolly——
　　"Thouhad’stthyfaults，butsurethysufferingshaveexpiatedthem：
　　thyerrorsbroughttheetoanearlygrave;butthouwertafellow-creature——
　　thouhastbeenunhappy——thenbethoseerrorsforgotten。"
　　Then，asshestoopstopluckthenoxiousweedfromoffthesod，atearwillfall，andconsecratethespottoCharity。
　　Foreverhonouredbethesacreddropofhumanity;theangelofmercyshallrecorditssource，andthesoulfromwhenceitsprangshallbeimmortal。
　　MydearMadam，contractnotyourbrowintoafrownofdisapprobation。
　　Imeannottoextenuatethefaultsofthoseunhappywomenwhofallvictimstoguiltandfolly;butsurely，whenwereflecthowmanyerrorsweareourselvessubjectto，howmanysecretfaultsliehidintherecessesofourhearts，whichweshouldblushtohavebroughtintoopenday（andyetthosefaultsrequirethelenityandpityofabenevolentjudge，orawfulwouldbeourprospectoffuturity）
　　Isay，mydearMadam，whenweconsiderthis，wesurelymaypitythefaultsofothers。
　　Believeme，manyanunfortunatefemale，whohasoncestrayedintothethornypathsofvice，wouldgladlyreturntovirtue，wasanygenerousfriendtoendeavourtoraiseandre-assureher;
　　butalas！itcannotbe，yousay;theworldwouldderideandscoff。
　　Thenletmetellyou，Madam，’tisaveryunfeelingworld，anddoesnotdeservehalftheblessingswhichabountifulProvidenceshowersuponit。
　　Oh，thoubenevolentgiverofallgood！howshallweerringmortalsdaretolookuptothymercyinthegreatdayofretribution，ifwenowuncharitablyrefusetooverlooktheerrors，oralleviatethemiseries，ofourfellow-creatures。
　　CHAPTERXIX。
　　AMISTAKEDISCOVERED。
　　JULIAFranklinwastheonlychildofamanoflargeproperty，who，attheageofeighteen，leftherindependentmistressofanunincumberedincomeofsevenhundredayear;shewasagirlofalivelydisposition，andhumane，susceptibleheart：
　　sheresidedinNew-Yorkwithanuncle，wholovedhertoowell，andhadtoohighanopinionofherprudence，toscrutinizeheractionssomuchaswouldhavebeennecessarywithmanyyoungladies，whowerenotblestwithherdiscretion：shewas，atthetimeMontravillearrivedatNew-York，thelifeofsociety，andtheuniversaltoast。
　　Montravillewasintroducedtoherbythefollowingaccident。
　　Onenightwhenhewasuponguard，adreadfulfirebrokeoutnearMr。Franklin’shouse，which，inafewhours，reducedthatandseveralotherstoashes;fortunatelynoliveswerelost，and，bytheassiduityofthesoldiers，muchvaluablepropertywassavedfromtheflames。
　　InthemidstoftheconfusionanoldgentlemancameuptoMontraville，and，puttingasmallboxintohishands，cried——"Keepit，mygoodSir，tillIcometoyouagain;"andthenrushingagainintothethickestofthecroud，Montravillesawhimnomore。
　　Hewaitedtillthefirewasquiteextinguishedandthemobdispersed;
　　butinvain：theoldgentlemandidnotappeartoclaimhisproperty;
　　andMontraville，fearingtomakeanyenquiry，lestheshouldmeetwithimpostorswhomightlayclaim，withoutanylegalright，tothebox，carriedittohislodgings，andlockeditup：
　　henaturallyimagined，thatthepersonwhocommittedittohiscareknewhim，andwould，inadayortwo，reclaimit;butseveralweekspassedon，andnoenquirybeingmade，hebegantobeuneasy，andresolvedtoexaminethecontentsofthebox，andiftheywere，ashesupposed，valuable，tosparenopainstodiscover，andrestorethemtotheowner。Uponopeningit，hefounditcontainedjewelstoalargeamount，abouttwohundredpoundsinmoney，andaminiaturepicturesetforabracelet。Onexaminingthepicture，hethoughthehadsomewhereseenfeaturesverylikeit，butcouldnotrecollectwhere。Afewdaysafter，beingatapublicassembly，hesawMissFranklin，andthelikenesswastooevidenttobemistaken：
　　heenquiredamonghisbrotherofficersifanyofthemknewher，andfoundonewhowasupontermsofintimacyinthefamily：
　　"thenintroducemetoherimmediately，"saidhe，"forIamcertainI
　　caninformherofsomethingwhichwillgiveherpeculiarpleasure。"
　　Hewasimmediatelyintroduced，foundshewastheownerofthejewels，andwasinvitedtobreakfastthenextmorninginordertotheirrestoration。
　　ThiswholeeveningMontravillewashonouredwithJulia’shand;
　　thelivelysalliesofherwit，theeleganceofhermanner，powerfullycharmedhim：heforgotCharlotte，andindulgedhimselfinsayingeverythingthatwaspoliteandtendertoJulia。
　　Butonretiring，recollectionreturned。"WhatamIabout？"saidhe：
　　"thoughIcannotmarryCharlotte，Icannotbevillainenoughtoforsakeher，normustIdaretotriflewiththeheartofJuliaFranklin。
　　Iwillreturnthisbox，"saidhe，"whichhasbeenthesourceofsomuchuneasinessalready，andintheeveningpayavisittomypoormelancholyCharlotte，andendeavourtoforgetthisfascinatingJulia。"
　　Hearose，dressedhimself，andtakingthepictureout，"Iwillreservethisfromtherest，"saidhe，"andbypresentingittoherwhenshethinksitislost，enhancethevalueoftheobligation。"HerepairedtoMr。Franklin’s，andfoundJuliainthebreakfastparlouralone。
　　"HowhappyamI，Madam，"saidhe，"thatbeingthefortunateinstrumentofsavingthesejewelshasbeenthemeansofprocuringmetheacquaintanceofsoamiablealady。Therearethejewelsandmoneyallsafe。"
　　"Butwhereisthepicture，Sir？"saidJulia。
　　"Here，Madam。Iwouldnotwillinglypartwithit。"
　　"Itistheportraitofmymother，"saidshe，takingitfromhim：
　　"’tisallthatremains。"Shepressedittoherlips，andateartrembledinhereyes。Montravilleglancedhiseyeonhergreynightgownandblackribbon，andhisownfeelingspreventedareply。
　　JuliaFranklinwastheveryreverseofCharlotteTemple：
　　shewastall，elegantlyshaped，andpossessedmuchoftheairandmannerofawomanoffashion;hercomplexionwasaclearbrown，enlivenedwiththeglowofhealth，hereyes，full，black，andsparkling，dartedtheirintelligentglancesthroughlongsilkenlashes;
　　herhairwasshiningbrown，andherfeaturesregularandstriking;
　　therewasanairofinnocentgaietythatplayedabouthercountenance，wheregoodhumoursattriumphant。
　　"Ihavebeenmistaken，"saidMontraville。"IimaginedIlovedCharlotte：
　　butalas！Iamnowtoolateconvincedmyattachmenttoherwasmerelytheimpulseofthemoment。IfearIhavenotonlyentailedlastingmiseryonthatpoorgirl，butalsothrownabarrierinthewayofmyownhappiness，whichitwillbeimpossibletosurmount。
　　IfeelIloveJuliaFranklinwithardourandsincerity;
　　yet，wheninherpresence，Iamsensibleofmyowninabilitytoofferaheartworthyheracceptance，andremainsilent。"
　　Fullofthesepainfulthoughts，MontravillewalkedouttoseeCharlotte：
　　shesawhimapproach，andranouttomeethim：shebanishedfromhercountenancetheairofdiscontentwhicheverappearedwhenhewasabsent，andmethimwithasmileofjoy。
　　"Ithoughtyouhadforgotme，Montraville，"saidshe，"andwasveryunhappy。"
　　"Ishallneverforgetyou，Charlotte，"hereplied，pressingherhand。
　　Theuncommongravityofhiscountenance，andthebrevityofhisreply，alarmedher。
　　"Youarenotwell，"saidshe;"yourhandishot;youreyesareheavy;
　　youareveryill。"
　　"Iamavillain，"saidhementally，asheturnedfromhertohidehisemotions。
　　"Butcome，"continuedshetenderly，"youshallgotobed，andIwillsitby，andwatchyou;youwillbebetterwhenyouhaveslept。"
　　Montravillewasgladtoretire，andbypretendingsleep，hidetheagitationofhismindfromherpenetratingeye。
　　Charlottewatchedbyhimtillalatehour，andthen，lyingsoftlydownbyhisside，sunkintoaprofoundsleep，fromwhencesheawokenottilllatethenextmorning。
　　CHAPTERXX。
　　Virtueneverappearssoamiableaswhenreachingforthherhandtoraiseafallensister。
　　CHAPTEROFACCIDENTS。
　　WHENCharlotteawoke，shemissedMontraville;butthinkinghemighthavearisenearlytoenjoythebeautiesofthemorning，shewaspreparingtofollowhim，whencastinghereyeonthetable，shesawanote，andopeningithastily，foundthesewords——
　　"MydearCharlottemustnotbesurprised，ifshedoesnotseemeagainforsometime：unavoidablebusinesswillpreventmethatpleasure：
　　beassuredIamquitewellthismorning;andwhatyourfondimaginationmagnifiedintoillness，wasnothingmorethanfatigue，whichafewhoursresthasentirelyremoved。Makeyourselfhappy，andbecertainoftheunalterablefriendshipof"MONTRAVILLE。"
　　"FRIENDSHIP！"saidCharlotteemphatically，asshefinishedthenote，"isitcometothisatlast？Alas！poor，forsakenCharlotte，thydoomisnowbuttooapparent。Montravilleisnolongerinterestedinthyhappiness;andshame，remorse，anddisappointedlovewillhenceforthbethyonlyattendants。"
　　ThoughtheseweretheideasthatinvoluntarilyrusheduponthemindofCharlotteassheperusedthefatalnote，yetafterafewhourshadelapsed，thesyrenHopeagaintookpossessionofherbosom，andsheflatteredherselfshecould，onasecondperusal，discoveranairoftendernessinthefewlineshehadleft，whichatfirsthadescapedhernotice。
　　"Hecertainlycannotbesobaseastoleaveme，"saidshe，"andinstilinghimselfmyfrienddoeshenotpromisetoprotectme。
　　Iwillnottormentmyselfwiththesecauselessfears;Iwillplaceaconfidenceinhishonour;andsurehewillnotbesounjustastoabuseit。"
　　Justasshehadbythismannerofreasoningbroughthermindtosometolerabledegreeofcomposure，shewassurprisedbyavisitfromBelcour。
　　ThedejectionvisibleinCharlotte’scountenance，herswolneyesandneglectedattire，atoncetoldhimshewasunhappy：hemadenodoubtbutMontravillehad，byhiscoldness，alarmedhersuspicions，andwasresolved，ifpossible，torousehertojealousy，urgehertoreproachhim，andbythatmeansoccasionabreachbetweenthem。
　　"IfIcanonceconvinceherthatshehasarival，"saidhe，"shewilllistentomypassionifitisonlytorevengehisslights。"
　　Belcourknewbutlittleofthefemaleheart;andwhathedidknowwasonlyofthoseoflooseanddissolutelives。
　　Hehadnoideathatawomanmightfallavictimtoimprudence，andyetretainsostrongasenseofhonour，astorejectwithhorrorandcontempteverysolicitationtoasecondfault。
　　Heneverimaginedthatagentle，generousfemaleheart，oncetenderlyattached，whentreatedwithunkindnessmightbreak，butwouldneverharbourathoughtofrevenge。
　　Hisvisitwasnotlong，butbeforehewenthefixedascorpionintheheartofCharlotte，whosevenomembitteredeveryfuturehourofherlife。
　　WewillnowreturnforamomenttoColonelCrayton。Hehadbeenthreemonthsmarried，andinthatlittletimehaddiscoveredthattheconductofhisladywasnotsoprudentasitoughttohavebeen：
　　butremonstrancewasvain;hertemperwasviolent;andtotheColonel’sgreatmisfortunehehadconceivedasincereaffectionforher：
　　shesawherownpower，and，withtheartofaCirce，madeeveryactionappeartohiminwhatlightshepleased：hisacquaintancelaughedathisblindness，hisfriendspitiedhisinfatuation，hisamiabledaughter，Mrs。Beauchamp，insecretdeploredthelossofherfather’saffection，andgrievedthatheshouldbesoentirelyswayedbyanartful，and，shemuchfeared，infamouswoman。
　　Mrs。Beauchampwasmildandengaging;shelovednotthehurryandbustleofacity，andhadprevailedonherhusbandtotakeahouseafewmilesfromNew-York。ChanceledherintothesameneighbourhoodwithCharlotte;theirhousesstoodwithinashortspaceofeachother，andtheirgardensjoined：shehadnotbeenlonginhernewhabitationbeforethefigureofCharlottestruckher;
　　sherecollectedherinterestingfeatures;shesawthemelancholysoconspicuousinhercountenance，andherheartbledatthereflection，thatperhapsdeprivedofhonour，friends，allthatwasvaluableinlife，shewasdoomedtolingeroutawretchedexistenceinastrangeland，andsinkbroken-heartedintoanuntimelygrave。
　　"WouldtoheavenIcouldsnatchherfromsohardafate，"saidshe;
　　"butthemercilessworldhasbarredthedoorsofcompassionagainstapoorweakgirl，who，perhaps，hadsheonekindfriendtoraiseandreassureher，wouldgladlyreturntopeaceandvirtue;
　　nay，eventhewomanwhodarestopity，andendeavourtorecallawanderingsister，incursthesneerofcontemptandridicule，foranactioninwhichevenangelsaresaidtorejoice。"
　　ThelongerMrs。BeauchampwasawitnesstothesolitarylifeCharlotteled，themoreshewishedtospeaktoher，andoftenasshesawhercheekswetwiththetearsofanguish，shewouldsay——"Dearsufferer，howgladlywouldIpourintoyourheartthebalmofconsolation，wereitnotforthefearofderision。"
　　Butanaccidentsoonhappenedwhichmadeherresolvetobraveeventhescoffsoftheworld，ratherthannotenjoytheheavenlysatisfactionofcomfortingadespondingfellow-creature。
　　Mrs。Beauchampwasanearlyriser。Shewasonemorningwalkinginthegarden，leaningonherhusband’sarm，whenthesoundofaharpattractedtheirnotice：theylistenedattentively，andheardasoftmelodiousvoicedistinctlysingthefollowingstanzas：
　　Thougloriousorb，supremelybright，Justrisingfromthesea，Tochearallnaturewiththylight，Whatarethybeamstome？
　　Invainthygloriesbidmerise，Tohailthenew-bornday，Alas！mymorningsacrificeIsstilltoweepandpray。
　　Forwhatarenature’scharmscombin’d，Toone，whosewearybreastCanneitherpeacenorcomfortfind，Norfriendwhereontorest？
　　Oh！never！never！whilstIliveCanmyheart’sanguishcease：
　　Come，friendlydeath，thymandategive，Andletmebeatpeace。
　　"’TispoorCharlotte！"saidMrs。Beauchamp，thepelluciddropofhumanitystealingdownhercheek。
　　CaptainBeauchampwasalarmedatheremotion。"WhatCharlotte？"
　　saidhe;"doyouknowher？"
　　IntheaccentofapityingangeldidshedisclosetoherhusbandCharlotte’sunhappysituation，andthefrequentwishshehadformedofbeingserviceabletoher。"Ifear，"continuedshe，"thepoorgirlhasbeenbaselybetrayed;andifIthoughtyouwouldnotblameme，Iwouldpayheravisit，offerhermyfriendship，andendeavourtorestoretoherheartthatpeacesheseemstohavelost，andsopatheticallylaments。Whoknows，mydear，"layingherhandaffectionatelyonhisarm，"whoknowsbutshehasleftsomekind，affectionateparentstolamenthererrors，andwouldshereturn，theymightwithrapturereceivethepoorpenitent，andwashawayherfaultsintearsofjoy。Oh！whatagloriousreflexionwoulditbeformecouldIbethehappyinstrumentofrestoringher。
　　Herheartmaynotbedepraved，Beauchamp。"
　　"Exaltedwoman！"criedBeauchamp，embracingher，"howdostthouriseeverymomentinmyesteem。Followtheimpulseofthygenerousheart，myEmily。Letprudesandfoolscensureiftheydare，andblameasensibilitytheyneverfelt;Iwillexultinglytellthemthattheheartthatistrulyvirtuousiseverinclinedtopityandforgivetheerrorsofitsfellow-creatures。"
　　AbeamofexultingjoyplayedroundtheanimatedcountenanceofMrs。Beauchamp，attheseencomiumsbestowedonherbyabelovedhusband，themostdelightfulsensationspervadedherheart，and，havingbreakfasted，shepreparedtovisitCharlotte。
　　CHAPTERXXI。
　　Teachmetofeelanother’swoe，TohidethefaultIsee，ThatmercyItoothersshow，Thatmercyshowtome。POPE。
　　WHENMrs。Beauchampwasdressed，shebegantofeelembarrassedatthethoughtofbeginninganacquaintancewithCharlotte，andwasdistressedhowtomakethefirstvisit。"Icannotgowithoutsomeintroduction，"
　　saidshe，"itwilllooksolikeimpertinentcuriosity。"
　　Atlengthrecollectingherself，shesteppedintothegarden，andgatheringafewfinecucumbers，tooktheminherhandbywayofapologyforhervisit。
　　AglowofconsciousshamevermillionedCharlotte’sfaceasMrs。Beauchampentered。
　　"Youwillpardonme，Madam，"saidshe，"fornothavingbeforepaidmyrespectstosoamiableaneighbour;butweEnglishpeoplealwayskeepupthatreservewhichisthecharacteristicofournationwhereverwego。
　　Ihavetakenthelibertytobringyouafewcucumbers，forIobservedyouhadnoneinyourgarden。"
　　Charlotte，thoughnaturallypoliteandwell-bred，wassoconfusedshecouldhardlyspeak。Herkindvisitorendeavouredtorelieveherbynotnoticingherembarrassment。"Iamcome，Madam，"
　　continuedshe，"torequestyouwillspendthedaywithme。
　　Ishallbealone;and，aswearebothstrangersinthiscountry，wemayhereafterbeextremelyhappyineachother’sfriendship。"
　　"Yourfriendship，Madam，"saidCharlotteblushing，"isanhonourtoallwhoarefavouredwithit。LittleasIhaveseenofthispartoftheworld，IamnostrangertoMrs。Beauchamp’sgoodnessofheartandknownhumanity：butmyfriendship——"Shepaused，glancedhereyeuponherownvisiblesituation，and，spiteofherendeavourstosuppressthem，burstintotears。
　　Mrs。Beauchampguessedthesourcefromwhencethosetearsflowed。
　　"Youseemunhappy，Madam，"saidshe："shallIbethoughtworthyyourconfidence？willyouentrustmewiththecauseofyoursorrow，andrestonmyassurancestoexertmyutmostpowertoserveyou。"
　　Charlottereturnedalookofgratitude，butcouldnotspeak，andMrs。Beauchampcontinued——"MyheartwasinterestedinyourbehalfthefirstmomentIsawyou，andIonlylamentIhadnotmadeearlieroverturestowardsanacquaintance;butIflattermyselfyouwillhenceforthconsidermeasyourfriend。"
　　"OhMadam！"criedCharlotte，"Ihaveforfeitedthegoodopinionofallmyfriends;Ihaveforsakenthem，andundonemyself。"
　　"Come，come，mydear，"saidMrs。Beauchamp，"youmustnotindulgethesegloomythoughts：youarenotIhopesomiserableasyouimagineyourself：
　　endeavourtobecomposed，andletmebefavouredwithyourcompanyatdinner，when，ifyoucanbringyourselftothinkmeyourfriend，andreposeaconfidenceinme，Iamreadytoconvinceyouitshallnotbeabused。"Shethenarose，andbadehergoodmorning。
　　AtthedininghourCharlotterepairedtoMrs。Beauchamp’s，andduringdinnerassumedascomposedanaspectaspossible;
　　butwhentheclothwasremoved，shesummonedallherresolutionanddeterminedtomakeMrs。Beauchampacquaintedwitheverycircumstanceprecedingherunfortunateelopement，andtheearnestdesireshehadtoquitawayoflifesorepugnanttoherfeelings。
　　WiththebenignantaspectofanangelofmercydidMrs。Beauchamplistentotheartlesstale：shewasshockedtothesoultofindhowlargeashareLaRuehadintheseductionofthisamiablegirl，andatearfell，whenshereflectedsovileawomanwasnowthewifeofherfather。
　　WhenCharlottehadfinished，shegaveheralittletimetocollectherscatteredspirits，andthenaskedherifshehadneverwrittentoherfriends。
　　"Ohyes，Madam，"saidshe，"frequently：butIhavebroketheirhearts：
　　theyareeitherdeadorhavecastmeoffforever，forIhaveneverreceivedasinglelinefromthem。"
　　"Irathersuspect，"saidMrs。Beauchamp，"theyhaveneverhadyourletters：butsupposeyouweretohearfromthem，andtheywerewillingtoreceiveyou，wouldyouthenleavethiscruelMontraville，andreturntothem？"
　　"WouldI！"saidCharlotte，claspingherhands;"wouldnotthepoorsailor，tostonatempestuousocean，threatenedeverymomentwithdeath，gladlyreturntotheshorehehadlefttotrusttoitsdeceitfulcalmness？Oh，mydearMadam，Iwouldreturn，thoughtodoitIwereobligedtowalkbarefootoveraburningdesart，andbegascantypittanceofeachtravellertosupportmyexistence。
　　Iwouldendureitallchearfully，couldIbutoncemoreseemydear，blessedmother，hearherpronouncemypardon，andblessmebeforeIdied;
　　butalas！Ishallneverseehermore;shehasblottedtheungratefulCharlottefromherremembrance，andIshallsinktothegraveloadedwithher’sandmyfather’scurse。"
　　Mrs。Beauchampendeavouredtosoothher。"Youshallwritetothemagain，"
　　saidshe，"andIwillseethattheletterissentbythefirstpacketthatsailsforEngland;inthemeantimekeepupyourspirits，andhopeeverything，bydaringtodeserveit。"
　　Shethenturnedtheconversation，andCharlottehavingtakenacupoftea，wishedherbenevolentfriendagoodevening。
　　CHAPTERXXII。
　　SORROWSOFTHEHEART。
　　WHENCharlottegothomesheendeavouredtocollectherthoughts，andtookupapeninordertoaddressthosedearparents，whom，spiteofhererrors，shestilllovedwiththeutmosttenderness，butvainwaseveryefforttowritewiththeleastcoherence;
　　hertearsfellsofasttheyalmostblindedher;andassheproceededtodescribeherunhappysituation，shebecamesoagitatedthatshewasobligedtogiveovertheattemptandretiretobed，where，overcomewiththefatiguehermindhadundergone，shefellintoaslumberwhichgreatlyrefreshedher，andshearoseinthemorningwithspiritsmoreadequatetothepainfultaskshehadtoperform，and，afterseveralattempts，atlengthconcludedthefollowinglettertohermother——
　　TOMRS。TEMPLE。
　　NEW-YORK。
　　"Willmyoncekind，myeverbelovedmother，deigntoreceivealetterfromherguilty，butrepentantchild？orhasshe，justlyincensedatmyingratitude，driventheunhappyCharlottefromherremembrance？
　　Alas！thoumuchinjuredmother！shouldstthouevendisownme，Idarenotcomplain，becauseIknowIhavedeservedit：butyet，believeme，guiltyasIam，andcruellyasIhavedisappointedthehopesofthefondestparents，thatevergirlhad，eveninthemomentwhen，forgetfulofmyduty，Ifledfromyouandhappiness，eventhenIlovedyoumost，andmyheartbledatthethoughtofwhatyouwouldsuffer。
　　Oh！never，never！whilstIhaveexistence，willtheagonyofthatmomentbeerasedfrommymemory。Itseemedliketheseparationofsoulandbody。
　　WhatcanIpleadinexcuseformyconduct？alas！nothing！
　　ThatIlovedmyseducerisbuttootrue！yetpowerfulasthatpassioniswhenoperatinginayoungheartglowingwithsensibility，itneverwouldhaveconqueredmyaffectiontoyou，mybelovedparents，hadInotbeenencouraged，nay，urgedtotakethefatallyimprudentstep，byoneofmyownsex，who，underthemaskoffriendship，drewmeontoruin。YetthinknotyourCharlottewassolostastovoluntarilyrushintoalifeofinfamy;no，mydearmother，deceivedbythespeciousappearanceofmybetrayer，andeverysuspicionlulledasleepbythemostsolemnpromisesofmarriage，Ithoughtnotthosepromiseswouldsoeasilybeforgotten。
　　Ineveroncereflectedthatthemanwhocouldstooptoseduction，wouldnothesitatetoforsakethewretchedobjectofhispassion，wheneverhiscapriciousheartgrewwearyofhertenderness。
　　Whenwearrivedatthisplace，Ivainlyexpectedhimtofulfilhisengagements，butwasatlastfatallyconvincedhehadneverintendedtomakemehiswife，orifhehadoncethoughtofit，hismindwasnowaltered。IscornedtoclaimfromhishumanitywhatI
　　couldnotobtainfromhislove：Iwasconsciousofhavingforfeitedtheonlygemthatcouldrendermerespectableintheeyeoftheworld。
　　Ilockedmysorrowsinmyownbosom，andboremyinjuriesinsilence。
　　ButhowshallIproceed？Thisman，thiscruelMontraville，forwhomIsacrificedhonour，happiness，andtheloveofmyfriends，nolongerlooksonmewithaffection，butscornsthecredulousgirlwhomhisarthasmademiserable。Couldyouseeme，mydearparents，withoutsociety，withoutfriends，stungwithremorse，and（IfeeltheburningblushofshamediemycheekswhileIwriteit）
　　torturedwiththepangsofdisappointedlove;cuttothesoulbytheindifferenceofhim，who，havingdeprivedmeofeveryothercomfort，nolongerthinksitworthhiswhiletosooththeheartwherehehasplantedthethornofnever-ceasingregret。
　　Mydailyemploymentistothinkofyouandweep，toprayforyourhappinessanddeploremyownfolly：mynightsarescarcemorehappy，forifbychanceIclosemywearyeyes，andhopesomesmallforgetfulnessofsorrow，somelittletimetopassinsweetoblivion，fancy，stillwaking，waftsmehometoyou：Iseeyourbelovedforms，Ikneelandheartheblessedwordsofpeaceandpardon。
　　Extaticjoypervadesmysoul;Ireachmyarmstocatchyourdearembraces;
　　themotionchasestheillusivedream;Iwaketorealmisery。
　　AtothertimesIseemyfatherangryandfrowning，pointtohorridcaves，where，onthecolddampground，intheagoniesofdeath，Iseemydearmotherandmyreveredgrand-father。Istrivetoraiseyou;
　　youpushmefromyou，andshriekingcry——"Charlotte，thouhastmurderedme！"Horroranddespairteareverytorturednerve;
　　Istart，andleavemyrestlessbed，wearyandunrefreshed。
　　"Shockingasthesereflexionsare，Ihaveyetonemoredreadfulthantherest。Mother，mydearmother！donotletmequitebreakyourheartwhenItellyou，inafewmonthsI
　　shallbringintotheworldaninnocentwitnessofmyguilt。
　　Ohmybleedingheart，Ishallbringapoorlittlehelplesscreature，heirtoinfamyandshame。
　　"Thisalonehasurgedmeoncemoretoaddressyou，tointerestyouinbehalfofthispoorunborn，andbegyoutoextendyourprotectiontothechildofyourlostCharlotte;formyownpartI
　　havewrotesooften，sofrequentlyhavepleadedforforgiveness，andentreatedtobereceivedoncemorebeneaththepaternalroof，thathavingreceivednoanswer，notevenoneline，Imuchfearyouhavecastmefromyouforever。
　　"Butsureyoucannotrefusetoprotectmyinnocentinfant：
　　itpartakesnotofitsmother’sguilt。Ohmyfather，ohbelovedmother，nowdoIfeeltheanguishIinflictedonyourheartsrecoilingwithdoubleforceuponmyown。
　　"Ifmychildshouldbeagirl（whichheavenforbid）tellhertheunhappyfateofhermother，andteachhertoavoidmyerrors;
　　ifaboy，teachhimtolamentmymiseries，buttellhimnotwhoinflictedthem，lestinwishingtorevengehismother’sinjuries，heshouldwoundthepeaceofhisfather。
　　"Andnow，dearfriendsofmysoul，kindguardiansofmyinfancy，farewell。
　　IfeelInevermoremusthopetoseeyou;theanguishofmyheartstrikesatthestringsoflife，andinashorttimeIshallbeatrest。
　　OhcouldIbutreceiveyourblessingandforgivenessbeforeIdied，itwouldsmoothmypassagetothepeacefulgrave，andbeablessedforetasteofahappyeternity。Ibeseechyou，cursemenot，myadoredparents，butletatearofpityandpardonfalltothememoryofyourlostCHARLOTTE。
　　CHAPTERXXIII。
　　AMANMAYSMILE，ANDSMILE，ANDBEAVILLAIN。
　　WHILECharlottewasenjoyingsomesmalldegreeofcomfortintheconsolingfriendshipofMrs。Beauchamp，MontravillewasadvancingrapidlyinhisaffectiontowardsMissFranklin。
　　Juliawasanamiablegirl;shesawonlythefairsideofhischaracter;
　　shepossessedanindependentfortune，andresolvedtobehappywiththemanofherheart，thoughhisrankandfortunewerebynomeanssoexaltedasshehadarighttoexpect;shesawthepassionwhichMontravillestruggledtoconceal;shewonderedathistimidity，butimaginedthedistancefortunehadplacedbetweenthemoccasionedhisbackwardness，andmadeeveryadvancewhichstrictprudenceandabecomingmodestywouldpermit。Montravillesawwithpleasurehewasnotindifferenttoher，butasparkofhonourwhichanimatedhisbosomwouldnotsufferhimtotakeadvantageofherpartiality。
　　HewaswellacquaintedwithCharlotte’ssituation，andhethoughttherewouldbeadoublecrueltyinforsakingheratsuchatime;
　　andtomarryMissFranklin，whilehonour，humanity，everysacredlaw，obligedhimstilltoprotectandsupportCharlotte，wasabasenesswhichhissoulshudderedat。
　　HecommunicatedhisuneasinesstoBelcour：itwastheverythingthispretendedfriendhadwished。"Anddoyoureally，"
　　saidhe，laughing，"hesitateatmarryingthelovelyJulia，andbecomingmasterofherfortune，becausealittlefoolish，fondgirlchosetoleaveherfriends，andrunawaywithyoutoAmerica。
　　DearMontraville，actmorelikeamanofsense;thiswhining，piningCharlotte，whooccasionsyousomuchuneasiness，wouldhaveelopedwithsomebodyelseifshehadnotwithyou。"
　　"Wouldtoheaven，"saidMontraville，"Ihadneverseenher;
　　myregardforherwasbutthemomentarypassionofdesire，butI
　　feelIshallloveandrevereJuliaFranklinaslongasIlive;
　　yettoleavepoorCharlotteinherpresentsituationwouldbecruelbeyonddescription。"
　　"Ohmygoodsentimentalfriend，"saidBelcour，"doyouimaginenobodyhasarighttoprovideforthebratbutyourself。"
　　Montravillestarted。"Sure，"saidhe，"youcannotmeantoinsinuatethatCharlotteisfalse。"
　　"Idon’tinsinuateit，"saidBelcour，"Iknowit。"
　　Montravilleturnedpaleasashes。"Thenthereisnofaithinwoman，"saidhe。
　　"WhileIthoughtyouattachedtoher，"saidBelcourwithanairofindifference，"Ineverwishedtomakeyouuneasybymentioningherperfidy，butasIknowyouloveandarebelovedbyMissFranklin，Iwasdeterminednottoletthesefoolishscruplesofhonourstepbetweenyouandhappiness，oryourtendernessforthepeaceofaperfidiousgirlpreventyourunitingyourselftoawomanofhonour。"
　　"Goodheavens！"saidMontraville，"whatpoignantreflectionsdoesamanendurewhoseesalovelywomanplungedininfamy，andisconscioushewasherfirstseducer;butareyoucertainofwhatyousay，Belcour？"
　　"Sofar，"repliedhe，"thatImyselfhavereceivedadvancesfromherwhichIwouldnottakeadvantageofoutofregardtoyou：
　　buthangit，thinknomoreabouther。IdinedatFranklin’sto-day，andJuliabidmeseekandbringyoutotea：socomealong，mylad，makegooduseofopportunity，andseizethegiftsoffortunewhiletheyarewithinyourreach。"MontravillewastoomuchagitatedtopassahappyeveningeveninthecompanyofJuliaFranklin：
　　hedeterminedtovisitCharlotteearlythenextmorning，taxherwithherfalsehood，andtakeaneverlastingleaveofher;
　　butwhenthemorningcame，hewascommandedonduty，andforsixweekswaspreventedfromputtinghisdesigninexecution。Atlengthhefoundanhourtospare，andwalkedouttospenditwithCharlotte：
　　itwasnearfouro’clockintheafternoonwhenhearrivedathercottage;
　　shewasnotintheparlour，andwithoutcallingtheservanthewalkedupstairs，thinkingtofindherinherbedroom。
　　Heopenedthedoor，andthefirstobjectthatmethiseyeswasCharlotteasleeponthebed，andBelcourbyherside。
　　"Deathanddistraction，"saidhe，stamping，"thisistoomuch。
　　Rise，villain，anddefendyourself。"Belcoursprangfromthebed。
　　ThenoiseawokeCharlotte;terrifiedatthefuriousappearanceofMontraville，andseeingBelcourwithhiminthechamber，shecaughtholdofhisarmashestoodbythebed-side，andeagerlyaskedwhatwasthematter。
　　"Treacherous，infamousgirl，"saidhe，"canyouask？Howcamehehere？"
　　pointingtoBelcour。
　　"Asheavenismywitness，"repliedsheweeping，’Idonotknow。
　　Ihavenotseenhimforthesethreeweeks。"
　　"Thenyouconfesshesometimesvisitsyou？"
　　"Hecamesometimesbyyourdesire。"
　　"’Tisfalse;Ineverdesiredhimtocome，andyouknowIdidnot：
　　butmarkme，Charlotte，fromthisinstantourconnexionisatanend。
　　LetBelcour，oranyotherofyourfavouredlovers，takeyouandprovideforyou;Ihavedonewithyouforever。"
　　Hewasthengoingtoleaveher;butstartingwildlyfromthebed，shethrewherselfonherkneesbeforehim，protestingherinnocenceandentreatinghimnottoleaveher。"OhMontraville，"saidshe，"killme，forpity’ssakekillme，butdonotdoubtmyfidelity。
　　Donotleavemeinthishorridsituation;forthesakeofyourunbornchild，oh！spurnnotthewretchedmotherfromyou。"
　　"Charlotte，"saidhe，withafirmvoice，"Ishalltakecarethatneitheryounoryourchildwantanythingintheapproachingpainfulhour;
　　butwemeetnomore。"Hethenendeavouredtoraiseherfromtheground;
　　butinvain;sheclungabouthisknees，entreatinghimtobelieveherinnocent，andconjuringBelcourtoclearupthedreadfulmystery。
　　BelcourcastonMontravilleasmileofcontempt：itirritatedhimalmosttomadness;hebrokefromthefeeblearmsofthedistressedgirl;
　　sheshriekedandfellprostrateonthefloor。
　　Montravilleinstantlyleftthehouseandreturnedhastilytothecity。
　　CHAPTERXXIV。
　　MYSTERYDEVELOPED。
　　UNFORTUNATELYforCharlotte，aboutthreeweeksbeforethisunhappyrencontre，CaptainBeauchamp，beingorderedtoRhode-Island，hisladyhadaccompaniedhim，sothatCharlottewasdeprivedofherfriendlyadviceandconsolingsociety。TheafternoononwhichMontravillehadvisitedhershehadfoundherselflanguidandfatigued，andaftermakingaveryslightdinnerhadlaindowntoendeavourtorecruitherexhaustedspirits，and，contrarytoherexpectations，hadfallenasleep。Shehadnotlongbeenlaindown，whenBelcourarrived，forhetookeveryopportunityofvisitingher，andstrivingtoawakenherresentmentagainstMontraville。
　　Heenquiredoftheservantwherehermistresswas，andbeingtoldshewasasleep，tookupabooktoamusehimself：
　　havingsatafewminutes，hebychancecasthiseyestowardstheroad，andsawMontravilleapproaching;heinstantlyconceivedthediabolicalschemeofruiningtheunhappyCharlotteinhisopinionforever;
　　hethereforestolesoftlyupstairs，andlayinghimselfbyhersidewiththegreatestprecaution，forfearsheshouldawake，wasinthatsituationdiscoveredbyhiscredulousfriend。
　　WhenMontravillespurnedtheweepingCharlottefromhim，andleftheralmostdistractedwithterroranddespair，Belcourraisedherfromthefloor，andleadingherdownstairs，assumedthepartofatender，consolingfriend;shelistenedtotheargumentsheadvancedwithapparentcomposure;butthiswasonlythecalmofamoment：
　　theremembranceofMontraville’srecentcrueltyagainrusheduponhermind：shepushedhimfromherwithsomeviolence，andcrying——"Leaveme，Sir，Ibeseechyouleaveme，formuchIfearyouhavebeenthecauseofmyfidelitybeingsuspected;go，leavemetotheaccumulatedmiseriesmyownimprudencehasbroughtuponme。"
　　Shethenlefthimwithprecipitation，andretiringtoherownapartment，threwherselfonthebed，andgaveventtoanagonyofgriefwhichitisimpossibletodescribe。
　　ItnowoccurredtoBelcourthatshemightpossiblywritetoMontraville，andendeavourtoconvincehimofherinnocence：hewaswellawareofherpatheticremonstrances，and，sensibleofthetendernessofMontraville’sheart，resolvedtopreventanyletterseverreachinghim：
　　hethereforecalledtheservant，and，bythepowerfulpersuasionofabribe，prevailedwithhertopromisewhateverlettershermistressmightwriteshouldbesenttohim。Hethenleftapolite，tendernoteforCharlotte，andreturnedtoNew-York。HisfirstbusinesswastoseekMontraville，andendeavourtoconvincehimthatwhathadhappenedwouldultimatelytendtohishappiness：
　　hefoundhiminhisapartment，solitary，pensive，andwrappedindisagreeablereflexions。
　　"Whyhownow，whining，pininglover？"saidhe，clappinghimontheshoulder。Montravillestarted;amomentaryflushofresentmentcrossedhischeek，butinstantlygaveplacetoadeath-likepaleness，occasionedbypainfulremembranceremembranceawakenedbythatmonitor，whom，thoughwemayinvainendeavour，wecanneverentirelysilence。
　　"Belcour，"saidhe，"youhaveinjuredmeinatenderpoint。"
　　"Prithee，Jack，"repliedBelcour，"donotmakeaseriousmatterofit：
　　howcouldIrefusethegirl’sadvances？andthankheavensheisnotyourwife。"
　　"True，"saidMontraville;"butshewasinnocentwhenIfirstknewher。
　　ItwasIseducedher，Belcour。Haditnotbeenforme，shehadstillbeenvirtuousandhappyintheaffectionandprotectionofherfamily。"
　　"Pshaw，"repliedBelcour，laughing，"ifyouhadnottakenadvantageofhereasynature，someotherwould，andwhereisthedifference，pray？"
　　"IwishIhadneverseenher，"criedhepassionately，andstartingfromhisseat。"OhthatcursedFrenchwoman，"addedhewithvehemence，"haditnotbeenforher，Imighthavebeenhappy——"Hepaused。
　　"WithJuliaFranklin，"saidBelcour。Thename，likeasuddensparkofelectricfire，seemedforamomenttosuspendhisfaculties——
　　foramomenthewastransfixed;butrecovering，hecaughtBelcour’shand，andcried——’Stop！stop！Ibeseechyou，namenotthelovelyJuliaandthewretchedMontravilleinthesamebreath。
　　Iamaseducer，amean，ungenerousseducerofunsuspectinginnocence。
　　Idarenothopethatpuritylikeher’swouldstooptouniteitselfwithblack，premeditatedguilt：yetbyheavensIswear，Belcour，IthoughtIlovedthelost，abandonedCharlottetillIsawJulia——
　　IthoughtInevercouldforsakeher;buttheheartisdeceitful，andI
　　nowcanplainlydiscriminatebetweentheimpulseofayouthfulpassion，andthepureflameofdisinterestedaffection。"
　　AtthatinstantJuliaFranklinpassedthewindow，leaningonheruncle’sarm。Shecurtseyedasshepassed，and，withthebewitchingsmileofmodestchearfulness，cried——"Doyouburyyourselvesinthehousethisfineevening，gents？"Therewassomethinginthevoice！themanner！thelook！thatwasaltogetherirresistible。
　　"Perhapsshewishesmycompany，"saidMontravillementally，ashesnatcheduphishat："ifIthoughtshelovedme，Iwouldconfessmyerrors，andtrusttohergenerositytopityandpardonme。"
　　Hesoonovertookher，andofferingherhisarm，theysaunteredtopleasantbutunfrequentedwalks。BelcourdrewMr。Franklinononesideandenteredintoapoliticaldiscourse：theywalkedfasterthantheyoungpeople，andBelcourbysomemeanscontrivedentirelytolosesightofthem。
　　Itwasafineeveninginthebeginningofautumn;thelastremainsofday-lightfaintlystreakedthewesternsky，whilethemoon，withpaleandvirginlustreintheroomofgorgeousgoldandpurple，ornamentedthecanopyofheavenwithsilver，fleecyclouds，whichnowandthenhalfhidherlovelyface，and，bypartlyconcealing，heightenedeverybeauty;thezephyrswhisperedsoftlythroughthetrees，whichnowbegantoshedtheirleafyhonours;asolemnsilencereigned：
　　andtoahappymindaneveningsuchasthiswouldgiveserenity，andcalm，unruffledpleasure;buttoMontraville，whileitsoothedtheturbulenceofhispassions，itbroughtincreaseofmelancholyreflections。
　　Juliawasleaningonhisarm：hetookherhandinhis，andpressingittenderly，sigheddeeply，butcontinuedsilent。
　　Juliawasembarrassed;shewishedtobreakasilencesounaccountable，butwasunable;shelovedMontraville，shesawhewasunhappy，andwishedtoknowthecauseofhisuneasiness，butthatinnatemodesty，whichnaturehasimplantedinthefemalebreast，preventedherenquiring。
　　"Iambadcompany，MissFranklin，"saidhe，atlastrecollectinghimself;
　　"butIhavemetwithsomethingto-daythathasgreatlydistressedme，andIcannotshakeoffthedisagreeableimpressionithasmadeonmymind。"
　　"Iamsorry，"shereplied，"thatyouhaveanycauseofinquietude。
　　Iamsureifyouwereashappyasyoudeserve，andasallyourfriendswishyou——"Shehesitated。"Andmightl，"repliedhewithsomeanimation，"presumetoranktheamiableJuliainthatnumber？"
　　"Certainly，"saidshe，"theserviceyouhaverenderedme，theknowledgeofyourworth，allcombinetomakemeesteemyou。"
　　"Esteem，mylovelyJulia，"saidhepassionately，"isbutapoorcoldword。
　　IwouldifIdared，ifIthoughtImeritedyourattention——butno，Imustnot——honourforbids。Iambeneathyournotice，Julia，Iammiserableandcannothopetobeotherwise。""Alas！"saidJulia，"Ipityyou。"
　　"Ohthoucondescendingcharmer，"saidhe，’howthatsweetwordchearsmysadheart。Indeedifyouknewall，youwouldpity;
　　butatthesametimeIfearyouwoulddespiseme。"
　　JustthentheywereagainjoinedbyMr。FranklinandBelcour。
　　Ithadinterruptedaninterestingdiscourse。Theyfounditimpossibletoconverseonindifferentsubjects，andproceededhomeinsilence。
　　AtMr。Franklin’sdoorMontravilleagainpressedJulia’shand，andfaintlyarticulating’goodnight，"retiredtohislodgingsdispiritedandwretched，fromaconsciousnessthathedeservednottheaffection，withwhichheplainlysawhewashonoured。
　　CHAPTERXXV。
　　RECEPTIONOFALETTER。
　　"ANDwherenowisourpoorCharlotte？"saidMr。Templeoneevening，asthecoldblastsofautumnwhistledrudelyovertheheath，andtheyellowappearanceofthedistantwood，spokethenearapproachofwinter。Invainthechearfulfireblazedonthehearth，invainwashesurroundedbyallthecomfortsoflife;theparentwasstillaliveinhisheart，andwhenhethoughtthatperhapshisoncedarlingchildwaserethisexposedtoallthemiseriesofwantinadistantland，withoutafriendtosoothandcomforther，withoutthebenignantlookofcompassiontochear，ortheangelicvoiceofpitytopourthebalmofconsolationonherwoundedheart;
　　whenhethoughtofthis，hiswholesouldissolvedintenderness;
　　andwhilehewipedthetearofanguishfromtheeyeofhispatient，uncomplainingLucy，hestruggledtosuppressthesympathizingdropthatstartedinhisown。
　　"Oh，mypoorgirl，"saidMrs。Temple，"howmustshebealtered，elsesurelyshewouldhaverelievedouragonizingmindsbyonelinetosayshelived——tosayshehadnotquiteforgottheparentswhoalmostidolizedher。"
　　"Graciousheaven，"saidMr。Temple，startingfromhisseat，l，whowouldwishtobeafather，toexperiencetheagonizingpangsinflictedonaparent’sheartbytheingratitudeofachild？"
　　Mrs。Templewept：herfathertookherhand;hewouldhavesaid，"becomfortedmychild，"butthewordsdiedonhistongue。
　　Thesadsilencethatensuedwasinterruptedbyaloudrapatthedoor。
　　Inamomentaservantenteredwithaletterinhishand。
　　Mrs。Templetookitfromhim：shecasthereyesuponthesuperscription;
　　sheknewthewriting。"’TisCharlotte，"saidshe，eagerlybreakingtheseal，"shehasnotquiteforgotus。"Butbeforeshehadhalfgonethroughthecontents，asuddensicknessseizedher;
　　shegrewcoldandgiddy，andpuffingitintoherhusband’shand，shecried——"Readit：Icannot。"Mr。Templeattemptedtoreaditaloud，butfrequentlypausedtogiveventtohistears。
　　"Mypoordeludedchild，"saidhe，whenhehadfinished。
　　"Oh，shallwenotforgivethedearpenitent？"saidMrs。Temple。
　　"Wemust，wewill，mylove;sheiswillingtoreturn，and’tisourdutytoreceiveher。"
　　"Fatherofmercy，"saidMr。Eldridge，raisinghisclaspedhands，"letmebutliveoncemoretoseethedearwandererrestoredtoherafflictedparents，andtakemefromthisworldofsorrowwheneveritseemethbesttothywisdom。"
　　"Yes，wewillreceiveher，"saidMr。Temple;"wewillendeavourtohealherwoundedspirit，andspeakpeaceandcomforttoheragitatedsoul。
　　Iwillwritetohertoreturnimmediately。’
　　"Oh！"saidMrs。Temple，"Iwouldifpossibleflytoher，supportandchearthedearsuffererintheapproachinghourofdistress，andtellherhownearlypenitenceisalliedtovirtue。
　　Cannotwegoandconductherhome，mylove？"continuedshe，layingherhandonhisarm。"Myfatherwillsurelyforgiveourabsenceifwegotobringhomehisdarling。"
　　"Youcannotgo，myLucy，"saidMr。Temple："thedelicacyofyourframewouldbutpoorlysustainthefatigueofalongvoyage;
　　butIwillgoandbringthegentlepenitenttoyourarms：
　　wemaystillseemanyyearsofhappiness。"
　　ThestruggleinthebosomofMrs。Templebetweenmaternalandconjugaltendernesswaslongandpainful。Atlengththeformertriumphed，andsheconsentedthatherhusbandshouldsetforwardtoNew-Yorkbythefirstopportunity：shewrotetoherCharlotteinthetenderest，mostconsolingmanner，andlookedforwardtothehappyhour，whensheshouldagainembraceher，withthemostanimatedhope。
　　CHAPTERXXVI。
　　WHATMIGHTBEEXPECTED。
　　INthemeantimethepassionMontravillehadconceivedforJuliaFranklindailyencreased，andhesawevidentlyhowmuchhewasbelovedbythatamiablegirl：hewaslikewisestronglyprepossessedwithanideaofCharlotte’sperfidy。Whatwonderthenifhegavehimselfuptothedelightfulsensationwhichpervadedhisbosom;
　　andfindingnoobstaclearisetoopposehishappiness，hesolicitedandobtainedthehandofJulia。AfewdaysbeforehismarriagehethusaddressedBelcour：
　　"ThoughCharlotte，byherabandonedconduct，hasthrownherselffrommyprotection，Istillholdmyselfboundtosupporthertillrelievedfromherpresentcondition，andalsotoprovideforthechild。
　　Idonotintendtoseeheragain，butIwillplaceasumofmoneyinyourhands，whichwillamplysupplyherwitheveryconvenience;
　　butshouldsherequiremore，letherhaveit，andIwillseeitrepaid。
　　IwishIcouldprevailonthepoordeludedgirltoreturntoherfriends：
　　shewasanonlychild，andImakenodoubtbutthattheywouldjoyfullyreceiveher;itwouldshockmegreatlytoseeherhenceforthleadingalifeofinfamy，asIshouldalwaysaccusemyselfofbeingtheprimarycauseofallhererrors。Ifsheshouldchusetoremainunderyourprotection，bekindtoher，Belcour，Iconjureyou。
　　Letnotsatietypromptyoutotreatherinsuchamanner，asmaydrivehertoactionswhichnecessitymighturgeherto，whileherbetterreasondisapprovedthem：sheshallneverwantafriendwhileIlive，butInevermoredesiretobeholdher;
　　herpresencewouldbealwayspainfultome，andaglancefromhereyewouldcalltheblushofconsciousguiltintomycheek。
　　"Iwillwritealettertoher，whichyoumaydeliverwhenIamgone，asIshallgotoSt。EustatiathedayaftermyunionwithJulia，whowillaccompanyme。"
　　Belcourpromisedtofulfiltherequestofhisfriend，thoughnothingwasfartherfromhisintentions，thantheleastdesignofdeliveringtheletter，ormakingCharlotteacquaintedwiththeprovisionMontravillehadmadeforher;hewasbentonthecompleteruinoftheunhappygirl，andsupposed，byreducinghertoanentiredependanceonhim，tobringherbydegreestoconsenttogratifyhisungenerouspassion。
　　TheeveningbeforethedayappointedforthenuptialsofMontravilleandJulia，theformerrefiredearlytohisapartment;
　　andruminatingonthepastscenesofhislife，sufferedthekeenestremorseintheremembranceofCharlotte’sseduction。
　　"Poorgirl，"saidhe，"Iwillatleastwriteandbidheradieu;
　　Iwilltooendeavourtoawakenthatloveofvirtueinherbosomwhichherunfortunateattachmenttomehasextinguished。"
　　Hetookupthepenandbegantowrite，butwordsweredeniedhim。
　　Howcouldheaddressthewomanwhomhehadseduced，andwhom，thoughhethoughtunworthyhistenderness，hewasabouttobidadieuforever？
　　Howshouldhetellherthathewasgoingtoabjureher，toenterintothemostindissolubletieswithanother，andthathecouldnotevenowntheinfantwhichsheboreashischild？Severalletterswerebegunanddestroyed：atlengthhecompletedthefollowing：
　　TOCHARLOTTE。
　　"ThoughIhavetakenupmypentoaddressyou，mypoorinjuredgirl，IfeelIaminadequatetothetask;yet，howeverpainfultheendeavour，Icouldnotresolveuponleavingyouforeverwithoutonekindlinetobidyouadieu，totellyouhowmyheartbleedsattheremembranceofwhatyouwas，beforeyousawthehatedMontraville。
　　Evennowimaginationpaintsthescene，when，tornbycontendingpassions，when，strugglingbetweenloveandduty，youfaintedinmyarms，andIliftedyouintothechaise：Iseetheagonyofyourmind，when，recovering，youfoundyourselfontheroadtoPortsmouth：
　　buthow，mygentlegirl，howcouldyou，whensojustlyimpressedwiththevalueofvirtue，howcouldyou，whenlovingasIthoughtyoulovedme，yieldtothesolicitationsofBelcour？
　　"OhCharlotte，consciencetellsmeitwasI，villainthatIam，whofirsttaughtyoutheallurementsofguiltypleasure;itwasIwhodraggedyoufromthecalmreposewhichinnocenceandvirtueeverenjoy;
　　andcanI，dareItellyou，itwasnotlovepromptedtothehorriddeed？
　　No，thoudear，fallenangel，believeyourrepentantMontraville，whenhetellsyouthemanwhotrulyloveswillneverbetraytheobjectofhisaffection。Adieu，Charlotte：couldyoustillfindcharmsinalifeofunoffend-inginnocence，returntoyourparents;
　　youshallneverwantthemeansofsupportbothforyourselfandchild。
　　Oh！graciousheaven！maythatchildbeentirelyfreefromthevicesofitsfatherandtheweaknessofitsmother。
　　"To-morrow——butno，Icannottellyouwhatto-morrowwillproduce;
　　Belcourwillinformyou：healsohascashforyou，whichIbegyouwillaskforwheneveryoumaywantit。Oncemoreadieu：
　　believemecouldIhearyouwasreturnedtoyourfriends，andenjoyingthattranquillityofwhichIhaverobbedyou，Ishouldbeascompletelyhappyasevenyou，inyourfondesthours，couldwishme，buttillthenagloomwillobscurethebrightestprospectsofMONTRAVILLE。"
　　Afterhehadsealedthisletterhethrewhimselfonthebed，andenjoyedafewhoursrepose。EarlyinthemorningBelcourtappedathisdoor：
　　hearosehastily，andpreparedtomeethisJuliaatthealtar。
　　"ThisisthelettertoCharlotte，"saidhe，givingittoBelcour：
　　"takeittoherwhenwearegonetoEustatia;andIconjureyou，mydearfriend，nottouseanysophisticalargumentstopreventherreturntovirtue;butshouldsheinclinethatway，encourageherinthethought，andassisthertoputherdesigninexecution。