CHAPTERXXVII。
　　Pensiveshemourn’d，andhungherlanguidhead，Likeafairlilyovercharg’dwithdew。
　　CHARLOTTEhadnowbeenleftalmostthreemonthsapreytoherownmelancholyreflexions——sadcompanionsindeed;nordidanyonebreakinuponhersolitudebutBelcour，whoonceortwicecalledtoenquireafterherhealth，andtellherhehadinvainendeavouredtobringMontravilletohearreason;andonce，butonlyonce，washermindchearedbythereceiptofanaffectionateletterfromMrs。Beauchamp。Oftenhadshewrotetoherperfidiousseducer，andwiththemostpersuasiveeloquenceendeavouredtoconvincehimofherinnocence;buttheseletterswereneversufferedtoreachthehandsofMontraville，ortheymust，thoughontheveryeveofmarriage，havepreventedhisdesertingthewretchedgirl。
　　Realanguishofhearthadinagreatmeasurefadedhercharms，hercheekswerepalefromwantofrest，andhereyes，byfrequent，indeedalmostcontinuedweeping，weresunkandheavy。
　　Sometimesagleamofhopewouldplayaboutherheartwhenshethoughtofherparents——"Theycannotsurely，"shewouldsay，"refusetoforgiveme;orshouldtheydenytheirpardontome，theywinnothatemyinnocentinfantonaccountofitsmother’serrors。"
　　HowoftendidthepoormournerwishfortheconsolingpresenceofthebenevolentMrs。Beauchamp。
　　"Ifshewerehere，"shewouldcry，"shewouldcertainlycomfortme，andsooththedistractionofmysoul。"
　　Shewassittingoneafternoon，wrappedinthesemelancholyreflexions，whenshewasinterruptedbytheentranceofBelcour。Greatasthealterationwaswhichincessantsorrowhadmadeonherperson，shewasstillinteresting，stillcharming;andtheunhallowedflame，whichhadurgedBelcourtoplantdissensionbetweenherandMontraville，stillragedinhisbosom：hewasdetermined，ifpossible，tomakeherhismistress;nay，hehadevenconceivedthediabolicalschemeoftakinghertoNew-York，andmakingherappearineverypublicplacewhereitwaslikelysheshouldmeetMontraville，thathemightbeawitnesstohisunmanlytriumph。
　　WhenheenteredtheroomwhereCharlottewassitting，heassumedthelookoftender，consolatoryfriendship。
　　"AndhowdoesmylovelyCharlotte？"saidhe，takingherhand：
　　"IfearyouarenotsowellasIcouldwish。"
　　"Iamnotwell，Mr。Belcour，"saidshe，"veryfarfromit;
　　butthepainsandinfirmitiesofthebodyIcouldeasilybear，nay，submittothemwithpatience，weretheynotaggravatedbythemostinsupportableanguishofmymind。"
　　"Youarenothappy，Charlotte，"saidhe，withalookofwell-dissembledsorrow。
　　"Alas！"repliedshemournfully，shakingherhead，"howcanIbehappy，desertedandforsakenasIam，withoutafriendofmyownsextowhomIcanunburthenmyfullheart，nay，myfidelitysuspectedbytheverymanforwhomIhavesacrificedeverythingvaluableinlife，forwhomIhavemademyselfapoordespisedcreature，anoutcastfromsociety，anobjectonlyofcontemptandpity。"
　　"Youthinktoomeanlyofyourself，MissTemple：
　　thereisnoonewhowoulddaretotreatyouwithcontempt：
　　auwhohavethepleasureofknowingyoumustadmireandesteem。
　　Youarelonelyhere，mydeargirl;givemeleavetoconductyoutoNew-York，wheretheagreeablesocietyofsomeladies，towhomIwillintroduceyou，willdispelthesesadthoughts，andIshallagainseereturningchearfulnessanimatethoselovelyfeatures。"
　　"Ohnever！never！"criedCharlotte，emphatically："thevirtuouspartofmysexwillscornme，andIwillneverassociatewithinfamy。
　　No，Belcour，hereletmehidemyshameandsorrow，hereletmespendmyfewremainingdaysinobscurity，unknownandunpitied，hereletmedieunlamented，andmynamesinktooblivion。"
　　Herehertearsstoppedherutterance。Belcourwasawedtosilence：
　　hedarednotinterrupther;andafteramoment’spausesheproceeded——"IoncehadconceivedthethoughtofgoingtoNew-Yorktoseekoutthestilldear，thoughcruel，ungenerousMontraville，tothrowmyselfathisfeet，andentreathiscompassion;
　　heavenknows，notformyself;ifIamnolongerbeloved，Iwillnotbeindebtedtohispitytoredressmyinjuries，butIwouldhavekneltandentreatedhimnottoforsakemypoorunborn——"
　　Shecouldsaynomore;acrimsonglowrushedoverhercheeks，andcoveringherfacewithherhands，shesobbedaloud。
　　SomethinglikehumanitywasawakenedinBelcour’sbreastbythispatheticspeech：hearoseandwalkedtowardsthewindow;
　　buttheselfishpassionwhichhadtakenpossessionofhisheart，soonstifledthesefineremotions;andhethoughtifCharlottewasonceconvincedshehadnolongeranydependanceonMontraville，shewouldmorereadilythrowherselfonhisprotection。
　　Determined，therefore，toinformherofallthathadhappened，heagainresumedhisseat;andfindingshebegantobemorecomposed，enquiredifshehadeverheardfromMontravillesincetheunfortunaterecontreinherbedchamber。
　　"Ahno，"saidshe。"IfearIshallneverhearfromhimagain。"
　　"Iamgreatlyofyouropinion，"saidBelcour，"forhehasbeenforsometimepastgreatlyattached——"
　　Attheword"attached"adeath-likepalenessoverspreadthecountenanceofCharlotte，butsheappliedtosomehartshornwhichstoodbesideher，andBelcourproceeded。
　　"HehasbeenforsometimepastgreatlyattachedtooneMissFranklin，apleasinglivelygirl，withalargefortune。"
　　"Shemaybericher，maybehandsomer，"criedCharlotte，"butcannotlovehimsowell。Ohmayshebewareofhisart，andnottrusthimtoofarasIhavedone。"
　　"Headdressesherpublicly，"saidhe，"anditwasrumouredtheyweretobemarriedbeforehesailedforEustatia，whitherhiscompanyisordered。"
　　"Belcour，"saidCharlotte，seizinghishand，andgazingathimearnestly，whileherpalelipstrembledwithconvulsiveagony，"tellme，andtellmetruly，Ibeseechyou，doyouthinkhecanbesuchavillainastomarryanotherwoman，andleavemetodiewithwantandmiseryinastrangeland：tellmewhatyouthink;Icanbearitverywell;Iwillnotshrinkfromthisheavieststrokeoffate;
　　Ihavedeservedmyafflictions，andIwillendeavourtobearthemasIought。"
　　"Ifear，"saidBelcour，"hecanbethatvillain。"
　　"Perhaps，"criedshe，eagerlyinterruptinghim，"perhapsheismarriedalready：come，letmeknowtheworst，"continuedshewithanaffectedlookofcomposure："youneednotbeafraid，Ishallnotsendthefortunateladyabowlofpoison。"
　　"Wellthen，mydeargirl，"saidhe，deceivedbyherappearance，"theyweremarriedonThursday，andyesterdaymorningtheysailedforEustatia。"
　　"Married——gone——sayyou？"criedsheinadistractedaccent，"whatwithoutalastfarewell，withoutonethoughtonmyunhappysituation！
　　OhMontraville，mayGodforgiveyourperfidy。"Sheshrieked，andBelcoursprangforwardjustintimetopreventherfallingtothefloor。
　　Alarmingfaintingsnowsucceededeachother，andshewasconveyedtoherbed，fromwhencesheearnestlyprayedshemightnevermorearise。
　　Belcourstaidwithherthatnight，andinthemorningfoundherinahighfever。Thefitsshehadbeenseizedwithhadgreatlyterrifiedhim;
　　andconfinedasshenowwastoabedofsickness，shewasnolongeranobjectofdesire：itistrueforseveraldayshewentconstantlytoseeher，butherpale，emaciatedappearancedisgustedhim：
　　hisvisitsbecamelessfrequent;heforgotthesolemnchargegivenhimbyMontraville;heevenforgotthemoneyentrustedtohiscare;
　　and，theburningblushofindignationandshametingesmycheekwhileIwriteit，thisdisgracetohumanityandmanhoodatlengthforgoteventheinjuredCharlotte;and，attractedbythebloominghealthofafarmer’sdaughter，whomhehadseeninhisfrequentexcursionstothecountry，helefttheunhappygirltosinkunnoticedtothegrave，apreytosickness，grief，andpenury;
　　whilehe，havingtriumphedoverthevirtueoftheartlesscottager，riotedinalltheintemperanceofluxuryandlawlesspleasure。
　　CHAPTERXXVIII。
　　ATRIFLINGRETROSPECT。
　　"BLESSmyheart，"criesmyyoung，volatilereader，"Ishallneverhavepatiencetogetthroughthesevolumes，therearesomanyahs！andohs！
　　somuchfainting，tears，anddistress，Iamsicktodeathofthesubject。"
　　Mydear，chearful，innocentgirl，forinnocentIwillsupposeyoutobe，oryouwouldacutelyfeelthewoesofCharlotte，didconsciencesay，thusmightithavebeenwithme，hadnotProvidenceinterposedtosnatchmefromdestruction：therefore，mylively，innocentgirl，Imustrequestyourpatience：Iamwritingataleoftruth：
　　Imeantowriteittotheheart：butifperchancetheheartisrenderedimpenetrablebyunboundedprosperity，oracontinuanceinvice，Iexpectnotmytaletoplease，nay，Ievenexpectitwillbethrownbywithdisgust。Butsoftly，gentlefairone;
　　Iprayyouthrowitnotasidetillyouhaveperusedthewhole;
　　mayhapyoumayfindsomethingthereintorepayyouforthetrouble。
　　MethinksIseeasarcasticsmilesitonyourcountenance。——"Andwhat，"
　　cryyou，"doestheconceitedauthorsupposewecangleanfromthesepages，ifCharlotteisheldupasanobjectofterror，topreventusfromfallingintoguiltyerrors？doesnotLaRuetriumphinhershame，andbyaddingarttoguilt，obtaintheaffectionofaworthyman，andrisetoastationwheresheisbeheldwithrespect，andchearfullyreceivedintoallcompanies。Whatthenisthemoralyouwouldinculcate？
　　Wouldyouwishustothinkthatadeviationfromvirtue，ifcoveredbyartandhypocrisy，isnotanobjectofdetestation，butonthecontraryshallraiseustofameandhonour？whilethehaplessgirlwhofallsavictimtohertoogreatsensibility，shallbeloadedwithignominyandshame？"No，myfairquerist，Imeannosuchthing。
　　Remembertheendeavoursofthewickedareoftensufferedtoprosper，thatintheendtheirfallmaybeattendedwithmorebitternessofheart;
　　whilethecupofafflictionispouredoutforwiseandsalutaryends，andtheywhoarecompelledtodrainiteventothebitterdregs，oftenfindcomfortatthebottom;thetearofpenitenceblotstheiroffencesfromthebookoffate，andtheyrisefromtheheavy，painfultrial，purifiedandfitforamansioninthekingdomofeternity。
　　Yes，myyoungfriends，thetearofcompassionshallfallforthefateofCharlotte，whilethenameofLaRueshallbedetestedanddespised。
　　ForCharlotte，thesoulmeltswithsympathy;forLaRue，itfeelsnothingbuthorrorandcontempt。ButperhapsyourgayheartswouldratherfollowthefortunateMrs。Craytonthroughthescenesofpleasureanddissipationinwhichshewasengaged，thanlistentothecomplaintsandmiseriesofCharlotte。Iwillforonceobligeyou;
　　Iwillforoncefollowhertomidnightrevels，balls，andscenesofgaiety，forinsuchwassheconstantlyengaged。
　　Ihavesaidherpersonwaslovely;letusaddthatshewassurroundedbysplendorandaffluence，andhemustknowbutlittleoftheworldwhocanwonder，（howeverfaultysuchawoman’sconduct，）
　　atherbeingfollowedbythemen，andhercompanycourtedbythewomen：inshortMrs。Craytonwastheuniversalfavourite：
　　shesetthefashions，shewastoastedbyallthegentlemen，andcopiedbyalltheladies。
　　ColonelCraytonwasadomesticman。Couldhebehappywithsuchawoman？impossible！Remonstrancewasvain：hemightaswellhavepreachedtothewinds，asendeavourtopersuadeherfromanyaction，howeverridiculous，onwhichshehadsethermind：
　　inshort，afteralittleineffectualstruggle，hegaveuptheattempt，andlefthertofollowthebentofherowninclinations：
　　whatthosewere，Ithinkthereadermusthaveseenenoughofhercharactertoformajustidea。Amongthenumberwhopaidtheirdevotionsathershrine，shesingledone，ayoungEnsignofmeanbirth，indifferenteducation，andweakintellects。
　　Howsuchamancameintothearmy，wehardlyknowtoaccountfor，andhowheafterwardsrosetopostsofhonourislikewisestrangeandwonderful。Butfortuneisblind，andsoarethosetoofrequentlywhohavethepowerofdispensingherfavours：
　　elsewhydoweseefoolsandknavesattheverytopofthewheel，whilepatientmeritsinkstotheextremeoftheoppositeabyss。
　　Butwemayformathousandconjecturesonthissubject，andyetneverhitontheright。Letusthereforeendeavourtodeservehersmiles，andwhetherwesucceedornot，weshallfeelmoreinnatesatisfaction，thanthousandsofthosewhobaskinthesunshineofherfavourunworthily。
　　ButtoreturntoMrs。Crayton：thisyoungman，whomIshalldistinguishbythenameofCorydon，wasthereigningfavouriteofherheart。
　　Heescortedhertotheplay，dancedwithherateveryball，andwhenindispositionpreventedhergoingout，itwashealonewhowaspermittedtochearthegloomysolitudetowhichshewasobligedtoconfineherself。DidsheeverthinkofpoorCharlotte？——
　　ifshedid，mydearMiss，itwasonlytolaughatthepoorgirl’swantofspiritinconsentingtobemopedupinthecountry，whileMontravillewasenjoyingallthepleasuresofagay，dissipatedcity。
　　Whensheheardofhismarriage，shesmilingsaid，sothere’sanendofMadamCharlotte’shopes。Iwonderwhowilltakehernow，orwhatwillbecomeofthelittleaffectedprude？
　　Butasyouhaveleadtothesubject，IthinkwemayaswellreturntothedistressedCharlotte，andnot，liketheunfeelingMrs。Crayton，shutourheartstothecallofhumanity。
　　CHAPTERXXIX。
　　WEGOFORWARDAGAIN。
　　THEstrengthofCharlotte’sconstitutioncombattedagainstherdisorder，andshebeganslowlytorecover，thoughshestilllabouredunderaviolentdepressionofspirits：howmustthatdepressionbeencreased，when，uponexaminingherlittlestore，shefoundherselfreducedtoonesolitaryguinea，andthatduringherillnesstheattendanceofanapothecaryandnurse，togetherwithmanyotherunavoidableexpences，hadinvolvedherindebt，fromwhichshesawnomethodofextricatingherself。Astothefainthopewhichshehadentertainedofhearingfromandbeingrelievedbyherparents;
　　itnowentirelyforsookher，foritwasabovefourmonthssinceherletterwasdispatched，andshehadreceivednoanswer：
　　shethereforeimaginedthatherconducthadeitherentirelyalienatedtheiraffectionfromher，orbrokentheirhearts，andshemustnevermorehopetoreceivetheirblessing。
　　Neverdidanyhumanbeingwishfordeathwithgreaterfervencyorwithjustercause;yetshehadtoojustasenseofthedutiesoftheChristianreligiontoattempttoputaperiodtoherownexistence。
　　"Ihavebuttobepatientalittlelonger，"shewouldcry，"andnature，fatiguedandfainting，willthrowoffthisheavyloadofmortality，andIshallbereleasedfromallmysufferings。"
　　ItwasonecoldstormydayinthelatterendofDecember，asCharlottesatbyahandfuloffire，thelowstateofherfinancesnotallowinghertoreplenishherstockoffuel，andprudenceteachinghertobecarefulofwhatshehad，whenshewassurprisedbytheentranceofafarmer’swife，who，withoutmuchceremony，seatedherself，andbeganthiscuriousharangue。
　　"I’mcometoseeifashowyoucanpayyourrent，becauseashowwehearCaptainMontableisgoneaway，andit’sfiftytooneifheb’antkilledaforehecomesbackagain;anthen，Miss，orMa’am，orwhateveryoumaybe，asIwassayingtomyhusband，wherearewetolookforourmoney。"
　　ThiswasastrokealtogetherunexpectedbyCharlotte：sheknewsolittleofthewaysoftheworldthatshehadneverbestowedathoughtonthepaymentfortherentofthehouse;sheknewindeedthatsheowedagooddeal，butthiswasneverreckonedamongtheothers：
　　shewasthunder-struck;shehardlyknewwhatanswertomake，yetitwasabsolutelynecessarythatsheshouldsaysomething;
　　andjudgingofthegentlenessofeveryfemaledispositionbyherown，shethoughtthebestwaytointerestthewomaninherfavourwouldbetotellhercandidlytowhatasituationshewasreduced，andhowlittleprobabilitytherewasofhereverpayinganybody。
　　AlaspoorCharlotte，howconfinedwasherknowledgeofhumannature，orshewouldhavebeenconvincedthattheonlywaytoinsurethefriendshipandassistanceofyoursurroundingacquaintanceistoconvincethemyoudonotrequireit，forwhenoncethepetrifyingaspectofdistressandpenuryappear，whosequalities，likeMedusa’shead，canchangetostoneallthatlookuponit;
　　whenoncethisGorgonclaimsacquaintancewithus，thephantomoffriendship，thatbeforecourtedournotice，willvanishintounsubstantialair，andthewholeworldbeforeusappearabarrenwaste。
　　Pardonme，yedearspiritsofbenevolence，whosebenignsmilesandchearful-givinghandhavestrewedsweetflowersonmanyathornypaththroughwhichmywaywardfateforcedmetopass;
　　thinknot，that，incondemningtheunfeelingtextureofthehumanheart，IforgetthespringfromwhenceflowanthecomfortsIenjoy：ohno！
　　Ilookuptoyouastobrightconstellations，gatheringnewsplendoursfromthesurroundingdarkness;butah！whilstIadorethebenignantraysthatchearedandilluminedmyheart，Imournthattheirinfluencecannotextendtoallthesonsanddaughtersofaffliction。
　　"Indeed，Madam，"saidpoorCharlotteinatremulousaccent，"Iamatalosswhattodo。Montravilleplacedmehere，andpromisedtodefrayallmyexpenses：buthehasforgothispromise，hehasforsakenme，andIhavenofriendwhohaseitherpowerorwilltorelieveme。
　　Letmehope，asyouseemyunhappysituation，yourcharity——"
　　"Charity，"criedthewomanimpatientlyinterruptingher，"charityindeed：
　　why，Mistress，charitybeginsathome，andIhavesevenchildrenathome，HONEST，LAWFULchildren，anditismydutytokeepthem;
　　anddoyouthinkIwillgiveawaymypropertytoanasty，impudenthussey，tomaintainherandherbastard;anIwassayingtomyhusbandtheotherdaywhatwillthisworldcometo;
　　honestwomenarenothingnow-a-days，whiletheharlotingsaresetupforfineladies，andlookuponusnomorenorthedirttheywalkupon：
　　butletmetellyou，myfinespokenMa’am，Imusthavemymoney;
　　soseeingashowyoucan’tpayit，whyyoumusttroop，andleaveallyourfinegimcracksandfalderrallsbehindyou。
　　Idon’taskfornomorenormyright，andnobodyshalldarefortogofortohindermeofit。"
　　"Ohheavens，"criedCharlotte，claspingherhands，’whatwillbecomeofme？"
　　"Comeonye！"retortedtheunfeelingwretch："whygotothebarracksandworkforamorselofbread;washandmendthesoldierscloaths，ancooktheirvictuals，andnotexpecttoliveinidlenessonhonestpeople’smeans。OhIwishIcouldseethedaywhenallsuchcattlewereobligedtoworkhardandeatlittle;
　　it’sonlywhattheydeserve。"
　　"Fatherofmercy，"criedCharlotte，"Iacknowledgethycorrectionjust;
　　butprepareme，Ibeseechthee，fortheportionofmiserythoumay’stpleasetolayuponme。"
　　"Well，"saidthewoman，"Ishallgoantellmyhusbandashowyoucan’tpay;andsod’yesee，Ma’am，getreadytobepackingawaythisverynight，foryoushouldnotstayanothernightinthishouse，thoughIwassureyouwouldlayinthestreet。’
　　Charlottebowedherheadinsilence;buttheanguishofherheartwastoogreattopermithertoarticulateasingleword。
　　CHAPTERXXX。
　　Andwhatisfriendshipbutaname，Acharmthatlullstosleep，Ashadethatfollowswealthandfame，Butleavesthewretchtoweep。
　　WHENCharlottewaslefttoherself，shebegantothinkwhatcourseshemusttake，ortowhomshecouldapply，topreventherperishingforwant，orperhapsthatverynightfallingavictimtotheinclemencyoftheseason。Aftermanyperplexedthoughts，sheatlastdeterminedtosetoutforNew-York，andenquireoutMrs。Crayton，fromwhomshehadnodoubtbutsheshouldobtainimmediatereliefassoonasherdistresswasmadeknown;shehadnosoonerformedthisresolutionthansheresolvedimmediatelytoputitinexecution：
　　shethereforewrotethefollowinglittlebillettoMrs。Crayton，thinkingifsheshouldhavecompanywithheritwouldbebettertosenditinthantorequesttoseeher。
　　TOMRS。CRAYTON。
　　"MADAM，"Whenweleftournativeland，thatdear，happylandwhichnowcontainsallthatisdeartothewretchedCharlotte，ourprospectswerethesame;
　　weboth，pardonme，Madam，ifIsay，webothtooeasilyfollowedtheimpulseofourtreacheroushearts，andtrustedourhappinessonatempestuousocean，whereminehasbeenwreckedandlostforever;
　　youhavebeenmorefortunate——youareunitedtoamanofhonourandhumanity，unitedbythemostsacredties，respected，esteemed，andadmired，andsurroundedbyinnumerableblessingsofwhichI
　　ambereaved，enjoyingthosepleasureswhichhavefledmybosomnevertoreturn;alas！sorrowanddeepregrethavetakentheirplace。
　　Beholdme，Madam，apoorforsakenwanderer，whohasnowheretolayherwearyhead，wherewithtosupplythewantsofnature，ortoshieldherfromtheinclemencyoftheweather。ToyouIsue，toyouIlookforpityandrelief。Iasknottobereceivedasanintimateoranequal;onlyforcharity’ssweetsakereceivemeintoyourhospitablemansion，allotmethemeanestapartmentinit，andletmebreathoutmysoulinprayersforyourhappiness;
　　Icannot，IfeelIcannotlongbearupundertheaccumulatedwoesthatpourinuponme;butoh！mydearMadam，fortheloveofheavensuffermenottoexpireinthestreet;andwhenIamatpeace，assoonIshallbe，extendyourcompassiontomyhelplessoffspring，shoulditpleaseheaventhatitshouldsurviveitsunhappymother。
　　AgleamofjoybreaksinonmybenightedsoulwhileIreflectthatyoucannot，willnotrefuseyourprotectiontotheheart-broken。CHARLOTTE。"
　　WhenCharlottehadfinishedthisletter，lateasitwasintheafternoon，andthoughthesnowbegantofallveryfast，shetiedupafewnecessarieswhichshehadpreparedagainstherexpectedconfinement，andterrifiedlestsheshouldbeagainexposedtotheinsultsofherbarbarouslandlady，moredreadfultoherwoundedspiritthaneitherstormordarkness，shesetforwardforNew-York。
　　Itmaybeaskedbythose，who，inaworkofthiskind，lovetocavilateverytriflingomission，whetherCharlottedidnotpossessanyvaluableofwhichshecouldhavedisposed，andbythatmeanshavesupportedherselftillMrs。Beauchamp’sreturn，whenshewouldhavebeencertainofreceivingeverytenderattentionwhichcompassionandfriendshipcoulddictate：butletmeentreatthesewise，penetratinggentlementoreflect，thatwhenCharlotteleftEngland，itwasinsuchhastethattherewasnotimetopurchaseanythingmorethanwhatwaswantedforimmediateuseonthevoyage，andafterherarrivalatNew-York，Montraville’saffectionsoonbegantodecline，sothatherwholewardrobeconsistedofonlynecessaries，andastobaubles，withwhichfondloversoftenloadtheirmistresses，shepossessednotone，exceptaplaingoldlocketofsmallvalue，whichcontainedalockofhermother’shair，andwhichthegreatestextremityofwantcouldnothaveforcedhertopartwith。
　　Ihope，Sir，yourprejudicesarenowremovedinregardtotheprobabilityofmystory？Ohtheyare。Wellthen，withyourleave，Iwillproceed。
　　Thedistancefromthehousewhichoursufferingheroineoccupied，toNew-York，wasnotverygreat，yetthesnowfensofast，andthecoldsointense，that，beingunablefromhersituationtowalkquick，shefoundherselfalmostsinkingwithcoldandfatiguebeforeshereachedthetown;hergarments，whichweremerelysuitabletothesummerseason，beinganundressrobeofplainwhitemuslin，werewetthrough，andathinblackcloakandbonnet，veryimproperhabilimentsforsuchaclimate，butpoorlydefendedherfromthecold。
　　Inthissituationshereachedthecity，andenquiredofafootsoldierwhomshemet，thewaytoColonelCrayton’s。
　　"Blessyou，mysweetlady，"saidthesoldierwithavoiceandlookofcompassion，"Iwillshewyouthewaywithallmyheart;butifyouaregoingtomakeapetitiontoMadamCraytonitisalltonopurposeIassureyou：ifyoupleaseIwillconductyoutoMr。Franklin’s;
　　thoughMissJuliaismarriedandgonenow，yettheoldgentlemanisverygood。"
　　"JuliaFranklin，"saidCharlotte;"isshenotmarriedtoMontraville？"
　　"Yes，"repliedthesoldier，"andmayGodblessthem，forabetterofficerneverlived，heissogoodtousall;andastoMissJulia，allthepoorfolkalmostworshippedher。"
　　"Graciousheaven，"criedCharlotte，"isMontravilleunjustthentononebutme。"
　　ThesoldiernowshewedherColonelCrayton’sdoor，and，withabeatingheart，sheknockedforadmission。
　　CHAPTERXXXI。
　　SUBJECTCONTINUED。
　　WHENthedoorwasopened，Charlotte，inavoicerenderedscarcelyarticulate，throughcoldandtheextremeagitationofhermind，demandedwhetherMrs。Craytonwasathome。Theservanthesitated：
　　heknewthathisladywasengagedatagameofpicquetwithherdearCorydon，norcouldhethinkshewouldliketobedisturbedbyapersonwhoseappearancespokeherofsolittleconsequenceasCharlotte;yettherewassomethinginhercountenancethatratherinterestedhiminherfavour，andhesaidhisladywasengaged，butifshehadanyparticularmessagehewoulddeliverit。
　　"Takeupthisletter，"saidCharlotte："tellhertheunhappywriterofitwaitsinherhallforananswer。"Thetremulousaccent，thetearfuleye，musthavemovedanyheartnotcomposedofadamant。
　　Themantooktheletterfromthepoorsuppliant，andhastilyascendedthestaircase。
　　"Aletter，Madam，"saidhe，presentingittohislady：
　　"animmediateanswerisrequired。"
　　Mrs。Craytonglancedhereyecarelesslyoverthecontents。
　　"Whatstuffisthis;"criedshehaughtily;"havenotItoldyouathousandtimesthatIwillnotbeplaguedwithbeggars，andpetitionsfrompeopleoneknowsnothingabout？GotellthewomanIcan’tdoanythinginit。
　　I’msorry，butonecan’trelieveeverybody。"
　　Theservantbowed，andheavilyreturnedwiththischillingmessagetoCharlotte。
　　"Surely，"saidshe，"Mrs。Craytonhasnotreadmyletter。
　　Go，mygoodfriend，praygobacktoher;tellheritisCharlotteTemplewhorequestsbeneathherhospitablerooftofindshelterfromtheinclemencyoftheseason。"
　　"Prithee，don’tplagueme，man，"criedMrs。Craytonimpatiently，astheservantadvancedsomethinginbehalfoftheunhappygirl。
　　"ItellyouIdon’tknowher。"
　　"Notknowme，"criedCharlotte，rushingintotheroom，（forshehadfollowedthemanupstairs）"notknowme，notremembertheruinedCharlotteTemple，who，butforyou，perhapsmightstillhavebeeninnocent，stillhavebeenhappy。Oh！LaRue，thisisbeyondeverythingIcouldhavebelievedpossible。"
　　"Uponmyhonour，Miss，"repliedtheunfeelingwomanwiththeutmosteffrontery，"thisisamostunaccountableaddress：
　　itisbeyondmycomprehension。John，"continuedshe，turningtotheservant，"theyoungwomaniscertainlyoutofhersenses：
　　dopraytakeheraway，sheterrifiesmetodeath。"
　　"OhGod，"criedCharlotte，claspingherhandsinanagony，"thisistoomuch;whatwillbecomeofme？butIwillnotleaveyou;
　　theyshallnottearmefromyou;hereonmykneesIconjureyoutosavemefromperishinginthestreets;ifyoureallyhaveforgotme，ohforcharity’ssweetsakethisnightletmebeshelteredfromthewinter’spiercingcold。"ThekneelingfigureofCharlotteinheraffectingsituationmighthavemovedtheheartofastoictocompassion;butMrs。Craytonremainedinflexible。
　　InvaindidCharlotterecountthetimetheyhadknowneachotheratChichester，invainmentiontheirbeinginthesameship，invainwerethenamesofMontravilleandBelcourmentioned。
　　Mrs。Craytoncouldonlysayshewassorryforherimprudence，butcouldnotthinkofhavingherownreputationendangeredbyencouragingawomanofthatkindinherownhouse，besidesshedidnotknowwhattroubleandexpenseshemightbringuponherhusbandbygivingsheltertoawomaninhersituation。
　　"Icanatleastdiehere，"saidCharlotte，"IfeelIcannotlongsurvivethisdreadfulconflict。Fatherofmercy，hereletmefinishmyexistence。"Heragonizingsensationsoverpoweredher，andshefellsenselessonthefloor。
　　"Takeheraway，"saidMrs。Crayton，"shewillreallyfrightenmeintohysterics;takeherawayIsaythisinstant。"
　　"AndwheremustItakethepoorcreature？"saidtheservantwithavoiceandlookofcompassion。
　　"Anywhere，"criedshehastily，"onlydon’tletmeeverseeheragain。
　　IdeclareshehasflurriedmesoIshan’tbemyselfagainthisfortnight。"
　　John，assistedbyhisfellow-servant，raisedandcarriedherdownstairs。
　　"Poorsoul，"saidhe，"youshallnotlayinthestreetthisnight。
　　Ihaveabedandapoorlittlehovel，wheremywifeandherlittleonesrestthem，buttheyshallwatchtonight，andyoushallbeshelteredfromdanger。"Theyplacedherinachair;
　　andthebenevolentman，assistedbyoneofhiscomrades，carriedhertotheplacewherehiswifeandchildrenlived。
　　Asurgeonwassentfor：hebledher，shegavesignsofreturninglife，andbeforethedawngavebirthtoafemaleinfant。
　　Afterthiseventshelayforsomehoursinakindofstupor;
　　andifatanytimeshespoke，itwaswithaquicknessandincoherencethatplainlyevincedthetotaldeprivationofherreason。
　　CHAPTERXXXII。
　　REASONSWHYANDWHEREFORE。
　　THEreaderofsensibilitymayperhapsbeastonishedtofindMrs。CraytoncouldsopositivelydenyanyknowledgeofCharlotte;itisthereforebutjustthatherconductshouldinsomemeasurebeaccountedfor。
　　ShehadeverbeenfullysensibleofthesuperiorityofCharlotte’ssenseandvirtue;shewasconsciousthatshehadneverswervedfromrectitude，haditnotbeenforherbadpreceptsandworseexample。
　　Thesewerethingsasyetunknowntoherhusband，andshewishednottohavethatpartofherconductexposedtohim，asshehadgreatreasontofearshehadalreadylostconsiderablepartofthatpowersheoncemaintainedoverhim。ShetrembledwhilstCharlottewasinthehouse，lesttheColonelshouldreturn;
　　sheperfectlywellrememberedhowmuchheseemedinterestedinherfavourwhilstontheirpassagefromEngland，andmadenodoubt，but，shouldheseeherinherpresentdistress，hewouldofferheranasylum，andprotecthertotheutmostofhispower。
　　InthatcaseshefearedtheunguardednatureofCharlottemightdiscovertotheColonelthepartshehadtakenintheunhappygirl’selopement，andshewellknewthecontrastbetweenherownandCharlotte’sconductwouldmaketheformerappearinnoveryrespectablelight。
　　Hadshereflectedproperly，shewouldhaveaffordedthepoorgirlprotection;andbyenjoininghersilence，ensureditbyactsofrepeatedkindness;butviceingeneralblindsitsvotaries，andtheydiscovertheirrealcharacterstotheworldwhentheyaremoststudioustopreserveappearances。
　　JustsoithappenedwithMrs。Crayton：herservantsmadenoscrupleofmentioningthecruelconductoftheirladytoapoordistressedlunaticwhoclaimedherprotection;everyonejoinedinreprobatingherinhumanity;nayevenCorydonthoughtshemightatleasthaveorderedhertobetakencareof，buthedarenotevenhintittoher，forhelivedbutinhersmiles，anddrewfromherlavishfondnesslargesumstosupportanextravagancetowhichthestateofhisownfinanceswasveryinadequate;
　　itcannotthereforebesupposedthathewishedMrs。Craytontobeveryliberalinherbountytotheafflictedsuppliant;
　　yetvicehadnotsoentirelysearedoverhisheart，butthesorrowsofCharlottecouldfindavulnerablepart。
　　Charlottehadnowbeenthreedayswithherhumanepreservers，butshewastotallyinsensibleofeverything：sheravedincessantlyforMontravilleandherfather：shewasnotconsciousofbeingamother，nortooktheleastnoticeofherchildexcepttoaskwhoseitwas，andwhyitwasnotcarriedtoitsparents。
　　"Oh，"saidsheoneday，startinguponhearingtheinfantcry，"why，whywillyoukeepthatchildhere;Iamsureyouwouldnotifyouknewhowharditwasforamothertobepartedfromherinfant：
　　itisliketearingthecordsoflifeasunder。OhcouldyouseethehorridsightwhichInowbehold——theretherestandsmydearmother，herpoorbosombleedingateveryvein，hergentle，affectionatehearttorninathousandpieces，andallforthelossofaruined，ungratefulchild。Savemesaveme——fromherfrown。
　　Idarenot——indeedIdarenotspeaktoher。"
　　Suchwerethedreadfulimagesthathauntedherdistractedmind，andnaturewassinkingfastunderthedreadfulmaladywhichmedicinehadnopowertoremove。Thesurgeonwhoattendedherwasahumaneman;heexertedhisutmostabilitiestosaveher，buthesawshewasinwantofmanynecessariesandcomforts，whichthepovertyofherhospitablehostrenderedhimunabletoprovide：
　　hethereforedeterminedtomakehersituationknowntosomeoftheofficers’ladies，andendeavourtomakeacollectionforherrelief。
　　Whenhereturnedhome，aftermakingthisresolution，hefoundamessagefromMrs。Beauchamp，whohadjustarrivedfromRhode-Island，requestinghewouldcallandseeoneofherchildren，whowasveryunwell。
　　"Idonotknow，"saidhe，ashewashasteningtoobeythesummons，"IdonotknowawomantowhomIcouldapplywithmorehopeofsuccessthanMrs。Beauchamp。Iwillendeavourtointerestherinthispoorgirl’sbehalf，shewantsthesoothingbalmoffriendlyconsolation：
　　wemayperhapssaveher;wewilltryatleast。"
　　"Andwhereisshe，"criedMrs。Beauchampwhenhehadprescribedsomethingforthechild，andtoldhislittlepathetictale，"whereisshe，Sir？wewillgotoherimmediately。
　　HeavenforbidthatIshouldbedeaftothecallsofhumanity。
　　Comewewillgothisinstant。"Thenseizingthedoctor’sarm，theysoughtthehabitationthatcontainedthedyingCharlotte。
　　CHAPTERXXXIII。
　　WHICHPEOPLEVOIDOFFEELING
　　NEEDNOTREAD。
　　WHENMrs。Beauchampenteredtheapartmentofthepoorsufferer，shestartedbackwithhorror。Onawretchedbed，withouthangingsandbutpoorlysuppliedwithcovering，laytheemaciatedfigureofwhatstillretainedthesemblanceofalovelywoman，thoughsicknesshadsoalteredherfeaturesthatMrs。Beauchamphadnottheleastrecollectionofherperson。Inonecomeroftheroomstoodawomanwashing，and，shiveringoverasmallfire，twohealthybuthalfnakedchildren;theinfantwasasleepbesideitsmother，and，onachairbythebedside，stoodaporrengerandwoodenspoon，containingalittlegruel，andatea-cupwithabouttwospoonfullsofwineinit。
　　Mrs。Beauchamphadneverbeforebeheldsuchasceneofpoverty;
　　sheshudderedinvoluntarily，andexclaiming——"heavenpreserveus！"
　　leanedonthebackofachairreadytosinktotheearth。
　　Thedoctorrepentedhavingsoprecipitatelybroughtherintothisaffectingscene;buttherewasnotimeforapologies：
　　Charlottecaughtthesoundofhervoice，andstartingalmostoutofbed，exclaimed——"Angelofpeaceandmercy，artthoucometodeliverme？
　　Oh，Iknowyouare，forwheneveryouwasnearmeIfelteasedofhalfmysorrows;butyoudon’tknowme，norcanI，withalltherecollectionIammistressof，rememberyournamejustnow，butIknowthatbenevolentcountenance，andthesoftnessofthatvoicewhichhassooftencomfortedthewretchedCharlotte。"
　　Mrs。Beauchamphad，duringthetimeCharlottewasspeaking，seatedherselfonthebedandtakenoneofherhands;shelookedatherattentively，andatthenameofCharlottesheperfectlyconceivedthewholeshockingaffair。Afaintsicknesscameoverher。
　　"Graciousheaven，"saidshe，"isthispossible？"andburstingintotears，shereclinedtheburningheadofCharlotteonherownbosom;
　　andfoldingherarmsabouther，weptoverherinsilence。
　　"Oh，"saidCharlotte，"youareverygoodtoweepthusforme：
　　itisalongtimesinceIshedatearformyself：myheadandheartarebothonfire，butthesetearsofyour’sseemtocoolandrefreshit。
　　OhnowIrememberyousaidyouwouldsendalettertomypoorfather：
　　doyouthinkheeverreceivedit？orperhapsyouhavebroughtmeananswer：whydon’tyouspeak，Madam？DoeshesayImaygohome？
　　Wellheisverygood;Ishallsoonbeready。"
　　Shethenmadeanefforttogetoutofbed;butbeingprevented，herfrenzyagainreturned，andsheravedwiththegreatestwildnessandincoherence。
　　Mrs。Beauchamp，findingitwasimpossibleforhertoberemoved，contentedherselfwithorderingtheapartmenttobemademorecomfortable，andprocuringapropernurseforbothmotherandchild;andhavinglearnttheparticularsofCharlotte’sfruitlessapplicationtoMrs。CraytonfromhonestJohn，sheamplyrewardedhimforhisbenevolence，andreturnedhomewithaheartoppressedwithmanypainfulsensations，butyetrenderedeasybythereflexionthatshehadperformedherdutytowardsadistressedfellow-creature。
　　EarlythenextmorningsheagainvisitedCharlotte，andfoundhertolerablycomposed;shecalledherbyname，thankedherforhergoodness，andwhenherchildwasbroughttoher，presseditinherarms，weptoverit，andcalledittheoffspringofdisobedience。
　　Mrs。Beauchampwasdelightedtoseehersomuchamended，andbegantohopeshemightrecover，and，spiteofherformererrors，becomeanusefulandrespectablememberofsociety;
　　butthearrivalofthedoctorputanendtothesedelusivehopes：
　　hesaidnaturewasmakingherlasteffort，andafewhourswouldmostprobablyconsigntheunhappygirltoherkindreddust。
　　Beingaskedhowshefoundherself，shereplied——"Whybetter，muchbetter，doctor。IhopenowIhavebutlittlemoretosuffer。
　　Ihadlastnightafewhourssleep，andwhenIawokerecoveredthefullpowerofrecollection。Iamquitesensibleofmyweakness;
　　IfeelIhavebutlittlelongertocombatwiththeshaftsofaffliction。
　　Ihaveanhumbleconfidenceinthemercyofhimwhodiedtosavetheworld，andtrustthatmysufferingsinthisstateofmortality，joinedtomyunfeignedrepentance，throughhismercy，haveblottedmyoffencesfromthesightofmyoffendedmaker。
　　Ihavebutonecare——mypoorinfant！Fatherofmercy，"continuedshe，raisinghereyes，"ofthyinfinitegoodness，grantthatthesinsoftheparentbenotvisitedontheunof-fendingchild。
　　Maythosewhotaughtmetodespisethylawsbeforgiven;laynotmyoffencestotheircharge，Ibeseechthee;andoh！showerthechoicestofthyblessingsonthosewhosepityhassoothedtheafflictedheart，andmadeeasyeventhebedofpainandsickness。"
　　Shewasexhaustedbythisferventaddresstothethroneofmercy，andthoughherlipsstillmovedhervoicebecameinarticulate：
　　shelayforsometimeasitwereinadoze，andthenrecovering，faintlypressedMrs。Beauchamp’shand，andrequestedthataclergymanmightbesentfor。
　　Onhisarrivalshejoinedferventlyinthepiousoffice，frequentlymentioningheringratitudetoherparentsaswhatlaymostheavyatherheart。Whenshehadperformedthelastsolemnduty，andwaspreparingtoliedown，alittlebustleontheoutsidedooroccasionedMrs。Beauchamptoopenit，andenquirethecause。
　　Amaninappearanceaboutforty，presentedhimself，andaskedforMrs。Beauchamp。
　　"Thatismyname，Sir，"saidshe。
　　"Ohthen，mydearMadam，"criedhe，"tellmewhereImayfindmypoor，ruined，butrepentantchild。"
　　Mrs。Beauchampwassurprisedandaffected;sheknewnotwhattosay;
　　sheforesawtheagonythisinterviewwouldoccasionMr。Temple，whohadjustarrivedinsearchofhisCharlotte，andyetwassensiblethatthepardonandblessingofherfatherwouldsofteneventheagoniesofdeathtothedaughter。
　　Shehesitated。"Tellme，Madam，"criedhewildly，"tellme，Ibeseechthee，doesshelive？shallIseemydarlingonceagain？
　　Perhapssheisinthishouse。Lead，leadmetoher，thatImayblessher，andthenliedownanddie。"
　　Theardentmannerinwhichheutteredthesewordsoccasionedhimtoraisehisvoice。ItcaughttheearofCharlotte：
　　sheknewthebelovedsound：andutteringaloudshriek，shesprangforwardasMr。Templeenteredtheroom。"Myadoredfather。"
　　"Mylonglostchild。"Naturecouldsupportnomore，andtheybothsunklifelessintothearmsoftheattendants。
　　Charlottewasagainputintobed，andafewmomentsrestoredMr。Temple：
　　buttodescribetheagonyofhissufferingsispastthepowerofanyone，who，thoughtheymayreadilyconceive，cannotdelineatethedreadfulscene。Everyeyegavetestimonyofwhateachheartfelt——
　　butallweresilent。
　　WhenCharlotterecovered，shefoundherselfsupportedinherfather’sarms。Shecastonhimamostexpressivelook，butwasunabletospeak。Arevivingcordialwasadministered。
　　Shethenaskedinalowvoice，forherchild：itwasbroughttoher：
　　sheputitinherfather’sarms。"Protecther，"saidshe，"andblessyourdying——"
　　Unabletofinishthesentence，shesunkbackonherpillow：
　　hercountenancewasserenelycomposed;sheregardedherfatherashepressedtheinfanttohisbreastwithasteadfastlook;
　　asuddenbeamofjoypassedacrossherlanguidfeatures，sheraisedhereyestoheaven——andthenclosedthemforever。
　　CHAPTERXXXIV。
　　RETRIBUTION。
　　INthemeantimeMontravillehavingreceivedorderstoreturntoNew-York，arrived，andhavingstillsomeremainsofcompassionatetendernessforthewomanwhomheregardedasbroughttoshamebyhimself，hewentoutinsearchofBelcour，toenquirewhethershewassafe，andwhetherthechildlived。Hefoundhimimmersedindissipation，andcouldgainnootherintelligencethanthatCharlottehadlefthim，andthatheknewnotwhatwasbecomeofher。
　　"Icannotbelieveitpossible，"saidMontraville，"thatamindoncesopureasCharlotteTemple’s，shouldsosuddenlybecomethemansionofvice。Beware，Belcour，"continuedhe，"bewareifyouhavedaredtobehaveeitherunjustordishonourablytothatpoorgirl，yourlifeshallpaytheforfeit：——Iwillrevengehercause。"
　　Heimmediatelywentintothecountry，tothehousewherehehadleftCharlotte。Itwasdesolate。Aftermuchenquiryheatlengthfoundtheservantgirlwhohadlivedwithher。
　　FromherhelearntthemiseryCharlottehadenduredfromthecomplicatedevilsofillness，poverty，andabrokenheart，andthatshehadsetoutonfootforNew-York，onacoldwinter’sevening;
　　butshecouldinformhimnofurther。
　　Torturedalmosttomadnessbythisshockingaccount，hereturnedtothecity，but，beforehereachedit，theeveningwasdrawingtoaclose。
　　Inenteringthetownhewasobligedtopassseverallittlehuts，theresidenceofpoorwomenwhosupportedthemselvesbywashingthecloathsoftheofficersandsoldiers。Itwasnearlydark：
　　heheardfromaneighbouringsteepleasolemntollthatseemedtosaysomepoormortalwasgoingtotheirlastmansion：thesoundstruckontheheartofMontraville，andheinvoluntarilystopped，when，fromoneofthehouses，hesawtheappearanceofafuneral。
　　Almostunknowingwhathedid，hefollowedatasmalldistance;
　　andastheyletthecoffinintothegrave，heenquiredofasoldierwhostoodby，andhadjustbrushedoffatearthatdidhonourtohisheart，whoitwasthatwasjustburied。"Anpleaseyourhonour，"saidtheman，"’tisapoorgirlthatwasbroughtfromherfriendsbyacruelman，wholeftherwhenshewasbigwithchild，andmarriedanother。"
　　Montravillestoodmotionless，andthemanproceeded——"Imethermyselfnotafortnightsinceonenightallwetandcoldinthestreets;
　　shewenttoMadamCrayton’s，butshewouldnottakeherin，andsothepoorthingwentravingmad。"Montravillecouldbearnomore;hestruckhishandsagainsthisforeheadwithviolence;
　　andexclaiming"poormurderedCharlotte！"ranwithprecipitationtowardstheplacewheretheywereheapingtheearthonherremains。
　　"Hold，hold，onemoment，"saidhe。"ClosenotthegraveoftheinjuredCharlotteTempletillIhavetakenvengeanceonhermurderer。"
　　"Rashyoungman，"saidMr。Temple，""whoartthouthatthusdisturbestthelastmournfulritesofthedead，andrudelybreakestinuponthegriefofanafflictedfather。"
　　"IfthouartthefatherofCharlotteTemple，"saidhe，gazingathimwithmingledhorrorandamazement——"ifthouartherfather——IamMontraville。"
　　Thenfallingonhisknees，hecontinued——"Hereismybosom。
　　IbareittoreceivethestrokeImerit。Strike——strikenow，andsavemefromthemiseryofreflexion。"
　　"Alas！"saidMr。Temple，"ifthouwerttheseducerofmychild，thyownreflexionsbethypunishment。Iwrestnotthepowerfromthehandofomnipotence。Lookonthatlittleheapofearth，therehastthouburiedtheonlyjoyofafondfather。Lookatitoften;andmaythyheartfeelsuchtruesorrowasshallmeritthemercyofheaven。"
　　Heturnedfromhim;andMontravillestartingupfromtheground，wherehehadthrownhimself，andatthatinstantrememberingtheperfidyofBelcour，flewlikelightningtohislodgings。
　　Belcourwasintoxicated;Montravilleimpetuous：theyfought，andtheswordofthelatterenteredtheheartofhisadversary。
　　Hefell，andexpiredalmostinstantly。Montravillehadreceivedaslightwound;andovercomewiththeagitationofhismindandlossofblood，wascarriedinastateofinsensibilitytohisdistractedwife。
　　Adangerousillnessandobstinatedeliriumensued，duringwhichheravedincessantlyforCharlotte：butastrongconstitution，andthetenderassiduitiesofJulia，intimeovercamethedisorder。
　　Herecovered;buttotheendofhislifewassubjecttoseverefitsofmelancholy，andwhileheremainedatNew-Yorkfrequentlyretiredtothechurch-yard，wherehewouldweepoverthegrave，andregrettheuntimelyfateofthelovelyCharlotteTemple。
　　CHAPTERXXXV。
　　CONCLUSION。
　　SHORTLYaftertheintermentofhisdaughter，Mr。Temple，withhisdearlittlechargeandhernurse，setforwardforEngland。
　　Itwouldbeimpossibletodojusticetothemeetingscenebetweenhim，hisLucy，andheragedfather。Everyheartofsensibilitycaneasilyconceivetheirfeelings。Afterthefirsttumultofgriefwassubsided，Mrs。Templegaveupthechiefofhertimetohergrand-child，andasshegrewupandimproved，begantoalmostfancysheagainpossessedherCharlotte。
　　Itwasabouttenyearsafterthesepainfulevents，thatMr。andMrs。Temple，havingburiedtheirfather，wereobligedtocometoLondononparticularbusiness，andbroughtthelittleLucywiththem。
　　Theyhadbeenwalkingoneevening，whenontheirreturntheyfoundapoorwretchsittingonthestepsofthedoor。
　　Sheattemptedtoriseastheyapproached，butfromextremeweaknesswasunable，andafterseveralfruitlesseffortsfellbackinafit。
　　Mr。Templewasnotoneofthosemenwhostandtoconsiderwhetherbyassistinganobjectindistresstheyshallnotinconveniencethemselves，butinstigatedbytheimpulseofanoblefeelingheart，immediatelyorderedhertobecarriedintothehouse，andproperrestorativesapplied。
　　Shesoonrecovered;andfixinghereyesonMrs。Temple，cried——"Youknownot，Madam，whatyoudo;youknownotwhomyouarerelieving，oryouwouldcursemeinthebitternessofyourheart。Comenotnearme，Madam，Ishallcontaminateyou。
　　Iamtheviperthatstungyourpeace。IamthewomanwhoturnedthepoorCharlotteouttoperishinthestreet。Heavenhavemercy！
　　Iseehernow，"continuedshelookingatLucy;"such，suchwasthefairbudofinnocencethatmyvileartsblastedereitwashalfblown。"
　　ItwasinvainthatMr。andMrs。Templeintreatedhertobecomposedandtotakesomerefreshment。Sheonlydrankhalfaglassofwine;
　　andthentoldthemthatshehadbeenseparatedfromherhusbandsevenyears，thechiefofwhichshehadpassedinriot，dissipation，andvice，till，overtakenbypovertyandsickness，shehadbeenreducedtopartwitheveryvaluable，andthoughtonlyofendingherlifeinaprison;whenabenevolentfriendpaidherdebtsandreleasedher;butthatherillnessencreasing，shehadnopossiblemeansofsupportingherself，andherfriendswerewearyofrelievingher。"Ihavefasted，"saidshe，"twodays，andlastnightlaymyachingheadonthecoldpavement：
　　indeeditwasbutjustthatIshouldexperiencethosemiseriesmyselfwhichIhadunfeelinglyinflictedonothers。"
　　GreatlyasMr。TemplehadreasontodetestMrs。Crayton，hecouldnotbeholdherinthisdistresswithoutsomeemotionsofpity。
　　Hegavehershelterthatnightbeneathhishospitableroof，andthenextdaygotheradmissionintoanhospital;wherehavinglingeredafewweeks，shedied，astrikingexamplethatvice，howeverprosperousinthebeginning，intheendleadsonlytomiseryandshame。