"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。
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