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。
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