\"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。