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