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diff --git a/171-h/171-h.htm b/171-h/171-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1739aea --- /dev/null +++ b/171-h/171-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5211 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Charlotte Temple, by Susanna Haswell Rowson + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Charlotte Temple, by Susanna Rowson + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Charlotte Temple + +Author: Susanna Rowson + +Release Date: March 12, 2006 [EBook #171] +Last Updated: March 16, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLOTTE TEMPLE *** + + + + +Produced by Judith Boss and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + CHARLOTTE TEMPLE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Susanna Haswell Rowson + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a><br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> <big><b>CHARLOTTE TEMPLE</b></big> </a><br /> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <b>VOLUME I</b> </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> + CHAPTER II. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> + CHAPTER VIII. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> + CHAPTER XI. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> + CHAPTER XIV. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> + CHAPTER XVII. </a><br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> <b>VOLUME II</b> + </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> + CHAPTER XX. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXI. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXII. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> + CHAPTER XXIII. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXV. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0027"> + CHAPTER XXVI. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0031"> + CHAPTER XXX. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0034"> + CHAPTER XXXIII. </a><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + FOR the perusal of the young and thoughtless of the fair sex, this Tale of + Truth is designed; and I could wish my fair readers to consider it as not + merely the effusion of Fancy, but as a reality. The circumstances on which + I have founded this novel were related to me some little time since by an + old lady who had personally known Charlotte, though she concealed the real + names of the characters, and likewise the place where the unfortunate + scenes were acted: yet as it was impossible to offer a relation to the + public in such an imperfect state, I have thrown over the whole a slight + veil of fiction, and substituted names and places according to my own + fancy. The principal characters in this little tale are now consigned to + the silent tomb: it can therefore hurt the feelings of no one; and may, I + flatter myself, be of service to some who are so unfortunate as to have + neither friends to advise, or understanding to direct them, through the + various and unexpected evils that attend a young and unprotected woman in + her first entrance into life. + </p> + <p> + While the tear of compassion still trembled in my eye for the fate of the + unhappy Charlotte, I may have children of my own, said I, to whom this + recital may be of use, and if to your own children, said Benevolence, why + not to the many daughters of Misfortune who, deprived of natural friends, + or spoilt by a mistaken education, are thrown on an unfeeling world + without the least power to defend themselves from the snares not only of + the other sex, but from the more dangerous arts of the profligate of their + own. + </p> + <p> + Sensible as I am that a novel writer, at a time when such a variety of + works are ushered into the world under that name, stands but a poor chance + for fame in the annals of literature, but conscious that I wrote with a + mind anxious for the happiness of that sex whose morals and conduct have + so powerful an influence on mankind in general; and convinced that I have + not wrote a line that conveys a wrong idea to the head or a corrupt wish + to the heart, I shall rest satisfied in the purity of my own intentions, + and if I merit not applause, I feel that I dread not censure. + </p> + <p> + If the following tale should save one hapless fair one from the errors + which ruined poor Charlotte, or rescue from impending misery the heart of + one anxious parent, I shall feel a much higher gratification in reflecting + on this trifling performance, than could possibly result from the applause + which might attend the most elegant finished piece of literature whose + tendency might deprave the heart or mislead the understanding. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHARLOTTE TEMPLE, + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME I + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <h3> + A BOARDING SCHOOL. + </h3> + <p> + “ARE you for a walk,” said Montraville to his companion, as they arose + from table; “are you for a walk? or shall we order the chaise and proceed + to Portsmouth?” Belcour preferred the former; and they sauntered out to + view the town, and to make remarks on the inhabitants, as they returned + from church. + </p> + <p> + Montraville was a Lieutenant in the army: Belcour was his brother officer: + they had been to take leave of their friends previous to their departure + for America, and were now returning to Portsmouth, where the troops waited + orders for embarkation. They had stopped at Chichester to dine; and + knowing they had sufficient time to reach the place of destination before + dark, and yet allow them a walk, had resolved, it being Sunday afternoon, + to take a survey of the Chichester ladies as they returned from their + devotions. + </p> + <p> + They had gratified their curiosity, and were preparing to return to the + inn without honouring any of the belles with particular notice, when + Madame Du Pont, at the head of her school, descended from the church. Such + an assemblage of youth and innocence naturally attracted the young + soldiers: they stopped; and, as the little cavalcade passed, almost + involuntarily pulled off their hats. A tall, elegant girl looked at + Montraville and blushed: he instantly recollected the features of + Charlotte Temple, whom he had once seen and danced with at a ball at + Portsmouth. At that time he thought on her only as a very lovely child, + she being then only thirteen; but the improvement two years had made in + her person, and the blush of recollection which suffused her cheeks as she + passed, awakened in his bosom new and pleasing ideas. Vanity led him to + think that pleasure at again beholding him might have occasioned the + emotion he had witnessed, and the same vanity led him to wish to see her + again. + </p> + <p> + “She is the sweetest girl in the world,” said he, as he entered the inn. + Belcour stared. “Did you not notice her?” continued Montraville: “she had + on a blue bonnet, and with a pair of lovely eyes of the same colour, has + contrived to make me feel devilish odd about the heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Pho,” said Belcour, “a musket ball from our friends, the Americans, may + in less than two months make you feel worse.” + </p> + <p> + “I never think of the future,” replied Montraville; “but am determined to + make the most of the present, and would willingly compound with any kind + Familiar who would inform me who the girl is, and how I might be likely to + obtain an interview.” + </p> + <p> + But no kind Familiar at that time appearing, and the chaise which they had + ordered, driving up to the door, Montraville and his companion were + obliged to take leave of Chichester and its fair inhabitant, and proceed + on their journey. + </p> + <p> + But Charlotte had made too great an impression on his mind to be easily + eradicated: having therefore spent three whole days in thinking on her and + in endeavouring to form some plan for seeing her, he determined to set off + for Chichester, and trust to chance either to favour or frustrate his + designs. Arriving at the verge of the town, he dismounted, and sending the + servant forward with the horses, proceeded toward the place, where, in the + midst of an extensive pleasure ground, stood the mansion which contained + the lovely Charlotte Temple. Montraville leaned on a broken gate, and + looked earnestly at the house. The wall which surrounded it was high, and + perhaps the Argus's who guarded the Hesperian fruit within, were more + watchful than those famed of old. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a romantic attempt,” said he; “and should I even succeed in seeing + and conversing with her, it can be productive of no good: I must of + necessity leave England in a few days, and probably may never return; why + then should I endeavour to engage the affections of this lovely girl, only + to leave her a prey to a thousand inquietudes, of which at present she has + no idea? I will return to Portsmouth and think no more about her.” + </p> + <p> + The evening now was closed; a serene stillness reigned; and the chaste + Queen of Night with her silver crescent faintly illuminated the + hemisphere. The mind of Montraville was hushed into composure by the + serenity of the surrounding objects. “I will think on her no more,” said + he, and turned with an intention to leave the place; but as he turned, he + saw the gate which led to the pleasure grounds open, and two women come + out, who walked arm-in-arm across the field. + </p> + <p> + “I will at least see who these are,” said he. He overtook them, and giving + them the compliments of the evening, begged leave to see them into the + more frequented parts of the town: but how was he delighted, when, waiting + for an answer, he discovered, under the concealment of a large bonnet, the + face of Charlotte Temple. + </p> + <p> + He soon found means to ingratiate himself with her companion, who was a + French teacher at the school, and, at parting, slipped a letter he had + purposely written, into Charlotte's hand, and five guineas into that of + Mademoiselle, who promised she would endeavour to bring her young charge + into the field again the next evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <h3> + DOMESTIC CONCERNS. + </h3> + <p> + MR. Temple was the youngest son of a nobleman whose fortune was by no + means adequate to the antiquity, grandeur, and I may add, pride of the + family. He saw his elder brother made completely wretched by marrying a + disagreeable woman, whose fortune helped to prop the sinking dignity of + the house; and he beheld his sisters legally prostituted to old, decrepid + men, whose titles gave them consequence in the eyes of the world, and + whose affluence rendered them splendidly miserable. “I will not sacrifice + internal happiness for outward shew,” said he: “I will seek Content; and, + if I find her in a cottage, will embrace her with as much cordiality as I + should if seated on a throne.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Temple possessed a small estate of about five hundred pounds a year; + and with that he resolved to preserve independence, to marry where the + feelings of his heart should direct him, and to confine his expenses + within the limits of his income. He had a heart open to every generous + feeling of humanity, and a hand ready to dispense to those who wanted part + of the blessings he enjoyed himself. + </p> + <p> + As he was universally known to be the friend of the unfortunate, his + advice and bounty was frequently solicited; nor was it seldom that he + sought out indigent merit, and raised it from obscurity, confining his own + expenses within a very narrow compass. + </p> + <p> + “You are a benevolent fellow,” said a young officer to him one day; “and I + have a great mind to give you a fine subject to exercise the goodness of + your heart upon.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot oblige me more,” said Temple, “than to point out any way by + which I can be serviceable to my fellow creatures.” + </p> + <p> + “Come along then,” said the young man, “we will go and visit a man who is + not in so good a lodging as he deserves; and, were it not that he has an + angel with him, who comforts and supports him, he must long since have + sunk under his misfortunes.” The young man's heart was too full to + proceed; and Temple, unwilling to irritate his feelings by making further + enquiries, followed him in silence, til they arrived at the Fleet prison. + </p> + <p> + The officer enquired for Captain Eldridge: a person led them up several + pair of dirty stairs, and pointing to a door which led to a miserable, + small apartment, said that was the Captain's room, and retired. + </p> + <p> + The officer, whose name was Blakeney, tapped at the door, and was bid to + enter by a voice melodiously soft. He opened the door, and discovered to + Temple a scene which rivetted him to the spot with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + The apartment, though small, and bearing strong marks of poverty, was neat + in the extreme. In an arm-chair, his head reclined upon his hand, his eyes + fixed on a book which lay open before him, sat an aged man in a + Lieutenant's uniform, which, though threadbare, would sooner call a blush + of shame into the face of those who could neglect real merit, than cause + the hectic of confusion to glow on the cheeks of him who wore it. + </p> + <p> + Beside him sat a lovely creature busied in painting a fan mount. She was + fair as the lily, but sorrow had nipped the rose in her cheek before it + was half blown. Her eyes were blue; and her hair, which was light brown, + was slightly confined under a plain muslin cap, tied round with a black + ribbon; a white linen gown and plain lawn handkerchief composed the + remainder of her dress; and in this simple attire, she was more + irresistibly charming to such a heart as Temple's, than she would have + been, if adorned with all the splendor of a courtly belle. + </p> + <p> + When they entered, the old man arose from his seat, and shaking Blakeney + by the hand with great cordiality, offered Temple his chair; and there + being but three in the room, seated himself on the side of his little bed + with evident composure. + </p> + <p> + “This is a strange place,” said he to Temple, “to receive visitors of + distinction in; but we must fit our feelings to our station. While I am + not ashamed to own the cause which brought me here, why should I blush at + my situation? Our misfortunes are not our faults; and were it not for that + poor girl—” + </p> + <p> + Here the philosopher was lost in the father. He rose hastily from his + seat, and walking toward the window, wiped off a tear which he was afraid + would tarnish the cheek of a sailor. + </p> + <p> + Temple cast his eye on Miss Eldridge: a pellucid drop had stolen from her + eyes, and fallen upon a rose she was painting. It blotted and discoloured + the flower. “'Tis emblematic,” said he mentally: “the rose of youth and + health soon fades when watered by the tear of affliction.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend Blakeney,” said he, addressing the old man, “told me I could be + of service to you: be so kind then, dear Sir, as to point out some way in + which I can relieve the anxiety of your heart and increase the pleasures + of my own.” + </p> + <p> + “My good young man,” said Eldridge, “you know not what you offer. While + deprived of my liberty I cannot be free from anxiety on my own account; + but that is a trifling concern; my anxious thoughts extend to one more + dear a thousand times than life: I am a poor weak old man, and must expect + in a few years to sink into silence and oblivion; but when I am gone, who + will protect that fair bud of innocence from the blasts of adversity, or + from the cruel hand of insult and dishonour.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my father!” cried Miss Eldridge, tenderly taking his hand, “be not + anxious on that account; for daily are my prayers offered to heaven that + our lives may terminate at the same instant, and one grave receive us + both; for why should I live when deprived of my only friend.” + </p> + <p> + Temple was moved even to tears. “You will both live many years,” said he, + “and I hope see much happiness. Cheerly, my friend, cheerly; these passing + clouds of adversity will serve only to make the sunshine of prosperity + more pleasing. But we are losing time: you might ere this have told me who + were your creditors, what were their demands, and other particulars + necessary to your liberation.” + </p> + <p> + “My story is short,” said Mr. Eldridge, “but there are some particulars + which will wring my heart barely to remember; yet to one whose offers of + friendship appear so open and disinterested, I will relate every + circumstance that led to my present, painful situation. But my child,” + continued he, addressing his daughter, “let me prevail on you to take this + opportunity, while my friends are with me, to enjoy the benefit of air and + exercise.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, my love; leave me now; to-morrow at your usual hour I will expect + you.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Eldridge impressed on his cheek the kiss of filial affection, and + obeyed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <h3> + UNEXPECTED MISFORTUNES. + </h3> + <p> + “MY life,” said Mr. Eldridge, “till within these few years was marked by + no particular circumstance deserving notice. I early embraced the life of + a sailor, and have served my King with unremitted ardour for many years. + At the age of twenty-five I married an amiable woman; one son, and the + girl who just now left us, were the fruits of our union. My boy had genius + and spirit. I straitened my little income to give him a liberal education, + but the rapid progress he made in his studies amply compensated for the + inconvenience. At the academy where he received his education he commenced + an acquaintance with a Mr. Lewis, a young man of affluent fortune: as they + grew up their intimacy ripened into friendship, and they became almost + inseparable companions. + </p> + <p> + “George chose the profession of a soldier. I had neither friends or money + to procure him a commission, and had wished him to embrace a nautical + life: but this was repugnant to his wishes, and I ceased to urge him on + the subject. + </p> + <p> + “The friendship subsisting between Lewis and my son was of such a nature + as gave him free access to our family; and so specious was his manner that + we hesitated not to state to him all our little difficulties in regard to + George's future views. He listened to us with attention, and offered to + advance any sum necessary for his first setting out. + </p> + <p> + “I embraced the offer, and gave him my note for the payment of it, but he + would not suffer me to mention any stipulated time, as he said I might do + it whenever most convenient to myself. About this time my dear Lucy + returned from school, and I soon began to imagine Lewis looked at her with + eyes of affection. I gave my child a caution to beware of him, and to look + on her mother as her friend. She was unaffectedly artless; and when, as I + suspected, Lewis made professions of love, she confided in her parents, + and assured us her heart was perfectly unbiassed in his favour, and she + would cheerfully submit to our direction. + </p> + <p> + “I took an early opportunity of questioning him concerning his intentions + towards my child: he gave an equivocal answer, and I forbade him the + house. + </p> + <p> + “The next day he sent and demanded payment of his money. It was not in my + power to comply with the demand. I requested three days to endeavour to + raise it, determining in that time to mortgage my half pay, and live on a + small annuity which my wife possessed, rather than be under an obligation + to so worthless a man: but this short time was not allowed me; for that + evening, as I was sitting down to supper, unsuspicious of danger, an + officer entered, and tore me from the embraces of my family. + </p> + <p> + “My wife had been for some time in a declining state of health: ruin at + once so unexpected and inevitable was a stroke she was not prepared to + bear, and I saw her faint into the arms of our servant, as I left my own + habitation for the comfortless walls of a prison. My poor Lucy, distracted + with her fears for us both, sunk on the floor and endeavoured to detain me + by her feeble efforts, but in vain; they forced open her arms; she + shrieked, and fell prostrate. But pardon me. The horrors of that night + unman me. I cannot proceed.” + </p> + <p> + He rose from his seat, and walked several times across the room: at + length, attaining more composure, he cried—“What a mere infant I am! + Why, Sir, I never felt thus in the day of battle.” “No,” said Temple; “but + the truly brave soul is tremblingly alive to the feelings of humanity.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” replied the old man, (something like satisfaction darting across + his features) “and painful as these feelings are, I would not exchange + them for that torpor which the stoic mistakes for philosophy. How many + exquisite delights should I have passed by unnoticed, but for these keen + sensations, this quick sense of happiness or misery? Then let us, my + friend, take the cup of life as it is presented to us, tempered by the + hand of a wise Providence; be thankful for the good, be patient under the + evil, and presume not to enquire why the latter predominates.” + </p> + <p> + “This is true philosophy,” said Temple. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the only way to reconcile ourselves to the cross events of life,” + replied he. “But I forget myself. I will not longer intrude on your + patience, but proceed in my melancholy tale. + </p> + <p> + “The very evening that I was taken to prison, my son arrived from Ireland, + where he had been some time with his regiment. From the distracted + expressions of his mother and sister, he learnt by whom I had been + arrested; and, late as it was, flew on the wings of wounded affection, to + the house of his false friend, and earnestly enquired the cause of this + cruel conduct. With all the calmness of a cool deliberate villain, he + avowed his passion for Lucy; declared her situation in life would not + permit him to marry her; but offered to release me immediately, and make + any settlement on her, if George would persuade her to live, as he + impiously termed it, a life of honour. + </p> + <p> + “Fired at the insult offered to a man and a soldier, my boy struck the + villain, and a challenge ensued. He then went to a coffee-house in the + neighbourhood and wrote a long affectionate letter to me, blaming himself + severely for having introduced Lewis into the family, or permitted him to + confer an obligation, which had brought inevitable ruin on us all. He + begged me, whatever might be the event of the ensuing morning, not to + suffer regret or unavailing sorrow for his fate, to increase the anguish + of my heart, which he greatly feared was already insupportable. + </p> + <p> + “This letter was delivered to me early in the morning. It would be vain to + attempt describing my feelings on the perusal of it; suffice it to say, + that a merciful Providence interposed, and I was for three weeks + insensible to miseries almost beyond the strength of human nature to + support. + </p> + <p> + “A fever and strong delirium seized me, and my life was despaired of. At + length, nature, overpowered with fatigue, gave way to the salutary power + of rest, and a quiet slumber of some hours restored me to reason, though + the extreme weakness of my frame prevented my feeling my distress so + acutely as I otherways should. + </p> + <p> + “The first object that struck me on awaking, was Lucy sitting by my + bedside; her pale countenance and sable dress prevented my enquiries for + poor George: for the letter I had received from him, was the first thing + that occurred to my memory. By degrees the rest returned: I recollected + being arrested, but could no ways account for being in this apartment, + whither they had conveyed me during my illness. + </p> + <p> + “I was so weak as to be almost unable to speak. I pressed Lucy's hand, and + looked earnestly round the apartment in search of another dear object. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your mother?” said I, faintly. + </p> + <p> + “The poor girl could not answer: she shook her head in expressive silence; + and throwing herself on the bed, folded her arms about me, and burst into + tears. + </p> + <p> + “What! both gone?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Both,” she replied, endeavouring to restrain her emotions: “but they are + happy, no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + Here Mr. Eldridge paused: the recollection of the scene was too painful to + permit him to proceed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <h3> + CHANGE OF FORTUNE. + </h3> + <p> + “IT was some days,” continued Mr. Eldridge, recovering himself, “before I + could venture to enquire the particulars of what had happened during my + illness: at length I assumed courage to ask my dear girl how long her + mother and brother had been dead: she told me, that the morning after my + arrest, George came home early to enquire after his mother's health, staid + with them but a few minutes, seemed greatly agitated at parting, but gave + them strict charge to keep up their spirits, and hope every thing would + turn out for the best. In about two hours after, as they were sitting at + breakfast, and endeavouring to strike out some plan to attain my liberty, + they heard a loud rap at the door, which Lucy running to open, she met the + bleeding body of her brother, borne in by two men who had lifted him from + a litter, on which they had brought him from the place where he fought. + Her poor mother, weakened by illness and the struggles of the preceding + night, was not able to support this shock; gasping for breath, her looks + wild and haggard, she reached the apartment where they had carried her + dying son. She knelt by the bed side; and taking his cold hand, 'my poor + boy,' said she, 'I will not be parted from thee: husband! son! both at + once lost. Father of mercies, spare me!' She fell into a strong + convulsion, and expired in about two hours. In the mean time, a surgeon + had dressed George's wounds; but they were in such a situation as to bar + the smallest hopes of recovery. He never was sensible from the time he was + brought home, and died that evening in the arms of his sister. + </p> + <p> + “Late as it was when this event took place, my affectionate Lucy insisted + on coming to me. 'What must he feel,' said she, 'at our apparent neglect, + and how shall I inform him of the afflictions with which it has pleased + heaven to visit us?' + </p> + <p> + “She left the care of the dear departed ones to some neighbours who had + kindly come in to comfort and assist her; and on entering the house where + I was confined, found me in the situation I have mentioned. + </p> + <p> + “How she supported herself in these trying moments, I know not: heaven, no + doubt, was with her; and her anxiety to preserve the life of one parent in + some measure abated her affliction for the loss of the other. + </p> + <p> + “My circumstances were greatly embarrassed, my acquaintance few, and those + few utterly unable to assist me. When my wife and son were committed to + their kindred earth, my creditors seized my house and furniture, which not + being sufficient to discharge all their demands, detainers were lodged + against me. No friend stepped forward to my relief; from the grave of her + mother, my beloved Lucy followed an almost dying father to this melancholy + place. + </p> + <p> + “Here we have been nearly a year and a half. My half-pay I have given up + to satisfy my creditors, and my child supports me by her industry: + sometimes by fine needlework, sometimes by painting. She leaves me every + night, and goes to a lodging near the bridge; but returns in the morning, + to cheer me with her smiles, and bless me by her duteous affection. A lady + once offered her an asylum in her family; but she would not leave me. 'We + are all the world to each other,' said she. 'I thank God, I have health + and spirits to improve the talents with which nature has endowed me; and I + trust if I employ them in the support of a beloved parent, I shall not be + thought an unprofitable servant. While he lives, I pray for strength to + pursue my employment; and when it pleases heaven to take one of us, may it + give the survivor resignation to bear the separation as we ought: till + then I will never leave him.'” + </p> + <p> + “But where is this inhuman persecutor?” said Temple. + </p> + <p> + “He has been abroad ever since,” replied the old man; “but he has left + orders with his lawyer never to give up the note till the utmost farthing + is paid.” + </p> + <p> + “And how much is the amount of your debts in all?” said Temple. + </p> + <p> + “Five hundred pounds,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + Temple started: it was more than he expected. “But something must be + done,” said he: “that sweet maid must not wear out her life in a prison. I + will see you again to-morrow, my friend,” said he, shaking Eldridge's + hand: “keep up your spirits: light and shade are not more happily blended + than are the pleasures and pains of life; and the horrors of the one serve + only to increase the splendor of the other.” + </p> + <p> + “You never lost a wife and son,” said Eldridge. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied he, “but I can feel for those that have.” Eldridge pressed + his hand as they went toward the door, and they parted in silence. + </p> + <p> + When they got without the walls of the prison, Temple thanked his friend + Blakeney for introducing him to so worthy a character; and telling him he + had a particular engagement in the city, wished him a good evening. + </p> + <p> + “And what is to be done for this distressed man,” said Temple, as he + walked up Ludgate Hill. “Would to heaven I had a fortune that would enable + me instantly to discharge his debt: what exquisite transport, to see the + expressive eyes of Lucy beaming at once with pleasure for her father's + deliverance, and gratitude for her deliverer: but is not my fortune + affluence,” continued he, “nay superfluous wealth, when compared to the + extreme indigence of Eldridge; and what have I done to deserve ease and + plenty, while a brave worthy officer starves in a prison? Three hundred a + year is surely sufficient for all my wants and wishes: at any rate + Eldridge must be relieved.” + </p> + <p> + When the heart has will, the hands can soon find means to execute a good + action. + </p> + <p> + Temple was a young man, his feelings warm and impetuous; unacquainted with + the world, his heart had not been rendered callous by being convinced of + its fraud and hypocrisy. He pitied their sufferings, overlooked their + faults, thought every bosom as generous as his own, and would cheerfully + have divided his last guinea with an unfortunate fellow creature. + </p> + <p> + No wonder, then, that such a man (without waiting a moment for the + interference of Madam Prudence) should resolve to raise money sufficient + for the relief of Eldridge, by mortgaging part of his fortune. + </p> + <p> + We will not enquire too minutely into the cause which might actuate him in + this instance: suffice it to say, he immediately put the plan in + execution; and in three days from the time he first saw the unfortunate + Lieutenant, he had the superlative felicity of seeing him at liberty, and + receiving an ample reward in the tearful eye and half articulated thanks + of the grateful Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “And pray, young man,” said his father to him one morning, “what are your + designs in visiting thus constantly that old man and his daughter?” + </p> + <p> + Temple was at a loss for a reply: he had never asked himself the question: + he hesitated; and his father continued— + </p> + <p> + “It was not till within these few days that I heard in what manner your + acquaintance first commenced, and cannot suppose any thing but attachment + to the daughter could carry you such imprudent lengths for the father: it + certainly must be her art that drew you in to mortgage part of your + fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Art, Sir!” cried Temple eagerly. “Lucy Eldridge is as free from art as + she is from every other error: she is—” + </p> + <p> + “Everything that is amiable and lovely,” said his father, interrupting him + ironically: “no doubt in your opinion she is a pattern of excellence for + all her sex to follow; but come, Sir, pray tell me what are your designs + towards this paragon. I hope you do not intend to complete your folly by + marrying her.” + </p> + <p> + “Were my fortune such as would support her according to her merit, I don't + know a woman more formed to insure happiness in the married state.” + </p> + <p> + “Then prithee, my dear lad,” said his father, “since your rank and fortune + are so much beneath what your PRINCESS might expect, be so kind as to turn + your eyes on Miss Weatherby; who, having only an estate of three thousand + a year, is more upon a level with you, and whose father yesterday + solicited the mighty honour of your alliance. I shall leave you to + consider on this offer; and pray remember, that your union with Miss + Weatherby will put it in your power to be more liberally the friend of + Lucy Eldridge.” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman walked in a stately manner out of the room; and Temple + stood almost petrified with astonishment, contempt, and rage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <h3> + SUCH THINGS ARE. + </h3> + <p> + MISS Weatherby was the only child of a wealthy man, almost idolized by her + parents, flattered by her dependants, and never contradicted even by those + who called themselves her friends: I cannot give a better description than + by the following lines. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The lovely maid whose form and face + Nature has deck'd with ev'ry grace, + But in whose breast no virtues glow, + Whose heart ne'er felt another's woe, + Whose hand ne'er smooth'd the bed of pain, + Or eas'd the captive's galling chain; + But like the tulip caught the eye, + Born just to be admir'd and die; + When gone, no one regrets its loss, + Or scarce remembers that it was. +</pre> + <p> + Such was Miss Weatherby: her form lovely as nature could make it, but her + mind uncultivated, her heart unfeeling, her passions impetuous, and her + brain almost turned with flattery, dissipation, and pleasure; and such was + the girl, whom a partial grandfather left independent mistress of the + fortune before mentioned. + </p> + <p> + She had seen Temple frequently; and fancying she could never be happy + without him, nor once imagining he could refuse a girl of her beauty and + fortune, she prevailed on her fond father to offer the alliance to the old + Earl of D——, Mr. Temple's father. + </p> + <p> + The Earl had received the offer courteously: he thought it a great match + for Henry; and was too fashionable a man to suppose a wife could be any + impediment to the friendship he professed for Eldridge and his daughter. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately for Temple, he thought quite otherwise: the conversation he + had just had with his father, discovered to him the situation of his + heart; and he found that the most affluent fortune would bring no increase + of happiness unless Lucy Eldridge shared it with him; and the knowledge of + the purity of her sentiments, and the integrity of his own heart, made him + shudder at the idea his father had started, of marrying a woman for no + other reason than because the affluence of her fortune would enable him to + injure her by maintaining in splendor the woman to whom his heart was + devoted: he therefore resolved to refuse Miss Weatherby, and be the event + what it might, offer his heart and hand to Lucy Eldridge. + </p> + <p> + Full of this determination, he fought his father, declared his resolution, + and was commanded never more to appear in his presence. Temple bowed; his + heart was too full to permit him to speak; he left the house + precipitately, and hastened to relate the cause of his sorrows to his good + old friend and his amiable daughter. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, the Earl, vexed to the soul that such a fortune should + be lost, determined to offer himself a candidate for Miss Weatherby's + favour. + </p> + <p> + What wonderful changes are wrought by that reigning power, ambition! the + love-sick girl, when first she heard of Temple's refusal, wept, raved, + tore her hair, and vowed to found a protestant nunnery with her fortune; + and by commencing abbess, shut herself up from the sight of cruel + ungrateful man for ever. + </p> + <p> + Her father was a man of the world: he suffered this first transport to + subside, and then very deliberately unfolded to her the offers of the old + Earl, expatiated on the many benefits arising from an elevated title, + painted in glowing colours the surprise and vexation of Temple when he + should see her figuring as a Countess and his mother-in-law, and begged + her to consider well before she made any rash vows. + </p> + <p> + The DISTRESSED fair one dried her tears, listened patiently, and at length + declared she believed the surest method to revenge the slight put on her + by the son, would be to accept the father: so said so done, and in a few + days she became the Countess D——. + </p> + <p> + Temple heard the news with emotion: he had lost his father's favour by + avowing his passion for Lucy, and he saw now there was no hope of + regaining it: “but he shall not make me miserable,” said he. “Lucy and I + have no ambitious notions: we can live on three hundred a year for some + little time, till the mortgage is paid off, and then we shall have + sufficient not only for the comforts but many of the little elegancies of + life. We will purchase a little cottage, my Lucy,” said he, “and thither + with your reverend father we will retire; we will forget there are such + things as splendor, profusion, and dissipation: we will have some cows, + and you shall be queen of the dairy; in a morning, while I look after my + garden, you shall take a basket on your arm, and sally forth to feed your + poultry; and as they flutter round you in token of humble gratitude, your + father shall smoke his pipe in a woodbine alcove, and viewing the serenity + of your countenance, feel such real pleasure dilate his own heart, as + shall make him forget he had ever been unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy smiled; and Temple saw it was a smile of approbation. He sought and + found a cottage suited to his taste; thither, attended by Love and Hymen, + the happy trio retired; where, during many years of uninterrupted + felicity, they cast not a wish beyond the little boundaries of their own + tenement. Plenty, and her handmaid, Prudence, presided at their board, + Hospitality stood at their gate, Peace smiled on each face, Content + reigned in each heart, and Love and Health strewed roses on their pillows. + </p> + <p> + Such were the parents of Charlotte Temple, who was the only pledge of + their mutual love, and who, at the earnest entreaty of a particular + friend, was permitted to finish the education her mother had begun, at + Madame Du Pont's school, where we first introduced her to the acquaintance + of the reader. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <h3> + AN INTRIGUING TEACHER. + </h3> + <p> + MADAME Du Pont was a woman every way calculated to take the care of young + ladies, had that care entirely devolved on herself; but it was impossible + to attend the education of a numerous school without proper assistants; + and those assistants were not always the kind of people whose conversation + and morals were exactly such as parents of delicacy and refinement would + wish a daughter to copy. Among the teachers at Madame Du Pont's school, + was Mademoiselle La Rue, who added to a pleasing person and insinuating + address, a liberal education and the manners of a gentlewoman. She was + recommended to the school by a lady whose humanity overstepped the bounds + of discretion: for though she knew Miss La Rue had eloped from a convent + with a young officer, and, on coming to England, had lived with several + different men in open defiance of all moral and religious duties; yet, + finding her reduced to the most abject want, and believing the penitence + which she professed to be sincere, she took her into her own family, and + from thence recommended her to Madame Du Pont, as thinking the situation + more suitable for a woman of her abilities. But Mademoiselle possessed too + much of the spirit of intrigue to remain long without adventures. At + church, where she constantly appeared, her person attracted the attention + of a young man who was upon a visit at a gentleman's seat in the + neighbourhood: she had met him several times clandestinely; and being + invited to come out that evening, and eat some fruit and pastry in a + summer-house belonging to the gentleman he was visiting, and requested to + bring some of the ladies with her, Charlotte being her favourite, was + fixed on to accompany her. + </p> + <p> + The mind of youth eagerly catches at promised pleasure: pure and innocent + by nature, it thinks not of the dangers lurking beneath those pleasures, + till too late to avoid them: when Mademoiselle asked Charlotte to go with + her, she mentioned the gentleman as a relation, and spoke in such high + terms of the elegance of his gardens, the sprightliness of his + conversation, and the liberality with which he ever entertained his + guests, that Charlotte thought only of the pleasure she should enjoy in + the visit,—not on the imprudence of going without her governess's + knowledge, or of the danger to which she exposed herself in visiting the + house of a gay young man of fashion. + </p> + <p> + Madame Du Pont was gone out for the evening, and the rest of the ladies + retired to rest, when Charlotte and the teacher stole out at the back + gate, and in crossing the field, were accosted by Montraville, as + mentioned in the first CHAPTER. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte was disappointed in the pleasure she had promised herself from + this visit. The levity of the gentlemen and the freedom of their + conversation disgusted her. She was astonished at the liberties + Mademoiselle permitted them to take; grew thoughtful and uneasy, and + heartily wished herself at home again in her own chamber. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps one cause of that wish might be, an earnest desire to see the + contents of the letter which had been put into her hand by Montraville. + </p> + <p> + Any reader who has the least knowledge of the world, will easily imagine + the letter was made up of encomiums on her beauty, and vows of everlasting + love and constancy; nor will he be surprised that a heart open to every + gentle, generous sentiment, should feel itself warmed by gratitude for a + man who professed to feel so much for her; nor is it improbable but her + mind might revert to the agreeable person and martial appearance of + Montraville. + </p> + <p> + In affairs of love, a young heart is never in more danger than when + attempted by a handsome young soldier. A man of an indifferent appearance, + will, when arrayed in a military habit, shew to advantage; but when beauty + of person, elegance of manner, and an easy method of paying compliments, + are united to the scarlet coat, smart cockade, and military sash, ah! + well-a-day for the poor girl who gazes on him: she is in imminent danger; + but if she listens to him with pleasure, 'tis all over with her, and from + that moment she has neither eyes nor ears for any other object. + </p> + <p> + Now, my dear sober matron, (if a sober matron should deign to turn over + these pages, before she trusts them to the eye of a darling daughter,) let + me intreat you not to put on a grave face, and throw down the book in a + passion and declare 'tis enough to turn the heads of half the girls in + England; I do solemnly protest, my dear madam, I mean no more by what I + have here advanced, than to ridicule those romantic girls, who foolishly + imagine a red coat and silver epaulet constitute the fine gentleman; and + should that fine gentleman make half a dozen fine speeches to them, they + will imagine themselves so much in love as to fancy it a meritorious + action to jump out of a two pair of stairs window, abandon their friends, + and trust entirely to the honour of a man, who perhaps hardly knows the + meaning of the word, and if he does, will be too much the modern man of + refinement, to practice it in their favour. + </p> + <p> + Gracious heaven! when I think on the miseries that must rend the heart of + a doating parent, when he sees the darling of his age at first seduced + from his protection, and afterwards abandoned, by the very wretch whose + promises of love decoyed her from the paternal roof—when he sees her + poor and wretched, her bosom tom between remorse for her crime and love + for her vile betrayer—when fancy paints to me the good old man + stooping to raise the weeping penitent, while every tear from her eye is + numbered by drops from his bleeding heart, my bosom glows with honest + indignation, and I wish for power to extirpate those monsters of seduction + from the earth. + </p> + <p> + Oh my dear girls—for to such only am I writing—listen not to + the voice of love, unless sanctioned by paternal approbation: be assured, + it is now past the days of romance: no woman can be run away with contrary + to her own inclination: then kneel down each morning, and request kind + heaven to keep you free from temptation, or, should it please to suffer + you to be tried, pray for fortitude to resist the impulse of inclination + when it runs counter to the precepts of religion and virtue. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <h3> + NATURAL SENSE OF PROPRIETY INHERENT IN THE FEMALE BOSOM. + </h3> + <p> + “I CANNOT think we have done exactly right in going out this evening, + Mademoiselle,” said Charlotte, seating herself when she entered her + apartment: “nay, I am sure it was not right; for I expected to be very + happy, but was sadly disappointed.” + </p> + <p> + “It was your own fault, then,” replied Mademoiselle: “for I am sure my + cousin omitted nothing that could serve to render the evening agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Charlotte: “but I thought the gentlemen were very free in + their manner: I wonder you would suffer them to behave as they did.” + </p> + <p> + “Prithee, don't be such a foolish little prude,” said the artful woman, + affecting anger: “I invited you to go in hopes it would divert you, and be + an agreeable change of scene; however, if your delicacy was hurt by the + behaviour of the gentlemen, you need not go again; so there let it rest.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not intend to go again,” said Charlotte, gravely taking off her + bonnet, and beginning to prepare for bed: “I am sure, if Madame Du Pont + knew we had been out to-night, she would be very angry; and it is ten to + one but she hears of it by some means or other.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Miss,” said La Rue, “perhaps your mighty sense of propriety may lead + you to tell her yourself: and in order to avoid the censure you would + incur, should she hear of it by accident, throw the blame on me: but I + confess I deserve it: it will be a very kind return for that partiality + which led me to prefer you before any of the rest of the ladies; but + perhaps it will give you pleasure,” continued she, letting fall some + hypocritical tears, “to see me deprived of bread, and for an action which + by the most rigid could only be esteemed an inadvertency, lose my place + and character, and be driven again into the world, where I have already + suffered all the evils attendant on poverty.” + </p> + <p> + This was touching Charlotte in the most vulnerable part: she rose from her + seat, and taking Mademoiselle's hand—“You know, my dear La Rue,” + said she, “I love you too well, to do anything that would injure you in my + governess's opinion: I am only sorry we went out this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe it, Charlotte,” said she, assuming a little vivacity; + “for if you had not gone out, you would not have seen the gentleman who + met us crossing the field; and I rather think you were pleased with his + conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “I had seen him once before,” replied Charlotte, “and thought him an + agreeable man; and you know one is always pleased to see a person with + whom one has passed several cheerful hours. But,” said she pausing, and + drawing the letter from her pocket, while a gentle suffusion of vermillion + tinged her neck and face, “he gave me this letter; what shall I do with + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Read it, to be sure,” returned Mademoiselle. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I ought not,” said Charlotte: “my mother has often told me, I + should never read a letter given me by a young man, without first giving + it to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless you, my dear girl,” cried the teacher smiling, “have you a + mind to be in leading strings all your life time. Prithee open the letter, + read it, and judge for yourself; if you show it your mother, the + consequence will be, you will be taken from school, and a strict guard + kept over you; so you will stand no chance of ever seeing the smart young + officer again.” + </p> + <p> + “I should not like to leave school yet,” replied Charlotte, “till I have + attained a greater proficiency in my Italian and music. But you can, if + you please, Mademoiselle, take the letter back to Montraville, and tell + him I wish him well, but cannot, with any propriety, enter into a + clandestine correspondence with him.” She laid the letter on the table, + and began to undress herself. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said La Rue, “I vow you are an unaccountable girl: have you no + curiosity to see the inside now? for my part I could no more let a letter + addressed to me lie unopened so long, than I could work miracles: he + writes a good hand,” continued she, turning the letter, to look at the + superscription. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis well enough,” said Charlotte, drawing it towards her. + </p> + <p> + “He is a genteel young fellow,” said La Rue carelessly, folding up her + apron at the same time; “but I think he is marked with the small pox.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh you are greatly mistaken,” said Charlotte eagerly; “he has a + remarkable clear skin and fine complexion.” + </p> + <p> + “His eyes, if I could judge by what I saw,” said La Rue, “are grey and + want expression.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” replied Charlotte; “they are the most expressive eyes I + ever saw.” “Well, child, whether they are grey or black is of no + consequence: you have determined not to read his letter; so it is likely + you will never either see or hear from him again.” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte took up the letter, and Mademoiselle continued— + </p> + <p> + “He is most probably going to America; and if ever you should hear any + account of him, it may possibly be that he is killed; and though he loved + you ever so fervently, though his last breath should be spent in a prayer + for your happiness, it can be nothing to you: you can feel nothing for the + fate of the man, whose letters you will not open, and whose sufferings you + will not alleviate, by permitting him to think you would remember him when + absent, and pray for his safety.” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte still held the letter in her hand: her heart swelled at the + conclusion of Mademoiselle's speech, and a tear dropped upon the wafer + that closed it. + </p> + <p> + “The wafer is not dry yet,” said she, “and sure there can be no great harm—” + She hesitated. La Rue was silent. “I may read it, Mademoiselle, and return + it afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied Mademoiselle. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate I am determined not to answer it,” continued Charlotte, as + she opened the letter. + </p> + <p> + Here let me stop to make one remark, and trust me my very heart aches + while I write it; but certain I am, that when once a woman has stifled the + sense of shame in her own bosom, when once she has lost sight of the basis + on which reputation, honour, every thing that should be dear to the female + heart, rests, she grows hardened in guilt, and will spare no pains to + bring down innocence and beauty to the shocking level with herself: and + this proceeds from that diabolical spirit of envy, which repines at seeing + another in the full possession of that respect and esteem which she can no + longer hope to enjoy. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle eyed the unsuspecting Charlotte, as she perused the letter, + with a malignant pleasure. She saw, that the contents had awakened new + emotions in her youthful bosom: she encouraged her hopes, calmed her + fears, and before they parted for the night, it was determined that she + should meet Montraville the ensuing evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <h3> + DOMESTIC PLEASURES PLANNED. + </h3> + <p> + “I THINK, my dear,” said Mrs. Temple, laying her hand on her husband's arm + as they were walking together in the garden, “I think next Wednesday is + Charlotte's birth day: now I have formed a little scheme in my own mind, + to give her an agreeable surprise; and if you have no objection, we will + send for her home on that day.” Temple pressed his wife's hand in token of + approbation, and she proceeded.—“You know the little alcove at the + bottom of the garden, of which Charlotte is so fond? I have an inclination + to deck this out in a fanciful manner, and invite all her little friends + to partake of a collation of fruit, sweetmeats, and other things suitable + to the general taste of young guests; and to make it more pleasing to + Charlotte, she shall be mistress of the feast, and entertain her visitors + in this alcove. I know she will be delighted; and to complete all, they + shall have some music, and finish with a dance.” + </p> + <p> + “A very fine plan, indeed,” said Temple, smiling; “and you really suppose + I will wink at your indulging the girl in this manner? You will quite + spoil her, Lucy; indeed you will.” + </p> + <p> + “She is the only child we have,” said Mrs. Temple, the whole tenderness of + a mother adding animation to her fine countenance; but it was withal + tempered so sweetly with the meek affection and submissive duty of the + wife, that as she paused expecting her husband's answer, he gazed at her + tenderly, and found he was unable to refuse her request. + </p> + <p> + “She is a good girl,” said Temple. + </p> + <p> + “She is, indeed,” replied the fond mother exultingly, “a grateful, + affectionate girl; and I am sure will never lose sight of the duty she + owes her parents.” + </p> + <p> + “If she does,” said he, “she must forget the example set her by the best + of mothers.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Temple could not reply; but the delightful sensation that dilated her + heart sparkled in her intelligent eyes and heightened the vermillion on + her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Of all the pleasures of which the human mind is sensible, there is none + equal to that which warms and expands the bosom, when listening to + commendations bestowed on us by a beloved object, and are conscious of + having deserved them. + </p> + <p> + Ye giddy flutterers in the fantastic round of dissipation, who eagerly + seek pleasure in the lofty dome, rich treat, and midnight revel—tell + me, ye thoughtless daughters of folly, have ye ever found the phantom you + have so long sought with such unremitted assiduity? Has she not always + eluded your grasp, and when you have reached your hand to take the cup she + extends to her deluded votaries, have you not found the long-expected + draught strongly tinctured with the bitter dregs of disappointment? I know + you have: I see it in the wan cheek, sunk eye, and air of chagrin, which + ever mark the children of dissipation. Pleasure is a vain illusion; she + draws you on to a thousand follies, errors, and I may say vices, and then + leaves you to deplore your thoughtless credulity. + </p> + <p> + Look, my dear friends, at yonder lovely Virgin, arrayed in a white robe + devoid of ornament; behold the meekness of her countenance, the modesty of + her gait; her handmaids are Humility, Filial Piety, Conjugal Affection, + Industry, and Benevolence; her name is CONTENT; she holds in her hand the + cup of true felicity, and when once you have formed an intimate + acquaintance with these her attendants, nay you must admit them as your + bosom friends and chief counsellors, then, whatever may be your situation + in life, the meek eyed Virgin wig immediately take up her abode with you. + </p> + <p> + Is poverty your portion?—she will lighten your labours, preside at + your frugal board, and watch your quiet slumbers. + </p> + <p> + Is your state mediocrity?—she will heighten every blessing you + enjoy, by informing you how grateful you should be to that bountiful + Providence who might have placed you in the most abject situation; and, by + teaching you to weigh your blessings against your deserts, show you how + much more you receive than you have a right to expect. + </p> + <p> + Are you possessed of affluence?—what an inexhaustible fund of + happiness will she lay before you! To relieve the distressed, redress the + injured, in short, to perform all the good works of peace and mercy. + </p> + <p> + Content, my dear friends, will blunt even the arrows of adversity, so that + they cannot materially harm you. She will dwell in the humblest cottage; + she will attend you even to a prison. Her parent is Religion; her sisters, + Patience and Hope. She will pass with you through life, smoothing the + rough paths and tread to earth those thorns which every one must meet with + as they journey onward to the appointed goal. She will soften the pains of + sickness, continue with you even in the cold gloomy hour of death, and, + cheating you with the smiles of her heaven-born sister, Hope, lead you + triumphant to a blissful eternity. + </p> + <p> + I confess I have rambled strangely from my story: but what of that? if I + have been so lucky as to find the road to happiness, why should I be such + a niggard as to omit so good an opportunity of pointing out the way to + others. The very basis of true peace of mind is a benevolent wish to see + all the world as happy as one's Self; and from my soul do I pity the + selfish churl, who, remembering the little bickerings of anger, envy, and + fifty other disagreeables to which frail mortality is subject, would wish + to revenge the affront which pride whispers him he has received. For my + own part, I can safely declare, there is not a human being in the + universe, whose prosperity I should not rejoice in, and to whose happiness + I would not contribute to the utmost limit of my power: and may my + offences be no more remembered in the day of general retribution, than as + from my soul I forgive every offence or injury received from a fellow + creature. + </p> + <p> + Merciful heaven! who would exchange the rapture of such a reflexion for + all the gaudy tinsel which the world calls pleasure! + </p> + <p> + But to return.—Content dwelt in Mrs. Temple's bosom, and spread a + charming animation over her countenance, as her husband led her in, to lay + the plan she had formed (for the celebration of Charlotte's birth day,) + before Mr. Eldridge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <h3> + WE KNOW NOT WHAT A DAY MAY BRING FORTH. + </h3> + <p> + VARIOUS were the sensations which agitated the mind of Charlotte, during + the day preceding the evening in which she was to meet Montraville. + Several times did she almost resolve to go to her governess, show her the + letter, and be guided by her advice: but Charlotte had taken one step in + the ways of imprudence; and when that is once done, there are always + innumerable obstacles to prevent the erring person returning to the path + of rectitude: yet these obstacles, however forcible they may appear in + general, exist chiefly in imagination. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte feared the anger of her governess: she loved her mother, and the + very idea of incurring her displeasure, gave her the greatest uneasiness: + but there was a more forcible reason still remaining: should she show the + letter to Madame Du Pont, she must confess the means by which it came into + her possession; and what would be the consequence? Mademoiselle would be + turned out of doors. + </p> + <p> + “I must not be ungrateful,” said she. “La Rue is very kind to me; besides + I can, when I see Montraville, inform him of the impropriety of our + continuing to see or correspond with each other, and request him to come + no more to Chichester.” + </p> + <p> + However prudent Charlotte might be in these resolutions, she certainly did + not take a proper method to confirm herself in them. Several times in the + course of the day, she indulged herself in reading over the letter, and + each time she read it, the contents sunk deeper in her heart. As evening + drew near, she caught herself frequently consulting her watch. “I wish + this foolish meeting was over,” said she, by way of apology to her own + heart, “I wish it was over; for when I have seen him, and convinced him my + resolution is not to be shaken, I shall feel my mind much easier.” + </p> + <p> + The appointed hour arrived. Charlotte and Mademoiselle eluded the eye of + vigilance; and Montraville, who had waited their coming with impatience, + received them with rapturous and unbounded acknowledgments for their + condescension: he had wisely brought Belcour with him to entertain + Mademoiselle, while he enjoyed an uninterrupted conversation with + Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + Belcour was a man whose character might be comprised in a few words; and + as he will make some figure in the ensuing pages, I shall here describe + him. He possessed a genteel fortune, and had a liberal education; + dissipated, thoughtless, and capricious, he paid little regard to the + moral duties, and less to religious ones: eager in the pursuit of + pleasure, he minded not the miseries he inflicted on others, provided his + own wishes, however extravagant, were gratified. Self, darling self, was + the idol he worshipped, and to that he would have sacrificed the interest + and happiness of all mankind. Such was the friend of Montraville: will not + the reader be ready to imagine, that the man who could regard such a + character, must be actuated by the same feelings, follow the same + pursuits, and be equally unworthy with the person to whom he thus gave his + confidence? + </p> + <p> + But Montraville was a different character: generous in his disposition, + liberal in his opinions, and good-natured almost to a fault; yet eager and + impetuous in the pursuit of a favorite object, he staid not to reflect on + the consequence which might follow the attainment of his wishes; with a + mind ever open to conviction, had he been so fortunate as to possess a + friend who would have pointed out the cruelty of endeavouring to gain the + heart of an innocent artless girl, when he knew it was utterly impossible + for him to marry her, and when the gratification of his passion would be + unavoidable infamy and misery to her, and a cause of never-ceasing remorse + to himself: had these dreadful consequences been placed before him in a + proper light, the humanity of his nature would have urged him to give up + the pursuit: but Belcour was not this friend; he rather encouraged the + growing passion of Montraville; and being pleased with the vivacity of + Mademoiselle, resolved to leave no argument untried, which he thought + might prevail on her to be the companion of their intended voyage; and he + made no doubt but her example, added to the rhetoric of Montraville, would + persuade Charlotte to go with them. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte had, when she went out to meet Montraville, flattered herself + that her resolution was not to be shaken, and that, conscious of the + impropriety of her conduct in having a clandestine intercourse with a + stranger, she would never repeat the indiscretion. + </p> + <p> + But alas! poor Charlotte, she knew not the deceitfulness of her own heart, + or she would have avoided the trial of her stability. + </p> + <p> + Montraville was tender, eloquent, ardent, and yet respectful. “Shall I not + see you once more,” said he, “before I leave England? will you not bless + me by an assurance, that when we are divided by a vast expanse of sea I + shall not be forgotten?” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte sighed. + </p> + <p> + “Why that sigh, my dear Charlotte? could I flatter myself that a fear for + my safety, or a wish for my welfare occasioned it, how happy would it make + me.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall ever wish you well, Montraville,” said she; “but we must meet no + more.” “Oh say not so, my lovely girl: reflect, that when I leave my + native land, perhaps a few short weeks may terminate my existence; the + perils of the ocean—the dangers of war—” + </p> + <p> + “I can hear no more,” said Charlotte in a tremulous voice. “I must leave + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Say you will see me once again.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Only for one half hour to-morrow evening: 'tis my last request. I shall + never trouble you again, Charlotte.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not what to say,” cried Charlotte, struggling to draw her hands + from him: “let me leave you now.” + </p> + <p> + “And you will come to-morrow,” said Montraville. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I may,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Adieu then. I will live upon that hope till we meet again.” + </p> + <p> + He kissed her hand. She sighed an adieu, and catching hold of + Mademoiselle's arm, hastily entered the garden gate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + WHEN WE HAVE EXCITED CURIOSITY, IT IS BUT AN ACT OF GOOD NATURE TO GRATIFY + IT. + </p> + <p> + MONTRAVILLE was the youngest son of a gentleman of fortune, whose family + being numerous, he was obliged to bring up his sons to genteel + professions, by the exercise of which they might hope to raise themselves + into notice. + </p> + <p> + “My daughters,” said he, “have been educated like gentlewomen; and should + I die before they are settled, they must have some provision made, to + place them above the snares and temptations which vice ever holds out to + the elegant, accomplished female, when oppressed by the frowns of poverty + and the sting of dependance: my boys, with only moderate incomes, when + placed in the church, at the bar, or in the field, may exert their + talents, make themselves friends, and raise their fortunes on the basis of + merit.” + </p> + <p> + When Montraville chose the profession of arms, his father presented him + with a commission, and made him a handsome provision for his private + purse. “Now, my boy,” said he, “go! seek glory in the field of battle. You + have received from me all I shall ever have it in my power to bestow: it + is certain I have interest to gain you promotion; but be assured that + interest shall never be exerted, unless by your future conduct you deserve + it. Remember, therefore, your success in life depends entirely on + yourself. There is one thing I think it my duty to caution you against; + the precipitancy with which young men frequently rush into matrimonial + engagements, and by their thoughtlessness draw many a deserving woman into + scenes of poverty and distress. A soldier has no business to think of a + wife till his rank is such as to place him above the fear of bringing into + the world a train of helpless innocents, heirs only to penury and + affliction. If, indeed, a woman, whose fortune is sufficient to preserve + you in that state of independence I would teach you to prize, should + generously bestow herself on a young soldier, whose chief hope of future + prosperity depended on his success in the field—if such a woman + should offer—every barrier is removed, and I should rejoice in an + union which would promise so much felicity. But mark me, boy, if, on the + contrary, you rush into a precipitate union with a girl of little or no + fortune, take the poor creature from a comfortable home and kind friends, + and plunge her into all the evils a narrow income and increasing family + can inflict, I will leave you to enjoy the blessed fruits of your + rashness; for by all that is sacred, neither my interest or fortune shall + ever be exerted in your favour. I am serious,” continued he, “therefore + imprint this conversation on your memory, and let it influence your future + conduct. Your happiness will always be dear to me; and I wish to warn you + of a rock on which the peace of many an honest fellow has been wrecked; + for believe me, the difficulties and dangers of the longest winter + campaign are much easier to be borne, than the pangs that would seize your + heart, when you beheld the woman of your choice, the children of your + affection, involved in penury and distress, and reflected that it was your + own folly and precipitancy had been the prime cause of their sufferings.” + </p> + <p> + As this conversation passed but a few hours before Montraville took leave + of his father, it was deeply impressed on his mind: when, therefore, + Belcour came with him to the place of assignation with Charlotte, he + directed him to enquire of the French woman what were Miss Temple's + expectations in regard to fortune. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle informed him, that though Charlotte's father possessed a + genteel independence, it was by no means probable that he could give his + daughter more than a thousand pounds; and in case she did not marry to his + liking, it was possible he might not give her a single SOUS; nor did it + appear the least likely, that Mr. Temple would agree to her union with a + young man on the point of embarking for the feat of war. + </p> + <p> + Montraville therefore concluded it was impossible he should ever marry + Charlotte Temple; and what end he proposed to himself by continuing the + acquaintance he had commenced with her, he did not at that moment give + himself time to enquire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <h3> + CONFLICT OF LOVE AND DUTY. + </h3> + <p> + ALMOST a week was now gone, and Charlotte continued every evening to meet + Montraville, and in her heart every meeting was resolved to be the last; + but alas! when Montraville at parting would earnestly intreat one more + interview, that treacherous heart betrayed her; and, forgetful of its + resolution, pleaded the cause of the enemy so powerfully, that Charlotte + was unable to resist. Another and another meeting succeeded; and so well + did Montraville improve each opportunity, that the heedless girl at length + confessed no idea could be so painful to her as that of never seeing him + again. + </p> + <p> + “Then we will never be parted,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Montraville,” replied Charlotte, forcing a smile, “how can it be + avoided? My parents would never consent to our union; and even could they + be brought to approve it, how should I bear to be separated from my kind, + my beloved mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you love your parents more than you do me, Charlotte?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope I do,” said she, blushing and looking down, “I hope my affection + for them will ever keep me from infringing the laws of filial duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Charlotte,” said Montraville gravely, and letting go her hand, + “since that is the case, I find I have deceived myself with fallacious + hopes. I had flattered my fond heart, that I was dearer to Charlotte than + any thing in the world beside. I thought that you would for my sake have + braved the dangers of the ocean, that you would, by your affection and + smiles, have softened the hardships of war, and, had it been my fate to + fall, that your tenderness would cheer the hour of death, and smooth my + passage to another world. But farewel, Charlotte! I see you never loved + me. I shall now welcome the friendly ball that deprives me of the sense of + my misery.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh stay, unkind Montraville,” cried she, catching hold of his arm, as he + pretended to leave her, “stay, and to calm your fears, I will here protest + that was it not for the fear of giving pain to the best of parents, and + returning their kindness with ingratitude, I would follow you through + every danger, and, in studying to promote your happiness, insure my own. + But I cannot break my mother's heart, Montraville; I must not bring the + grey hairs of my doating grand-father with sorrow to the grave, or make my + beloved father perhaps curse the hour that gave me birth.” She covered her + face with her hands, and burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + “All these distressing scenes, my dear Charlotte,” cried Montraville, “are + merely the chimeras of a disturbed fancy. Your parents might perhaps + grieve at first; but when they heard from your own hand that you was with + a man of honour, and that it was to insure your felicity by an union with + him, to which you feared they would never have given their assent, that + you left their protection, they will, be assured, forgive an error which + love alone occasioned, and when we return from America, receive you with + open arms and tears of joy.” + </p> + <p> + Belcour and Mademoiselle heard this last speech, and conceiving it a + proper time to throw in their advice and persuasions, approached + Charlotte, and so well seconded the entreaties of Montraville, that + finding Mademoiselle intended going with Belcour, and feeling her own + treacherous heart too much inclined to accompany them, the hapless + Charlotte, in an evil hour, consented that the next evening they should + bring a chaise to the end of the town, and that she would leave her + friends, and throw herself entirely on the protection of Montraville. “But + should you,” said she, looking earnestly at him, her eyes full of tears, + “should you, forgetful of your promises, and repenting the engagements you + here voluntarily enter into, forsake and leave me on a foreign shore—” + “Judge not so meanly of me,” said he. “The moment we reach our place of + destination, Hymen shall sanctify our love; and when I shall forget your + goodness, may heaven forget me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Charlotte, leaning on Mademoiselle's arm as they walked up the + garden together, “I have forgot all that I ought to have remembered, in + consenting to this intended elopement.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a strange girl,” said Mademoiselle: “you never know your own mind + two minutes at a time. Just now you declared Montraville's happiness was + what you prized most in the world; and now I suppose you repent having + insured that happiness by agreeing to accompany him abroad.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I do repent,” replied Charlotte, “from my soul: but while + discretion points out the impropriety of my conduct, inclination urges me + on to ruin.” + </p> + <p> + “Ruin! fiddlestick!” said Mademoiselle; “am I not going with you? and do I + feel any of these qualms?” + </p> + <p> + “You do not renounce a tender father and mother,” said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + “But I hazard my dear reputation,” replied Mademoiselle, bridling. + </p> + <p> + “True,” replied Charlotte, “but you do not feel what I do.” She then bade + her good night: but sleep was a stranger to her eyes, and the tear of + anguish watered her pillow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Nature's last, best gift: + Creature in whom excell'd, whatever could + To sight or thought be nam'd! + Holy, divine! good, amiable, and sweet! + How thou art fall'n!— +</pre> + <p> + WHEN Charlotte left her restless bed, her languid eye and pale cheek + discovered to Madame Du Pont the little repose she had tasted. + </p> + <p> + “My dear child,” said the affectionate governess, “what is the cause of + the languor so apparent in your frame? Are you not well?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear Madam, very well,” replied Charlotte, attempting to smile, + “but I know not how it was; I could not sleep last night, and my spirits + are depressed this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Come cheer up, my love,” said the governess; “I believe I have brought a + cordial to revive them. I have just received a letter from your good mama, + and here is one for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte hastily took the letter: it contained these words— + </p> + <p> + “As to-morrow is the anniversary of the happy day that gave my beloved + girl to the anxious wishes of a maternal heart, I have requested your + governess to let you come home and spend it with us; and as I know you to + be a good affectionate child, and make it your study to improve in those + branches of education which you know will give most pleasure to your + delighted parents, as a reward for your diligence and attention I have + prepared an agreeable surprise for your reception. Your grand-father, + eager to embrace the darling of his aged heart, will come in the chaise + for you; so hold yourself in readiness to attend him by nine o'clock. Your + dear father joins in every tender wish for your health and future + felicity, which warms the heart of my dear Charlotte's affectionate + mother, L. TEMPLE.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious heaven!” cried Charlotte, forgetting where she was, and raising + her streaming eyes as in earnest supplication. + </p> + <p> + Madame Du Pont was surprised. “Why these tears, my love?” said she. “Why + this seeming agitation? I thought the letter would have rejoiced, instead + of distressing you.” + </p> + <p> + “It does rejoice me,” replied Charlotte, endeavouring at composure, “but I + was praying for merit to deserve the unremitted attentions of the best of + parents.” + </p> + <p> + “You do right,” said Madame Du Pont, “to ask the assistance of heaven that + you may continue to deserve their love. Continue, my dear Charlotte, in + the course you have ever pursued, and you will insure at once their + happiness and your own.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Charlotte, as her governess left her, “I have forfeited both + for ever! Yet let me reflect:—the irrevocable step is not yet taken: + it is not too late to recede from the brink of a precipice, from which I + can only behold the dark abyss of ruin, shame, and remorse!” + </p> + <p> + She arose from her seat, and flew to the apartment of La Rue. “Oh + Mademoiselle!” said she, “I am snatched by a miracle from destruction! + This letter has saved me: it has opened my eyes to the folly I was so near + committing. I will not go, Mademoiselle; I will not wound the hearts of + those dear parents who make my happiness the whole study of their lives.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mademoiselle, “do as you please, Miss; but pray understand + that my resolution is taken, and it is not in your power to alter it. I + shall meet the gentlemen at the appointed hour, and shall not be surprized + at any outrage which Montraville may commit, when he finds himself + disappointed. Indeed I should not be astonished, was he to come + immediately here, and reproach you for your instability in the hearing of + the whole school: and what will be the consequence? you will bear the + odium of having formed the resolution of eloping, and every girl of spirit + will laugh at your want of fortitude to put it in execution, while prudes + and fools will load you with reproach and contempt. You will have lost the + confidence of your parents, incurred their anger, and the scoffs of the + world; and what fruit do you expect to reap from this piece of heroism, + (for such no doubt you think it is?) you will have the pleasure to + reflect, that you have deceived the man who adores you, and whom in your + heart you prefer to all other men, and that you are separated from him for + ever.” + </p> + <p> + This eloquent harangue was given with such volubility, that Charlotte + could not find an opportunity to interrupt her, or to offer a single word + till the whole was finished, and then found her ideas so confused, that + she knew not what to say. + </p> + <p> + At length she determined that she would go with Mademoiselle to the place + of assignation, convince Montraville of the necessity of adhering to the + resolution of remaining behind; assure him of her affection, and bid him + adieu. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte formed this plan in her mind, and exulted in the certainty of + its success. “How shall I rejoice,” said she, “in this triumph of reason + over inclination, and, when in the arms of my affectionate parents, lift + up my soul in gratitude to heaven as I look back on the dangers I have + escaped!” + </p> + <p> + The hour of assignation arrived: Mademoiselle put what money and valuables + she possessed in her pocket, and advised Charlotte to do the same; but she + refused; “my resolution is fixed,” said she; “I will sacrifice love to + duty.” + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle smiled internally; and they proceeded softly down the back + stairs and out of the garden gate. Montraville and Belcour were ready to + receive them. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Montraville, taking Charlotte in his arms, “you are mine for + ever.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said she, withdrawing from his embrace, “I am come to take an + everlasting farewel.” + </p> + <p> + It would be useless to repeat the conversation that here ensued, suffice + it to say, that Montraville used every argument that had formerly been + successful, Charlotte's resolution began to waver, and he drew her almost + imperceptibly towards the chaise. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot go,” said she: “cease, dear Montraville, to persuade. I must + not: religion, duty, forbid.” + </p> + <p> + “Cruel Charlotte,” said he, “if you disappoint my ardent hopes, by all + that is sacred, this hand shall put a period to my existence. I cannot—will + not live without you.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! my torn heart!” said Charlotte, “how shall I act?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me direct you,” said Montraville, lifting her into the chaise. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear forsaken parents!” cried Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + The chaise drove off. She shrieked, and fainted into the arms of her + betrayer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <h3> + CRUEL DISAPPOINTMENT. + </h3> + <p> + “WHAT pleasure,” cried Mr. Eldridge, as he stepped into the chaise to go + for his grand-daughter, “what pleasure expands the heart of an old man + when he beholds the progeny of a beloved child growing up in every virtue + that adorned the minds of her parents. I foolishly thought, some few years + since, that every sense of joy was buried in the graves of my dear partner + and my son; but my Lucy, by her filial affection, soothed my soul to + peace, and this dear Charlotte has twined herself round my heart, and + opened such new scenes of delight to my view, that I almost forget I have + ever been unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + When the chaise stopped, he alighted with the alacrity of youth; so much + do the emotions of the soul influence the body. + </p> + <p> + It was half past eight o'clock; the ladies were assembled in the school + room, and Madame Du Pont was preparing to offer the morning sacrifice of + prayer and praise, when it was discovered, that Mademoiselle and Charlotte + were missing. + </p> + <p> + “She is busy, no doubt,” said the governess, “in preparing Charlotte for + her little excursion; but pleasure should never make us forget our duty to + our Creator. Go, one of you, and bid them both attend prayers.” + </p> + <p> + The lady who went to summon them, soon returned, and informed the + governess, that the room was locked, and that she had knocked repeatedly, + but obtained no answer. + </p> + <p> + “Good heaven!” cried Madame Du Pont, “this is very strange:” and turning + pale with terror, she went hastily to the door, and ordered it to be + forced open. The apartment instantly discovered, that no person had been + in it the preceding night, the beds appearing as though just made. The + house was instantly a scene of confusion: the garden, the pleasure grounds + were searched to no purpose, every apartment rang with the names of Miss + Temple and Mademoiselle; but they were too distant to hear; and every face + wore the marks of disappointment. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eldridge was sitting in the parlour, eagerly expecting his + grand-daughter to descend, ready equipped for her journey: he heard the + confusion that reigned in the house; he heard the name of Charlotte + frequently repeated. “What can be the matter?” said he, rising and opening + the door: “I fear some accident has befallen my dear girl.” + </p> + <p> + The governess entered. The visible agitation of her countenance discovered + that something extraordinary had happened. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Charlotte?” said he, “Why does not my child come to welcome her + doating parent?” + </p> + <p> + “Be composed, my dear Sir,” said Madame Du Pont, “do not frighten yourself + unnecessarily. She is not in the house at present; but as Mademoiselle is + undoubtedly with her, she will speedily return in safety; and I hope they + will both be able to account for this unseasonable absence in such a + manner as shall remove our present uneasiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” cried the old man, with an angry look, “has my child been + accustomed to go out without leave, with no other company or protector + than that French woman. Pardon me, Madam, I mean no reflections on your + country, but I never did like Mademoiselle La Rue; I think she was a very + improper person to be entrusted with the care of such a girl as Charlotte + Temple, or to be suffered to take her from under your immediate + protection.” + </p> + <p> + “You wrong me, Mr. Eldridge,” replied she, “if you suppose I have ever + permitted your grand-daughter to go out unless with the other ladies. I + would to heaven I could form any probable conjecture concerning her + absence this morning, but it is a mystery which her return can alone + unravel.” Servants were now dispatched to every place where there was the + least hope of hearing any tidings of the fugitives, but in vain. Dreadful + were the hours of horrid suspense which Mr. Eldridge passed till twelve + o'clock, when that suspense was reduced to a shocking certainty, and every + spark of hope which till then they had indulged, was in a moment + extinguished. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eldridge was preparing, with a heavy heart, to return to his + anxiously-expecting children, when Madame Du Pont received the following + note without either name or date. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Temple is well, and wishes to relieve the anxiety of her parents, by + letting them know she has voluntarily put herself under the protection of + a man whose future study shall be to make her happy. Pursuit is needless; + the measures taken to avoid discovery are too effectual to be eluded. When + she thinks her friends are reconciled to this precipitate step, they may + perhaps be informed of her place of residence. Mademoiselle is with her.” + </p> + <p> + As Madame Du Pont read these cruel lines, she turned pale as ashes, her + limbs trembled, and she was forced to call for a glass of water. She loved + Charlotte truly; and when she reflected on the innocence and gentleness of + her disposition, she concluded that it must have been the advice and + machinations of La Rue, which led her to this imprudent action; she + recollected her agitation at the receipt of her mother's letter, and saw + in it the conflict of her mind. + </p> + <p> + “Does that letter relate to Charlotte?” said Mr. Eldridge, having waited + some time in expectation of Madame Du Pont's speaking. + </p> + <p> + “It does,” said she. “Charlotte is well, but cannot return today.” + </p> + <p> + “Not return, Madam? where is she? who will detain her from her fond, + expecting parents?” + </p> + <p> + “You distract me with these questions, Mr. Eldridge. Indeed I know not + where she is, or who has seduced her from her duty.” + </p> + <p> + The whole truth now rushed at once upon Mr. Eldridge's mind. “She has + eloped then,” said he. “My child is betrayed; the darling, the comfort of + my aged heart, is lost. Oh would to heaven I had died but yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + A violent gush of grief in some measure relieved him, and, after several + vain attempts, he at length assumed sufficient composure to read the note. + </p> + <p> + “And how shall I return to my children?” said he: “how approach that + mansion, so late the habitation of peace? Alas! my dear Lucy, how will you + support these heart-rending tidings? or how shall I be enabled to console + you, who need so much consolation myself?” + </p> + <p> + The old man returned to the chaise, but the light step and cheerful + countenance were no more; sorrow filled his heart, and guided his motions; + he seated himself in the chaise, his venerable head reclined upon his + bosom, his hands were folded, his eye fixed on vacancy, and the large + drops of sorrow rolled silently down his cheeks. There was a mixture of + anguish and resignation depicted in his countenance, as if he would say, + henceforth who shall dare to boast his happiness, or even in idea + contemplate his treasure, lest, in the very moment his heart is exulting + in its own felicity, the object which constitutes that felicity should be + torn from him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <h3> + MATERNAL SORROW. + </h3> + <p> + SLOW and heavy passed the time while the carriage was conveying Mr. + Eldridge home; and yet when he came in sight of the house, he wished a + longer reprieve from the dreadful task of informing Mr. and Mrs. Temple of + their daughter's elopement. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to judge the anxiety of these affectionate parents, when they + found the return of their father delayed so much beyond the expected time. + They were now met in the dining parlour, and several of the young people + who had been invited were already arrived. Each different part of the + company was employed in the same manner, looking out at the windows which + faced the road. At length the long-expected chaise appeared. Mrs. Temple + ran out to receive and welcome her darling: her young companions flocked + round the door, each one eager to give her joy on the return of her + birth-day. The door of the chaise was opened: Charlotte was not there. + “Where is my child?” cried Mrs. Temple, in breathless agitation. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eldridge could not answer: he took hold of his daughter's hand and led + her into the house; and sinking on the first chair he came to, burst into + tears, and sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “She is dead,” cried Mrs. Temple. “Oh my dear Charlotte!” and clasping her + hands in an agony of distress, fell into strong hysterics. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Temple, who had stood speechless with surprize and fear, now ventured + to enquire if indeed his Charlotte was no more. Mr. Eldridge led him into + another apartment; and putting the fatal note into his hand, cried—“Bear + it like a Christian,” and turned from him, endeavouring to suppress his + own too visible emotions. + </p> + <p> + It would be vain to attempt describing what Mr. Temple felt whilst he + hastily ran over the dreadful lines: when he had finished, the paper dropt + from his unnerved hand. “Gracious heaven!” said he, “could Charlotte act + thus?” Neither tear nor sigh escaped him; and he sat the image of mute + sorrow, till roused from his stupor by the repeated shrieks of Mrs. + Temple. He rose hastily, and rushing into the apartment where she was, + folded his arms about her, and saying—“Let us be patient, my dear + Lucy,” nature relieved his almost bursting heart by a friendly gush of + tears. + </p> + <p> + Should any one, presuming on his own philosophic temper, look with an eye + of contempt on the man who could indulge a woman's weakness, let him + remember that man was a father, and he will then pity the misery which + wrung those drops from a noble, generous heart. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Temple beginning to be a little more composed, but still imagining + her child was dead, her husband, gently taking her hand, cried—“You + are mistaken, my love. Charlotte is not dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she is very ill, else why did she not come? But I will go to her: + the chaise is still at the door: let me go instantly to the dear girl. If + I was ill, she would fly to attend me, to alleviate my sufferings, and + cheer me with her love.” + </p> + <p> + “Be calm, my dearest Lucy, and I will tell you all,” said Mr. Temple. “You + must not go, indeed you must not; it will be of no use.” + </p> + <p> + “Temple,” said she, assuming a look of firmness and composure, “tell me + the truth I beseech you. I cannot bear this dreadful suspense. What + misfortune has befallen my child? Let me know the worst, and I will + endeavour to bear it as I ought.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucy,” replied Mr. Temple, “imagine your daughter alive, and in no danger + of death: what misfortune would you then dread?” + </p> + <p> + “There is one misfortune which is worse than death. But I know my child + too well to suspect—” + </p> + <p> + “Be not too confident, Lucy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh heavens!” said she, “what horrid images do you start: is it possible + she should forget—” + </p> + <p> + “She has forgot us all, my love; she has preferred the love of a stranger + to the affectionate protection of her friends. + </p> + <p> + “Not eloped?” cried she eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Temple was silent. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot contradict it,” said she. “I see my fate in those tearful + eyes. Oh Charlotte! Charlotte! how ill have you requited our tenderness! + But, Father of Mercies,” continued she, sinking on her knees, and raising + her streaming eyes and clasped hands to heaven, “this once vouchsafe to + hear a fond, a distracted mother's prayer. Oh let thy bounteous Providence + watch over and protect the dear thoughtless girl, save her from the + miseries which I fear will be her portion, and oh! of thine infinite + mercy, make her not a mother, lest she should one day feel what I now + suffer.” + </p> + <p> + The last words faultered on her tongue, and she fell fainting into the + arms of her husband, who had involuntarily dropped on his knees beside + her. + </p> + <p> + A mother's anguish, when disappointed in her tenderest hopes, none but a + mother can conceive. Yet, my dear young readers, I would have you read + this scene with attention, and reflect that you may yourselves one day be + mothers. Oh my friends, as you value your eternal happiness, wound not, by + thoughtless ingratitude, the peace of the mother who bore you: remember + the tenderness, the care, the unremitting anxiety with which she has + attended to all your wants and wishes from earliest infancy to the present + day; behold the mild ray of affectionate applause that beams from her eye + on the performance of your duty: listen to her reproofs with silent + attention; they proceed from a heart anxious for your future felicity: you + must love her; nature, all-powerful nature, has planted the seeds of + filial affection in your bosoms. + </p> + <p> + Then once more read over the sorrows of poor Mrs. Temple, and remember, + the mother whom you so dearly love and venerate will feel the same, when + you, forgetful of the respect due to your maker and yourself, forsake the + paths of virtue for those of vice and folly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <h3> + EMBARKATION. + </h3> + <p> + IT was with the utmost difficulty that the united efforts of Mademoiselle + and Montraville could support Charlotte's spirits during their short ride + from Chichester to Portsmouth, where a boat waited to take them + immediately on board the ship in which they were to embark for America. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she became tolerably composed, she entreated pen and ink to + write to her parents. This she did in the most affecting, artless manner, + entreating their pardon and blessing, and describing the dreadful + situation of her mind, the conflict she suffered in endeavouring to + conquer this unfortunate attachment, and concluded with saying, her only + hope of future comfort consisted in the (perhaps delusive) idea she + indulged, of being once more folded in their protecting arms, and hearing + the words of peace and pardon from their lips. + </p> + <p> + The tears streamed incessantly while she was writing, and she was + frequently obliged to lay down her pen: but when the task was completed, + and she had committed the letter to the care of Montraville to be sent to + the post office, she became more calm, and indulging the delightful hope + of soon receiving an answer that would seal her pardon, she in some + measure assumed her usual cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + But Montraville knew too well the consequences that must unavoidably + ensue, should this letter reach Mr. Temple: he therefore wisely resolved + to walk on the deck, tear it in pieces, and commit the fragments to the + care of Neptune, who might or might not, as it suited his convenience, + convey them on shore. + </p> + <p> + All Charlotte's hopes and wishes were now concentred in one, namely that + the fleet might be detained at Spithead till she could receive a letter + from her friends: but in this she was disappointed, for the second morning + after she went on board, the signal was made, the fleet weighed anchor, + and in a few hours (the wind being favourable) they bid adieu to the white + cliffs of Al-bion. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time every enquiry that could be thought of was made by Mr. + and Mrs. Temple; for many days did they indulge the fond hope that she was + merely gone off to be married, and that when the indissoluble knot was + once tied, she would return with the partner she had chosen, and entreat + their blessing and forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + “And shall we not forgive her?” said Mr. Temple. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive her!” exclaimed the mother. “Oh yes, whatever be our errors, is + she not our child? and though bowed to the earth even with shame and + remorse, is it not our duty to raise the poor penitent, and whisper peace + and comfort to her desponding soul? would she but return, with rapture + would I fold her to my heart, and bury every remembrance of her faults in + the dear embrace.” + </p> + <p> + But still day after day passed on, and Charlotte did not appear, nor were + any tidings to be heard of her: yet each rising morning was welcomed by + some new hope—the evening brought with it disappointment. At length + hope was no more; despair usurped her place; and the mansion which was + once the mansion of peace, became the habitation of pale, dejected + melancholy. + </p> + <p> + The cheerful smile that was wont to adorn the face of Mrs. Temple was + fled, and had it not been for the support of unaffected piety, and a + consciousness of having ever set before her child the fairest example, she + must have sunk under this heavy affliction. + </p> + <p> + “Since,” said she, “the severest scrutiny cannot charge me with any breach + of duty to have deserved this severe chastisement, I will bow before the + power who inflicts it with humble resignation to his will; nor shall the + duty of a wife be totally absorbed in the feelings of the mother; I will + endeavour to appear more cheerful, and by appearing in some measure to + have conquered my own sorrow, alleviate the sufferings of my husband, and + rouse him from that torpor into which this misfortune has plunged him. My + father too demands my care and attention: I must not, by a selfish + indulgence of my own grief, forget the interest those two dear objects + take in my happiness or misery: I will wear a smile on my face, though the + thorn rankles in my heart; and if by so doing, I in the smallest degree + contribute to restore their peace of mind, I shall be amply rewarded for + the pain the concealment of my own feelings may occasion.” + </p> + <p> + Thus argued this excellent woman: and in the execution of so laudable a + resolution we shall leave her, to follow the fortunes of the hapless + victim of imprudence and evil counsellors. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <h3> + NECESSARY DIGRESSION. + </h3> + <p> + ON board of the ship in which Charlotte and Mademoiselle were embarked, + was an officer of large unincumbered fortune and elevated rank, and whom I + shall call Crayton. + </p> + <p> + He was one of those men, who, having travelled in their youth, pretend to + have contracted a peculiar fondness for every thing foreign, and to hold + in contempt the productions of their own country; and this affected + partiality extended even to the women. + </p> + <p> + With him therefore the blushing modesty and unaffected simplicity of + Charlotte passed unnoticed; but the forward pertness of La Rue, the + freedom of her conversation, the elegance of her person, mixed with a + certain engaging JE NE SAIS QUOI, perfectly enchanted him. + </p> + <p> + The reader no doubt has already developed the character of La Rue: + designing, artful, and selfish, she had accepted the devoirs of Belcour + because she was heartily weary of the retired life she led at the school, + wished to be released from what she deemed a slavery, and to return to + that vortex of folly and dissipation which had once plunged her into the + deepest misery; but her plan she flattered herself was now better formed: + she resolved to put herself under the protection of no man till she had + first secured a settlement; but the clandestine manner in which she left + Madame Du Pont's prevented her putting this plan in execution, though + Belcour solemnly protested he would make her a handsome settlement the + moment they arrived at Portsmouth. This he afterwards contrived to evade + by a pretended hurry of business; La Rue readily conceiving he never meant + to fulfil his promise, determined to change her battery, and attack the + heart of Colonel Crayton. She soon discovered the partiality he + entertained for her nation; and having imposed on him a feigned tale of + distress, representing Belcour as a villain who had seduced her from her + friends under promise of marriage, and afterwards betrayed her, pretending + great remorse for the errors she had committed, and declaring whatever her + affection for Belcour might have been, it was now entirely extinguished, + and she wished for nothing more than an opportunity to leave a course of + life which her soul abhorred; but she had no friends to apply to, they had + all renounced her, and guilt and misery would undoubtedly be her future + portion through life. + </p> + <p> + Crayton was possessed of many amiable qualities, though the peculiar trait + in his character, which we have already mentioned, in a great measure + threw a shade over them. He was beloved for his humanity and benevolence + by all who knew him, but he was easy and unsuspicious himself, and became + a dupe to the artifice of others. + </p> + <p> + He was, when very young, united to an amiable Parisian lady, and perhaps + it was his affection for her that laid the foundation for the partiality + he ever retained for the whole nation. He had by her one daughter, who + entered into the world but a few hours before her mother left it. This + lady was universally beloved and admired, being endowed with all the + virtues of her mother, without the weakness of the father: she was married + to Major Beauchamp, and was at this time in the same fleet with her + father, attending her husband to New-York. + </p> + <p> + Crayton was melted by the affected contrition and distress of La Rue: he + would converse with her for hours, read to her, play cards with her, + listen to all her complaints, and promise to protect her to the utmost of + his power. La Rue easily saw his character; her sole aim was to awaken a + passion in his bosom that might turn out to her advantage, and in this aim + she was but too successful, for before the voyage was finished, the + infatuated Colonel gave her from under his hand a promise of marriage on + their arrival at New-York, under forfeiture of five thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + And how did our poor Charlotte pass her time during a tedious and + tempestuous passage? naturally delicate, the fatigue and sickness which + she endured rendered her so weak as to be almost entirely confined to her + bed: yet the kindness and attention of Montraville in some measure + contributed to alleviate her sufferings, and the hope of hearing from her + friends soon after her arrival, kept up her spirits, and cheered many a + gloomy hour. + </p> + <p> + But during the voyage a great revolution took place not only in the + fortune of La Rue but in the bosom of Belcour: whilst in pursuit of his + amour with Mademoiselle, he had attended little to the interesting, + inobtrusive charms of Charlotte, but when, cloyed by possession, and + disgusted with the art and dissimulation of one, he beheld the simplicity + and gentleness of the other, the contrast became too striking not to fill + him at once with surprise and admiration. He frequently conversed with + Charlotte; he found her sensible, well informed, but diffident and + unassuming. The languor which the fatigue of her body and perturbation of + her mind spread over her delicate features, served only in his opinion to + render her more lovely: he knew that Montraville did not design to marry + her, and he formed a resolution to endeavour to gain her himself whenever + Montraville should leave her. + </p> + <p> + Let not the reader imagine Belcour's designs were honourable. Alas! when + once a woman has forgot the respect due to herself, by yielding to the + solicitations of illicit love, they lose all their consequence, even in + the eyes of the man whose art has betrayed them, and for whose sake they + have sacrificed every valuable consideration. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The heedless Fair, who stoops to guilty joys, + A man may pity—but he must despise. +</pre> + <p> + Nay, every libertine will think he has a right to insult her with his + licentious passion; and should the unhappy creature shrink from the + insolent overture, he will sneeringly taunt her with pretence of modesty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <h3> + A WEDDING. + </h3> + <p> + ON the day before their arrival at New-York, after dinner, Crayton arose + from his seat, and placing himself by Mademoiselle, thus addressed the + company— + </p> + <p> + “As we are now nearly arrived at our destined port, I think it but my duty + to inform you, my friends, that this lady,” (taking her hand,) “has placed + herself under my protection. I have seen and severely felt the anguish of + her heart, and through every shade which cruelty or malice may throw over + her, can discover the most amiable qualities. I thought it but necessary + to mention my esteem for her before our disembarkation, as it is my fixed + resolution, the morning after we land, to give her an undoubted title to + my favour and protection by honourably uniting my fate to hers. I would + wish every gentleman here therefore to remember that her honour henceforth + is mine, and,” continued he, looking at Belcour, “should any man presume + to speak in the least disrespectfully of her, I shall not hesitate to + pronounce him a scoundrel.” + </p> + <p> + Belcour cast at him a smile of contempt, and bowing profoundly low, wished + Mademoiselle much joy in the proposed union; and assuring the Colonel that + he need not be in the least apprehensive of any one throwing the least + odium on the character of his lady, shook him by the hand with ridiculous + gravity, and left the cabin. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, he was glad to be rid of La Rue, and so he was but freed + from her, he cared not who fell a victim to her infamous arts. + </p> + <p> + The inexperienced Charlotte was astonished at what she heard. She thought + La Rue had, like herself, only been urged by the force of her attachment + to Belcour, to quit her friends, and follow him to the feat of war: how + wonderful then, that she should resolve to marry another man. It was + certainly extremely wrong. It was indelicate. She mentioned her thoughts + to Montraville. He laughed at her simplicity, called her a little idiot, + and patting her on the cheek, said she knew nothing of the world. “If the + world sanctifies such things, 'tis a very bad world I think,” said + Charlotte. “Why I always understood they were to have been married when + they arrived at New-York. I am sure Mademoiselle told me Belcour promised + to marry her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and suppose he did?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he should be obliged to keep his word I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but I suppose he has changed his mind,” said Montraville, “and then + you know the case is altered.” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte looked at him attentively for a moment. A full sense of her own + situation rushed upon her mind. She burst into tears, and remained silent. + Montraville too well understood the cause of her tears. He kissed her + cheek, and bidding her not make herself uneasy, unable to bear the silent + but keen remonstrance, hastily left her. + </p> + <p> + The next morning by sun-rise they found themselves at anchor before the + city of New-York. A boat was ordered to convey the ladies on shore. + Crayton accompanied them; and they were shewn to a house of public + entertainment. Scarcely were they seated when the door opened, and the + Colonel found himself in the arms of his daughter, who had landed a few + minutes before him. The first transport of meeting subsided, Crayton + introduced his daughter to Mademoiselle La Rue, as an old friend of her + mother's, (for the artful French woman had really made it appear to the + credulous Colonel that she was in the same convent with his first wife, + and, though much younger, had received many tokens of her esteem and + regard.) + </p> + <p> + “If, Mademoiselle,” said Mrs. Beauchamp, “you were the friend of my + mother, you must be worthy the esteem of all good hearts.” “Mademoiselle + will soon honour our family,” said Crayton, “by supplying the place that + valuable woman filled: and as you are married, my dear, I think you will + not blame—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, my dear Sir,” replied Mrs. Beauchamp: “I know my duty too well to + scrutinize your conduct. Be assured, my dear father, your happiness is + mine. I shall rejoice in it, and sincerely love the person who contributes + to it. But tell me,” continued she, turning to Charlotte, “who is this + lovely girl? Is she your sister, Mademoiselle?” + </p> + <p> + A blush, deep as the glow of the carnation, suffused the cheeks of + Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + “It is a young lady,” replied the Colonel, “who came in the same vessel + with us from England.' He then drew his daughter aside, and told her in a + whisper, Charlotte was the mistress of Montraville. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity!” said Mrs. Beauchamp softly, (casting a most compassionate + glance at her.) “But surely her mind is not depraved. The goodness of her + heart is depicted in her ingenuous countenance.” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte caught the word pity. “And am I already fallen so low?” said + she. A sigh escaped her, and a tear was ready to start, but Montraville + appeared, and she checked the rising emotion. Mademoiselle went with the + Colonel and his daughter to another apartment. Charlotte remained with + Montraville and Belcour. The next morning the Colonel performed his + promise, and La Rue became in due form Mrs. Crayton, exulted in her own + good fortune, and dared to look with an eye of contempt on the unfortunate + but far less guilty Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME II + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <h3> + REFLECTIONS. + </h3> + <p> + “AND am I indeed fallen so low,” said Charlotte, “as to be only pitied? + Will the voice of approbation no more meet my ear? and shall I never again + possess a friend, whose face will wear a smile of joy whenever I approach? + Alas! how thoughtless, how dreadfully imprudent have I been! I know not + which is most painful to endure, the sneer of contempt, or the glance of + compassion, which is depicted in the various countenances of my own sex: + they are both equally humiliating. Ah! my dear parents, could you now see + the child of your affections, the daughter whom you so dearly loved, a + poor solitary being, without society, here wearing out her heavy hours in + deep regret and anguish of heart, no kind friend of her own sex to whom + she can unbosom her griefs, no beloved mother, no woman of character will + appear in my company, and low as your Charlotte is fallen, she cannot + associate with infamy.” + </p> + <p> + These were the painful reflections which occupied the mind of Charlotte. + Montraville had placed her in a small house a few miles from New-York: he + gave her one female attendant, and supplied her with what money she + wanted; but business and pleasure so entirely occupied his time, that he + had little to devote to the woman, whom he had brought from all her + connections, and robbed of innocence. Sometimes, indeed, he would steal + out at the close of evening, and pass a few hours with her; and then so + much was she attached to him, that all her sorrows were forgotten while + blest with his society: she would enjoy a walk by moonlight, or sit by him + in a little arbour at the bottom of the garden, and play on the harp, + accompanying it with her plaintive, harmonious voice. But often, very + often, did he promise to renew his visits, and, forgetful of his promise, + leave her to mourn her disappointment. What painful hours of expectation + would she pass! She would sit at a window which looked toward a field he + used to cross, counting the minutes, and straining her eyes to catch the + first glimpse of his person, till blinded with tears of disappointment, + she would lean her head on her hands, and give free vent to her sorrows: + then catching at some new hope, she would again renew her watchful + position, till the shades of evening enveloped every object in a dusky + cloud: she would then renew her complaints, and, with a heart bursting + with disappointed love and wounded sensibility, retire to a bed which + remorse had strewed with thorns, and court in vain that comforter of weary + nature (who seldom visits the unhappy) to come and steep her senses in + oblivion. + </p> + <p> + Who can form an adequate idea of the sorrow that preyed upon the mind of + Charlotte? The wife, whose breast glows with affection to her husband, and + who in return meets only indifference, can but faintly conceive her + anguish. Dreadfully painful is the situation of such a woman, but she has + many comforts of which our poor Charlotte was deprived. The duteous, + faithful wife, though treated with indifference, has one solid pleasure + within her own bosom, she can reflect that she has not deserved neglect—that + she has ever fulfilled the duties of her station with the strictest + exactness; she may hope, by constant assiduity and unremitted attention, + to recall her wanderer, and be doubly happy in his returning affection; + she knows he cannot leave her to unite himself to another: he cannot cast + her out to poverty and contempt; she looks around her, and sees the smile + of friendly welcome, or the tear of affectionate consolation, on the face + of every person whom she favours with her esteem; and from all these + circumstances she gathers comfort: but the poor girl by thoughtless + passion led astray, who, in parting with her honour, has forfeited the + esteem of the very man to whom she has sacrificed every thing dear and + valuable in life, feels his indifference in the fruit of her own folly, + and laments her want of power to recall his lost affection; she knows + there is no tie but honour, and that, in a man who has been guilty of + seduction, is but very feeble: he may leave her in a moment to shame and + want; he may marry and forsake her for ever; and should he, she has no + redress, no friendly, soothing companion to pour into her wounded mind the + balm of consolation, no benevolent hand to lead her back to the path of + rectitude; she has disgraced her friends, forfeited the good opinion of + the world, and undone herself; she feels herself a poor solitary being in + the midst of surrounding multitudes; shame bows her to the earth, remorse + tears her distracted mind, and guilt, poverty, and disease close the + dreadful scene: she sinks unnoticed to oblivion. The finger of contempt + may point out to some passing daughter of youthful mirth, the humble bed + where lies this frail sister of mortality; and will she, in the unbounded + gaiety of her heart, exult in her own unblemished fame, and triumph over + the silent ashes of the dead? Oh no! has she a heart of sensibility, she + will stop, and thus address the unhappy victim of folly— + </p> + <p> + “Thou had'st thy faults, but sure thy sufferings have expiated them: thy + errors brought thee to an early grave; but thou wert a fellow-creature—thou + hast been unhappy—then be those errors forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as she stoops to pluck the noxious weed from off the sod, a tear + will fall, and consecrate the spot to Charity. + </p> + <p> + For ever honoured be the sacred drop of humanity; the angel of mercy shall + record its source, and the soul from whence it sprang shall be immortal. + </p> + <p> + My dear Madam, contract not your brow into a frown of disapprobation. I + mean not to extenuate the faults of those unhappy women who fall victims + to guilt and folly; but surely, when we reflect how many errors we are + ourselves subject to, how many secret faults lie hid in the recesses of + our hearts, which we should blush to have brought into open day (and yet + those faults require the lenity and pity of a benevolent judge, or awful + would be our prospect of futurity) I say, my dear Madam, when we consider + this, we surely may pity the faults of others. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, many an unfortunate female, who has once strayed into the + thorny paths of vice, would gladly return to virtue, was any generous + friend to endeavour to raise and re-assure her; but alas! it cannot be, + you say; the world would deride and scoff. Then let me tell you, Madam, + 'tis a very unfeeling world, and does not deserve half the blessings which + a bountiful Providence showers upon it. + </p> + <p> + Oh, thou benevolent giver of all good! how shall we erring mortals dare to + look up to thy mercy in the great day of retribution, if we now + uncharitably refuse to overlook the errors, or alleviate the miseries, of + our fellow-creatures. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <h3> + A MISTAKE DISCOVERED. + </h3> + <p> + JULIA Franklin was the only child of a man of large property, who, at the + age of eighteen, left her independent mistress of an unincumbered income + of seven hundred a year; she was a girl of a lively disposition, and + humane, susceptible heart: she resided in New-York with an uncle, who + loved her too well, and had too high an opinion of her prudence, to + scrutinize her actions so much as would have been necessary with many + young ladies, who were not blest with her discretion: she was, at the time + Montraville arrived at New-York, the life of society, and the universal + toast. Montraville was introduced to her by the following accident. + </p> + <p> + One night when he was upon guard, a dreadful fire broke out near Mr. + Franklin's house, which, in a few hours, reduced that and several others + to ashes; fortunately no lives were lost, and, by the assiduity of the + soldiers, much valuable property was saved from the flames. In the midst + of the confusion an old gentleman came up to Montraville, and, putting a + small box into his hands, cried—“Keep it, my good Sir, till I come + to you again;” and then rushing again into the thickest of the crowd, + Montraville saw him no more. He waited till the fire was quite + extinguished and the mob dispersed; but in vain: the old gentleman did not + appear to claim his property; and Montraville, fearing to make any + enquiry, lest he should meet with impostors who might lay claim, without + any legal right, to the box, carried it to his lodgings, and locked it up: + he naturally imagined, that the person who committed it to his care knew + him, and would, in a day or two, reclaim it; but several weeks passed on, + and no enquiry being made, he began to be uneasy, and resolved to examine + the contents of the box, and if they were, as he supposed, valuable, to + spare no pains to discover, and restore them to the owner. Upon opening + it, he found it contained jewels to a large amount, about two hundred + pounds in money, and a miniature picture set for a bracelet. On examining + the picture, he thought he had somewhere seen features very like it, but + could not recollect where. A few days after, being at a public assembly, + he saw Miss Franklin, and the likeness was too evident to be mistaken: he + enquired among his brother officers if any of them knew her, and found one + who was upon terms of intimacy in the family: “then introduce me to her + immediately,” said he, “for I am certain I can inform her of something + which will give her peculiar pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + He was immediately introduced, found she was the owner of the jewels, and + was invited to breakfast the next morning in order to their restoration. + This whole evening Montraville was honoured with Julia's hand; the lively + sallies of her wit, the elegance of her manner, powerfully charmed him: he + forgot Charlotte, and indulged himself in saying every thing that was + polite and tender to Julia. But on retiring, recollection returned. “What + am I about?” said he: “though I cannot marry Charlotte, I cannot be + villain enough to forsake her, nor must I dare to trifle with the heart of + Julia Franklin. I will return this box,” said he, “which has been the + source of so much uneasiness already, and in the evening pay a visit to my + poor melancholy Charlotte, and endeavour to forget this fascinating + Julia.” + </p> + <p> + He arose, dressed himself, and taking the picture out, “I will reserve + this from the rest,” said he, “and by presenting it to her when she thinks + it is lost, enhance the value of the obligation.” He repaired to Mr. + Franklin's, and found Julia in the breakfast parlour alone. + </p> + <p> + “How happy am I, Madam,” said he, “that being the fortunate instrument of + saving these jewels has been the means of procuring me the acquaintance of + so amiable a lady. There are the jewels and money all safe.” + </p> + <p> + “But where is the picture, Sir?” said Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Here, Madam. I would not willingly part with it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the portrait of my mother,” said she, taking it from him: “'tis all + that remains.” She pressed it to her lips, and a tear trembled in her + eyes. Montraville glanced his eye on her grey night gown and black ribbon, + and his own feelings prevented a reply. + </p> + <p> + Julia Franklin was the very reverse of Charlotte Temple: she was tall, + elegantly shaped, and possessed much of the air and manner of a woman of + fashion; her complexion was a clear brown, enlivened with the glow of + health, her eyes, full, black, and sparkling, darted their intelligent + glances through long silken lashes; her hair was shining brown, and her + features regular and striking; there was an air of innocent gaiety that + played about her countenance, where good humour sat triumphant. + </p> + <p> + “I have been mistaken,” said Montraville. “I imagined I loved Charlotte: + but alas! I am now too late convinced my attachment to her was merely the + impulse of the moment. I fear I have not only entailed lasting misery on + that poor girl, but also thrown a barrier in the way of my own happiness, + which it will be impossible to surmount. I feel I love Julia Franklin with + ardour and sincerity; yet, when in her presence, I am sensible of my own + inability to offer a heart worthy her acceptance, and remain silent.” Full + of these painful thoughts, Montraville walked out to see Charlotte: she + saw him approach, and ran out to meet him: she banished from her + countenance the air of discontent which ever appeared when he was absent, + and met him with a smile of joy. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you had forgot me, Montraville,” said she, “and was very + unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never forget you, Charlotte,” he replied, pressing her hand. + </p> + <p> + The uncommon gravity of his countenance, and the brevity of his reply, + alarmed her. + </p> + <p> + “You are not well,” said she; “your hand is hot; your eyes are heavy; you + are very ill.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a villain,” said he mentally, as he turned from her to hide his + emotions. + </p> + <p> + “But come,” continued she tenderly, “you shall go to bed, and I will sit + by, and watch you; you will be better when you have slept.” + </p> + <p> + Montraville was glad to retire, and by pretending sleep, hide the + agitation of his mind from her penetrating eye. Charlotte watched by him + till a late hour, and then, lying softly down by his side, sunk into a + profound sleep, from whence she awoke not till late the next morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Virtue never appears so amiable as when reaching forth + her hand to raise a fallen sister. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS. + </h2> + <p> + WHEN Charlotte awoke, she missed Montraville; but thinking he might have + arisen early to enjoy the beauties of the morning, she was preparing to + follow him, when casting her eye on the table, she saw a note, and opening + it hastily, found these words— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Charlotte must not be surprised, if she does not see me again for + some time: unavoidable business will prevent me that pleasure: be assured + I am quite well this morning; and what your fond imagination magnified + into illness, was nothing more than fatigue, which a few hours rest has + entirely removed. Make yourself happy, and be certain of the unalterable + friendship of + </p> + <p> + “MONTRAVILLE.” + </p> + <p> + “FRIENDSHIP!” said Charlotte emphatically, as she finished the note, “is + it come to this at last? Alas! poor, forsaken Charlotte, thy doom is now + but too apparent. Montraville is no longer interested in thy happiness; + and shame, remorse, and disappointed love will henceforth be thy only + attendants.” + </p> + <p> + Though these were the ideas that involuntarily rushed upon the mind of + Charlotte as she perused the fatal note, yet after a few hours had + elapsed, the syren Hope again took possession of her bosom, and she + flattered herself she could, on a second perusal, discover an air of + tenderness in the few lines he had left, which at first had escaped her + notice. + </p> + <p> + “He certainly cannot be so base as to leave me,” said she, “and in styling + himself my friend does he not promise to protect me. I will not torment + myself with these causeless fears; I will place a confidence in his + honour; and sure he will not be so unjust as to abuse it.” + </p> + <p> + Just as she had by this manner of reasoning brought her mind to some + tolerable degree of composure, she was surprised by a visit from Belcour. + The dejection visible in Charlotte's countenance, her swoln eyes and + neglected attire, at once told him she was unhappy: he made no doubt but + Montraville had, by his coldness, alarmed her suspicions, and was + resolved, if possible, to rouse her to jealousy, urge her to reproach him, + and by that means occasion a breach between them. “If I can once convince + her that she has a rival,” said he, “she will listen to my passion if it + is only to revenge his slights.” Belcour knew but little of the female + heart; and what he did know was only of those of loose and dissolute + lives. He had no idea that a woman might fall a victim to imprudence, and + yet retain so strong a sense of honour, as to reject with horror and + contempt every solicitation to a second fault. He never imagined that a + gentle, generous female heart, once tenderly attached, when treated with + unkindness might break, but would never harbour a thought of revenge. + </p> + <p> + His visit was not long, but before he went he fixed a scorpion in the + heart of Charlotte, whose venom embittered every future hour of her life. + </p> + <p> + We will now return for a moment to Colonel Crayton. He had been three + months married, and in that little time had discovered that the conduct of + his lady was not so prudent as it ought to have been: but remonstrance was + vain; her temper was violent; and to the Colonel's great misfortune he had + conceived a sincere affection for her: she saw her own power, and, with + the art of a Circe, made every action appear to him in what light she + pleased: his acquaintance laughed at his blindness, his friends pitied his + infatuation, his amiable daughter, Mrs. Beauchamp, in secret deplored the + loss of her father's affection, and grieved that he should be so entirely + swayed by an artful, and, she much feared, infamous woman. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beauchamp was mild and engaging; she loved not the hurry and bustle + of a city, and had prevailed on her husband to take a house a few miles + from New-York. Chance led her into the same neighbourhood with Charlotte; + their houses stood within a short space of each other, and their gardens + joined: she had not been long in her new habitation before the figure of + Charlotte struck her; she recollected her interesting features; she saw + the melancholy so conspicuous in her countenance, and her heart bled at + the reflection, that perhaps deprived of honour, friends, all that was + valuable in life, she was doomed to linger out a wretched existence in a + strange land, and sink broken-hearted into an untimely grave. “Would to + heaven I could snatch her from so hard a fate,” said she; “but the + merciless world has barred the doors of compassion against a poor weak + girl, who, perhaps, had she one kind friend to raise and reassure her, + would gladly return to peace and virtue; nay, even the woman who dares to + pity, and endeavour to recall a wandering sister, incurs the sneer of + contempt and ridicule, for an action in which even angels are said to + rejoice.” + </p> + <p> + The longer Mrs. Beauchamp was a witness to the solitary life Charlotte + led, the more she wished to speak to her, and often as she saw her cheeks + wet with the tears of anguish, she would say—“Dear sufferer, how + gladly would I pour into your heart the balm of consolation, were it not + for the fear of derision.” + </p> + <p> + But an accident soon happened which made her resolve to brave even the + scoffs of the world, rather than not enjoy the heavenly satisfaction of + comforting a desponding fellow-creature. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beauchamp was an early riser. She was one morning walking in the + garden, leaning on her husband's arm, when the sound of a harp attracted + their notice: they listened attentively, and heard a soft melodious voice + distinctly sing the following stanzas: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thou glorious orb, supremely bright, + Just rising from the sea, + To cheer all nature with thy light, + What are thy beams to me? + In vain thy glories bid me rise, + To hail the new-born day, + Alas! my morning sacrifice + Is still to weep and pray. + For what are nature's charms combin'd, + To one, whose weary breast + Can neither peace nor comfort find, + Nor friend whereon to rest? + Oh! never! never! whilst I live + Can my heart's anguish cease: + Come, friendly death, thy mandate give, + And let me be at peace. +</pre> + <p> + “'Tis poor Charlotte!” said Mrs. Beauchamp, the pellucid drop of humanity + stealing down her cheek. + </p> + <p> + Captain Beauchamp was alarmed at her emotion. “What Charlotte?” said he; + “do you know her?” + </p> + <p> + In the accent of a pitying angel did she disclose to her husband + Charlotte's unhappy situation, and the frequent wish she had formed of + being serviceable to her. “I fear,” continued she, “the poor girl has been + basely betrayed; and if I thought you would not blame me, I would pay her + a visit, offer her my friendship, and endeavour to restore to her heart + that peace she seems to have lost, and so pathetically laments. Who knows, + my dear,” laying her hand affectionately on his arm, “who knows but she + has left some kind, affectionate parents to lament her errors, and would + she return, they might with rapture receive the poor penitent, and wash + away her faults in tears of joy. Oh! what a glorious reflexion would it be + for me could I be the happy instrument of restoring her. Her heart may not + be depraved, Beauchamp.” + </p> + <p> + “Exalted woman!” cried Beauchamp, embracing her, “how dost thou rise every + moment in my esteem. Follow the impulse of thy generous heart, my Emily. + Let prudes and fools censure if they dare, and blame a sensibility they + never felt; I will exultingly tell them that the heart that is truly + virtuous is ever inclined to pity and forgive the errors of its + fellow-creatures.” + </p> + <p> + A beam of exulting joy played round the animated countenance of Mrs. + Beauchamp, at these encomiums bestowed on her by a beloved husband, the + most delightful sensations pervaded her heart, and, having breakfasted, + she prepared to visit Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Teach me to feel another's woe, + To hide the fault I see, + That mercy I to others show, + That mercy show to me. POPE. +</pre> + <p> + WHEN Mrs. Beauchamp was dressed, she began to feel embarrassed at the + thought of beginning an acquaintance with Charlotte, and was distressed + how to make the first visit. “I cannot go without some introduction,” said + she, “it will look so like impertinent curiosity.” At length recollecting + herself, she stepped into the garden, and gathering a few fine cucumbers, + took them in her hand by way of apology for her visit. + </p> + <p> + A glow of conscious shame vermillioned Charlotte's face as Mrs. Beauchamp + entered. + </p> + <p> + “You will pardon me, Madam,” said she, “for not having before paid my + respects to so amiable a neighbour; but we English people always keep up + that reserve which is the characteristic of our nation wherever we go. I + have taken the liberty to bring you a few cucumbers, for I observed you + had none in your garden.” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte, though naturally polite and well-bred, was so confused she + could hardly speak. Her kind visitor endeavoured to relieve her by not + noticing her embarrassment. “I am come, Madam,” continued she, “to request + you will spend the day with me. I shall be alone; and, as we are both + strangers in this country, we may hereafter be extremely happy in each + other's friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “Your friendship, Madam,” said Charlotte blushing, “is an honour to all + who are favoured with it. Little as I have seen of this part of the world, + I am no stranger to Mrs. Beauchamp's goodness of heart and known humanity: + but my friendship—” She paused, glanced her eye upon her own visible + situation, and, spite of her endeavours to suppress them, burst into + tears. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beauchamp guessed the source from whence those tears flowed. “You + seem unhappy, Madam,” said she: “shall I be thought worthy your + confidence? will you entrust me with the cause of your sorrow, and rest on + my assurances to exert my utmost power to serve you.” Charlotte returned a + look of gratitude, but could not speak, and Mrs. Beauchamp continued—“My + heart was interested in your behalf the first moment I saw you, and I only + lament I had not made earlier overtures towards an acquaintance; but I + flatter myself you will henceforth consider me as your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh Madam!” cried Charlotte, “I have forfeited the good opinion of all my + friends; I have forsaken them, and undone myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, my dear,” said Mrs. Beauchamp, “you must not indulge these + gloomy thoughts: you are not I hope so miserable as you imagine yourself: + endeavour to be composed, and let me be favoured with your company at + dinner, when, if you can bring yourself to think me your friend, and + repose a confidence in me, I am ready to convince you it shall not be + abused.” She then arose, and bade her good morning. + </p> + <p> + At the dining hour Charlotte repaired to Mrs. Beauchamp's, and during + dinner assumed as composed an aspect as possible; but when the cloth was + removed, she summoned all her resolution and determined to make Mrs. + Beauchamp acquainted with every circumstance preceding her unfortunate + elopement, and the earnest desire she had to quit a way of life so + repugnant to her feelings. + </p> + <p> + With the benignant aspect of an angel of mercy did Mrs. Beauchamp listen + to the artless tale: she was shocked to the soul to find how large a share + La Rue had in the seduction of this amiable girl, and a tear fell, when + she reflected so vile a woman was now the wife of her father. When + Charlotte had finished, she gave her a little time to collect her + scattered spirits, and then asked her if she had never written to her + friends. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, Madam,” said she, “frequently: but I have broke their hearts: + they are either dead or have cast me off for ever, for I have never + received a single line from them.” + </p> + <p> + “I rather suspect,” said Mrs. Beauchamp, “they have never had your + letters: but suppose you were to hear from them, and they were willing to + receive you, would you then leave this cruel Montraville, and return to + them?” + </p> + <p> + “Would I!” said Charlotte, clasping her hands; “would not the poor sailor, + tost on a tempestuous ocean, threatened every moment with death, gladly + return to the shore he had left to trust to its deceitful calmness? Oh, my + dear Madam, I would return, though to do it I were obliged to walk + barefoot over a burning desert, and beg a scanty pittance of each + traveller to support my existence. I would endure it all cheerfully, could + I but once more see my dear, blessed mother, hear her pronounce my pardon, + and bless me before I died; but alas! I shall never see her more; she has + blotted the ungrateful Charlotte from her remembrance, and I shall sink to + the grave loaded with her's and my father's curse.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beauchamp endeavoured to sooth her. “You shall write to them again,” + said she, “and I will see that the letter is sent by the first packet that + sails for England; in the mean time keep up your spirits, and hope every + thing, by daring to deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + She then turned the conversation, and Charlotte having taken a cup of tea, + wished her benevolent friend a good evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <h3> + SORROWS OF THE HEART. + </h3> + <p> + WHEN Charlotte got home she endeavoured to collect her thoughts, and took + up a pen in order to address those dear parents, whom, spite of her + errors, she still loved with the utmost tenderness, but vain was every + effort to write with the least coherence; her tears fell so fast they + almost blinded her; and as she proceeded to describe her unhappy + situation, she became so agitated that she was obliged to give over the + attempt and retire to bed, where, overcome with the fatigue her mind had + undergone, she fell into a slumber which greatly refreshed her, and she + arose in the morning with spirits more adequate to the painful task she + had to perform, and, after several attempts, at length concluded the + following letter to her mother— + </p> + <p> + TO MRS. TEMPLE. NEW-YORK. + </p> + <p> + “Will my once kind, my ever beloved mother, deign to receive a letter from + her guilty, but repentant child? or has she, justly incensed at my + ingratitude, driven the unhappy Charlotte from her remembrance? Alas! thou + much injured mother! shouldst thou even disown me, I dare not complain, + because I know I have deserved it: but yet, believe me, guilty as I am, + and cruelly as I have disappointed the hopes of the fondest parents, that + ever girl had, even in the moment when, forgetful of my duty, I fled from + you and happiness, even then I loved you most, and my heart bled at the + thought of what you would suffer. Oh! never, never! whilst I have + existence, will the agony of that moment be erased from my memory. It + seemed like the separation of soul and body. What can I plead in excuse + for my conduct? alas! nothing! That I loved my seducer is but too true! + yet powerful as that passion is when operating in a young heart glowing + with sensibility, it never would have conquered my affection to you, my + beloved parents, had I not been encouraged, nay, urged to take the fatally + imprudent step, by one of my own sex, who, under the mask of friendship, + drew me on to ruin. Yet think not your Charlotte was so lost as to + voluntarily rush into a life of infamy; no, my dear mother, deceived by + the specious appearance of my betrayer, and every suspicion lulled asleep + by the most solemn promises of marriage, I thought not those promises + would so easily be forgotten. I never once reflected that the man who + could stoop to seduction, would not hesitate to forsake the wretched + object of his passion, whenever his capricious heart grew weary of her + tenderness. When we arrived at this place, I vainly expected him to fulfil + his engagements, but was at last fatally convinced he had never intended + to make me his wife, or if he had once thought of it, his mind was now + altered. I scorned to claim from his humanity what I could not obtain from + his love: I was conscious of having forfeited the only gem that could + render me respectable in the eye of the world. I locked my sorrows in my + own bosom, and bore my injuries in silence. But how shall I proceed? This + man, this cruel Montraville, for whom I sacrificed honour, happiness, and + the love of my friends, no longer looks on me with affection, but scorns + the credulous girl whom his art has made miserable. Could you see me, my + dear parents, without society, without friends, stung with remorse, and (I + feel the burning blush of shame die my cheeks while I write it) tortured + with the pangs of disappointed love; cut to the soul by the indifference + of him, who, having deprived me of every other comfort, no longer thinks + it worth his while to sooth the heart where he has planted the thorn of + never-ceasing regret. My daily employment is to think of you and weep, to + pray for your happiness and deplore my own folly: my nights are scarce + more happy, for if by chance I close my weary eyes, and hope some small + forgetfulness of sorrow, some little time to pass in sweet oblivion, + fancy, still waking, wafts me home to you: I see your beloved forms, I + kneel and hear the blessed words of peace and pardon. Extatic joy pervades + my soul; I reach my arms to catch your dear embraces; the motion chases + the illusive dream; I wake to real misery. At other times I see my father + angry and frowning, point to horrid caves, where, on the cold damp ground, + in the agonies of death, I see my dear mother and my revered grand-father. + I strive to raise you; you push me from you, and shrieking cry—'Charlotte, + thou hast murdered me!' Horror and despair tear every tortured nerve; I + start, and leave my restless bed, weary and unrefreshed. + </p> + <p> + “Shocking as these reflexions are, I have yet one more dreadful than the + rest. Mother, my dear mother! do not let me quite break your heart when I + tell you, in a few months I shall bring into the world an innocent witness + of my guilt. Oh my bleeding heart, I shall bring a poor little helpless + creature, heir to infamy and shame. + </p> + <p> + “This alone has urged me once more to address you, to interest you in + behalf of this poor unborn, and beg you to extend your protection to the + child of your lost Charlotte; for my own part I have wrote so often, so + frequently have pleaded for forgiveness, and entreated to be received once + more beneath the paternal roof, that having received no answer, not even + one line, I much fear you have cast me from you for ever. + </p> + <p> + “But sure you cannot refuse to protect my innocent infant: it partakes not + of its mother's guilt. Oh my father, oh beloved mother, now do I feel the + anguish I inflicted on your hearts recoiling with double force upon my + own. + </p> + <p> + “If my child should be a girl (which heaven forbid) tell her the unhappy + fate of her mother, and teach her to avoid my errors; if a boy, teach him + to lament my miseries, but tell him not who inflicted them, lest in + wishing to revenge his mother's injuries, he should wound the peace of his + father. + </p> + <p> + “And now, dear friends of my soul, kind guardians of my infancy, farewell. + I feel I never more must hope to see you; the anguish of my heart strikes + at the strings of life, and in a short time I shall be at rest. Oh could I + but receive your blessing and forgiveness before I died, it would smooth + my passage to the peaceful grave, and be a blessed foretaste of a happy + eternity. I beseech you, curse me not, my adored parents, but let a tear + of pity and pardon fall to the memory of your lost + </p> + <p> + “CHARLOTTE.” <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <h3> + A MAN MAY SMILE, AND SMILE, AND BE A VILLAIN. + </h3> + <p> + WHILE Charlotte was enjoying some small degree of comfort in the consoling + friendship of Mrs. Beauchamp, Montraville was advancing rapidly in his + affection towards Miss Franklin. Julia was an amiable girl; she saw only + the fair side of his character; she possessed an independent fortune, and + resolved to be happy with the man of her heart, though his rank and + fortune were by no means so exalted as she had a right to expect; she saw + the passion which Montraville struggled to conceal; she wondered at his + timidity, but imagined the distance fortune had placed between them + occasioned his backwardness, and made every advance which strict prudence + and a becoming modesty would permit. Montraville saw with pleasure he was + not indifferent to her, but a spark of honour which animated his bosom + would not suffer him to take advantage of her partiality. He was well + acquainted with Charlotte's situation, and he thought there would be a + double cruelty in forsaking her at such a time; and to marry Miss + Franklin, while honour, humanity, every sacred law, obliged him still to + protect and support Charlotte, was a baseness which his soul shuddered at. + </p> + <p> + He communicated his uneasiness to Belcour: it was the very thing this + pretended friend had wished. “And do you really,” said he, laughing, + “hesitate at marrying the lovely Julia, and becoming master of her + fortune, because a little foolish, fond girl chose to leave her friends, + and run away with you to America. Dear Montraville, act more like a man of + sense; this whining, pining Charlotte, who occasions you so much + uneasiness, would have eloped with somebody else if she had not with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Would to heaven,” said Montraville, “I had never seen her; my regard for + her was but the momentary passion of desire, but I feel I shall love and + revere Julia Franklin as long as I live; yet to leave poor Charlotte in + her present situation would be cruel beyond description.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh my good sentimental friend,” said Belcour, “do you imagine no body has + a right to provide for the brat but yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Montraville started. “Sure,” said he, “you cannot mean to insinuate that + Charlotte is false.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't insinuate it,” said Belcour, “I know it.” + </p> + <p> + Montraville turned pale as ashes. “Then there is no faith in woman,” said + he. + </p> + <p> + “While I thought you attached to her,” said Belcour with an air of + indifference, “I never wished to make you uneasy by mentioning her + perfidy, but as I know you love and are beloved by Miss Franklin, I was + determined not to let these foolish scruples of honour step between you + and happiness, or your tenderness for the peace of a perfidious girl + prevent your uniting yourself to a woman of honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” said Montraville, “what poignant reflections does a man + endure who sees a lovely woman plunged in infamy, and is conscious he was + her first seducer; but are you certain of what you say, Belcour?” + </p> + <p> + “So far,” replied he, “that I myself have received advances from her which + I would not take advantage of out of regard to you: but hang it, think no + more about her. I dined at Franklin's to-day, and Julia bid me seek and + bring you to tea: so come along, my lad, make good use of opportunity, and + seize the gifts of fortune while they are within your reach.” Montraville + was too much agitated to pass a happy evening even in the company of Julia + Franklin: he determined to visit Charlotte early the next morning, tax her + with her falsehood, and take an everlasting leave of her; but when the + morning came, he was commanded on duty, and for six weeks was prevented + from putting his design in execution. At length he found an hour to spare, + and walked out to spend it with Charlotte: it was near four o'clock in the + afternoon when he arrived at her cottage; she was not in the parlour, and + without calling the servant he walked up stairs, thinking to find her in + her bed room. He opened the door, and the first object that met his eyes + was Charlotte asleep on the bed, and Belcour by her side. + </p> + <p> + “Death and distraction,” said he, stamping, “this is too much. Rise, + villain, and defend yourself.” Belcour sprang from the bed. The noise + awoke Charlotte; terrified at the furious appearance of Montraville, and + seeing Belcour with him in the chamber, she caught hold of his arm as he + stood by the bed-side, and eagerly asked what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Treacherous, infamous girl,” said he, “can you ask? How came he here?” + pointing to Belcour. + </p> + <p> + “As heaven is my witness,” replied she weeping, “I do not know. I have not + seen him for these three weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you confess he sometimes visits you?” + </p> + <p> + “He came sometimes by your desire.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis false; I never desired him to come, and you know I did not: but mark + me, Charlotte, from this instant our connexion is at an end. Let Belcour, + or any other of your favoured lovers, take you and provide for you; I have + done with you for ever.” + </p> + <p> + He was then going to leave her; but starting wildly from the bed, she + threw herself on her knees before him, protesting her innocence and + entreating him not to leave her. “Oh Montraville,” said she, “kill me, for + pity's sake kill me, but do not doubt my fidelity. Do not leave me in this + horrid situation; for the sake of your unborn child, oh! spurn not the + wretched mother from you.” + </p> + <p> + “Charlotte,” said he, with a firm voice, “I shall take care that neither + you nor your child want any thing in the approaching painful hour; but we + meet no more.” He then endeavoured to raise her from the ground; but in + vain; she clung about his knees, entreating him to believe her innocent, + and conjuring Belcour to clear up the dreadful mystery. + </p> + <p> + Belcour cast on Montraville a smile of contempt: it irritated him almost + to madness; he broke from the feeble arms of the distressed girl; she + shrieked and fell prostrate on the floor. + </p> + <p> + Montraville instantly left the house and returned hastily to the city. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <h3> + MYSTERY DEVELOPED. + </h3> + <p> + UNFORTUNATELY for Charlotte, about three weeks before this unhappy + rencontre, Captain Beauchamp, being ordered to Rhode-Island, his lady had + accompanied him, so that Charlotte was deprived of her friendly advice and + consoling society. The afternoon on which Montraville had visited her she + had found herself languid and fatigued, and after making a very slight + dinner had lain down to endeavour to recruit her exhausted spirits, and, + contrary to her expectations, had fallen asleep. She had not long been + lain down, when Belcour arrived, for he took every opportunity of visiting + her, and striving to awaken her resentment against Montraville. He + enquired of the servant where her mistress was, and being told she was + asleep, took up a book to amuse himself: having sat a few minutes, he by + chance cast his eyes towards the road, and saw Montraville approaching; he + instantly conceived the diabolical scheme of ruining the unhappy Charlotte + in his opinion for ever; he therefore stole softly up stairs, and laying + himself by her side with the greatest precaution, for fear she should + awake, was in that situation discovered by his credulous friend. + </p> + <p> + When Montraville spurned the weeping Charlotte from him, and left her + almost distracted with terror and despair, Belcour raised her from the + floor, and leading her down stairs, assumed the part of a tender, + consoling friend; she listened to the arguments he advanced with apparent + composure; but this was only the calm of a moment: the remembrance of + Montraville's recent cruelty again rushed upon her mind: she pushed him + from her with some violence, and crying—“Leave me, Sir, I beseech + you leave me, for much I fear you have been the cause of my fidelity being + suspected; go, leave me to the accumulated miseries my own imprudence has + brought upon me.” + </p> + <p> + She then left him with precipitation, and retiring to her own apartment, + threw herself on the bed, and gave vent to an agony of grief which it is + impossible to describe. + </p> + <p> + It now occurred to Belcour that she might possibly write to Montraville, + and endeavour to convince him of her innocence: he was well aware of her + pathetic remonstrances, and, sensible of the tenderness of Montraville's + heart, resolved to prevent any letters ever reaching him: he therefore + called the servant, and, by the powerful persuasion of a bribe, prevailed + with her to promise whatever letters her mistress might write should be + sent to him. He then left a polite, tender note for Charlotte, and + returned to New-York. His first business was to seek Montraville, and + endeavour to convince him that what had happened would ultimately tend to + his happiness: he found him in his apartment, solitary, pensive, and + wrapped in disagreeable reflexions. + </p> + <p> + “Why how now, whining, pining lover?” said he, clapping him on the + shoulder. Montraville started; a momentary flush of resentment crossed his + cheek, but instantly gave place to a death-like paleness, occasioned by + painful remembrance remembrance awakened by that monitor, whom, though we + may in vain endeavour, we can never entirely silence. + </p> + <p> + “Belcour,” said he, “you have injured me in a tender point.” “Prithee, + Jack,” replied Belcour, “do not make a serious matter of it: how could I + refuse the girl's advances? and thank heaven she is not your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Montraville; “but she was innocent when I first knew her. It + was I seduced her, Belcour. Had it not been for me, she had still been + virtuous and happy in the affection and protection of her family.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw,” replied Belcour, laughing, “if you had not taken advantage of her + easy nature, some other would, and where is the difference, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had never seen her,” cried he passionately, and starting from + his seat. “Oh that cursed French woman,” added he with vehemence, “had it + not been for her, I might have been happy—” He paused. + </p> + <p> + “With Julia Franklin,” said Belcour. The name, like a sudden spark of + electric fire, seemed for a moment to suspend his faculties—for a + moment he was transfixed; but recovering, he caught Belcour's hand, and + cried—“Stop! stop! I beseech you, name not the lovely Julia and the + wretched Montraville in the same breath. I am a seducer, a mean, + ungenerous seducer of unsuspecting innocence. I dare not hope that purity + like her's would stoop to unite itself with black, premeditated guilt: yet + by heavens I swear, Belcour, I thought I loved the lost, abandoned + Charlotte till I saw Julia—I thought I never could forsake her; but + the heart is deceitful, and I now can plainly discriminate between the + impulse of a youthful passion, and the pure flame of disinterested + affection.” + </p> + <p> + At that instant Julia Franklin passed the window, leaning on her uncle's + arm. She curtseyed as she passed, and, with the bewitching smile of modest + cheerfulness, cried—“Do you bury yourselves in the house this fine + evening, gents?” There was something in the voice! the manner! the look! + that was altogether irresistible. “Perhaps she wishes my company,” said + Montraville mentally, as he snatched up his hat: “if I thought she loved + me, I would confess my errors, and trust to her generosity to pity and + pardon me.” He soon overtook her, and offering her his arm, they sauntered + to pleasant but unfrequented walks. Belcour drew Mr. Franklin on one side + and entered into a political discourse: they walked faster than the young + people, and Belcour by some means contrived entirely to lose sight of + them. It was a fine evening in the beginning of autumn; the last remains + of day-light faintly streaked the western sky, while the moon, with pale + and virgin lustre in the room of gorgeous gold and purple, ornamented the + canopy of heaven with silver, fleecy clouds, which now and then half hid + her lovely face, and, by partly concealing, heightened every beauty; the + zephyrs whispered softly through the trees, which now began to shed their + leafy honours; a solemn silence reigned: and to a happy mind an evening + such as this would give serenity, and calm, unruffled pleasure; but to + Montraville, while it soothed the turbulence of his passions, it brought + increase of melancholy reflections. Julia was leaning on his arm: he took + her hand in his, and pressing it tenderly, sighed deeply, but continued + silent. Julia was embarrassed; she wished to break a silence so + unaccountable, but was unable; she loved Montraville, she saw he was + unhappy, and wished to know the cause of his uneasiness, but that innate + modesty, which nature has implanted in the female breast, prevented her + enquiring. “I am bad company, Miss Franklin,” said he, at last + recollecting himself; “but I have met with something to-day that has + greatly distressed me, and I cannot shake off the disagreeable impression + it has made on my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” she replied, “that you have any cause of inquietude. I am + sure if you were as happy as you deserve, and as all your friends wish you—” + She hesitated. “And might I,” replied he with some animation, “presume to + rank the amiable Julia in that number?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said she, “the service you have rendered me, the knowledge of + your worth, all combine to make me esteem you.” + </p> + <p> + “Esteem, my lovely Julia,” said he passionately, “is but a poor cold word. + I would if I dared, if I thought I merited your attention—but no, I + must not—honour forbids. I am beneath your notice, Julia, I am + miserable and cannot hope to be otherwise.” “Alas!” said Julia, “I pity + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh thou condescending charmer,” said he, “how that sweet word cheers my + sad heart. Indeed if you knew all, you would pity; but at the same time I + fear you would despise me.” + </p> + <p> + Just then they were again joined by Mr. Franklin and Belcour. It had + interrupted an interesting discourse. They found it impossible to converse + on indifferent subjects, and proceeded home in silence. At Mr. Franklin's + door Montraville again pressed Julia's hand, and faintly articulating + “good night,” retired to his lodgings dispirited and wretched, from a + consciousness that he deserved not the affection, with which he plainly + saw he was honoured. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <h3> + RECEPTION OF A LETTER. + </h3> + <p> + “AND where now is our poor Charlotte?” said Mr. Temple one evening, as the + cold blasts of autumn whistled rudely over the heath, and the yellow + appearance of the distant wood, spoke the near approach of winter. In vain + the cheerful fire blazed on the hearth, in vain was he surrounded by all + the comforts of life; the parent was still alive in his heart, and when he + thought that perhaps his once darling child was ere this exposed to all + the miseries of want in a distant land, without a friend to sooth and + comfort her, without the benignant look of compassion to cheer, or the + angelic voice of pity to pour the balm of consolation on her wounded + heart; when he thought of this, his whole soul dissolved in tenderness; + and while he wiped the tear of anguish from the eye of his patient, + uncomplaining Lucy, he struggled to suppress the sympathizing drop that + started in his own. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my poor girl,” said Mrs. Temple, “how must she be altered, else + surely she would have relieved our agonizing minds by one line to say she + lived—to say she had not quite forgot the parents who almost + idolized her.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious heaven,” said Mr. Temple, starting from his seat, “I, who would + wish to be a father, to experience the agonizing pangs inflicted on a + parent's heart by the ingratitude of a child?” Mrs. Temple wept: her + father took her hand; he would have said, “be comforted my child,” but the + words died on his tongue. The sad silence that ensued was interrupted by a + loud rap at the door. In a moment a servant entered with a letter in his + hand. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Temple took it from him: she cast her eyes upon the superscription; + she knew the writing. “'Tis Charlotte,” said she, eagerly breaking the + seal, “she has not quite forgot us.” But before she had half gone through + the contents, a sudden sickness seized her; she grew cold and giddy, and + puffing it into her husband's hand, she cried—“Read it: I cannot.” + Mr. Temple attempted to read it aloud, but frequently paused to give vent + to his tears. “My poor deluded child,” said he, when he had finished. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, shall we not forgive the dear penitent?” said Mrs. Temple. “We must, + we will, my love; she is willing to return, and 'tis our duty to receive + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Father of mercy,” said Mr. Eldridge, raising his clasped hands, “let me + but live once more to see the dear wanderer restored to her afflicted + parents, and take me from this world of sorrow whenever it seemeth best to + thy wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we will receive her,” said Mr. Temple; “we will endeavour to heal + her wounded spirit, and speak peace and comfort to her agitated soul. I + will write to her to return immediately.' + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Mrs. Temple, “I would if possible fly to her, support and cheer + the dear sufferer in the approaching hour of distress, and tell her how + nearly penitence is allied to virtue. Cannot we go and conduct her home, + my love?” continued she, laying her hand on his arm. “My father will + surely forgive our absence if we go to bring home his darling.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot go, my Lucy,” said Mr. Temple: “the delicacy of your frame + would but poorly sustain the fatigue of a long voyage; but I will go and + bring the gentle penitent to your arms: we may still see many years of + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + The struggle in the bosom of Mrs. Temple between maternal and conjugal + tenderness was long and painful. At length the former triumphed, and she + consented that her husband should set forward to New-York by the first + opportunity: she wrote to her Charlotte in the tenderest, most consoling + manner, and looked forward to the happy hour, when she should again + embrace her, with the most animated hope. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> + <h3> + WHAT MIGHT BE EXPECTED. + </h3> + <p> + IN the mean time the passion Montraville had conceived for Julia Franklin + daily encreased, and he saw evidently how much he was beloved by that + amiable girl: he was likewise strongly prepossessed with an idea of + Charlotte's perfidy. What wonder then if he gave himself up to the + delightful sensation which pervaded his bosom; and finding no obstacle + arise to oppose his happiness, he solicited and obtained the hand of + Julia. A few days before his marriage he thus addressed Belcour: + </p> + <p> + “Though Charlotte, by her abandoned conduct, has thrown herself from my + protection, I still hold myself bound to support her till relieved from + her present condition, and also to provide for the child. I do not intend + to see her again, but I will place a sum of money in your hands, which + will amply supply her with every convenience; but should she require more, + let her have it, and I will see it repaid. I wish I could prevail on the + poor deluded girl to return to her friends: she was an only child, and I + make no doubt but that they would joyfully receive her; it would shock me + greatly to see her henceforth leading a life of infamy, as I should always + accuse myself of being the primary cause of all her errors. If she should + chuse to remain under your protection, be kind to her, Belcour, I conjure + you. Let not satiety prompt you to treat her in such a manner, as may + drive her to actions which necessity might urge her to, while her better + reason disapproved them: she shall never want a friend while I live, but I + never more desire to behold her; her presence would be always painful to + me, and a glance from her eye would call the blush of conscious guilt into + my cheek. + </p> + <p> + “I will write a letter to her, which you may deliver when I am gone, as I + shall go to St. Eustatia the day after my union with Julia, who will + accompany me.” + </p> + <p> + Belcour promised to fulfil the request of his friend, though nothing was + farther from his intentions, than the least design of delivering the + letter, or making Charlotte acquainted with the provision Montraville had + made for her; he was bent on the complete ruin of the unhappy girl, and + supposed, by reducing her to an entire dependance on him, to bring her by + degrees to consent to gratify his ungenerous passion. + </p> + <p> + The evening before the day appointed for the nuptials of Montraville and + Julia, the former refired early to his apartment; and ruminating on the + past scenes of his life, suffered the keenest remorse in the remembrance + of Charlotte's seduction. “Poor girl,” said he, “I will at least write and + bid her adieu; I will too endeavour to awaken that love of virtue in her + bosom which her unfortunate attachment to me has extinguished.” He took up + the pen and began to write, but words were denied him. How could he + address the woman whom he had seduced, and whom, though he thought + unworthy his tenderness, he was about to bid adieu for ever? How should he + tell her that he was going to abjure her, to enter into the most + indissoluble ties with another, and that he could not even own the infant + which she bore as his child? Several letters were begun and destroyed: at + length he completed the following: + </p> + <p> + TO CHARLOTTE. + </p> + <p> + “Though I have taken up my pen to address you, my poor injured girl, I + feel I am inadequate to the task; yet, however painful the endeavour, I + could not resolve upon leaving you for ever without one kind line to bid + you adieu, to tell you how my heart bleeds at the remembrance of what you + was, before you saw the hated Montraville. Even now imagination paints the + scene, when, torn by contending passions, when, struggling between love + and duty, you fainted in my arms, and I lifted you into the chaise: I see + the agony of your mind, when, recovering, you found yourself on the road + to Portsmouth: but how, my gentle girl, how could you, when so justly + impressed with the value of virtue, how could you, when loving as I + thought you loved me, yield to the solicitations of Belcour? + </p> + <p> + “Oh Charlotte, conscience tells me it was I, villain that I am, who first + taught you the allurements of guilty pleasure; it was I who dragged you + from the calm repose which innocence and virtue ever enjoy; and can I, + dare I tell you, it was not love prompted to the horrid deed? No, thou + dear, fallen angel, believe your repentant Montraville, when he tells you + the man who truly loves will never betray the object of his affection. + Adieu, Charlotte: could you still find charms in a life of unoffend-ing + innocence, return to your parents; you shall never want the means of + support both for yourself and child. Oh! gracious heaven! may that child + be entirely free from the vices of its father and the weakness of its + mother. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow—but no, I cannot tell you what to-morrow will produce; + Belcour will inform you: he also has cash for you, which I beg you will + ask for whenever you may want it. Once more adieu: believe me could I hear + you was returned to your friends, and enjoying that tranquillity of which + I have robbed you, I should be as completely happy as even you, in your + fondest hours, could wish me, but till then a gloom will obscure the + brightest prospects of MONTRAVILLE.” + </p> + <p> + After he had sealed this letter he threw himself on the bed, and enjoyed a + few hours repose. Early in the morning Belcour tapped at his door: he + arose hastily, and prepared to meet his Julia at the altar. + </p> + <p> + “This is the letter to Charlotte,” said he, giving it to Belcour: “take it + to her when we are gone to Eustatia; and I conjure you, my dear friend, + not to use any sophistical arguments to prevent her return to virtue; but + should she incline that way, encourage her in the thought, and assist her + to put her design in execution.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Pensive she mourn'd, and hung her languid head, + Like a fair lily overcharg'd with dew. +</pre> + <p> + CHARLOTTE had now been left almost three months a prey to her own + melancholy reflexions—sad companions indeed; nor did any one break + in upon her solitude but Belcour, who once or twice called to enquire + after her health, and tell her he had in vain endeavoured to bring + Montraville to hear reason; and once, but only once, was her mind cheered + by the receipt of an affectionate letter from Mrs. Beauchamp. Often had + she wrote to her perfidious seducer, and with the most persuasive + eloquence endeavoured to convince him of her innocence; but these letters + were never suffered to reach the hands of Montraville, or they must, + though on the very eve of marriage, have prevented his deserting the + wretched girl. Real anguish of heart had in a great measure faded her + charms, her cheeks were pale from want of rest, and her eyes, by frequent, + indeed almost continued weeping, were sunk and heavy. Sometimes a gleam of + hope would play about her heart when she thought of her parents—“They + cannot surely,” she would say, “refuse to forgive me; or should they deny + their pardon to me, they win not hate my innocent infant on account of its + mother's errors.” How often did the poor mourner wish for the consoling + presence of the benevolent Mrs. Beauchamp. + </p> + <p> + “If she were here,” she would cry, “she would certainly comfort me, and + sooth the distraction of my soul.” + </p> + <p> + She was sitting one afternoon, wrapped in these melancholy reflexions, + when she was interrupted by the entrance of Belcour. Great as the + alteration was which incessant sorrow had made on her person, she was + still interesting, still charming; and the unhallowed flame, which had + urged Belcour to plant dissension between her and Montraville, still raged + in his bosom: he was determined, if possible, to make her his mistress; + nay, he had even conceived the diabolical scheme of taking her to + New-York, and making her appear in every public place where it was likely + she should meet Montraville, that he might be a witness to his unmanly + triumph. + </p> + <p> + When he entered the room where Charlotte was sitting, he assumed the look + of tender, consolatory friendship. “And how does my lovely Charlotte?” + said he, taking her hand: “I fear you are not so well as I could wish.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not well, Mr. Belcour,” said she, “very far from it; but the pains + and infirmities of the body I could easily bear, nay, submit to them with + patience, were they not aggravated by the most insupportable anguish of my + mind.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not happy, Charlotte,” said he, with a look of well-dissembled + sorrow. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” replied she mournfully, shaking her head, “how can I be happy, + deserted and forsaken as I am, without a friend of my own sex to whom I + can unburthen my full heart, nay, my fidelity suspected by the very man + for whom I have sacrificed every thing valuable in life, for whom I have + made myself a poor despised creature, an outcast from society, an object + only of contempt and pity.” + </p> + <p> + “You think too meanly of yourself, Miss Temple: there is no one who would + dare to treat you with contempt: all who have the pleasure of knowing you + must admire and esteem. You are lonely here, my dear girl; give me leave + to conduct you to New-York, where the agreeable society of some ladies, to + whom I will introduce you, will dispel these sad thoughts, and I shall + again see returning cheerfulness animate those lovely features.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh never! never!” cried Charlotte, emphatically: “the virtuous part of my + sex will scorn me, and I will never associate with infamy. No, Belcour, + here let me hide my shame and sorrow, here let me spend my few remaining + days in obscurity, unknown and unpitied, here let me die unlamented, and + my name sink to oblivion.” Here her tears stopped her utterance. Belcour + was awed to silence: he dared not interrupt her; and after a moment's + pause she proceeded—“I once had conceived the thought of going to + New-York to seek out the still dear, though cruel, ungenerous Montraville, + to throw myself at his feet, and entreat his compassion; heaven knows, not + for myself; if I am no longer beloved, I will not be indebted to his pity + to redress my injuries, but I would have knelt and entreated him not to + forsake my poor unborn—” She could say no more; a crimson glow + rushed over her cheeks, and covering her face with her hands, she sobbed + aloud. + </p> + <p> + Something like humanity was awakened in Belcour's breast by this pathetic + speech: he arose and walked towards the window; but the selfish passion + which had taken possession of his heart, soon stifled these finer + emotions; and he thought if Charlotte was once convinced she had no longer + any dependance on Montraville, she would more readily throw herself on his + protection. Determined, therefore, to inform her of all that had happened, + he again resumed his seat; and finding she began to be more composed, + enquired if she had ever heard from Montraville since the unfortunate + recontre in her bed chamber. + </p> + <p> + “Ah no,” said she. “I fear I shall never hear from him again.” + </p> + <p> + “I am greatly of your opinion,” said Belcour, “for he has been for some + time past greatly attached—” + </p> + <p> + At the word “attached” a death-like paleness overspread the countenance of + Charlotte, but she applied to some hartshorn which stood beside her, and + Belcour proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “He has been for some time past greatly attached to one Miss Franklin, a + pleasing lively girl, with a large fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “She may be richer, may be handsomer,” cried Charlotte, “but cannot love + him so well. Oh may she beware of his art, and not trust him too far as I + have done.” + </p> + <p> + “He addresses her publicly,” said he, “and it was rumoured they were to be + married before he sailed for Eustatia, whither his company is ordered.” + </p> + <p> + “Belcour,” said Charlotte, seizing his hand, and gazing at him earnestly, + while her pale lips trembled with convulsive agony, “tell me, and tell me + truly, I beseech you, do you think he can be such a villain as to marry + another woman, and leave me to die with want and misery in a strange land: + tell me what you think; I can bear it very well; I will not shrink from + this heaviest stroke of fate; I have deserved my afflictions, and I will + endeavour to bear them as I ought.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” said Belcour, “he can be that villain.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” cried she, eagerly interrupting him, “perhaps he is married + already: come, let me know the worst,” continued she with an affected look + of composure: “you need not be afraid, I shall not send the fortunate lady + a bowl of poison.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, my dear girl,” said he, deceived by her appearance, “they were + married on Thursday, and yesterday morning they sailed for Eustatia.” + </p> + <p> + “Married—gone—say you?” cried she in a distracted accent, + “what without a last farewell, without one thought on my unhappy + situation! Oh Montraville, may God forgive your perfidy.” She shrieked, + and Belcour sprang forward just in time to prevent her falling to the + floor. + </p> + <p> + Alarming faintings now succeeded each other, and she was conveyed to her + bed, from whence she earnestly prayed she might never more arise. Belcour + staid with her that night, and in the morning found her in a high fever. + The fits she had been seized with had greatly terrified him; and confined + as she now was to a bed of sickness, she was no longer an object of + desire: it is true for several days he went constantly to see her, but her + pale, emaciated appearance disgusted him: his visits became less frequent; + he forgot the solemn charge given him by Montraville; he even forgot the + money entrusted to his care; and, the burning blush of indignation and + shame tinges my cheek while I write it, this disgrace to humanity and + manhood at length forgot even the injured Charlotte; and, attracted by the + blooming health of a farmer's daughter, whom he had seen in his frequent + excursions to the country, he left the unhappy girl to sink unnoticed to + the grave, a prey to sickness, grief, and penury; while he, having + triumphed over the virtue of the artless cottager, rioted in all the + intemperance of luxury and lawless pleasure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> + <h3> + A TRIFLING RETROSPECT. + </h3> + <p> + “BLESS my heart,” cries my young, volatile reader, “I shall never have + patience to get through these volumes, there are so many ahs! and ohs! so + much fainting, tears, and distress, I am sick to death of the subject.” My + dear, cheerful, innocent girl, for innocent I will suppose you to be, or + you would acutely feel the woes of Charlotte, did conscience say, thus + might it have been with me, had not Providence interposed to snatch me + from destruction: therefore, my lively, innocent girl, I must request your + patience: I am writing a tale of truth: I mean to write it to the heart: + but if perchance the heart is rendered impenetrable by unbounded + prosperity, or a continuance in vice, I expect not my tale to please, nay, + I even expect it will be thrown by with disgust. But softly, gentle fair + one; I pray you throw it not aside till you have perused the whole; mayhap + you may find something therein to repay you for the trouble. Methinks I + see a sarcastic smile sit on your countenance.—“And what,” cry you, + “does the conceited author suppose we can glean from these pages, if + Charlotte is held up as an object of terror, to prevent us from falling + into guilty errors? does not La Rue triumph in her shame, and by adding + art to guilt, obtain the affection of a worthy man, and rise to a station + where she is beheld with respect, and cheerfully received into all + companies. What then is the moral you would inculcate? Would you wish us + to think that a deviation from virtue, if covered by art and hypocrisy, is + not an object of detestation, but on the contrary shall raise us to fame + and honour? while the hapless girl who falls a victim to her too great + sensibility, shall be loaded with ignominy and shame?” No, my fair + querist, I mean no such thing. Remember the endeavours of the wicked are + often suffered to prosper, that in the end their fall may be attended with + more bitterness of heart; while the cup of affliction is poured out for + wise and salutary ends, and they who are compelled to drain it even to the + bitter dregs, often find comfort at the bottom; the tear of penitence + blots their offences from the book of fate, and they rise from the heavy, + painful trial, purified and fit for a mansion in the kingdom of eternity. + </p> + <p> + Yes, my young friends, the tear of compassion shall fall for the fate of + Charlotte, while the name of La Rue shall be detested and despised. For + Charlotte, the soul melts with sympathy; for La Rue, it feels nothing but + horror and contempt. But perhaps your gay hearts would rather follow the + fortunate Mrs. Crayton through the scenes of pleasure and dissipation in + which she was engaged, than listen to the complaints and miseries of + Charlotte. I will for once oblige you; I will for once follow her to + midnight revels, balls, and scenes of gaiety, for in such was she + constantly engaged. + </p> + <p> + I have said her person was lovely; let us add that she was surrounded by + splendor and affluence, and he must know but little of the world who can + wonder, (however faulty such a woman's conduct,) at her being followed by + the men, and her company courted by the women: in short Mrs. Crayton was + the universal favourite: she set the fashions, she was toasted by all the + gentlemen, and copied by all the ladies. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Crayton was a domestic man. Could he be happy with such a woman? + impossible! Remonstrance was vain: he might as well have preached to the + winds, as endeavour to persuade her from any action, however ridiculous, + on which she had set her mind: in short, after a little ineffectual + struggle, he gave up the attempt, and left her to follow the bent of her + own inclinations: what those were, I think the reader must have seen + enough of her character to form a just idea. Among the number who paid + their devotions at her shrine, she singled one, a young Ensign of mean + birth, indifferent education, and weak intellects. How such a man came + into the army, we hardly know to account for, and how he afterwards rose + to posts of honour is likewise strange and wonderful. But fortune is + blind, and so are those too frequently who have the power of dispensing + her favours: else why do we see fools and knaves at the very top of the + wheel, while patient merit sinks to the extreme of the opposite abyss. But + we may form a thousand conjectures on this subject, and yet never hit on + the right. Let us therefore endeavour to deserve her smiles, and whether + we succeed or not, we shall feel more innate satisfaction, than thousands + of those who bask in the sunshine of her favour unworthily. But to return + to Mrs. Crayton: this young man, whom I shall distinguish by the name of + Corydon, was the reigning favourite of her heart. He escorted her to the + play, danced with her at every ball, and when indisposition prevented her + going out, it was he alone who was permitted to cheer the gloomy solitude + to which she was obliged to confine herself. Did she ever think of poor + Charlotte?—if she did, my dear Miss, it was only to laugh at the + poor girl's want of spirit in consenting to be moped up in the country, + while Montraville was enjoying all the pleasures of a gay, dissipated + city. When she heard of his marriage, she smiling said, so there's an end + of Madam Charlotte's hopes. I wonder who will take her now, or what will + become of the little affected prude? + </p> + <p> + But as you have lead to the subject, I think we may as well return to the + distressed Charlotte, and not, like the unfeeling Mrs. Crayton, shut our + hearts to the call of humanity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> + <h3> + WE GO FORWARD AGAIN. + </h3> + <p> + THE strength of Charlotte's constitution combatted against her disorder, + and she began slowly to recover, though she still laboured under a violent + depression of spirits: how must that depression be encreased, when, upon + examining her little store, she found herself reduced to one solitary + guinea, and that during her illness the attendance of an apothecary and + nurse, together with many other unavoidable expences, had involved her in + debt, from which she saw no method of extricating herself. As to the faint + hope which she had entertained of hearing from and being relieved by her + parents; it now entirely forsook her, for it was above four months since + her letter was dispatched, and she had received no answer: she therefore + imagined that her conduct had either entirely alienated their affection + from her, or broken their hearts, and she must never more hope to receive + their blessing. + </p> + <p> + Never did any human being wish for death with greater fervency or with + juster cause; yet she had too just a sense of the duties of the Christian + religion to attempt to put a period to her own existence. “I have but to + be patient a little longer,” she would cry, “and nature, fatigued and + fainting, will throw off this heavy load of mortality, and I shall be + released from all my sufferings.” + </p> + <p> + It was one cold stormy day in the latter end of December, as Charlotte sat + by a handful of fire, the low state of her finances not allowing her to + replenish her stock of fuel, and prudence teaching her to be careful of + what she had, when she was surprised by the entrance of a farmer's wife, + who, without much ceremony, seated herself, and began this curious + harangue. + </p> + <p> + “I'm come to see if as how you can pay your rent, because as how we hear + Captain Montable is gone away, and it's fifty to one if he b'ant killed + afore he comes back again; an then, Miss, or Ma'am, or whatever you may + be, as I was saying to my husband, where are we to look for our money.” + </p> + <p> + This was a stroke altogether unexpected by Charlotte: she knew so little + of the ways of the world that she had never bestowed a thought on the + payment for the rent of the house; she knew indeed that she owed a good + deal, but this was never reckoned among the others: she was + thunder-struck; she hardly knew what answer to make, yet it was absolutely + necessary that she should say something; and judging of the gentleness of + every female disposition by her own, she thought the best way to interest + the woman in her favour would be to tell her candidly to what a situation + she was reduced, and how little probability there was of her ever paying + any body. + </p> + <p> + Alas poor Charlotte, how confined was her knowledge of human nature, or + she would have been convinced that the only way to insure the friendship + and assistance of your surrounding acquaintance is to convince them you do + not require it, for when once the petrifying aspect of distress and penury + appear, whose qualities, like Medusa's head, can change to stone all that + look upon it; when once this Gorgon claims acquaintance with us, the + phantom of friendship, that before courted our notice, will vanish into + unsubstantial air, and the whole world before us appear a barren waste. + Pardon me, ye dear spirits of benevolence, whose benign smiles and + cheerful-giving hand have strewed sweet flowers on many a thorny path + through which my wayward fate forced me to pass; think not, that, in + condemning the unfeeling texture of the human heart, I forget the spring + from whence flow an the comforts I enjoy: oh no! I look up to you as to + bright constellations, gathering new splendours from the surrounding + darkness; but ah! whilst I adore the benignant rays that cheered and + illumined my heart, I mourn that their influence cannot extend to all the + sons and daughters of affliction. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Madam,” said poor Charlotte in a tremulous accent, “I am at a + loss what to do. Montraville placed me here, and promised to defray all my + expenses: but he has forgot his promise, he has forsaken me, and I have no + friend who has either power or will to relieve me. Let me hope, as you see + my unhappy situation, your charity—” + </p> + <p> + “Charity,” cried the woman impatiently interrupting her, “charity indeed: + why, Mistress, charity begins at home, and I have seven children at home, + HONEST, LAWFUL children, and it is my duty to keep them; and do you think + I will give away my property to a nasty, impudent hussey, to maintain her + and her bastard; an I was saying to my husband the other day what will + this world come to; honest women are nothing now-a-days, while the + harlotings are set up for fine ladies, and look upon us no more nor the + dirt they walk upon: but let me tell you, my fine spoken Ma'am, I must + have my money; so seeing as how you can't pay it, why you must troop, and + leave all your fine gimcracks and fal der ralls behind you. I don't ask + for no more nor my right, and nobody shall dare for to go for to hinder me + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh heavens,” cried Charlotte, clasping her hands, “what will become of + me?” + </p> + <p> + “Come on ye!” retorted the unfeeling wretch: “why go to the barracks and + work for a morsel of bread; wash and mend the soldiers cloaths, an cook + their victuals, and not expect to live in idleness on honest people's + means. Oh I wish I could see the day when all such cattle were obliged to + work hard and eat little; it's only what they deserve.” + </p> + <p> + “Father of mercy,” cried Charlotte, “I acknowledge thy correction just; + but prepare me, I beseech thee, for the portion of misery thou may'st + please to lay upon me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the woman, “I shall go an tell my husband as how you can't + pay; and so d'ye see, Ma'am, get ready to be packing away this very night, + for you should not stay another night in this house, though I was sure you + would lay in the street.” + </p> + <p> + Charlotte bowed her head in silence; but the anguish of her heart was too + great to permit her to articulate a single word. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And what is friendship but a name, + A charm that lulls to sleep, + A shade that follows wealth and fame, + But leaves the wretch to weep. +WHEN Charlotte was left to herself, she began to think what course she +must take, or to whom she could apply, to prevent her perishing for +want, or perhaps that very night falling a victim to the inclemency of +the season. After many perplexed thoughts, she at last determined to +set out for New-York, and enquire out Mrs. Crayton, from whom she had no +doubt but she should obtain immediate relief as soon as her distress was +made known; she had no sooner formed this resolution than she resolved +immediately to put it in execution: she therefore wrote the following +little billet to Mrs. Crayton, thinking if she should have company with +her it would be better to send it in than to request to see her. +</pre> + <p> + TO MRS. CRAYTON. “MADAM, + </p> + <p> + “When we left our native land, that dear, happy land which now contains + all that is dear to the wretched Charlotte, our prospects were the same; + we both, pardon me, Madam, if I say, we both too easily followed the + impulse of our treacherous hearts, and trusted our happiness on a + tempestuous ocean, where mine has been wrecked and lost for ever; you have + been more fortunate—you are united to a man of honour and humanity, + united by the most sacred ties, respected, esteemed, and admired, and + surrounded by innumerable blessings of which I am bereaved, enjoying those + pleasures which have fled my bosom never to return; alas! sorrow and deep + regret have taken their place. Behold me, Madam, a poor forsaken wanderer, + who has no where to lay her weary head, wherewith to supply the wants of + nature, or to shield her from the inclemency of the weather. To you I sue, + to you I look for pity and relief. I ask not to be received as an intimate + or an equal; only for charity's sweet sake receive me into your hospitable + mansion, allot me the meanest apartment in it, and let me breath out my + soul in prayers for your happiness; I cannot, I feel I cannot long bear up + under the accumulated woes that pour in upon me; but oh! my dear Madam, + for the love of heaven suffer me not to expire in the street; and when I + am at peace, as soon I shall be, extend your compassion to my helpless + offspring, should it please heaven that it should survive its unhappy + mother. A gleam of joy breaks in on my benighted soul while I reflect that + you cannot, will not refuse your protection to the heart-broken. + CHARLOTTE.” + </p> + <p> + When Charlotte had finished this letter, late as it was in the afternoon, + and though the snow began to fall very fast, she tied up a few necessaries + which she had prepared against her expected confinement, and terrified + lest she should be again exposed to the insults of her barbarous landlady, + more dreadful to her wounded spirit than either storm or darkness, she set + forward for New-York. + </p> + <p> + It may be asked by those, who, in a work of this kind, love to cavil at + every trifling omission, whether Charlotte did not possess any valuable of + which she could have disposed, and by that means have supported herself + till Mrs. Beauchamp's return, when she would have been certain of + receiving every tender attention which compassion and friendship could + dictate: but let me entreat these wise, penetrating gentlemen to reflect, + that when Charlotte left England, it was in such haste that there was no + time to purchase any thing more than what was wanted for immediate use on + the voyage, and after her arrival at New-York, Montraville's affection + soon began to decline, so that her whole wardrobe consisted of only + necessaries, and as to baubles, with which fond lovers often load their + mistresses, she possessed not one, except a plain gold locket of small + value, which contained a lock of her mother's hair, and which the greatest + extremity of want could not have forced her to part with. + </p> + <p> + I hope, Sir, your prejudices are now removed in regard to the probability + of my story? Oh they are. Well then, with your leave, I will proceed. + </p> + <p> + The distance from the house which our suffering heroine occupied, to + New-York, was not very great, yet the snow fen so fast, and the cold so + intense, that, being unable from her situation to walk quick, she found + herself almost sinking with cold and fatigue before she reached the town; + her garments, which were merely suitable to the summer season, being an + undress robe of plain white muslin, were wet through, and a thin black + cloak and bonnet, very improper habiliments for such a climate, but poorly + defended her from the cold. In this situation she reached the city, and + enquired of a foot soldier whom she met, the way to Colonel Crayton's. + </p> + <p> + “Bless you, my sweet lady,” said the soldier with a voice and look of + compassion, “I will shew you the way with all my heart; but if you are + going to make a petition to Madam Crayton it is all to no purpose I assure + you: if you please I will conduct you to Mr. Franklin's; though Miss Julia + is married and gone now, yet the old gentleman is very good.” + </p> + <p> + “Julia Franklin,” said Charlotte; “is she not married to Montraville?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the soldier, “and may God bless them, for a better officer + never lived, he is so good to us all; and as to Miss Julia, all the poor + folk almost worshipped her.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious heaven,” cried Charlotte, “is Montraville unjust then to none + but me.” + </p> + <p> + The soldier now shewed her Colonel Crayton's door, and, with a beating + heart, she knocked for admission. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. + </h2> + <h3> + SUBJECT CONTINUED. + </h3> + <p> + WHEN the door was opened, Charlotte, in a voice rendered scarcely + articulate, through cold and the extreme agitation of her mind, demanded + whether Mrs. Crayton was at home. The servant hesitated: he knew that his + lady was engaged at a game of picquet with her dear Corydon, nor could he + think she would like to be disturbed by a person whose appearance spoke + her of so little consequence as Charlotte; yet there was something in her + countenance that rather interested him in her favour, and he said his lady + was engaged, but if she had any particular message he would deliver it. + </p> + <p> + “Take up this letter,” said Charlotte: “tell her the unhappy writer of it + waits in her hall for an answer.” The tremulous accent, the tearful eye, + must have moved any heart not composed of adamant. The man took the letter + from the poor suppliant, and hastily ascended the stair case. + </p> + <p> + “A letter, Madam,” said he, presenting it to his lady: “an immediate + answer is required.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Crayton glanced her eye carelessly over the contents. “What stuff is + this;” cried she haughtily; “have not I told you a thousand times that I + will not be plagued with beggars, and petitions from people one knows + nothing about? Go tell the woman I can't do any thing in it. I'm sorry, + but one can't relieve every body.” + </p> + <p> + The servant bowed, and heavily returned with this chilling message to + Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said she, “Mrs. Crayton has not read my letter. Go, my good + friend, pray go back to her; tell her it is Charlotte Temple who requests + beneath her hospitable roof to find shelter from the inclemency of the + season.” + </p> + <p> + “Prithee, don't plague me, man,” cried Mrs. Crayton impatiently, as the + servant advanced something in behalf of the unhappy girl. “I tell you I + don't know her.” + </p> + <p> + “Not know me,” cried Charlotte, rushing into the room, (for she had + followed the man up stairs) “not know me, not remember the ruined + Charlotte Temple, who, but for you, perhaps might still have been + innocent, still have been happy. Oh! La Rue, this is beyond every thing I + could have believed possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my honour, Miss,” replied the unfeeling woman with the utmost + effrontery, “this is a most unaccountable address: it is beyond my + comprehension. John,” continued she, turning to the servant, “the young + woman is certainly out of her senses: do pray take her away, she terrifies + me to death.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh God,” cried Charlotte, clasping her hands in an agony, “this is too + much; what will become of me? but I will not leave you; they shall not + tear me from you; here on my knees I conjure you to save me from perishing + in the streets; if you really have forgot me, oh for charity's sweet sake + this night let me be sheltered from the winter's piercing cold.” The + kneeling figure of Charlotte in her affecting situation might have moved + the heart of a stoic to compassion; but Mrs. Crayton remained inflexible. + In vain did Charlotte recount the time they had known each other at + Chichester, in vain mention their being in the same ship, in vain were the + names of Montraville and Belcour mentioned. Mrs. Crayton could only say + she was sorry for her imprudence, but could not think of having her own + reputation endangered by encouraging a woman of that kind in her own + house, besides she did not know what trouble and expense she might bring + upon her husband by giving shelter to a woman in her situation. + </p> + <p> + “I can at least die here,” said Charlotte, “I feel I cannot long survive + this dreadful conflict. Father of mercy, here let me finish my existence.” + Her agonizing sensations overpowered her, and she fell senseless on the + floor. + </p> + <p> + “Take her away,” said Mrs. Crayton, “she will really frighten me into + hysterics; take her away I say this instant.” + </p> + <p> + “And where must I take the poor creature?” said the servant with a voice + and look of compassion. + </p> + <p> + “Any where,” cried she hastily, “only don't let me ever see her again. I + declare she has flurried me so I shan't be myself again this fortnight.” + </p> + <p> + John, assisted by his fellow-servant, raised and carried her down stairs. + “Poor soul,” said he, “you shall not lay in the street this night. I have + a bed and a poor little hovel, where my wife and her little ones rest + them, but they shall watch to night, and you shall be sheltered from + danger.” They placed her in a chair; and the benevolent man, assisted by + one of his comrades, carried her to the place where his wife and children + lived. A surgeon was sent for: he bled her, she gave signs of returning + life, and before the dawn gave birth to a female infant. After this event + she lay for some hours in a kind of stupor; and if at any time she spoke, + it was with a quickness and incoherence that plainly evinced the total + deprivation of her reason. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. + </h2> + <h3> + REASONS WHY AND WHEREFORE. + </h3> + <p> + THE reader of sensibility may perhaps be astonished to find Mrs. Crayton + could so positively deny any knowledge of Charlotte; it is therefore but + just that her conduct should in some measure be accounted for. She had + ever been fully sensible of the superiority of Charlotte's sense and + virtue; she was conscious that she had never swerved from rectitude, had + it not been for her bad precepts and worse example. These were things as + yet unknown to her husband, and she wished not to have that part of her + conduct exposed to him, as she had great reason to fear she had already + lost considerable part of that power she once maintained over him. She + trembled whilst Charlotte was in the house, lest the Colonel should + return; she perfectly well remembered how much he seemed interested in her + favour whilst on their passage from England, and made no doubt, but, + should he see her in her present distress, he would offer her an asylum, + and protect her to the utmost of his power. In that case she feared the + unguarded nature of Charlotte might discover to the Colonel the part she + had taken in the unhappy girl's elopement, and she well knew the contrast + between her own and Charlotte's conduct would make the former appear in no + very respectable light. Had she reflected properly, she would have + afforded the poor girl protection; and by enjoining her silence, ensured + it by acts of repeated kindness; but vice in general blinds its votaries, + and they discover their real characters to the world when they are most + studious to preserve appearances. + </p> + <p> + Just so it happened with Mrs. Crayton: her servants made no scruple of + mentioning the cruel conduct of their lady to a poor distressed lunatic + who claimed her protection; every one joined in reprobating her + inhumanity; nay even Corydon thought she might at least have ordered her + to be taken care of, but he dare not even hint it to her, for he lived but + in her smiles, and drew from her lavish fondness large sums to support an + extravagance to which the state of his own finances was very inadequate; + it cannot therefore be supposed that he wished Mrs. Crayton to be very + liberal in her bounty to the afflicted suppliant; yet vice had not so + entirely seared over his heart, but the sorrows of Charlotte could find a + vulnerable part. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte had now been three days with her humane preservers, but she was + totally insensible of every thing: she raved incessantly for Montraville + and her father: she was not conscious of being a mother, nor took the + least notice of her child except to ask whose it was, and why it was not + carried to its parents. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said she one day, starting up on hearing the infant cry, “why, why + will you keep that child here; I am sure you would not if you knew how + hard it was for a mother to be parted from her infant: it is like tearing + the cords of life asunder. Oh could you see the horrid sight which I now + behold—there there stands my dear mother, her poor bosom bleeding at + every vein, her gentle, affectionate heart torn in a thousand pieces, and + all for the loss of a ruined, ungrateful child. Save me save me—from + her frown. I dare not—indeed I dare not speak to her.” + </p> + <p> + Such were the dreadful images that haunted her distracted mind, and nature + was sinking fast under the dreadful malady which medicine had no power to + remove. The surgeon who attended her was a humane man; he exerted his + utmost abilities to save her, but he saw she was in want of many + necessaries and comforts, which the poverty of her hospitable host + rendered him unable to provide: he therefore determined to make her + situation known to some of the officers' ladies, and endeavour to make a + collection for her relief. + </p> + <p> + When he returned home, after making this resolution, he found a message + from Mrs. Beauchamp, who had just arrived from Rhode-Island, requesting he + would call and see one of her children, who was very unwell. “I do not + know,” said he, as he was hastening to obey the summons, “I do not know a + woman to whom I could apply with more hope of success than Mrs. Beauchamp. + I will endeavour to interest her in this poor girl's behalf, she wants the + soothing balm of friendly consolation: we may perhaps save her; we will + try at least.” + </p> + <p> + “And where is she,” cried Mrs. Beauchamp when he had prescribed something + for the child, and told his little pathetic tale, “where is she, Sir? we + will go to her immediately. Heaven forbid that I should be deaf to the + calls of humanity. Come we will go this instant.” Then seizing the + doctor's arm, they sought the habitation that contained the dying + Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. + </h2> + <h3> + WHICH PEOPLE VOID OF FEELING NEED NOT READ. + </h3> + <p> + WHEN Mrs. Beauchamp entered the apartment of the poor sufferer, she + started back with horror. On a wretched bed, without hangings and but + poorly supplied with covering, lay the emaciated figure of what still + retained the semblance of a lovely woman, though sickness had so altered + her features that Mrs. Beauchamp had not the least recollection of her + person. In one corner of the room stood a woman washing, and, shivering + over a small fire, two healthy but half naked children; the infant was + asleep beside its mother, and, on a chair by the bed side, stood a + porrenger and wooden spoon, containing a little gruel, and a tea-cup with + about two spoonfulls of wine in it. Mrs. Beauchamp had never before beheld + such a scene of poverty; she shuddered involuntarily, and exclaiming—“heaven + preserve us!” leaned on the back of a chair ready to sink to the earth. + The doctor repented having so precipitately brought her into this + affecting scene; but there was no time for apologies: Charlotte caught the + sound of her voice, and starting almost out of bed, exclaimed—“Angel + of peace and mercy, art thou come to deliver me? Oh, I know you are, for + whenever you was near me I felt eased of half my sorrows; but you don't + know me, nor can I, with all the recollection I am mistress of, remember + your name just now, but I know that benevolent countenance, and the + softness of that voice which has so often comforted the wretched + Charlotte.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beauchamp had, during the time Charlotte was speaking, seated herself + on the bed and taken one of her hands; she looked at her attentively, and + at the name of Charlotte she perfectly conceived the whole shocking + affair. A faint sickness came over her. “Gracious heaven,” said she, “is + this possible?” and bursting into tears, she reclined the burning head of + Charlotte on her own bosom; and folding her arms about her, wept over her + in silence. “Oh,” said Charlotte, “you are very good to weep thus for me: + it is a long time since I shed a tear for myself: my head and heart are + both on fire, but these tears of your's seem to cool and refresh it. Oh + now I remember you said you would send a letter to my poor father: do you + think he ever received it? or perhaps you have brought me an answer: why + don't you speak, Madam? Does he say I may go home? Well he is very good; I + shall soon be ready.” + </p> + <p> + She then made an effort to get out of bed; but being prevented, her frenzy + again returned, and she raved with the greatest wildness and incoherence. + Mrs. Beauchamp, finding it was impossible for her to be removed, contented + herself with ordering the apartment to be made more comfortable, and + procuring a proper nurse for both mother and child; and having learnt the + particulars of Charlotte's fruitless application to Mrs. Crayton from + honest John, she amply rewarded him for his benevolence, and returned home + with a heart oppressed with many painful sensations, but yet rendered easy + by the reflexion that she had performed her duty towards a distressed + fellow-creature. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning she again visited Charlotte, and found her + tolerably composed; she called her by name, thanked her for her goodness, + and when her child was brought to her, pressed it in her arms, wept over + it, and called it the offspring of disobedience. Mrs. Beauchamp was + delighted to see her so much amended, and began to hope she might recover, + and, spite of her former errors, become an useful and respectable member + of society; but the arrival of the doctor put an end to these delusive + hopes: he said nature was making her last effort, and a few hours would + most probably consign the unhappy girl to her kindred dust. + </p> + <p> + Being asked how she found herself, she replied—“Why better, much + better, doctor. I hope now I have but little more to suffer. I had last + night a few hours sleep, and when I awoke recovered the full power of + recollection. I am quite sensible of my weakness; I feel I have but little + longer to combat with the shafts of affliction. I have an humble + confidence in the mercy of him who died to save the world, and trust that + my sufferings in this state of mortality, joined to my unfeigned + repentance, through his mercy, have blotted my offences from the sight of + my offended maker. I have but one care—my poor infant! Father of + mercy,” continued she, raising her eyes, “of thy infinite goodness, grant + that the sins of the parent be not visited on the unoffending child. May + those who taught me to despise thy laws be forgiven; lay not my offences + to their charge, I beseech thee; and oh! shower the choicest of thy + blessings on those whose pity has soothed the afflicted heart, and made + easy even the bed of pain and sickness.” + </p> + <p> + She was exhausted by this fervent address to the throne of mercy, and + though her lips still moved her voice became inarticulate: she lay for + some time as it were in a doze, and then recovering, faintly pressed Mrs. + Beauchamp's hand, and requested that a clergyman might be sent for. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival she joined fervently in the pious office, frequently + mentioning her ingratitude to her parents as what lay most heavy at her + heart. When she had performed the last solemn duty, and was preparing to + lie down, a little bustle on the outside door occasioned Mrs. Beauchamp to + open it, and enquire the cause. A man in appearance about forty, presented + himself, and asked for Mrs. Beauchamp. + </p> + <p> + “That is my name, Sir,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Oh then, my dear Madam,” cried he, “tell me where I may find my poor, + ruined, but repentant child.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beauchamp was surprised and affected; she knew not what to say; she + foresaw the agony this interview would occasion Mr. Temple, who had just + arrived in search of his Charlotte, and yet was sensible that the pardon + and blessing of her father would soften even the agonies of death to the + daughter. + </p> + <p> + She hesitated. “Tell me, Madam,” cried he wildly, “tell me, I beseech + thee, does she live? shall I see my darling once again? Perhaps she is in + this house. Lead, lead me to her, that I may bless her, and then lie down + and die.” + </p> + <p> + The ardent manner in which he uttered these words occasioned him to raise + his voice. It caught the ear of Charlotte: she knew the beloved sound: and + uttering a loud shriek, she sprang forward as Mr. Temple entered the room. + “My adored father.” “My long lost child.” Nature could support no more, + and they both sunk lifeless into the arms of the attendants. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte was again put into bed, and a few moments restored Mr. Temple: + but to describe the agony of his sufferings is past the power of any one, + who, though they may readily conceive, cannot delineate the dreadful + scene. Every eye gave testimony of what each heart felt—but all were + silent. + </p> + <p> + When Charlotte recovered, she found herself supported in her father's + arms. She cast on him a most expressive look, but was unable to speak. A + reviving cordial was administered. She then asked in a low voice, for her + child: it was brought to her: she put it in her father's arms. “Protect + her,” said she, “and bless your dying—” + </p> + <p> + Unable to finish the sentence, she sunk back on her pillow: her + countenance was serenely composed; she regarded her father as he pressed + the infant to his breast with a steadfast look; a sudden beam of joy + passed across her languid features, she raised her eyes to heaven—and + then closed them for ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. + </h2> + <h3> + RETRIBUTION. + </h3> + <p> + IN the mean time Montraville having received orders to return to New-York, + arrived, and having still some remains of compassionate tenderness for the + woman whom he regarded as brought to shame by himself, he went out in + search of Belcour, to enquire whether she was safe, and whether the child + lived. He found him immersed in dissipation, and could gain no other + intelligence than that Charlotte had left him, and that he knew not what + was become of her. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot believe it possible,” said Montraville, “that a mind once so + pure as Charlotte Temple's, should so suddenly become the mansion of vice. + Beware, Belcour,” continued he, “beware if you have dared to behave either + unjust or dishonourably to that poor girl, your life shall pay the + forfeit:—I will revenge her cause.” + </p> + <p> + He immediately went into the country, to the house where he had left + Charlotte. It was desolate. After much enquiry he at length found the + servant girl who had lived with her. From her he learnt the misery + Charlotte had endured from the complicated evils of illness, poverty, and + a broken heart, and that she had set out on foot for New-York, on a cold + winter's evening; but she could inform him no further. + </p> + <p> + Tortured almost to madness by this shocking account, he returned to the + city, but, before he reached it, the evening was drawing to a close. In + entering the town he was obliged to pass several little huts, the + residence of poor women who supported themselves by washing the cloaths of + the officers and soldiers. It was nearly dark: he heard from a + neighbouring steeple a solemn toll that seemed to say some poor mortal was + going to their last mansion: the sound struck on the heart of Montraville, + and he involuntarily stopped, when, from one of the houses, he saw the + appearance of a funeral. Almost unknowing what he did, he followed at a + small distance; and as they let the coffin into the grave, he enquired of + a soldier who stood by, and had just brushed off a tear that did honour to + his heart, who it was that was just buried. “An please your honour,” said + the man, “'tis a poor girl that was brought from her friends by a cruel + man, who left her when she was big with child, and married another.” + Montraville stood motionless, and the man proceeded—“I met her + myself not a fortnight since one night all wet and cold in the streets; + she went to Madam Crayton's, but she would not take her in, and so the + poor thing went raving mad.” Montraville could bear no more; he struck his + hands against his forehead with violence; and exclaiming “poor murdered + Charlotte!” ran with precipitation towards the place where they were + heaping the earth on her remains. “Hold, hold, one moment,” said he. + “Close not the grave of the injured Charlotte Temple till I have taken + vengeance on her murderer.” + </p> + <p> + “Rash young man,” said Mr. Temple, “who art thou that thus disturbest the + last mournful rites of the dead, and rudely breakest in upon the grief of + an afflicted father.” + </p> + <p> + “If thou art the father of Charlotte Temple,” said he, gazing at him with + mingled horror and amazement—“if thou art her father—I am + Montraville.” Then falling on his knees, he continued—“Here is my + bosom. I bare it to receive the stroke I merit. Strike—strike now, + and save me from the misery of reflexion.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said Mr. Temple, “if thou wert the seducer of my child, thy own + reflexions be thy punishment. I wrest not the power from the hand of + omnipotence. Look on that little heap of earth, there hast thou buried the + only joy of a fond father. Look at it often; and may thy heart feel such + true sorrow as shall merit the mercy of heaven.” He turned from him; and + Montraville starting up from the ground, where he had thrown himself, and + at that instant remembering the perfidy of Belcour, flew like lightning to + his lodgings. Belcour was intoxicated; Montraville impetuous: they fought, + and the sword of the latter entered the heart of his adversary. He fell, + and expired almost instantly. Montraville had received a slight wound; and + overcome with the agitation of his mind and loss of blood, was carried in + a state of insensibility to his distracted wife. A dangerous illness and + obstinate delirium ensued, during which he raved incessantly for + Charlotte: but a strong constitution, and the tender assiduities of Julia, + in time overcame the disorder. He recovered; but to the end of his life + was subject to severe fits of melancholy, and while he remained at + New-York frequently retired to the church-yard, where he would weep over + the grave, and regret the untimely fate of the lovely Charlotte Temple. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONCLUSION. + </h2> + <p> + SHORTLY after the interment of his daughter, Mr. Temple, with his dear + little charge and her nurse, set forward for England. It would be + impossible to do justice to the meeting scene between him, his Lucy, and + her aged father. Every heart of sensibility can easily conceive their + feelings. After the first tumult of grief was subsided, Mrs. Temple gave + up the chief of her time to her grand-child, and as she grew up and + improved, began to almost fancy she again possessed her Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + It was about ten years after these painful events, that Mr. and Mrs. + Temple, having buried their father, were obliged to come to London on + particular business, and brought the little Lucy with them. They had been + walking one evening, when on their return they found a poor wretch sitting + on the steps of the door. She attempted to rise as they approached, but + from extreme weakness was unable, and after several fruitless efforts fell + back in a fit. Mr. Temple was not one of those men who stand to consider + whether by assisting an object in distress they shall not inconvenience + themselves, but instigated by the impulse of a noble feeling heart, + immediately ordered her to be carried into the house, and proper + restoratives applied. + </p> + <p> + She soon recovered; and fixing her eyes on Mrs. Temple, cried—“You + know not, Madam, what you do; you know not whom you are relieving, or you + would curse me in the bitterness of your heart. Come not near me, Madam, I + shall contaminate you. I am the viper that stung your peace. I am the + woman who turned the poor Charlotte out to perish in the street. Heaven + have mercy! I see her now,” continued she looking at Lucy; “such, such was + the fair bud of innocence that my vile arts blasted ere it was half + blown.” + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that Mr. and Mrs. Temple intreated her to be composed and + to take some refreshment. She only drank half a glass of wine; and then + told them that she had been separated from her husband seven years, the + chief of which she had passed in riot, dissipation, and vice, till, + overtaken by poverty and sickness, she had been reduced to part with every + valuable, and thought only of ending her life in a prison; when a + benevolent friend paid her debts and released her; but that her illness + increasing, she had no possible means of supporting herself, and her + friends were weary of relieving her. “I have fasted,” said she, “two days, + and last night lay my aching head on the cold pavement: indeed it was but + just that I should experience those miseries myself which I had + unfeelingly inflicted on others.” + </p> + <p> + Greatly as Mr. Temple had reason to detest Mrs. Crayton, he could not + behold her in this distress without some emotions of pity. He gave her + shelter that night beneath his hospitable roof, and the next day got her + admission into an hospital; where having lingered a few weeks, she died, a + striking example that vice, however prosperous in the beginning, in the + end leads only to misery and shame. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Charlotte Temple, by Susanna Rowson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLOTTE TEMPLE *** + +***** This file should be named 171-h.htm or 171-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/171/ + +Produced by Judith Boss and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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