VolumeI
CHAPTERI。
ABoardingSchool。
CHAPTERII。
DomesticConcerns。
CHAPTERIII。
UnexpectedMisfortunes。
CHAPTERIV。
ChangeofFortune。
CHAPTERV。
SuchThingsAre。
CHAPTERVI。
AnIntriguingTeacher。
CHAPTERVII。
NaturalSenseofProprietyInherentintheFemaleBosom。
CHAPTERVIII。
DomesticPleasuresPlanned。
CHAPTERIX。
WeKnowNotWhataDayMayBringForth。
CHAPTERX。
WhenWeHaveExcitedCuriosity，ItIsButanActofGoodNaturetoGratifyit。
CHAPTERXI。
ConflictofLoveandDuty。
CHAPTERXII。
Nature’slast，bestgift：
Creatureinwhomexcell’d，whatevercouldTosightorthoughtbenam’d！
Holy，divine！good，amiable，andsweet！
Howthouartfalln’！——
CHAPTERXIII。
CruelDisappointment。
CHAPTERXIV。
MaternalSorrow。
CHAPTERXV。
Embarkation。
CHAPTERXVI。
NecessaryDigression。
CHAPTERXVII。
AWedding。
VOLUMEII。
CHAPTERXVIII。
Reflections。
CHAPTERXIX。
AMistakeDiscovered。
CHAPTERXX。
Virtueneverappearssoamiableaswhenreachingforthherhandtoraiseafallensister。
ChapterofAccidents。
CHAPTERXXI。
Teachmetofeelanother’swoe，TohidethefaultIsee，ThatmercyItoothersshowThatmercyshowtome。POPE。
CHAPTERXXII。
SorrowsoftheHeart。
CHAPTERXXIII。
AManMaySmile，andSmile，andBeaVillain。
CHAPTERXXIV。
MysteryDeveloped。
CHAPTERXXV。
ReceptionofaLetter。
CHAPTERXXVI。
WhatMightBeExpected。
CHAPTERXXVII。
Pensiveshemourn’d，andhungherlanguidhead，Likeafairlilyovercharg’dwithdew。
CHAPTERXXVIII。
ATriflingRetrospect。
CHAPTERXXIX。
WeGoForwardAgain。
CHAPTERXXX。
Andwhatisfriendshipbutaname，Acharmthatlullstosleep，Ashadethatfollowswealthandfame，Butleavesthewretchtoweep。
CHAPTERXXXI。
SubjectContinued。
CHAPTERXXXII。
ReasonsWhyandWherefore。
CHAPTERXXXIII。
WhichPeopleVoidofFeelingNeedNotRead。
CHAPTERXXXIV。
Retribution。
CHAPTERXXXV。
Conclusion。
PREFACE。
FORtheperusaloftheyoungandthoughtlessofthefairsex，thisTaleofTruthisdesigned;andIcouldwishmyfairreaderstoconsideritasnotmerelytheeffusionofFancy，butasareality。
ThecircumstancesonwhichIhavefoundedthisnovelwererelatedtomesomelittletimesincebyanoldladywhohadpersonallyknownCharlotte，thoughsheconcealedtherealnamesofthecharacters，andlikewisetheplacewheretheunfortunatesceneswereacted：
yetasitwasimpossibletoofferarelationtothepublicinsuchanimperfectstate，Ihavethrownoverthewholeaslightveiloffiction，andsubstitutednamesandplacesaccordingtomyownfancy。
Theprincipalcharactersinthislittletalearenowconsignedtothesilenttomb：itcanthereforehurtthefeelingsofnoone;
andmay，Iflattermyself，beofservicetosomewhoaresounfortunateastohaveneitherfriendstoadvise，orunderstandingtodirectthem，throughthevariousandunexpectedevilsthatattendayoungandunprotectedwomaninherfirstentranceintolife。
WhilethetearofcompassionstilltrembledinmyeyeforthefateoftheunhappyCharlotte，Imayhavechildrenofmyown，saidI，towhomthisrecitalmaybeofuse，andiftoyourownchildren，saidBenevolence，whynottothemanydaughtersofMisfortunewho，deprivedofnaturalfriends，orspoiltbyamistakeneducation，arethrownonanunfeelingworldwithouttheleastpowertodefendthemselvesfromthesnaresnotonlyoftheothersex，butfromthemoredangerousartsoftheprofligateoftheirown。
SensibleasIamthatanovelwriter，atatimewhensuchavarietyofworksareusheredintotheworldunderthatname，standsbutapoorchanceforfameintheannalsofliterature，butconsciousthatIwrotewithamindanxiousforthehappinessofthatsexwhosemoralsandconducthavesopowerfulaninfluenceonmankindingeneral;
andconvincedthatIhavenotwrotealinethatconveysawrongideatotheheadoracorruptwishtotheheart，Ishallrestsatisfiedinthepurityofmyownintentions，andifImeritnotapplause，IfeelthatIdreadnotcensure。
IfthefollowingtaleshouldsaveonehaplessfaironefromtheerrorswhichruinedpoorCharlotte，orrescuefromimpendingmiserytheheartofoneanxiousparent，Ishallfeelamuchhighergratificationinreflectingonthistriflingperformance，thancouldpossiblyresultfromtheapplausewhichmightattendthemostelegantfinishedpieceofliteraturewhosetendencymightdepravetheheartormisleadtheunderstanding。
CHARLOTTETEMPLE，VOLUMEI
CHAPTERI。
ABOARDINGSCHOOL。
\"AREyouforawalk，\"saidMontravilletohiscompanion，astheyarosefromtable;\"areyouforawalk？orshallweorderthechaiseandproceedtoPortsmouth？\"Belcourpreferredtheformer;
andtheysaunteredouttoviewthetown，andtomakeremarksontheinhabitants，astheyreturnedfromchurch。
MontravillewasaLieutenantinthearmy：Belcourwashisbrotherofficer：theyhadbeentotakeleaveoftheirfriendsprevioustotheirdepartureforAmerica，andwerenowreturningtoPortsmouth，wherethetroopswaitedordersforembarkation。
TheyhadstoppedatChichestertodine;andknowingtheyhadsufficienttimetoreachtheplaceofdestinationbeforedark，andyetallowthemawalk，hadresolved，itbeingSundayafternoon，totakeasurveyoftheChichesterladiesastheyreturnedfromtheirdevotions。
Theyhadgratifiedtheircuriosity，andwerepreparingtoreturntotheinnwithouthonouringanyofthebelleswithparticularnotice，whenMadameDuPont，attheheadofherschool，descendedfromthechurch。Suchanassemblageofyouthandinnocencenaturallyattractedtheyoungsoldiers：theystopped;and，asthelittlecavalcadepassed，almostinvoluntarilypulledofftheirhats。
Atall，elegantgirllookedatMontravilleandblushed：
heinstantlyrecollectedthefeaturesofCharlotteTemple，whomhehadonceseenanddancedwithataballatPortsmouth。
Atthattimehethoughtonheronlyasaverylovelychild，shebeingthenonlythirteen;buttheimprovementtwoyearshadmadeinherperson，andtheblushofrecollectionwhichsuffusedhercheeksasshepassed，awakenedinhisbosomnewandpleasingideas。
Vanityledhimtothinkthatpleasureatagainbeholdinghimmighthaveoccasionedtheemotionhehadwitnessed，andthesamevanityledhimtowishtoseeheragain。
\"Sheisthesweetestgirlintheworld，\"saidhe，asheenteredtheinn。
Belcourstared。\"Didyounotnoticeher？\"continuedMontraville：
\"shehadonabluebonnet，andwithapairoflovelyeyesofthesamecolour，hascontrivedtomakemefeeldevilishoddabouttheheart。\"
\"Pho，\"saidBelcour，\"amusketballfromourfriends，theAmericans，mayinlessthantwomonthsmakeyoufeelworse。\"
\"Ineverthinkofthefuture，\"repliedMontraville;\"butamdeterminedtomakethemostofthepresent，andwouldwillinglycompoundwithanykindFamiliarwhowouldinformmewhothegirlis，andhowImightbelikelytoobtainaninterview。\"
ButnokindFamiliaratthattimeappearing，andthechaisewhichtheyhadordered，drivinguptothedoor，MontravilleandhiscompanionwereobligedtotakeleaveofChichesteranditsfairinhabitant，andproceedontheirjourney。
ButCharlottehadmadetoogreatanimpressiononhismindtobeeasilyeradicated：havingthereforespentthreewholedaysinthinkingonherandinendeavouringtoformsomeplanforseeingher，hedeterminedtosetoffforChichester，andtrusttochanceeithertofavourorfrustratehisdesigns。
Arrivingatthevergeofthetown，hedismounted，andsendingtheservantforwardwiththehorses，proceededtowardtheplace，where，inthemidstofanextensivepleasureground，stoodthemansionwhichcontainedthelovelyCharlotteTemple。
Montravilleleanedonabrokengate，andlookedearnestlyatthehouse。
Thewallwhichsurroundeditwashigh，andperhapstheArgus’swhoguardedtheHesperianfruitwithin，weremorewatchfulthanthosefamedofold。
\"’Tisaromanticattempt，\"saidhe;\"andshouldIevensucceedinseeingandconversingwithher，itcanbeproductiveofnogood：
ImustofnecessityleaveEnglandinafewdays，andprobablymayneverreturn;whythenshouldIendeavourtoengagetheaffectionsofthislovelygirl，onlytoleaveherapreytoathousandinquietudes，ofwhichatpresentshehasnoidea？
IwillreturntoPortsmouthandthinknomoreabouther。\"
Theeveningnowwasclosed;aserenestillnessreigned;
andthechasteQueenofNightwithhersilvercrescentfaintlyilluminatedthehemisphere。ThemindofMontravillewashushedintocomposurebytheserenityofthesurroundingobjects。
\"Iwillthinkonhernomore，\"saidhe，andturnedwithanintentiontoleavetheplace;butasheturned，hesawthegatewhichledtothepleasuregroundsopen，andtwowomencomeout，whowalkedarm-in-armacrossthefield。
\"Iwillatleastseewhotheseare，\"saidhe。Heovertookthem，andgivingthemthecomplimentsoftheevening，beggedleavetoseethemintothemorefrequentedpartsofthetown：
buthowwashedelighted，when，waitingforananswer，hediscovered，undertheconcealmentofalargebonnet，thefaceofCharlotteTemple。
Hesoonfoundmeanstoingratiatehimselfwithhercompanion，whowasaFrenchteacherattheschool，and，atparting，slippedaletterhehadpurposelywritten，intoCharlotte’shand，andfiveguineasintothatofMademoiselle，whopromisedshewouldendeavourtobringheryoungchargeintothefieldagainthenextevening。
CHAPTERII。
DOMESTICCONCERNS。
MR。Templewastheyoungestsonofanoblemanwhosefortunewasbynomeansadequatetotheantiquity，grandeur，andImayadd，prideofthefamily。
Hesawhiselderbrothermadecompletelywretchedbymarryingadisagreeablewoman，whosefortunehelpedtopropthesinkingdignityofthehouse;andhebeheldhissisterslegallyprostitutedtoold，decrepidmen，whosetitlesgavethemconsequenceintheeyesoftheworld，andwhoseaffluencerenderedthemsplendidlymiserable。
\"Iwillnotsacrificeinternalhappinessforoutwardshew，\"saidhe：
\"IwillseekContent;and，ifIfindherinacottage，willembraceherwithasmuchcordialityasIshouldifseatedonathrone。\"
Mr。Templepossessedasmallestateofaboutfivehundredpoundsayear;andwiththatheresolvedtopreserveindependence，tomarrywherethefeelingsofhisheartshoulddirecthim，andtoconfinehisexpenseswithinthelimitsofhisincome。
Hehadaheartopentoeverygenerousfeelingofhumanity，andahandreadytodispensetothosewhowantedpartoftheblessingsheenjoyedhimself。
Ashewasuniversallyknowntobethefriendoftheunfortunate，hisadviceandbountywasfrequentlysolicited;norwasitseldomthathesoughtoutindigentmerit，andraiseditfromobscurity，confininghisownexpenseswithinaverynarrowcompass。
\"Youareabenevolentfellow，\"saidayoungofficertohimoneday;
\"andIhaveagreatmindtogiveyouafinesubjecttoexercisethegoodnessofyourheartupon。\"
\"Youcannotobligememore，\"saidTemple，\"thantopointoutanywaybywhichIcanbeserviceabletomyfellowcreatures。\"
\"Comealongthen，\"saidtheyoungman，\"wewillgoandvisitamanwhoisnotinsogoodalodgingashedeserves;and，wereitnotthathehasanangelwithhim，whocomfortsandsupportshim，hemustlongsincehavesunkunderhismisfortunes。\"
Theyoungman’sheartwastoofulltoproceed;andTemple，unwillingtoirritatehisfeelingsbymakingfurtherenquiries，followedhiminsilence，tiltheyarrivedattheFleetprison。
TheofficerenquiredforCaptainEldridge：apersonledthemupseveralpairofdirtystairs，andpointingtoadoorwhichledtoamiserable，smallapartment，saidthatwastheCaptain’sroom，andretired。
Theofficer，whosenamewasBlakeney，tappedatthedoor，andwasbidtoenterbyavoicemelodiouslysoft。Heopenedthedoor，anddiscoveredtoTempleascenewhichrivettedhimtothespotwithastonishment。
Theapartment，thoughsmall，andbearingstrongmarksofpoverty，wasneatintheextreme。Inanarm-chair，hisheadreclineduponhishand，hiseyesfixedonabookwhichlayopenbeforehim，satanagedmaninaLieutenant’suniform，which，thoughthreadbare，wouldsoonercallablushofshameintothefaceofthosewhocouldneglectrealmerit，thancausethehecticofconfusiontoglowonthecheeksofhimwhoworeit。
Besidehimsatalovelycreaturebusiedinpaintingafanmount。
Shewasfairasthelily，butsorrowhadnippedtheroseinhercheekbeforeitwashalfblown。Hereyeswereblue;andherhair，whichwaslightbrown，wasslightlyconfinedunderaplainmuslincap，tiedroundwithablackribbon;awhitelinengownandplainlawnhandkerchiefcomposedtheremainderofherdress;
andinthissimpleattire，shewasmoreirresistiblycharmingtosuchaheartasTemple’s，thanshewouldhavebeen，ifadornedwithallthesplendorofacourtlybelle。
Whentheyentered，theoldmanarosefromhisseat，andshakingBlakeneybythehandwithgreatcordiality，offeredTemplehischair;
andtherebeingbutthreeintheroom，seatedhimselfonthesideofhislittlebedwithevidentcomposure。
\"Thisisastrangeplace，\"saidhetoTemple，\"toreceivevisitorsofdistinctionin;butwemustfitourfeelingstoourstation。
WhileIamnotashamedtoownthecausewhichbroughtmehere，whyshouldIblushatmysituation？Ourmisfortunesarenotourfaults;
andwereitnotforthatpoorgirl——\"
Herethephilosopherwaslostinthefather。Herosehastilyfromhisseat，andwalkingtowardthewindow，wipedoffatearwhichhewasafraidwouldtarnishthecheekofasailor。
TemplecasthiseyeonMissEldridge：apelluciddrophadstolenfromhereyes，andfallenuponaroseshewaspainting。
Itblottedanddiscolouredtheflower。\"’Tisemblematic，\"
saidhementally：\"theroseofyouthandhealthsoonfadeswhenwateredbythetearofaffliction。\"
\"MyfriendBlakeney，\"saidhe，addressingtheoldman，\"toldmeI
couldbeofservicetoyou：besokindthen，dearSir，astopointoutsomewayinwhichIcanrelievetheanxietyofyourheartandincreasethepleasuresofmyown。\"
\"Mygoodyoungman，\"saidEldridge，\"youknownotwhatyouoffer。
WhiledeprivedofmylibertyIcannotbefreefromanxietyonmyownaccount;butthatisatriflingconcern;myanxiousthoughtsextendtoonemoredearathousandtimesthanlife：
Iamapoorweakoldman，andmustexpectinafewyearstosinkintosilenceandoblivion;butwhenIamgone，whowillprotectthatfairbudofinnocencefromtheblastsofadversity，orfromthecruelhandofinsultanddishonour。\"
\"Oh，myfather！\"criedMissEldridge，tenderlytakinghishand，\"benotanxiousonthataccount;fordailyaremyprayersofferedtoheaventhatourlivesmayterminateatthesameinstant，andonegravereceiveusboth;forwhyshouldIlivewhendeprivedofmyonlyfriend。\"
Templewasmovedeventotears。\"Youwillbothlivemanyyears，\"
saidhe，\"andIhopeseemuchhappiness。Cheerly，myfriend，cheerly;
thesepassingcloudsofadversitywillserveonlytomakethesunshineofprosperitymorepleasing。Butwearelosingtime：
youmighterethishavetoldmewhowereyourcreditors，whatweretheirdemands，andotherparticularsnecessarytoyourliberation。\"
\"Mystoryisshort，\"saidMr。Eldridge，\"buttherearesomeparticularswhichwillwringmyheartbarelytoremember;yettoonewhoseoffersoffriendshipappearsoopenanddisinterested，Iwillrelateeverycircumstancethatledtomypresent，painfulsituation。
Butmychild，\"continuedhe，addressinghisdaughter，\"letmeprevailonyoutotakethisopportunity，whilemyfriendsarewithme，toenjoythebenefitofairandexercise。
Go，mylove;leavemenow;to-morrowatyourusualhourIwillexpectyou。\"
MissEldridgeimpressedonhischeekthekissoffilialaffection，andobeyed。
CHAPTERIII。
UNEXPECTEDMISFORTUNES。
\"MYlife，\"saidMr。Eldridge，\"tillwithinthesefewyearswasmarkedbynoparticularcircumstancedeservingnotice。Iearlyembracedthelifeofasailor，andhaveservedmyKingwithunremittedardourformanyyears。Attheageoftwenty-fiveImarriedanamiablewoman;
oneson，andthegirlwhojustnowleftus，werethefruitsofourunion。
Myboyhadgeniusandspirit。Istraitenedmylittleincometogivehimaliberaleducation，buttherapidprogresshemadeinhisstudiesamplycompensatedfortheinconvenience。
AttheacademywherehereceivedhiseducationhecommencedanacquaintancewithaMr。Lewis，ayoungmanofaffluentfortune：
astheygrewuptheirintimacyripenedintofriendship，andtheybecamealmostinseparablecompanions。
\"Georgechosetheprofessionofasoldier。Ihadneitherfriendsormoneytoprocurehimacommission，andhadwishedhimtoembraceanauticallife：butthiswasrepugnanttohiswishes，andIceasedtourgehimonthesubject。
\"ThefriendshipsubsistingbetweenLewisandmysonwasofsuchanatureasgavehimfreeaccesstoourfamily;andsospeciouswashismannerthatwehesitatednottostatetohimallourlittledifficultiesinregardtoGeorge’sfutureviews。
Helistenedtouswithattention，andofferedtoadvanceanysumnecessaryforhisfirstsettingout。
\"Iembracedtheoffer，andgavehimmynoteforthepaymentofit，buthewouldnotsuffermetomentionanystipulatedtime，ashesaidImightdoitwhenevermostconvenienttomyself。
AboutthistimemydearLucyreturnedfromschool，andIsoonbegantoimagineLewislookedatherwitheyesofaffection。
Igavemychildacautiontobewareofhim，andtolookonhermotherasherfe，，end。Shewasunaffectedlyartless;andwhen，asIsuspected，Lewismadeprofessionsoflove，sheconfidedinherparents，andassuredusherheartwasperfectlyunbiassedinhisfavour，andshewouldchearfullysubmittoourdirection。
\"Itookanearlyopportunityofquestioninghimconcerninghisintentionstowardsmychild：hegaveanequivocalanswer，andIforbadehimthehouse。
\"Thenextdayhesentanddemandedpaymentofhismoney。
Itwasnotinmypowertocomplywiththedemand。Irequestedthreedaystoendeavourtoraiseit，determininginthattimetomortgagemyhalfpay，andliveonasmallannuitywhichmywifepossessed，ratherthanbeunderanobligationtosoworthlessaman：
butthisshorttimewasnotallowedme;forthatevening，asIwassittingdowntosupper，unsuspiciousofdanger，anofficerentered，andtoremefromtheembracesofmyfamily。
\"Mywifehadbeenforsometimeinadecliningstateofhealth：
ruinatoncesounexpectedandinevitablewasastrokeshewasnotpreparedtobear，andIsawherfaintintothearmsofourservant，asIleftmyownhabitationforthecomfortlesswallsofaprison。
MypoorLucy，distractedwithherfearsforusboth，sunkonthefloorandendeavouredtodetainmebyherfeebleefforts，butinvain;
theyforcedopenherarms;sheshrieked，andfellprostrate。
Butpardonme。Thehorrorsofthatnightunmanme。
Icannotproceed。\"
Herosefromhisseat，andwalkedseveraltimesacrosstheroom：
atlength，attainingmorecomposure，hecried——\"WhatamereinfantIam！Why，Sir，Ineverfeltthusinthedayofbattle。\"
\"No，\"saidTemple;\"butthetrulybravesoulistremblinglyalivetothefeelingsofhumanity。\"
\"True，\"repliedtheoldman，（somethinglikesatisfactiondartingacrosshisfeatures）\"andpainfulasthesefeelingsare，Iwouldnotexchangethemforthattorporwhichthestoicmistakesforphilosophy。
HowmanyexquisitedelightsshouldIhavepassedbyunnoticed，butforthesekeensensations，thisquicksenseofhappinessormisery？
Thenletus，myfriend，takethecupoflifeasitispresentedtous，temperedbythehandofawiseProvidence;bethankfulforthegood，bepatientundertheevil，andpresumenottoenquirewhythelatterpredominates。\"
\"Thisistruephilosophy，\"saidTemple。
\"’Tistheonlywaytoreconcileourselvestothecrosseventsoflife，\"
repliedhe。\"ButIforgetmyself。Iwillnotlongerintrudeonyourpatience，butproceedinmymelancholytale。
\"TheveryeveningthatIwastakentoprison，mysonarrivedfromIreland，wherehehadbeensometimewithhisregiment。
Fromthedistractedexpressionsofhismotherandsister，helearntbywhomIhadbeenarrested;and，lateasitwas，flewonthewingsofwoundedaffection，tothehouseofhisfalsefriend，andearnestlyenquiredthecauseofthiscruelconduct。Withallthecalmnessofacooldeliberatevillain，heavowedhispassionforLucy;
declaredhersituationinlifewouldnotpermithimtomarryher;
butofferedtoreleasemeimmediately，andmakeanysettlementonher，ifGeorgewouldpersuadehertolive，asheimpiouslytermedit，alifeofhonour。
\"Firedattheinsultofferedtoamanandasoldier，myboystruckthevillain，andachallengeensued。Hethenwenttoacoffee-houseintheneighbourhoodandwrotealongaffectionatelettertome，blaminghimselfseverelyforhavingintroducedLewisintothefamily，orpermittedhimtoconferanobligation，whichhadbroughtinevitableruinonusall。Hebeggedme，whatevermightbetheeventoftheensuingmorning，nottosufferregretorunavailingsorrowforhisfate，toencreasetheanguishofmyheart，whichhegreatlyfearedwasalreadyinsupportable。
\"Thisletterwasdeliveredtomeearlyinthemorning。
Itwouldbevaintoattemptdescribingmyfeelingsontheperusalofit;sufficeittosay，thatamercifulProvidenceinterposed，andIwasforthreeweeksinsensibletomiseriesalmostbeyondthestrengthofhumannaturetosupport。
\"Afeverandstrongdeliriumseizedme，andmylifewasdespairedof。
Atlength，nature，overpoweredwithfatigue，gavewaytothesalutarypowerofrest，andaquietslumberofsomehoursrestoredmetoreason，thoughtheextremeweaknessofmyframepreventedmyfeelingmydistresssoacutelyasIotherwaysshould。
\"Thefirstobjectthatstruckmeonawaking，wasLucysittingbymybedside;herpalecountenanceandsabledresspreventedmyenquiriesforpoorGeorge：fortheletterIhadreceivedfromhim，wasthefirstthingthatoccurredtomymemory。
Bydegreestherestreturned：Irecollectedbeingarrested，butcouldnowaysaccountforbeinginthisapartment，whithertheyhadconveyedmeduringmyillness。
\"Iwassoweakastobealmostunabletospeak。IpressedLucy’shand，andlookedearnestlyroundtheapartmentinsearchofanotherdearobject。
\"Whereisyourmother？\"saidI，faintly。
\"Thepoorgirlcouldnotanswer：sheshookherheadinexpressivesilence;
andthrowingherselfonthebed，foldedherarmsaboutme，andburstintotears。
\"What！bothgone？\"saidI。
\"Both，\"shereplied，endeavouringtorestrainheremotions：
\"buttheyarehappy，nodoubt。\"
HereMr。Eldridgepaused：therecollectionofthescenewastoopainfultopermithimtoproceed。
CHAPTERIV。
CHANGEOFFORTUNE。
\"ITwassomedays，\"continuedMr。Eldridge，recoveringhimself，\"beforeIcouldventuretoenquiretheparticularsofwhathadhappenedduringmyillness：atlengthIassumedcouragetoaskmydeargirlhowlonghermotherandbrotherhadbeendead：
shetoldme，thatthemorningaftermyarrest，Georgecamehomeearlytoenquireafterhismother’shealth，staidwiththembutafewminutes，seemedgreatlyagitatedatparting，butgavethemstrictchargetokeepuptheirspirits，andhopeeverythingwouldturnoutforthebest。
Inabouttwohoursafter，astheyweresittingatbreakfast，andendeavouringtostrikeoutsomeplantoattainmyliberty，theyheardaloudrapatthedoor，whichLucyrunningtoopen，shemetthebleedingbodyofherbrother，borneinbytwomenwhohadliftedhimfromalitter，onwhichtheyhadbroughthimfromtheplacewherehefought。Herpoormother，weakenedbyillnessandthestrugglesoftheprecedingnight，wasnotabletosupportthisshock;gaspingforbreath，herlookswildandhaggard，shereachedtheapartmentwheretheyhadcarriedherdyingson。
Shekneltbythebedside;andtakinghiscoldhand，’mypoorboy，’saidshe，’Iwillnotbepartedfromthee：
husband！son！bothatoncelost。Fatherofmercies，spareme！’
Shefellintoastrongconvulsion，andexpiredinabouttwohours。
Inthemeantime，asurgeonhaddressedGeorge’swounds;buttheywereinsuchasituationastobarthesmallesthopesofrecovery。
Heneverwassensiblefromthetimehewasbroughthome，anddiedthateveninginthearmsofhissister。
\"Lateasitwaswhenthiseventtookplace，myaffectionateLucyinsistedoncomingtome。’Whatmusthefeel，’saidshe，’atourapparentneglect，andhowshallIinformhimoftheafflictionswithwhichithaspleasedheaventovisitus？’
\"Sheleftthecareofthedeardepartedonestosomeneighbourswhohadkindlycomeintocomfortandassisther;andonenteringthehousewhereIwasconfined，foundmeinthesituationIhavementioned。
\"Howshesupportedherselfinthesetryingmoments，Iknownot：
heaven，nodoubt，waswithher;andheranxietytopreservethelifeofoneparentinsomemeasureabatedherafflictionforthelossoftheother。
\"Mycircumstancesweregreatlyembarrassed，myacquaintancefew，andthosefewutterlyunabletoassistme。Whenmywifeandsonwerecommittedtotheirkindredearth，mycreditorsseizedmyhouseandfurniture，whichnotbeingsufficienttodischargealltheirdemands，detainerswerelodgedagainstme。Nofriendsteppedforwardtomyrelief;
fromthegraveofhermother，mybelovedLucyfollowedanalmostdyingfathertothismelancholyplace。
\"Herewehavebeennearlyayearandahalf。Myhalf-payIhavegivenuptosatisfymycreditors，andmychildsupportsmebyherindustry：
sometimesbyfineneedlework，sometimesbypainting。
Sheleavesmeeverynight，andgoestoalodgingnearthebridge;
butreturnsinthemorning，tochearmewithhersmiles，andblessmebyherduteousaffection。Aladyonceofferedheranasyluminherfamily;butshewouldnotleaveme。
’Wearealltheworldtoeachother，’saidshe。’IthankGod，Ihavehealthandspiritstoimprovethetalentswithwhichnaturehasendowedme;andItrustifIemploytheminthesupportofabelovedparent，Ishallnotbethoughtanunprofitableservant。
Whilehelives，Iprayforstrengthtopursuemyemployment;
andwhenitpleasesheaventotakeoneofus，mayitgivethesurvivorresignationtobeartheseparationasweought：
tillthenIwillneverleavehim。’\"
\"Butwhereisthisinhumanpersecutor？\"saidTemple。
\"Hehasbeenabroadeversince，\"repliedtheoldman;\"buthehasleftorderswithhislawyernevertogiveupthenotetilltheutmostfarthingispaid。\"
\"Andhowmuchistheamountofyourdebtsinall？\"saidTemple。
\"Fivehundredpounds，\"hereplied。
Templestarted：itwasmorethanheexpected。\"Butsomethingmustbedone，\"saidhe：\"thatsweetmaidmustnotwearoutherlifeinaprison。Iwillseeyouagainto-morrow，myfriend，\"
saidhe，shakingEldridge’shand：\"keepupyourspirits：
lightandshadearenotmorehappilyblendedthanarethepleasuresandpainsoflife;andthehorrorsoftheoneserveonlytoincreasethesplendoroftheother。\"
\"Youneverlostawifeandson，\"saidEldridge。
\"No，\"repliedhe，\"butIcanfeelforthosethathave。\"
Eldridgepressedhishandastheywenttowardthedoor，andtheypartedinsilence。
Whentheygotwithoutthewallsoftheprison，TemplethankedhisfriendBlakeneyforintroducinghimtosoworthyacharacter;
andtellinghimhehadaparticularengagementinthecity，wishedhimagoodevening。
\"Andwhatistobedoneforthisdistressedman，\"saidTemple，ashewalkedupLudgateHill。\"WouldtoheavenIhadafortunethatwouldenablemeinstantlytodischargehisdebt：
whatexquisitetransport，toseetheexpressiveeyesofLucybeamingatoncewithpleasureforherfather’sdeliverance，andgratitudeforherdeliverer：butisnotmyfortuneaffluence，\"
continuedhe，\"naysuperfluouswealth，whencomparedtotheextremeindigenceofEldridge;andwhathaveIdonetodeserveeaseandplenty，whileabraveworthyofficerstarvesinaprison？
Threehundredayearissurelysufficientforallmywantsandwishes：
atanyrateEldridgemustberelieved。\"
Whenthehearthaswill，thehandscansoonfindmeanstoexecuteagoodaction。
Templewasayoungman，hisfeelingswarmandimpetuous;
unacquaintedwiththeworld，hishearthadnotbeenrenderedcallousbybeingconvincedofitsfraudandhypocrisy。
Hepitiedtheirsufferings，overlookedtheirfaults，thoughteverybosomasgenerousashisown，andwouldchearfullyhavedividedhislastguineawithanunfortunatefellowcreature。
Nowonder，then，thatsuchaman（withoutwaitingamomentfortheinterferenceofMadamPrudence）shouldresolvetoraisemoneysufficientforthereliefofEldridge，bymortgagingpartofhisfortune。
Wewillnotenquiretoominutelyintothecausewhichmightactuatehiminthisinstance：sufficeittosay，heimmediatelyputtheplaninexecution;andinthreedaysfromthetimehefirstsawtheunfortunateLieutenant，hehadthesuperlativefelicityofseeinghimatliberty，andreceivinganamplerewardinthetearfuleyeandhalfarticulatedthanksofthegratefulLucy。
\"Andpray，youngman，\"saidhisfathertohimonemorning，\"whatareyourdesignsinvisitingthusconstantlythatoldmanandhisdaughter？\"
Templewasatalossforareply：hehadneveraskedhimselfthequestion：hehesitated;andhisfathercontinued——
\"ItwasnottillwithinthesefewdaysthatIheardinwhatmanneryouracquaintancefirstcommenced，andcannotsupposeanythingbutattachmenttothedaughtercouldcarryyousuchimprudentlengthsforthefather：
itcertainlymustbeherartthatdrewyouintomortgagepartofyourfortune。\"
\"Art，Sir！\"criedTempleeagerly。\"LucyEldridgeisasfreefromartassheisfromeveryothererror：sheis——\"
\"Everythingthatisamiableandlovely，\"saidhisfather，interruptinghimironically：\"nodoubtinyouropinionsheisapatternofexcellenceforallhersextofollow;butcome，Sir，praytellmewhatareyourdesignstowardsthisparagon。
Ihopeyoudonotintendtocompleteyourfollybymarryingher。\"
\"Weremyfortunesuchaswouldsupportheraccordingtohermerit，Idon’tknowawomanmoreformedtoinsurehappinessinthemarriedstate。\"
\"Thenprithee，mydearlad，\"saidhisfather，\"sinceyourrankandfortunearesomuchbeneathwhatyourPRINCESSmightexpect，besokindastoturnyoureyesonMissWeatherby;who，havingonlyanestateofthreethousandayear，ismoreuponalevelwithyou，andwhosefatheryesterdaysolicitedthemightyhonourofyouralliance。
Ishallleaveyoutoconsideronthisoffer;andprayremember，thatyourunionwithMissWeatherbywillputitinyourpowertobemoreliberallythefriendofLucyEldridge。\"
Theoldgentlemanwalkedinastatelymanneroutoftheroom;
andTemplestoodalmostpetrifiedwithastonishment，contempt，andrage。
CHAPTERV。
SUCHTHINGSARE。
MISSWeatherbywastheonlychildofawealthyman，almostidolizedbyherparents，flatteredbyherdependants，andnevercontradictedevenbythosewhocalledthemselvesherfriends：
Icannotgiveabetterdescriptionthanbythefollowinglines。
ThelovelymaidwhoseformandfaceNaturehasdeck’dwithev’rygrace，Butinwhosebreastnovirtuesglow，Whoseheartne’erfeltanother’swoe，Whosehandne’ersmooth’dthebedofpain，Oreas’dthecaptive’sgallingchain;
Butlikethetulipcaughttheeye，Bornjusttobeadmir’danddie;
Whengone，nooneregretsitsloss，Orscarceremembersthatitwas。
SuchwasMissWeatherby：herformlovelyasnaturecouldmakeit，butherminduncultivated，herheartunfeeling，herpassionsimpetuous，andherbrainalmostturnedwithflattery，dissipation，andpleasure;
andsuchwasthegirl，whomapartialgrandfatherleftindependentmistressofthefortunebeforementioned。
ShehadseenTemplefrequently;andfancyingshecouldneverbehappywithouthim，noronceimagininghecouldrefuseagirlofherbeautyandfortune，sheprevailedonherfondfathertoofferthealliancetotheoldEarlofD————，Mr。Temple’sfather。
TheEarlhadreceivedtheoffercourteously：hethoughtitagreatmatchforHenry;andwastoofashionableamantosupposeawifecouldbeanyimpedimenttothefriendshipheprofessedforEldridgeandhisdaughter。
UnfortunatelyforTemple，hethoughtquiteotherwise：
theconversationhehadjusthadwithhisfather，discoveredtohimthesituationofhisheart;andhefoundthatthemostaffluentfortunewouldbringnoincreaseofhappinessunlessLucyEldridgeshareditwithhim;andtheknowledgeofthepurityofhersentiments，andtheintegrityofhisownheart，madehimshudderattheideahisfatherhadstarted，ofmarryingawomanfornootherreasonthanbecausetheaffluenceofherfortunewouldenablehimtoinjureherbymaintaininginsplendorthewomantowhomhisheartwasdevoted：
hethereforeresolvedtorefuseMissWeatherby，andbetheeventwhatitmight，offerhisheartandhandtoLucyEldridge。
Fullofthisdetermination，hefoughthisfather，declaredhisresolution，andwascommandednevermoretoappearinhispresence。
Templebowed;hisheartwastoofulltopermithimtospeak;
heleftthehouseprecipitately，andhastenedtorelatethecauseofhissorrowstohisgoodoldfriendandhisamiabledaughter。
Inthemeantime，theEarl，vexedtothesoulthatsuchafortuneshouldbelost，determinedtoofferhimselfacandidateforMissWeatherby’sfavour。
Whatwonderfulchangesarewroughtbythatreigningpower，ambition！thelove-sickgirl，whenfirstsheheardofTemple’srefusal，wept，raved，toreherhair，andvowedtofoundaprotestantnunnerywithherfortune;andbycommencingabbess，shutherselfupfromthesightofcruelungratefulmanforever。
Herfatherwasamanoftheworld：hesufferedthisfirsttransporttosubside，andthenverydeliberatelyunfoldedtohertheoffersoftheoldEarl，expatiatedonthemanybenefitsarisingfromanelevatedtitle，paintedinglowingcoloursthesurpriseandvexationofTemplewhenheshouldseeherfiguringasaCountessandhismother-in-law，andbeggedhertoconsiderwellbeforeshemadeanyrashvows。
TheDISTRESSEDfaironedriedhertears，listenedpatiently，andatlengthdeclaredshebelievedthesurestmethodtorevengetheslightputonherbytheson，wouldbetoacceptthefather：
sosaidsodone，andinafewdaysshebecametheCountessD————。
Templeheardthenewswithemotion：hehadlosthisfather’sfavourbyavowinghispassionforLucy，andhesawnowtherewasnohopeofregainingit：\"butheshallnotmakememiserable，\"saidhe。
\"LucyandIhavenoambitiousnotions：wecanliveonthreehundredayearforsomelittletime，tillthemortgageispaidoff，andthenweshallhavesufficientnotonlyforthecomfortsbutmanyofthelittleeleganciesoflife。Wewillpurchasealittlecottage，myLucy，\"
saidhe，\"andthitherwithyourreverendfatherwewillretire;wewillforgettherearesuchthingsassplendor，profusion，anddissipation：
wewillhavesomecows，andyoushallbequeenofthedairy;
inamorning，whileIlookaftermygarden，youshalltakeabasketonyourarm，andsallyforthtofeedyourpoultry;andastheyflutterroundyouintokenofhumblegratitude，yourfathershallsmokehispipeinawoodbinealcove，andviewingtheserenityofyourcountenance，feelsuchrealpleasuredilatehisownheart，asshallmakehimforgethehadeverbeenunhappy。\"
Lucysmiled;andTemplesawitwasasmileofapprobation。
Hesoughtandfoundacottagesuitedtohistaste;thither，attendedbyLoveandHymen，thehappytrioretired;where，duringmanyyearsofuninterruptedfelicity，theycastnotawishbeyondthelittleboundariesoftheirowntenement。Plenty，andherhandmaid，Prudence，presidedattheirboard，Hospitalitystoodattheirgate，Peacesmiledoneachface，Contentreignedineachheart，andLoveandHealthstrewedrosesontheirpillows。
SuchweretheparentsofCharlotteTemple，whowastheonlypledgeoftheirmutuallove，andwho，attheearnestentreatyofaparticularfriend，waspermittedtofinishtheeducationhermotherhadbegun，atMadameDuPont’sschool，wherewefirstintroducedhertotheacquaintanceofthereader。
CHAPTERVI。
ANINTRIGUINGTEACHER。
MADAMEDuPontwasawomaneverywaycalculatedtotakethecareofyoungladies，hadthatcareentirelydevolvedonherself;
butitwasimpossibletoattendtheeducationofanumerousschoolwithoutproperassistants;andthoseassistantswerenotalwaysthekindofpeoplewhoseconversationandmoralswereexactlysuchasparentsofdelicacyandrefinementwouldwishadaughtertocopy。
AmongtheteachersatMadameDuPont’sschool，wasMademoiselleLaRue，whoaddedtoapleasingpersonandinsinuatingaddress，aliberaleducationandthemannersofagentlewoman。
Shewasrecommendedtotheschoolbyaladywhosehumanityoversteppedtheboundsofdiscretion：forthoughsheknewMissLaRuehadelopedfromaconventwithayoungofficer，and，oncomingtoEngland，hadlivedwithseveraldifferentmeninopendefianceofallmoralandreligiousduties;yet，findingherreducedtothemostabjectwant，andbelievingthepenitencewhichsheprofessedtobesincere，shetookherintoherownfamily，andfromthencerecommendedhertoMadameDuPont，asthinkingthesituationmoresuitableforawomanofherabilities。ButMademoisellepossessedtoomuchofthespiritofintriguetoremainlongwithoutadventures。
Atchurch，wheresheconstantlyappeared，herpersonattractedtheattentionofayoungmanwhowasuponavisitatagentleman’sseatintheneighbourhood：shehadmethimseveraltimesclandestinely;
andbeinginvitedtocomeoutthatevening，andeatsomefruitandpastryinasummer-housebelongingtothegentlemanhewasvisiting，andrequestedtobringsomeoftheladieswithher，Charlottebeingherfavourite，wasfixedontoaccompanyher。
Themindofyoutheagerlycatchesatpromisedpleasure：
pureandinnocentbynature，itthinksnotofthedangerslurkingbeneaththosepleasures，tilltoolatetoavoidthem：
whenMademoiselleaskedCharlottetogowithher，shementionedthegentlemanasarelation，andspokeinsuchhightermsoftheeleganceofhisgardens，thesprightlinessofhisconversation，andtheliberalitywithwhichheeverentertainedhisguests，thatCharlottethoughtonlyofthepleasuresheshouldenjoyinthevisit，——
notontheimprudenceofgoingwithouthergoverness’sknowledge，orofthedangertowhichsheexposedherselfinvisitingthehouseofagayyoungmanoffashion。
MadameDuPontwasgoneoutfortheevening，andtherestoftheladiesretiredtorest，whenCharlotteandtheteacherstoleoutatthebackgate，andincrossingthefield，wereaccostedbyMontraville，asmentionedinthefirstchapter。
Charlottewasdisappointedinthepleasureshehadpromisedherselffromthisvisit。Thelevityofthegentlemenandthefreedomoftheirconversationdisgustedher。ShewasastonishedatthelibertiesMademoisellepermittedthemtotake;grewthoughtfulanduneasy，andheartilywishedherselfathomeagaininherownchamber。
Perhapsonecauseofthatwishmightbe，anearnestdesiretoseethecontentsoftheletterwhichhadbeenputintoherhandbyMontraville。
Anyreaderwhohastheleastknowledgeoftheworld，willeasilyimaginetheletterwasmadeupofencomiumsonherbeauty，andvowsofeverlastingloveandconstancy;norwillhebesurprisedthataheartopentoeverygentle，generoussentiment，shouldfeelitselfwarmedbygratitudeforamanwhoprofessedtofeelsomuchforher;
norisitimprobablebuthermindmightreverttotheagreeablepersonandmartialappearanceofMontraville。
Inaffairsoflove，ayoungheartisneverinmoredangerthanwhenattemptedbyahandsomeyoungsoldier。Amanofanindifferentappearance，will，whenarrayedinamilitaryhabit，shewtoadvantage;
butwhenbeautyofperson，eleganceofmanner，andaneasymethodofpayingcompliments，areunitedtothescarletcoat，smartcockade，andmilitarysash，ah！well-a-dayforthepoorgirlwhogazesonhim：
sheisinimminentdanger;butifshelistenstohimwithpleasure，’tisalloverwithher，andfromthatmomentshehasneithereyesnorearsforanyotherobject。
Now，mydearsobermatron，（ifasobermatronshoulddeigntoturnoverthesepages，beforeshetruststhemtotheeyeofadarlingdaughter，）letmeintreatyounottoputonagraveface，andthrowdownthebookinapassionanddeclare’tisenoughtoturntheheadsofhalfthegirlsinEngland;Idosolemnlyprotest，mydearmadam，ImeannomorebywhatIhavehereadvanced，thantoridiculethoseromanticgirls，whofoolishlyimaginearedcoatandsilverepauletconstitutethefinegentleman;
andshouldthatfinegentlemanmakehalfadozenfinespeechestothem，theywillimaginethemselvessomuchinloveastofancyitameritoriousactiontojumpoutofatwopairofstairswindow，abandontheirfriends，andtrustentirelytothehonourofaman，whoperhapshardlyknowsthemeaningoftheword，andifhedoes，willbetoomuchthemodernmanofrefinement，topracticeitintheirfavour。
Graciousheaven！whenIthinkonthemiseriesthatmustrendtheheartofadoatingparent，whenheseesthedarlingofhisageatfirstseducedfromhisprotection，andafterwardsabandoned，bytheverywretchwhosepromisesoflovedecoyedherfromthepaternalroof——
whenheseesherpoorandwretched，herbosomtombetweenremorseforhercrimeandloveforhervilebetrayer——whenfancypaintstomethegoodoldmanstoopingtoraisetheweepingpenitent，whileeverytearfromhereyeisnumberedbydropsfromhisbleedingheart，mybosomglowswithhonestindignation，andIwishforpowertoextirpatethosemonstersofseductionfromtheearth。
Ohmydeargirls——fortosuchonlyamIwriting——listennottothevoiceoflove，unlesssanctionedbypaternalapprobation：
beassured，itisnowpastthedaysofromance：
nowomancanberunawaywithcontrarytoherowninclination：
thenkneeldowneachmorning，andrequestkindheaventokeepyoufreefromtemptation，or，shoulditpleasetosufferyoutobetried，prayforfortitudetoresisttheimpulseofinclinationwhenitrunscountertothepreceptsofreligionandvirtue。
CHAPTERVII。
NATURALSENSEOFPROPRIETY
INHERENTINTHEFEMALEBOSOM。
\"ICANNOTthinkwehavedoneexactlyrightingoingoutthisevening，Mademoiselle，\"saidCharlotte，seatingherselfwhensheenteredherapartment：\"nay，Iamsureitwasnotright;
forIexpectedtobeveryhappy，butwassadlydisappointed。\"
\"Itwasyourownfault，then，\"repliedMademoiselle：
\"forIamsuremycousinomittednothingthatcouldservetorendertheeveningagreeable。\"
\"True，\"saidCharlotte：\"butIthoughtthegentlemenwereveryfreeintheirmanner：Iwonderyouwouldsufferthemtobehaveastheydid。\"
\"Prithee，don’tbesuchafoolishlittleprude，\"saidtheartfulwoman，affectinganger：\"Iinvitedyoutogoinhopesitwoulddivertyou，andbeanagreeablechangeofscene;however，ifyourdelicacywashurtbythebehaviourofthegentlemen，youneednotgoagain;
sothereletitrest。\"
\"Idonotintendtogoagain，\"saidCharlotte，gravelytakingoffherbonnet，andbeginningtoprepareforbed：\"Iamsure，ifMadameDuPontknewwehadbeenoutto-night，shewouldbeveryangry;
anditistentoonebutshehearsofitbysomemeansorother。\"
\"Nay，Miss，\"saidLaRue，\"perhapsyourmightysenseofproprietymayleadyoutotellheryourself：andinordertoavoidthecensureyouwouldincur，shouldshehearofitbyaccident，throwtheblameonme：
butIconfessIdeserveit：itwillbeaverykindreturnforthatpartialitywhichledmetopreferyoubeforeanyoftherestoftheladies;butperhapsitwillgiveyoupleasure，\"continuedshe，lettingfallsomehypocriticaltears，\"toseemedeprivedofbread，andforanactionwhichbythemostrigidcouldonlybeesteemedaninadvertency，losemyplaceandcharacter，andbedrivenagainintotheworld，whereIhavealreadysufferedalltheevilsattendantonpoverty。\"
ThiswastouchingCharlotteinthemostvulnerablepart：
sherosefromherseat，andtakingMademoiselle’shand——\"Youknow，mydearLaRue，\"saidshe，\"Iloveyoutoowell，todoanythingthatwouldinjureyouinmygoverness’sopinion：Iamonlysorrywewentoutthisevening。\"
\"Idon’tbelieveit，Charlotte，\"saidshe，assumingalittlevivacity;
\"forifyouhadnotgoneout，youwouldnothaveseenthegentlemanwhometuscrossingthefield;andIratherthinkyouwerepleasedwithhisconversation。\"
\"Ihadseenhimoncebefore，\"repliedCharlotte，\"andthoughthimanagreeableman;andyouknowoneisalwayspleasedtoseeapersonwithwhomonehaspassedseveralchearfulhours。
\"But，\"saidshepausing，anddrawingtheletterfromherpocket，whileagentlesuffusionofvermilliontingedherneckandface，\"hegavemethisletter;whatshallIdowithit？\"
\"Readit，tobesure，\"returnedMademoiselle。
\"IamafraidIoughtnot，\"saidCharlotte：\"mymotherhasoftentoldme，Ishouldneverreadalettergivenmebyayoungman，withoutfirstgivingittoher。\"
\"Lordblessyou，mydeargirl，\"criedtheteachersmiling，\"haveyouamindtobeinleadingstringsallyourlifetime。
Pritheeopentheletter，readit，andjudgeforyourself;ifyoushowityourmother，theconsequencewillbe，youwillbetakenfromschool，andastrictguardkeptoveryou;soyouwillstandnochanceofeverseeingthesmartyoungofficeragain。\"
\"Ishouldnotliketoleaveschoolyet，\"repliedCharlotte，\"tillIhaveattainedagreaterproficiencyinmyItalianandmusic。
Butyoucan，ifyouplease，Mademoiselle，taketheletterbacktoMontraville，andtellhimIwishhimwell，butcannot，withanypropriety，enterintoaclandestinecorrespondencewithhim。\"
Shelaidtheletteronthetable，andbegantoundressherself。
\"Well，\"saidLaRue，\"Ivowyouareanunaccountablegirl：
haveyounocuriositytoseetheinsidenow？formypartIcouldnomoreletaletteraddressedtomelieunopenedsolong，thanIcouldworkmiracles：hewritesagoodhand，\"continuedshe，turningtheletter，tolookatthesuperscription。
\"’Tiswellenough，\"saidCharlotte，drawingittowardsher。
\"Heisagenteelyoungfellow，\"saidLaRuecarelessly，foldingupherapronatthesametime;\"butIthinkheismarkedwiththesmallpox。\"
\"Ohyouaregreatlymistaken，\"saidCharlotteeagerly;\"hehasaremarkableclearskinandfinecomplexion。\"
\"Hiseyes，ifIcouldjudgebywhatIsaw，\"saidLaRue，\"aregreyandwantexpression。\"
\"Bynomeans，\"repliedCharlotte;\"theyarethemostexpressiveeyesIeversaw。\"\"Well，child，whethertheyaregreyorblackisofnoconsequence：youhavedeterminednottoreadhisletter;
soitislikelyyouwillnevereitherseeorhearfromhimagain。\"
Charlottetookuptheletter，andMademoisellecontinued——
\"HeismostprobablygoingtoAmerica;andifeveryoushouldhearanyaccountofhim，itmaypossiblybethatheiskilled;andthoughhelovedyoueversofervently，thoughhislastbreathshouldbespentinaprayerforyourhappiness，itcanbenothingtoyou：
youcanfeelnothingforthefateoftheman，whoselettersyouwillnotopen，andwhosesufferingsyouwillnotalleviate，bypermittinghimtothinkyouwouldrememberhimwhenabsent，andprayforhissafety。\"
Charlottestillheldtheletterinherhand：herheartswelledattheconclusionofMademoiselle’sspeech，andateardroppeduponthewaferthatclosedit。
\"Thewaferisnotdryyet，\"saidshe，\"andsuretherecanbenogreatharm——\"Shehesitated。LaRuewassilent。
\"Imayreadit，Mademoiselle，andreturnitafterwards。\"
\"Certainly，\"repliedMademoiselle。
