第4章
CHAPTERXXVII。
Pensiveshemourn’d，andhungherlanguidhead，Likeafairlilyovercharg’dwithdew。
CHARLOTTEhadnowbeenleftalmostthreemonthsapreytoherownmelancholyreflexions——sadcompanionsindeed;nordidanyonebreakinuponhersolitudebutBelcour，whoonceortwicecalledtoenquireafterherhealth，andtellherhehadinvainendeavouredtobringMontravilletohearreason;andonce，butonlyonce，washermindchearedbythereceiptofanaffectionateletterfromMrs。Beauchamp。Oftenhadshewrotetoherperfidiousseducer，andwiththemostpersuasiveeloquenceendeavouredtoconvincehimofherinnocence;buttheseletterswereneversufferedtoreachthehandsofMontraville，ortheymust，thoughontheveryeveofmarriage，havepreventedhisdesertingthewretchedgirl。
Realanguishofhearthadinagreatmeasurefadedhercharms，hercheekswerepalefromwantofrest，andhereyes，byfrequent，indeedalmostcontinuedweeping，weresunkandheavy。
Sometimesagleamofhopewouldplayaboutherheartwhenshethoughtofherparents——"Theycannotsurely，"shewouldsay，"refusetoforgiveme;orshouldtheydenytheirpardontome，theywinnothatemyinnocentinfantonaccountofitsmother’serrors。"
HowoftendidthepoormournerwishfortheconsolingpresenceofthebenevolentMrs。Beauchamp。
"Ifshewerehere，"shewouldcry，"shewouldcertainlycomfortme，andsooththedistractionofmysoul。"
Shewassittingoneafternoon，wrappedinthesemelancholyreflexions，whenshewasinterruptedbytheentranceofBelcour。Greatasthealterationwaswhichincessantsorrowhadmadeonherperson，shewasstillinteresting，stillcharming;andtheunhallowedflame，whichhadurgedBelcourtoplantdissensionbetweenherandMontraville，stillragedinhisbosom：hewasdetermined，ifpossible，tomakeherhismistress;nay，hehadevenconceivedthediabolicalschemeoftakinghertoNew-York，andmakingherappearineverypublicplacewhereitwaslikelysheshouldmeetMontraville，thathemightbeawitnesstohisunmanlytriumph。
WhenheenteredtheroomwhereCharlottewassitting，heassumedthelookoftender，consolatoryfriendship。
"AndhowdoesmylovelyCharlotte？"saidhe，takingherhand：
"IfearyouarenotsowellasIcouldwish。"
"Iamnotwell，Mr。Belcour，"saidshe，"veryfarfromit;
butthepainsandinfirmitiesofthebodyIcouldeasilybear，nay，submittothemwithpatience，weretheynotaggravatedbythemostinsupportableanguishofmymind。"
"Youarenothappy，Charlotte，"saidhe，withalookofwell-dissembledsorrow。
"Alas！"repliedshemournfully，shakingherhead，"howcanIbehappy，desertedandforsakenasIam，withoutafriendofmyownsextowhomIcanunburthenmyfullheart，nay，myfidelitysuspectedbytheverymanforwhomIhavesacrificedeverythingvaluableinlife，forwhomIhavemademyselfapoordespisedcreature，anoutcastfromsociety，anobjectonlyofcontemptandpity。"
"Youthinktoomeanlyofyourself，MissTemple：
thereisnoonewhowoulddaretotreatyouwithcontempt：
auwhohavethepleasureofknowingyoumustadmireandesteem。
Youarelonelyhere，mydeargirl;givemeleavetoconductyoutoNew-York，wheretheagreeablesocietyofsomeladies，towhomIwillintroduceyou，willdispelthesesadthoughts，andIshallagainseereturningchearfulnessanimatethoselovelyfeatures。"
"Ohnever！never！"criedCharlotte，emphatically："thevirtuouspartofmysexwillscornme，andIwillneverassociatewithinfamy。
No，Belcour，hereletmehidemyshameandsorrow，hereletmespendmyfewremainingdaysinobscurity，unknownandunpitied，hereletmedieunlamented，andmynamesinktooblivion。"
Herehertearsstoppedherutterance。Belcourwasawedtosilence：
hedarednotinterrupther;andafteramoment’spausesheproceeded——"IoncehadconceivedthethoughtofgoingtoNew-Yorktoseekoutthestilldear，thoughcruel，ungenerousMontraville，tothrowmyselfathisfeet，andentreathiscompassion;
heavenknows，notformyself;ifIamnolongerbeloved，Iwillnotbeindebtedtohispitytoredressmyinjuries，butIwouldhavekneltandentreatedhimnottoforsakemypoorunborn——"
Shecouldsaynomore;acrimsonglowrushedoverhercheeks，andcoveringherfacewithherhands，shesobbedaloud。
SomethinglikehumanitywasawakenedinBelcour’sbreastbythispatheticspeech：hearoseandwalkedtowardsthewindow;
buttheselfishpassionwhichhadtakenpossessionofhisheart，soonstifledthesefineremotions;andhethoughtifCharlottewasonceconvincedshehadnolongeranydependanceonMontraville，shewouldmorereadilythrowherselfonhisprotection。
Determined，therefore，toinformherofallthathadhappened，heagainresumedhisseat;andfindingshebegantobemorecomposed，enquiredifshehadeverheardfromMontravillesincetheunfortunaterecontreinherbedchamber。
"Ahno，"saidshe。"IfearIshallneverhearfromhimagain。"
"Iamgreatlyofyouropinion，"saidBelcour，"forhehasbeenforsometimepastgreatlyattached——"
Attheword"attached"adeath-likepalenessoverspreadthecountenanceofCharlotte，butsheappliedtosomehartshornwhichstoodbesideher，andBelcourproceeded。
"HehasbeenforsometimepastgreatlyattachedtooneMissFranklin，apleasinglivelygirl，withalargefortune。"
"Shemaybericher，maybehandsomer，"criedCharlotte，"butcannotlovehimsowell。Ohmayshebewareofhisart，andnottrusthimtoofarasIhavedone。"
"Headdressesherpublicly，"saidhe，"anditwasrumouredtheyweretobemarriedbeforehesailedforEustatia，whitherhiscompanyisordered。"
"Belcour，"saidCharlotte，seizinghishand，andgazingathimearnestly，whileherpalelipstrembledwithconvulsiveagony，"tellme，andtellmetruly，Ibeseechyou，doyouthinkhecanbesuchavillainastomarryanotherwoman，andleavemetodiewithwantandmiseryinastrangeland：tellmewhatyouthink;Icanbearitverywell;Iwillnotshrinkfromthisheavieststrokeoffate;
Ihavedeservedmyafflictions，andIwillendeavourtobearthemasIought。"
"Ifear，"saidBelcour，"hecanbethatvillain。"
"Perhaps，"criedshe，eagerlyinterruptinghim，"perhapsheismarriedalready：come，letmeknowtheworst，"continuedshewithanaffectedlookofcomposure："youneednotbeafraid，Ishallnotsendthefortunateladyabowlofpoison。"
"Wellthen，mydeargirl，"saidhe，deceivedbyherappearance，"theyweremarriedonThursday，andyesterdaymorningtheysailedforEustatia。"
"Married——gone——sayyou？"criedsheinadistractedaccent，"whatwithoutalastfarewell，withoutonethoughtonmyunhappysituation！
OhMontraville，mayGodforgiveyourperfidy。"Sheshrieked，andBelcoursprangforwardjustintimetopreventherfallingtothefloor。
Alarmingfaintingsnowsucceededeachother，andshewasconveyedtoherbed，fromwhencesheearnestlyprayedshemightnevermorearise。
Belcourstaidwithherthatnight，andinthemorningfoundherinahighfever。Thefitsshehadbeenseizedwithhadgreatlyterrifiedhim;
andconfinedasshenowwastoabedofsickness，shewasnolongeranobjectofdesire：itistrueforseveraldayshewentconstantlytoseeher，butherpale，emaciatedappearancedisgustedhim：
hisvisitsbecamelessfrequent;heforgotthesolemnchargegivenhimbyMontraville;heevenforgotthemoneyentrustedtohiscare;
and，theburningblushofindignationandshametingesmycheekwhileIwriteit，thisdisgracetohumanityandmanhoodatlengthforgoteventheinjuredCharlotte;and，attractedbythebloominghealthofafarmer’sdaughter，whomhehadseeninhisfrequentexcursionstothecountry，helefttheunhappygirltosinkunnoticedtothegrave，apreytosickness，grief，andpenury;
whilehe，havingtriumphedoverthevirtueoftheartlesscottager，riotedinalltheintemperanceofluxuryandlawlesspleasure。
CHAPTERXXVIII。
ATRIFLINGRETROSPECT。
"BLESSmyheart，"criesmyyoung，volatilereader，"Ishallneverhavepatiencetogetthroughthesevolumes，therearesomanyahs！andohs！
somuchfainting，tears，anddistress，Iamsicktodeathofthesubject。"
Mydear，chearful，innocentgirl，forinnocentIwillsupposeyoutobe，oryouwouldacutelyfeelthewoesofCharlotte，didconsciencesay，thusmightithavebeenwithme，hadnotProvidenceinterposedtosnatchmefromdestruction：therefore，mylively，innocentgirl，Imustrequestyourpatience：Iamwritingataleoftruth：
Imeantowriteittotheheart：butifperchancetheheartisrenderedimpenetrablebyunboundedprosperity，oracontinuanceinvice，Iexpectnotmytaletoplease，nay，Ievenexpectitwillbethrownbywithdisgust。Butsoftly，gentlefairone;
Iprayyouthrowitnotasidetillyouhaveperusedthewhole;
mayhapyoumayfindsomethingthereintorepayyouforthetrouble。
MethinksIseeasarcasticsmilesitonyourcountenance。——"Andwhat，"
cryyou，"doestheconceitedauthorsupposewecangleanfromthesepages，ifCharlotteisheldupasanobjectofterror，topreventusfromfallingintoguiltyerrors？doesnotLaRuetriumphinhershame，andbyaddingarttoguilt，obtaintheaffectionofaworthyman，andrisetoastationwheresheisbeheldwithrespect，andchearfullyreceivedintoallcompanies。Whatthenisthemoralyouwouldinculcate？
Wouldyouwishustothinkthatadeviationfromvirtue，ifcoveredbyartandhypocrisy，isnotanobjectofdetestation，butonthecontraryshallraiseustofameandhonour？whilethehaplessgirlwhofallsavictimtohertoogreatsensibility，shallbeloadedwithignominyandshame？"No，myfairquerist，Imeannosuchthing。
Remembertheendeavoursofthewickedareoftensufferedtoprosper，thatintheendtheirfallmaybeattendedwithmorebitternessofheart;
whilethecupofafflictionispouredoutforwiseandsalutaryends，andtheywhoarecompelledtodrainiteventothebitterdregs，oftenfindcomfortatthebottom;thetearofpenitenceblotstheiroffencesfromthebookoffate，andtheyrisefromtheheavy，painfultrial，purifiedandfitforamansioninthekingdomofeternity。
Yes，myyoungfriends，thetearofcompassionshallfallforthefateofCharlotte，whilethenameofLaRueshallbedetestedanddespised。
ForCharlotte，thesoulmeltswithsympathy;forLaRue，itfeelsnothingbuthorrorandcontempt。ButperhapsyourgayheartswouldratherfollowthefortunateMrs。Craytonthroughthescenesofpleasureanddissipationinwhichshewasengaged，thanlistentothecomplaintsandmiseriesofCharlotte。Iwillforonceobligeyou;
Iwillforoncefollowhertomidnightrevels，balls，andscenesofgaiety，forinsuchwassheconstantlyengaged。
Ihavesaidherpersonwaslovely;letusaddthatshewassurroundedbysplendorandaffluence，andhemustknowbutlittleoftheworldwhocanwonder，（howeverfaultysuchawoman’sconduct，）
atherbeingfollowedbythemen，andhercompanycourtedbythewomen：inshortMrs。Craytonwastheuniversalfavourite：
shesetthefashions，shewastoastedbyallthegentlemen，andcopiedbyalltheladies。
ColonelCraytonwasadomesticman。Couldhebehappywithsuchawoman？impossible！Remonstrancewasvain：hemightaswellhavepreachedtothewinds，asendeavourtopersuadeherfromanyaction，howeverridiculous，onwhichshehadsethermind：
inshort，afteralittleineffectualstruggle，hegaveuptheattempt，andlefthertofollowthebentofherowninclinations：
whatthosewere，Ithinkthereadermusthaveseenenoughofhercharactertoformajustidea。Amongthenumberwhopaidtheirdevotionsathershrine，shesingledone，ayoungEnsignofmeanbirth，indifferenteducation，andweakintellects。
Howsuchamancameintothearmy，wehardlyknowtoaccountfor，andhowheafterwardsrosetopostsofhonourislikewisestrangeandwonderful。Butfortuneisblind，andsoarethosetoofrequentlywhohavethepowerofdispensingherfavours：
elsewhydoweseefoolsandknavesattheverytopofthewheel，whilepatientmeritsinkstotheextremeoftheoppositeabyss。
Butwemayformathousandconjecturesonthissubject，andyetneverhitontheright。Letusthereforeendeavourtodeservehersmiles，andwhetherwesucceedornot，weshallfeelmoreinnatesatisfaction，thanthousandsofthosewhobaskinthesunshineofherfavourunworthily。
ButtoreturntoMrs。Crayton：thisyoungman，whomIshalldistinguishbythenameofCorydon，wasthereigningfavouriteofherheart。
Heescortedhertotheplay，dancedwithherateveryball，andwhenindispositionpreventedhergoingout，itwashealonewhowaspermittedtochearthegloomysolitudetowhichshewasobligedtoconfineherself。DidsheeverthinkofpoorCharlotte？——
ifshedid，mydearMiss，itwasonlytolaughatthepoorgirl’swantofspiritinconsentingtobemopedupinthecountry，whileMontravillewasenjoyingallthepleasuresofagay，dissipatedcity。
Whensheheardofhismarriage，shesmilingsaid，sothere’sanendofMadamCharlotte’shopes。Iwonderwhowilltakehernow，orwhatwillbecomeofthelittleaffectedprude？
Butasyouhaveleadtothesubject，IthinkwemayaswellreturntothedistressedCharlotte，andnot，liketheunfeelingMrs。Crayton，shutourheartstothecallofhumanity。
CHAPTERXXIX。
WEGOFORWARDAGAIN。
THEstrengthofCharlotte’sconstitutioncombattedagainstherdisorder，andshebeganslowlytorecover，thoughshestilllabouredunderaviolentdepressionofspirits：howmustthatdepressionbeencreased，when，uponexaminingherlittlestore，shefoundherselfreducedtoonesolitaryguinea，andthatduringherillnesstheattendanceofanapothecaryandnurse，togetherwithmanyotherunavoidableexpences，hadinvolvedherindebt，fromwhichshesawnomethodofextricatingherself。Astothefainthopewhichshehadentertainedofhearingfromandbeingrelievedbyherparents;
itnowentirelyforsookher，foritwasabovefourmonthssinceherletterwasdispatched，andshehadreceivednoanswer：
shethereforeimaginedthatherconducthadeitherentirelyalienatedtheiraffectionfromher，orbrokentheirhearts，andshemustnevermorehopetoreceivetheirblessing。
Neverdidanyhumanbeingwishfordeathwithgreaterfervencyorwithjustercause;yetshehadtoojustasenseofthedutiesoftheChristianreligiontoattempttoputaperiodtoherownexistence。
"Ihavebuttobepatientalittlelonger，"shewouldcry，"andnature，fatiguedandfainting，willthrowoffthisheavyloadofmortality，andIshallbereleasedfromallmysufferings。"
ItwasonecoldstormydayinthelatterendofDecember，asCharlottesatbyahandfuloffire，thelowstateofherfinancesnotallowinghertoreplenishherstockoffuel，andprudenceteachinghertobecarefulofwhatshehad，whenshewassurprisedbytheentranceofafarmer’swife，who，withoutmuchceremony，seatedherself，andbeganthiscuriousharangue。
"I’mcometoseeifashowyoucanpayyourrent，becauseashowwehearCaptainMontableisgoneaway，andit’sfiftytooneifheb’antkilledaforehecomesbackagain;anthen，Miss，orMa’am，orwhateveryoumaybe，asIwassayingtomyhusband，wherearewetolookforourmoney。"
ThiswasastrokealtogetherunexpectedbyCharlotte：sheknewsolittleofthewaysoftheworldthatshehadneverbestowedathoughtonthepaymentfortherentofthehouse;sheknewindeedthatsheowedagooddeal，butthiswasneverreckonedamongtheothers：
shewasthunder-struck;shehardlyknewwhatanswertomake，yetitwasabsolutelynecessarythatsheshouldsaysomething;
andjudgingofthegentlenessofeveryfemaledispositionbyherown，shethoughtthebestwaytointerestthewomaninherfavourwouldbetotellhercandidlytowhatasituationshewasreduced，andhowlittleprobabilitytherewasofhereverpayinganybody。
AlaspoorCharlotte，howconfinedwasherknowledgeofhumannature，orshewouldhavebeenconvincedthattheonlywaytoinsurethefriendshipandassistanceofyoursurroundingacquaintanceistoconvincethemyoudonotrequireit，forwhenoncethepetrifyingaspectofdistressandpenuryappear，whosequalities，likeMedusa’shead，canchangetostoneallthatlookuponit;
whenoncethisGorgonclaimsacquaintancewithus，thephantomoffriendship，thatbeforecourtedournotice，willvanishintounsubstantialair，andthewholeworldbeforeusappearabarrenwaste。
Pardonme，yedearspiritsofbenevolence，whosebenignsmilesandchearful-givinghandhavestrewedsweetflowersonmanyathornypaththroughwhichmywaywardfateforcedmetopass;
thinknot，that，incondemningtheunfeelingtextureofthehumanheart，IforgetthespringfromwhenceflowanthecomfortsIenjoy：ohno！
Ilookuptoyouastobrightconstellations，gatheringnewsplendoursfromthesurroundingdarkness;butah！whilstIadorethebenignantraysthatchearedandilluminedmyheart，Imournthattheirinfluencecannotextendtoallthesonsanddaughtersofaffliction。
"Indeed，Madam，"saidpoorCharlotteinatremulousaccent，"Iamatalosswhattodo。Montravilleplacedmehere，andpromisedtodefrayallmyexpenses：buthehasforgothispromise，hehasforsakenme，andIhavenofriendwhohaseitherpowerorwilltorelieveme。
Letmehope，asyouseemyunhappysituation，yourcharity——"
"Charity，"criedthewomanimpatientlyinterruptingher，"charityindeed：
why，Mistress，charitybeginsathome，andIhavesevenchildrenathome，HONEST，LAWFULchildren，anditismydutytokeepthem;
anddoyouthinkIwillgiveawaymypropertytoanasty，impudenthussey，tomaintainherandherbastard;anIwassayingtomyhusbandtheotherdaywhatwillthisworldcometo;
honestwomenarenothingnow-a-days，whiletheharlotingsaresetupforfineladies，andlookuponusnomorenorthedirttheywalkupon：
butletmetellyou，myfinespokenMa’am，Imusthavemymoney;
soseeingashowyoucan’tpayit，whyyoumusttroop，andleaveallyourfinegimcracksandfalderrallsbehindyou。
Idon’taskfornomorenormyright，andnobodyshalldarefortogofortohindermeofit。"
"Ohheavens，"criedCharlotte，claspingherhands，’whatwillbecomeofme？"
"Comeonye！"retortedtheunfeelingwretch："whygotothebarracksandworkforamorselofbread;washandmendthesoldierscloaths，ancooktheirvictuals，andnotexpecttoliveinidlenessonhonestpeople’smeans。OhIwishIcouldseethedaywhenallsuchcattlewereobligedtoworkhardandeatlittle;
it’sonlywhattheydeserve。"
"Fatherofmercy，"criedCharlotte，"Iacknowledgethycorrectionjust;
butprepareme，Ibeseechthee，fortheportionofmiserythoumay’stpleasetolayuponme。"
"Well，"saidthewoman，"Ishallgoantellmyhusbandashowyoucan’tpay;andsod’yesee，Ma’am，getreadytobepackingawaythisverynight，foryoushouldnotstayanothernightinthishouse，thoughIwassureyouwouldlayinthestreet。’
Charlottebowedherheadinsilence;buttheanguishofherheartwastoogreattopermithertoarticulateasingleword。
CHAPTERXXX。
Andwhatisfriendshipbutaname，Acharmthatlullstosleep，Ashadethatfollowswealthandfame，Butleavesthewretchtoweep。
WHENCharlottewaslefttoherself，shebegantothinkwhatcourseshemusttake，ortowhomshecouldapply，topreventherperishingforwant，orperhapsthatverynightfallingavictimtotheinclemencyoftheseason。Aftermanyperplexedthoughts，sheatlastdeterminedtosetoutforNew-York，andenquireoutMrs。Crayton，fromwhomshehadnodoubtbutsheshouldobtainimmediatereliefassoonasherdistresswasmadeknown;shehadnosoonerformedthisresolutionthansheresolvedimmediatelytoputitinexecution：
shethereforewrotethefollowinglittlebillettoMrs。Crayton，thinkingifsheshouldhavecompanywithheritwouldbebettertosenditinthantorequesttoseeher。
TOMRS。CRAYTON。
"MADAM，"Whenweleftournativeland，thatdear，happylandwhichnowcontainsallthatisdeartothewretchedCharlotte，ourprospectswerethesame;
weboth，pardonme，Madam，ifIsay，webothtooeasilyfollowedtheimpulseofourtreacheroushearts，andtrustedourhappinessonatempestuousocean，whereminehasbeenwreckedandlostforever;
youhavebeenmorefortunate——youareunitedtoamanofhonourandhumanity，unitedbythemostsacredties，respected，esteemed，andadmired，andsurroundedbyinnumerableblessingsofwhichI
ambereaved，enjoyingthosepleasureswhichhavefledmybosomnevertoreturn;alas！sorrowanddeepregrethavetakentheirplace。
Beholdme，Madam，apoorforsakenwanderer，whohasnowheretolayherwearyhead，wherewithtosupplythewantsofnature，ortoshieldherfromtheinclemencyoftheweather。ToyouIsue，toyouIlookforpityandrelief。Iasknottobereceivedasanintimateoranequal;onlyforcharity’ssweetsakereceivemeintoyourhospitablemansion，allotmethemeanestapartmentinit，andletmebreathoutmysoulinprayersforyourhappiness;
Icannot，IfeelIcannotlongbearupundertheaccumulatedwoesthatpourinuponme;butoh！mydearMadam，fortheloveofheavensuffermenottoexpireinthestreet;andwhenIamatpeace，assoonIshallbe，extendyourcompassiontomyhelplessoffspring，shoulditpleaseheaventhatitshouldsurviveitsunhappymother。
AgleamofjoybreaksinonmybenightedsoulwhileIreflectthatyoucannot，willnotrefuseyourprotectiontotheheart-broken。CHARLOTTE。"
WhenCharlottehadfinishedthisletter，lateasitwasintheafternoon，andthoughthesnowbegantofallveryfast，shetiedupafewnecessarieswhichshehadpreparedagainstherexpectedconfinement，andterrifiedlestsheshouldbeagainexposedtotheinsultsofherbarbarouslandlady，moredreadfultoherwoundedspiritthaneitherstormordarkness，shesetforwardforNew-York。
Itmaybeaskedbythose，who，inaworkofthiskind，lovetocavilateverytriflingomission，whetherCharlottedidnotpossessanyvaluableofwhichshecouldhavedisposed，andbythatmeanshavesupportedherselftillMrs。Beauchamp’sreturn，whenshewouldhavebeencertainofreceivingeverytenderattentionwhichcompassionandfriendshipcoulddictate：butletmeentreatthesewise，penetratinggentlementoreflect，thatwhenCharlotteleftEngland，itwasinsuchhastethattherewasnotimetopurchaseanythingmorethanwhatwaswantedforimmediateuseonthevoyage，andafterherarrivalatNew-York，Montraville’saffectionsoonbegantodecline，sothatherwholewardrobeconsistedofonlynecessaries，andastobaubles，withwhichfondloversoftenloadtheirmistresses，shepossessednotone，exceptaplaingoldlocketofsmallvalue，whichcontainedalockofhermother’shair，andwhichthegreatestextremityofwantcouldnothaveforcedhertopartwith。
Ihope，Sir，yourprejudicesarenowremovedinregardtotheprobabilityofmystory？Ohtheyare。Wellthen，withyourleave，Iwillproceed。
Thedistancefromthehousewhichoursufferingheroineoccupied，toNew-York，wasnotverygreat，yetthesnowfensofast，andthecoldsointense，that，beingunablefromhersituationtowalkquick，shefoundherselfalmostsinkingwithcoldandfatiguebeforeshereachedthetown;hergarments，whichweremerelysuitabletothesummerseason，beinganundressrobeofplainwhitemuslin，werewetthrough，andathinblackcloakandbonnet，veryimproperhabilimentsforsuchaclimate，butpoorlydefendedherfromthecold。
Inthissituationshereachedthecity，andenquiredofafootsoldierwhomshemet，thewaytoColonelCrayton’s。
"Blessyou，mysweetlady，"saidthesoldierwithavoiceandlookofcompassion，"Iwillshewyouthewaywithallmyheart;butifyouaregoingtomakeapetitiontoMadamCraytonitisalltonopurposeIassureyou：ifyoupleaseIwillconductyoutoMr。Franklin’s;
thoughMissJuliaismarriedandgonenow，yettheoldgentlemanisverygood。"
"JuliaFranklin，"saidCharlotte;"isshenotmarriedtoMontraville？"
"Yes，"repliedthesoldier，"andmayGodblessthem，forabetterofficerneverlived，heissogoodtousall;andastoMissJulia，allthepoorfolkalmostworshippedher。"
"Graciousheaven，"criedCharlotte，"isMontravilleunjustthentononebutme。"
ThesoldiernowshewedherColonelCrayton’sdoor，and，withabeatingheart，sheknockedforadmission。
CHAPTERXXXI。
SUBJECTCONTINUED。
WHENthedoorwasopened，Charlotte，inavoicerenderedscarcelyarticulate，throughcoldandtheextremeagitationofhermind，demandedwhetherMrs。Craytonwasathome。Theservanthesitated：
heknewthathisladywasengagedatagameofpicquetwithherdearCorydon，norcouldhethinkshewouldliketobedisturbedbyapersonwhoseappearancespokeherofsolittleconsequenceasCharlotte;yettherewassomethinginhercountenancethatratherinterestedhiminherfavour，andhesaidhisladywasengaged，butifshehadanyparticularmessagehewoulddeliverit。
"Takeupthisletter，"saidCharlotte："tellhertheunhappywriterofitwaitsinherhallforananswer。"Thetremulousaccent，thetearfuleye，musthavemovedanyheartnotcomposedofadamant。
Themantooktheletterfromthepoorsuppliant，andhastilyascendedthestaircase。
"Aletter，Madam，"saidhe，presentingittohislady：
"animmediateanswerisrequired。"
Mrs。Craytonglancedhereyecarelesslyoverthecontents。
"Whatstuffisthis;"criedshehaughtily;"havenotItoldyouathousandtimesthatIwillnotbeplaguedwithbeggars，andpetitionsfrompeopleoneknowsnothingabout？GotellthewomanIcan’tdoanythinginit。
I’msorry，butonecan’trelieveeverybody。"
Theservantbowed，andheavilyreturnedwiththischillingmessagetoCharlotte。
"Surely，"saidshe，"Mrs。Craytonhasnotreadmyletter。
Go，mygoodfriend，praygobacktoher;tellheritisCharlotteTemplewhorequestsbeneathherhospitablerooftofindshelterfromtheinclemencyoftheseason。"
"Prithee，don’tplagueme，man，"criedMrs。Craytonimpatiently，astheservantadvancedsomethinginbehalfoftheunhappygirl。
"ItellyouIdon’tknowher。"
"Notknowme，"criedCharlotte，rushingintotheroom，（forshehadfollowedthemanupstairs）"notknowme，notremembertheruinedCharlotteTemple，who，butforyou，perhapsmightstillhavebeeninnocent，stillhavebeenhappy。Oh！LaRue，thisisbeyondeverythingIcouldhavebelievedpossible。"
"Uponmyhonour，Miss，"repliedtheunfeelingwomanwiththeutmosteffrontery，"thisisamostunaccountableaddress：
itisbeyondmycomprehension。John，"continuedshe，turningtotheservant，"theyoungwomaniscertainlyoutofhersenses：
dopraytakeheraway，sheterrifiesmetodeath。"
"OhGod，"criedCharlotte，claspingherhandsinanagony，"thisistoomuch;whatwillbecomeofme？butIwillnotleaveyou;
theyshallnottearmefromyou;hereonmykneesIconjureyoutosavemefromperishinginthestreets;ifyoureallyhaveforgotme，ohforcharity’ssweetsakethisnightletmebeshelteredfromthewinter’spiercingcold。"ThekneelingfigureofCharlotteinheraffectingsituationmighthavemovedtheheartofastoictocompassion;butMrs。Craytonremainedinflexible。
InvaindidCharlotterecountthetimetheyhadknowneachotheratChichester，invainmentiontheirbeinginthesameship，invainwerethenamesofMontravilleandBelcourmentioned。
Mrs。Craytoncouldonlysayshewassorryforherimprudence，butcouldnotthinkofhavingherownreputationendangeredbyencouragingawomanofthatkindinherownhouse，besidesshedidnotknowwhattroubleandexpenseshemightbringuponherhusbandbygivingsheltertoawomaninhersituation。
"Icanatleastdiehere，"saidCharlotte，"IfeelIcannotlongsurvivethisdreadfulconflict。Fatherofmercy，hereletmefinishmyexistence。"Heragonizingsensationsoverpoweredher，andshefellsenselessonthefloor。
"Takeheraway，"saidMrs。Crayton，"shewillreallyfrightenmeintohysterics;takeherawayIsaythisinstant。"
"AndwheremustItakethepoorcreature？"saidtheservantwithavoiceandlookofcompassion。
"Anywhere，"criedshehastily，"onlydon’tletmeeverseeheragain。
IdeclareshehasflurriedmesoIshan’tbemyselfagainthisfortnight。"
John，assistedbyhisfellow-servant，raisedandcarriedherdownstairs。
"Poorsoul，"saidhe，"youshallnotlayinthestreetthisnight。
Ihaveabedandapoorlittlehovel，wheremywifeandherlittleonesrestthem，buttheyshallwatchtonight，andyoushallbeshelteredfromdanger。"Theyplacedherinachair;
andthebenevolentman，assistedbyoneofhiscomrades，carriedhertotheplacewherehiswifeandchildrenlived。
Asurgeonwassentfor：hebledher，shegavesignsofreturninglife，andbeforethedawngavebirthtoafemaleinfant。
Afterthiseventshelayforsomehoursinakindofstupor;
andifatanytimeshespoke，itwaswithaquicknessandincoherencethatplainlyevincedthetotaldeprivationofherreason。
CHAPTERXXXII。
REASONSWHYANDWHEREFORE。
THEreaderofsensibilitymayperhapsbeastonishedtofindMrs。CraytoncouldsopositivelydenyanyknowledgeofCharlotte;itisthereforebutjustthatherconductshouldinsomemeasurebeaccountedfor。
ShehadeverbeenfullysensibleofthesuperiorityofCharlotte’ssenseandvirtue;shewasconsciousthatshehadneverswervedfromrectitude，haditnotbeenforherbadpreceptsandworseexample。
Thesewerethingsasyetunknowntoherhusband，andshewishednottohavethatpartofherconductexposedtohim，asshehadgreatreasontofearshehadalreadylostconsiderablepartofthatpowersheoncemaintainedoverhim。ShetrembledwhilstCharlottewasinthehouse，lesttheColonelshouldreturn;
sheperfectlywellrememberedhowmuchheseemedinterestedinherfavourwhilstontheirpassagefromEngland，andmadenodoubt，but，shouldheseeherinherpresentdistress，hewouldofferheranasylum，andprotecthertotheutmostofhispower。
InthatcaseshefearedtheunguardednatureofCharlottemightdiscovertotheColonelthepartshehadtakenintheunhappygirl’selopement，andshewellknewthecontrastbetweenherownandCharlotte’sconductwouldmaketheformerappearinnoveryrespectablelight。
Hadshereflectedproperly，shewouldhaveaffordedthepoorgirlprotection;andbyenjoininghersilence，ensureditbyactsofrepeatedkindness;butviceingeneralblindsitsvotaries，andtheydiscovertheirrealcharacterstotheworldwhentheyaremoststudioustopreserveappearances。
JustsoithappenedwithMrs。Crayton：herservantsmadenoscrupleofmentioningthecruelconductoftheirladytoapoordistressedlunaticwhoclaimedherprotection;everyonejoinedinreprobatingherinhumanity;nayevenCorydonthoughtshemightatleasthaveorderedhertobetakencareof，buthedarenotevenhintittoher，forhelivedbutinhersmiles，anddrewfromherlavishfondnesslargesumstosupportanextravagancetowhichthestateofhisownfinanceswasveryinadequate;
itcannotthereforebesupposedthathewishedMrs。Craytontobeveryliberalinherbountytotheafflictedsuppliant;
yetvicehadnotsoentirelysearedoverhisheart，butthesorrowsofCharlottecouldfindavulnerablepart。
Charlottehadnowbeenthreedayswithherhumanepreservers，butshewastotallyinsensibleofeverything：sheravedincessantlyforMontravilleandherfather：shewasnotconsciousofbeingamother，nortooktheleastnoticeofherchildexcepttoaskwhoseitwas，andwhyitwasnotcarriedtoitsparents。
"Oh，"saidsheoneday，startinguponhearingtheinfantcry，"why，whywillyoukeepthatchildhere;Iamsureyouwouldnotifyouknewhowharditwasforamothertobepartedfromherinfant：
itisliketearingthecordsoflifeasunder。OhcouldyouseethehorridsightwhichInowbehold——theretherestandsmydearmother，herpoorbosombleedingateveryvein，hergentle，affectionatehearttorninathousandpieces，andallforthelossofaruined，ungratefulchild。Savemesaveme——fromherfrown。
Idarenot——indeedIdarenotspeaktoher。"
Suchwerethedreadfulimagesthathauntedherdistractedmind，andnaturewassinkingfastunderthedreadfulmaladywhichmedicinehadnopowertoremove。Thesurgeonwhoattendedherwasahumaneman;heexertedhisutmostabilitiestosaveher，buthesawshewasinwantofmanynecessariesandcomforts，whichthepovertyofherhospitablehostrenderedhimunabletoprovide：
hethereforedeterminedtomakehersituationknowntosomeoftheofficers’ladies，andendeavourtomakeacollectionforherrelief。
Whenhereturnedhome，aftermakingthisresolution，hefoundamessagefromMrs。Beauchamp，whohadjustarrivedfromRhode-Island，requestinghewouldcallandseeoneofherchildren，whowasveryunwell。
"Idonotknow，"saidhe，ashewashasteningtoobeythesummons，"IdonotknowawomantowhomIcouldapplywithmorehopeofsuccessthanMrs。Beauchamp。Iwillendeavourtointerestherinthispoorgirl’sbehalf，shewantsthesoothingbalmoffriendlyconsolation：
wemayperhapssaveher;wewilltryatleast。"
"Andwhereisshe，"criedMrs。Beauchampwhenhehadprescribedsomethingforthechild，andtoldhislittlepathetictale，"whereisshe，Sir？wewillgotoherimmediately。
HeavenforbidthatIshouldbedeaftothecallsofhumanity。
Comewewillgothisinstant。"Thenseizingthedoctor’sarm，theysoughtthehabitationthatcontainedthedyingCharlotte。
CHAPTERXXXIII。
WHICHPEOPLEVOIDOFFEELING
NEEDNOTREAD。
WHENMrs。Beauchampenteredtheapartmentofthepoorsufferer，shestartedbackwithhorror。Onawretchedbed，withouthangingsandbutpoorlysuppliedwithcovering，laytheemaciatedfigureofwhatstillretainedthesemblanceofalovelywoman，thoughsicknesshadsoalteredherfeaturesthatMrs。Beauchamphadnottheleastrecollectionofherperson。Inonecomeroftheroomstoodawomanwashing，and，shiveringoverasmallfire，twohealthybuthalfnakedchildren;theinfantwasasleepbesideitsmother，and，onachairbythebedside，stoodaporrengerandwoodenspoon，containingalittlegruel，andatea-cupwithabouttwospoonfullsofwineinit。
Mrs。Beauchamphadneverbeforebeheldsuchasceneofpoverty;
sheshudderedinvoluntarily，andexclaiming——"heavenpreserveus！"
leanedonthebackofachairreadytosinktotheearth。
Thedoctorrepentedhavingsoprecipitatelybroughtherintothisaffectingscene;buttherewasnotimeforapologies：
Charlottecaughtthesoundofhervoice，andstartingalmostoutofbed，exclaimed——"Angelofpeaceandmercy，artthoucometodeliverme？
Oh，Iknowyouare，forwheneveryouwasnearmeIfelteasedofhalfmysorrows;butyoudon’tknowme，norcanI，withalltherecollectionIammistressof，rememberyournamejustnow，butIknowthatbenevolentcountenance，andthesoftnessofthatvoicewhichhassooftencomfortedthewretchedCharlotte。"
Mrs。Beauchamphad，duringthetimeCharlottewasspeaking，seatedherselfonthebedandtakenoneofherhands;shelookedatherattentively，andatthenameofCharlottesheperfectlyconceivedthewholeshockingaffair。Afaintsicknesscameoverher。
"Graciousheaven，"saidshe，"isthispossible？"andburstingintotears，shereclinedtheburningheadofCharlotteonherownbosom;
andfoldingherarmsabouther，weptoverherinsilence。
"Oh，"saidCharlotte，"youareverygoodtoweepthusforme：
itisalongtimesinceIshedatearformyself：myheadandheartarebothonfire，butthesetearsofyour’sseemtocoolandrefreshit。
OhnowIrememberyousaidyouwouldsendalettertomypoorfather：
doyouthinkheeverreceivedit？orperhapsyouhavebroughtmeananswer：whydon’tyouspeak，Madam？DoeshesayImaygohome？
Wellheisverygood;Ishallsoonbeready。"
Shethenmadeanefforttogetoutofbed;butbeingprevented，herfrenzyagainreturned，andsheravedwiththegreatestwildnessandincoherence。
Mrs。Beauchamp，findingitwasimpossibleforhertoberemoved，contentedherselfwithorderingtheapartmenttobemademorecomfortable，andprocuringapropernurseforbothmotherandchild;andhavinglearnttheparticularsofCharlotte’sfruitlessapplicationtoMrs。CraytonfromhonestJohn，sheamplyrewardedhimforhisbenevolence，andreturnedhomewithaheartoppressedwithmanypainfulsensations，butyetrenderedeasybythereflexionthatshehadperformedherdutytowardsadistressedfellow-creature。
EarlythenextmorningsheagainvisitedCharlotte，andfoundhertolerablycomposed;shecalledherbyname，thankedherforhergoodness，andwhenherchildwasbroughttoher，presseditinherarms，weptoverit，andcalledittheoffspringofdisobedience。
Mrs。Beauchampwasdelightedtoseehersomuchamended，andbegantohopeshemightrecover，and，spiteofherformererrors，becomeanusefulandrespectablememberofsociety;
butthearrivalofthedoctorputanendtothesedelusivehopes：
hesaidnaturewasmakingherlasteffort，andafewhourswouldmostprobablyconsigntheunhappygirltoherkindreddust。
Beingaskedhowshefoundherself，shereplied——"Whybetter，muchbetter，doctor。IhopenowIhavebutlittlemoretosuffer。
Ihadlastnightafewhourssleep，andwhenIawokerecoveredthefullpowerofrecollection。Iamquitesensibleofmyweakness;
IfeelIhavebutlittlelongertocombatwiththeshaftsofaffliction。
Ihaveanhumbleconfidenceinthemercyofhimwhodiedtosavetheworld，andtrustthatmysufferingsinthisstateofmortality，joinedtomyunfeignedrepentance，throughhismercy，haveblottedmyoffencesfromthesightofmyoffendedmaker。
Ihavebutonecare——mypoorinfant！Fatherofmercy，"continuedshe，raisinghereyes，"ofthyinfinitegoodness，grantthatthesinsoftheparentbenotvisitedontheunof-fendingchild。
Maythosewhotaughtmetodespisethylawsbeforgiven;laynotmyoffencestotheircharge，Ibeseechthee;andoh！showerthechoicestofthyblessingsonthosewhosepityhassoothedtheafflictedheart，andmadeeasyeventhebedofpainandsickness。"
Shewasexhaustedbythisferventaddresstothethroneofmercy，andthoughherlipsstillmovedhervoicebecameinarticulate：
shelayforsometimeasitwereinadoze，andthenrecovering，faintlypressedMrs。Beauchamp’shand，andrequestedthataclergymanmightbesentfor。
Onhisarrivalshejoinedferventlyinthepiousoffice，frequentlymentioningheringratitudetoherparentsaswhatlaymostheavyatherheart。Whenshehadperformedthelastsolemnduty，andwaspreparingtoliedown，alittlebustleontheoutsidedooroccasionedMrs。Beauchamptoopenit，andenquirethecause。
Amaninappearanceaboutforty，presentedhimself，andaskedforMrs。Beauchamp。
"Thatismyname，Sir，"saidshe。
"Ohthen，mydearMadam，"criedhe，"tellmewhereImayfindmypoor，ruined，butrepentantchild。"
Mrs。Beauchampwassurprisedandaffected;sheknewnotwhattosay;
sheforesawtheagonythisinterviewwouldoccasionMr。Temple，whohadjustarrivedinsearchofhisCharlotte，andyetwassensiblethatthepardonandblessingofherfatherwouldsofteneventheagoniesofdeathtothedaughter。
Shehesitated。"Tellme，Madam，"criedhewildly，"tellme，Ibeseechthee，doesshelive？shallIseemydarlingonceagain？
Perhapssheisinthishouse。Lead，leadmetoher，thatImayblessher，andthenliedownanddie。"
Theardentmannerinwhichheutteredthesewordsoccasionedhimtoraisehisvoice。ItcaughttheearofCharlotte：
sheknewthebelovedsound：andutteringaloudshriek，shesprangforwardasMr。Templeenteredtheroom。"Myadoredfather。"
"Mylonglostchild。"Naturecouldsupportnomore，andtheybothsunklifelessintothearmsoftheattendants。
Charlottewasagainputintobed，andafewmomentsrestoredMr。Temple：
buttodescribetheagonyofhissufferingsispastthepowerofanyone，who，thoughtheymayreadilyconceive，cannotdelineatethedreadfulscene。Everyeyegavetestimonyofwhateachheartfelt——
butallweresilent。
WhenCharlotterecovered，shefoundherselfsupportedinherfather’sarms。Shecastonhimamostexpressivelook，butwasunabletospeak。Arevivingcordialwasadministered。
Shethenaskedinalowvoice，forherchild：itwasbroughttoher：
sheputitinherfather’sarms。"Protecther，"saidshe，"andblessyourdying——"
Unabletofinishthesentence，shesunkbackonherpillow：
hercountenancewasserenelycomposed;sheregardedherfatherashepressedtheinfanttohisbreastwithasteadfastlook;
asuddenbeamofjoypassedacrossherlanguidfeatures，sheraisedhereyestoheaven——andthenclosedthemforever。
CHAPTERXXXIV。
RETRIBUTION。
INthemeantimeMontravillehavingreceivedorderstoreturntoNew-York，arrived，andhavingstillsomeremainsofcompassionatetendernessforthewomanwhomheregardedasbroughttoshamebyhimself，hewentoutinsearchofBelcour，toenquirewhethershewassafe，andwhetherthechildlived。Hefoundhimimmersedindissipation，andcouldgainnootherintelligencethanthatCharlottehadlefthim，andthatheknewnotwhatwasbecomeofher。
"Icannotbelieveitpossible，"saidMontraville，"thatamindoncesopureasCharlotteTemple’s，shouldsosuddenlybecomethemansionofvice。Beware，Belcour，"continuedhe，"bewareifyouhavedaredtobehaveeitherunjustordishonourablytothatpoorgirl，yourlifeshallpaytheforfeit：——Iwillrevengehercause。"
Heimmediatelywentintothecountry，tothehousewherehehadleftCharlotte。Itwasdesolate。Aftermuchenquiryheatlengthfoundtheservantgirlwhohadlivedwithher。
FromherhelearntthemiseryCharlottehadenduredfromthecomplicatedevilsofillness，poverty，andabrokenheart，andthatshehadsetoutonfootforNew-York，onacoldwinter’sevening;
butshecouldinformhimnofurther。
Torturedalmosttomadnessbythisshockingaccount，hereturnedtothecity，but，beforehereachedit，theeveningwasdrawingtoaclose。
Inenteringthetownhewasobligedtopassseverallittlehuts，theresidenceofpoorwomenwhosupportedthemselvesbywashingthecloathsoftheofficersandsoldiers。Itwasnearlydark：
heheardfromaneighbouringsteepleasolemntollthatseemedtosaysomepoormortalwasgoingtotheirlastmansion：thesoundstruckontheheartofMontraville，andheinvoluntarilystopped，when，fromoneofthehouses，hesawtheappearanceofafuneral。
Almostunknowingwhathedid，hefollowedatasmalldistance;
andastheyletthecoffinintothegrave，heenquiredofasoldierwhostoodby，andhadjustbrushedoffatearthatdidhonourtohisheart，whoitwasthatwasjustburied。"Anpleaseyourhonour，"saidtheman，"’tisapoorgirlthatwasbroughtfromherfriendsbyacruelman，wholeftherwhenshewasbigwithchild，andmarriedanother。"
Montravillestoodmotionless，andthemanproceeded——"Imethermyselfnotafortnightsinceonenightallwetandcoldinthestreets;
shewenttoMadamCrayton’s，butshewouldnottakeherin，andsothepoorthingwentravingmad。"Montravillecouldbearnomore;hestruckhishandsagainsthisforeheadwithviolence;
andexclaiming"poormurderedCharlotte！"ranwithprecipitationtowardstheplacewheretheywereheapingtheearthonherremains。
"Hold，hold，onemoment，"saidhe。"ClosenotthegraveoftheinjuredCharlotteTempletillIhavetakenvengeanceonhermurderer。"
"Rashyoungman，"saidMr。Temple，""whoartthouthatthusdisturbestthelastmournfulritesofthedead，andrudelybreakestinuponthegriefofanafflictedfather。"
"IfthouartthefatherofCharlotteTemple，"saidhe，gazingathimwithmingledhorrorandamazement——"ifthouartherfather——IamMontraville。"
Thenfallingonhisknees，hecontinued——"Hereismybosom。
IbareittoreceivethestrokeImerit。Strike——strikenow，andsavemefromthemiseryofreflexion。"
"Alas！"saidMr。Temple，"ifthouwerttheseducerofmychild，thyownreflexionsbethypunishment。Iwrestnotthepowerfromthehandofomnipotence。Lookonthatlittleheapofearth，therehastthouburiedtheonlyjoyofafondfather。Lookatitoften;andmaythyheartfeelsuchtruesorrowasshallmeritthemercyofheaven。"
Heturnedfromhim;andMontravillestartingupfromtheground，wherehehadthrownhimself，andatthatinstantrememberingtheperfidyofBelcour，flewlikelightningtohislodgings。
Belcourwasintoxicated;Montravilleimpetuous：theyfought，andtheswordofthelatterenteredtheheartofhisadversary。
Hefell，andexpiredalmostinstantly。Montravillehadreceivedaslightwound;andovercomewiththeagitationofhismindandlossofblood，wascarriedinastateofinsensibilitytohisdistractedwife。
Adangerousillnessandobstinatedeliriumensued，duringwhichheravedincessantlyforCharlotte：butastrongconstitution，andthetenderassiduitiesofJulia，intimeovercamethedisorder。
Herecovered;buttotheendofhislifewassubjecttoseverefitsofmelancholy，andwhileheremainedatNew-Yorkfrequentlyretiredtothechurch-yard，wherehewouldweepoverthegrave，andregrettheuntimelyfateofthelovelyCharlotteTemple。
CHAPTERXXXV。
CONCLUSION。
SHORTLYaftertheintermentofhisdaughter，Mr。Temple，withhisdearlittlechargeandhernurse，setforwardforEngland。
Itwouldbeimpossibletodojusticetothemeetingscenebetweenhim，hisLucy，andheragedfather。Everyheartofsensibilitycaneasilyconceivetheirfeelings。Afterthefirsttumultofgriefwassubsided，Mrs。Templegaveupthechiefofhertimetohergrand-child，andasshegrewupandimproved，begantoalmostfancysheagainpossessedherCharlotte。
Itwasabouttenyearsafterthesepainfulevents，thatMr。andMrs。Temple，havingburiedtheirfather，wereobligedtocometoLondononparticularbusiness，andbroughtthelittleLucywiththem。
Theyhadbeenwalkingoneevening，whenontheirreturntheyfoundapoorwretchsittingonthestepsofthedoor。
Sheattemptedtoriseastheyapproached，butfromextremeweaknesswasunable，andafterseveralfruitlesseffortsfellbackinafit。
Mr。Templewasnotoneofthosemenwhostandtoconsiderwhetherbyassistinganobjectindistresstheyshallnotinconveniencethemselves，butinstigatedbytheimpulseofanoblefeelingheart，immediatelyorderedhertobecarriedintothehouse，andproperrestorativesapplied。
Shesoonrecovered;andfixinghereyesonMrs。Temple，cried——"Youknownot，Madam，whatyoudo;youknownotwhomyouarerelieving，oryouwouldcursemeinthebitternessofyourheart。Comenotnearme，Madam，Ishallcontaminateyou。
Iamtheviperthatstungyourpeace。IamthewomanwhoturnedthepoorCharlotteouttoperishinthestreet。Heavenhavemercy！
Iseehernow，"continuedshelookingatLucy;"such，suchwasthefairbudofinnocencethatmyvileartsblastedereitwashalfblown。"
ItwasinvainthatMr。andMrs。Templeintreatedhertobecomposedandtotakesomerefreshment。Sheonlydrankhalfaglassofwine;
andthentoldthemthatshehadbeenseparatedfromherhusbandsevenyears，thechiefofwhichshehadpassedinriot，dissipation，andvice，till，overtakenbypovertyandsickness，shehadbeenreducedtopartwitheveryvaluable，andthoughtonlyofendingherlifeinaprison;whenabenevolentfriendpaidherdebtsandreleasedher;butthatherillnessencreasing，shehadnopossiblemeansofsupportingherself，andherfriendswerewearyofrelievingher。"Ihavefasted，"saidshe，"twodays，andlastnightlaymyachingheadonthecoldpavement：
indeeditwasbutjustthatIshouldexperiencethosemiseriesmyselfwhichIhadunfeelinglyinflictedonothers。"
GreatlyasMr。TemplehadreasontodetestMrs。Crayton，hecouldnotbeholdherinthisdistresswithoutsomeemotionsofpity。
Hegavehershelterthatnightbeneathhishospitableroof，andthenextdaygotheradmissionintoanhospital;wherehavinglingeredafewweeks，shedied，astrikingexamplethatvice，howeverprosperousinthebeginning，intheendleadsonlytomiseryandshame。