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 LIBRARY 
 
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 See page 
 
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tit; 
 
 Spirit of tlje g»ptrtt* 
 
 El'.IXG A CONCISE 
 
 ABRIDGMENT 
 
 Of that papular and interesting JVoiIc, 
 THE 
 
 Spirit of the Book, 
 
 COMPRISING THE 
 
 PARTICULARS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 DELICATE ENQUIRY, 
 
 AND 
 
 & jHemotr of tfje Mt 
 
 OW THAT MOST VIRTUOUS AND 
 
 ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCESS, 
 
 RESPECTING WHOM IT CONCERNS. 
 
 " THE BOOK." — Any person having in their Possession a cer- 
 tain Book, printed by Mr, Edwards in 1807, but never published, 
 with W. Lindsell's Name as the seller of tbesame on the Title-page, 
 and will bring it to W. Lindsell, Bookseller, Wiinpole Street, will 
 receive a Handsome Gratuity. — Times Newspaper, March C ^T, 1SQ9. 
 
 L jYD jY: 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY W. MASON, 
 21, CLERKENWELL GREEN. 
 
 \S\2~ 
 
 PRICE EIGHTPENCt. 
 
ft 83.-/$ 
 
 THE 
 
 SPIRIT OF THE BOOK. 
 
 {This Work, in the Original, is in Letters, hot for the sake of room, 
 and to give a Concise View of the whole of it* contents, the Editor 
 of this Abridgment has written it in one.] 
 
 Letter from the Illustrious Princess Caroline to her Daughter 
 Charlotte. 
 
 XT is with great reluctance, my dear girl, that I am 
 forced to defend my honor and reputation. I have been 
 branded with the grossest suspicions and charges by my 
 accusers, whose conduct during u the delicate enquiry' 1 '' 
 evinces that this country is arrived at a state of depra- 
 vity similar to which the Romans attained previously to 
 the ruin of their empire. But " the book is suppressed^ 
 and you are told, that I, your unfortunate mother, am 
 not to be estimated at any value since u the enquiry 1 * 
 was thought necessary to be pursued. 
 
 66 The enquiry" has deliberately exposed me to cen- 
 sure and contempt. It exhibits me as a wretched out- 
 cast from society, who merits the scoffs and the scorns of 
 a merciless world, and it has robbed me of the society of 
 my husband and my daughter. Yes, my child, it has 
 cruelly bereaved me of the protection of these attach- 
 ments, and it is for the honor, the hope, and the comfort* 
 that have been blasted by the enquiry, that I write these 
 memoirs for YOU AND FOR POSTERITY. 
 
 It is not my present situation that you are to think of, 
 but my situation at the time when I enjoyed a father's 
 and a mother's love, with the purity of heaven in my 
 heart, aud when I sat among my own family, and heard 
 
4 
 
 the morality of a parental board. Estimate, my child, 
 the past, and compare it with its present deplorable di- 
 minution, in consequence of a. political marriage, and of 
 an INTERESTED enquiry. 
 
 I shall endeavour to prove, my Charlotte, that I have 
 strong claims both upon your affection, and upon the re- 
 spect of this nation. My accusers have said, that I in- 
 dulged in dress, in company, in a fondness for the 
 
 society of men of letters, — in a love for for 
 
 and for !! This, say they, constitutes my crime ! 
 
 but from whom but men hackneyed in the paths of shame 
 and vice ? — from whom, but women having no compunc- 
 tions in their own breasts to restrain them, could I ex* 
 pect such gross insults, and such a total disregard to the 
 feelings of others ? 
 
 A respect for Captains P e and M y, distin- 
 guished officers of the navy ; Sir J D s, and 
 
 Sir S y S h, a man whom every body loves, and 
 
 an orphan, the child of a most amiable woman, were 
 charges brought against me as a crime ; and a sense of 
 merit, is made the testimony of my guilt! Another 
 charge was "indiscreet confidences and acquaintances." 
 Honorable to myself is my unsuspecting confidence ! Be- 
 sides, to what a horrible alternative is it meant that En- 
 glish wives should be reduced, if confidence and hospita- 
 lity is to be interpreted into guilt and indiscretion ! My 
 despicable accusers likewise asserted, that I received 
 marked attentions ; and that when any gentleman pro- 
 posed to take a glass of wine, or hand me into my car- 
 riage, I tamely granted the honor, without attending to 
 my exalted rank ! it is true that I treated my friends 
 with the confidence of friends, and I never suspected my 
 innocent society would be represented by my accusers as 
 licentiousness, for the purpose of cutting off you, mij 
 child, from the inheritance to which you are entitled 
 by virtue of your mother's unfortunate marriage. Des- 
 titude of evidence, they could not make you, like me, a 
 wretched fugitive ; and found nothing that could degrade 
 
a child to which nature bore witness in legible characters^ 
 and when they looked in your face, they received the 
 most irrefragable proofs of the sacred observance of my 
 marriage obligations. 
 
 Before I can enter on the detail of M an enquiry," 
 which, for boldness of imposition, has never been paraL 
 led, it is necessary to describe my early days, and the 
 causes which led to a marriage that has been followed by 
 such lasting calamity. 
 
 The family from which I descend were memorable at 
 the earliest period of antiquity. The house of Hasburgh, 
 the principal one in Germany, has been celebrated by 
 every historian, both for the wisdom of its laws, and the 
 military disposition of its inhabitants; and my father, 
 the Duke, who was the head of his people, was the 
 first who advised the idea of a general confederation 
 against France. 
 
 Among the officers who served in my father's army 
 with the greatest reputation, was a young Irishman of 
 the name of C****** B*****. I shall, however, intro- 
 duce him to you under the name of Algernon. If a life 
 spent in the zealous cultivation of moral virtue deserves to 
 be recorded, it is that of Algernon's. He was originally 
 destined for arms, but for the liberal education he had 
 received, he did not enter the profession with the senti- 
 ments of a robber or a murderer. He had well studied 
 the Greek and Roman page, with music, painting, poe- 
 try, and eloquence, and bore the palm from all his rivals, 
 rising far above the rest of my father's friends. Having 
 attained a high rank in his profession, it was not unna- 
 tural for him to relax from his studies, and take some 
 interest in the attractions of my father's court, in which 
 there were many beautiful women. 
 
 At this period I was in the bloom of youth ; and, if 
 not beautiful, esteemed for elegance, literature, and wit. 
 If ever I thought of Algernon, it was from his being too 
 bright a star to be the subject of individual admiration. 
 When he appeared in public, every one ran to behold 
 
6 
 
 him ; and he possessed that tone of voice, and gTace ia 
 singing, which gave him a controul over every human 
 heart. To soften the character of a military court, he 
 composed several sonnets on love. These he was often 
 prevailed on to sing, when the harmony of his voice 
 gave new charms to the expression. In short, in all cir- 
 cles, nothing was talked of but Algernon; and his ac- 
 complishments became the theme of every tongue. So 
 great, indeed, was the esteem of my adorable mother for 
 him on account of his virtues and abilities, that she en- 
 trusted me to his instruction, and afforded him every op- 
 portunity of perfecting my knowledge of the English 
 language. In this important occupation, Algernon 
 showed himself worthy of the trust reposed in him. He 
 had no other view than finding out the truth for my im- 
 provement, and laying before me such important maxims 
 as would be most useful in the conduct of life. Instruc- 
 tion, thus carried on, became every day more delightful 
 and interesting to me; besides in this instruction, Al- 
 gernon was natural and easy ; often witty, and full of 
 humour ; and his reasoning refined, such as became a 
 complete gentleman. 
 
 Conversing with him one evening on a question in 
 which we differed in opinion, I suffered him to retire 
 with a cold indifference. The following morning I de- 
 scended to my mother's library to breakfast. Algernon 
 rose, and, in a polite manner, handed me a chair, and 
 seated me by the Duchess, instead of next to himself, 
 which was his usual practice. Trifling as this incident 
 may appear, it inspired me with the most painful sensa- 
 tions ; nor were they in the least removed, when he re- 
 sumed his place by the side of the countess of W , 
 
 who was considered the most beautiful and accomplished 
 woman of any of the German courts. This lady I shall 
 hereafter callMelina. After breakfast Melina and Alger- 
 non entered into a long conversation on religion ; and my 
 mother could njt forbear expressing her approbation of 
 Algernon's sentiments. I raised my head from my work. 
 
7 
 
 His attention was fixfd upon me ; and I resumed my 
 •work to hide the blushes which diffused nay cheek. TKey 
 grew warm in conversation, and Algernon, suddenly ri- 
 sing from his soar, exclaimed, u I had the misfortune to 
 offend the princess Caroline, by arguing against her con- 
 viction last night; I must not incur your displeasure, 
 lovely countess, this morning.'" On hearing my name 
 mentioned, I looked up with timidity. He bowed with 
 an expression of sensibility, and left the room. My 
 
 mother praited — Melina admired, and I alas! my 
 
 dear child, my sentiments toward him I shall hereafter 
 disclose. 
 
 Gracious god! what sentiments could I have toward 
 him? Does not this explain, in an affecting manner, the 
 origin of some romantic passion? What passion could 
 I feel? Algernon! a stranger, without fortune or rank ! 
 and I, a princess royally endowed and allied! could 
 there be any hopes on my part, any pretensions on his ? 
 I therefore concluded that Melina was the happy object 
 of his choice. 
 
 With a mind thus tranquillized, t resolved to discover 
 Melina's fafe, and, the first favourable opportunity, I 
 took a solitary ramble, and af(er a short time, discovered 
 Algernon sitting at the end of a favourite walk in the 
 garden ; attentively reading Pope's Windsor Forest. 
 As soon as our first interview was over, I endeavoured 
 to assume that openness of soul, and that flow of good 
 humour, which ever formed my natural character. I in- 
 quired, what grave moralist it was that so engaged his 
 attention, as he did not observe me till I approached 
 close to him. He replied, that as his disquisitions had 
 before given offence, he should not wish them again to be 
 attended with the like calamity. 
 
 This mild reproach was uttered with so much gentle- 
 ness, that I felt my heart swell with sorrow. My eyes 
 filled with tears, and I was at the point of soliciting for- 
 giveness for the " cold indifference" with which I lately 
 separated from him, when, with a generous indignation 
 
8 
 
 he saved me from such humility, taking me by the hand, 
 and saying — u A nature so transcendently kind and ex- 
 cellent, can give no offence. Suspicion or evil must be 
 foreign to a being of vsuch angelic goodness and benefi- 
 cence ! A mind like your's, is one of those choicer boun- 
 ties of heaven, which are bestowed only on some few ex- 
 alted and favourite spirits.— Suppose you look into your- 
 self," added he, Ci and examine the state of your own 
 heart. What more lovely object can you contemplate ? 
 Tell me, is it not free from folly and from guilt, and from 
 every thing but goodness, grace, and loveliness ? Is it 
 not—?" 
 
 I remained silent, confused, and agitated. While he 
 was yet speaking, I had examined my heart, and the state 
 of my affections, and the scrutiny filled my mind with 
 apprehensions. Whether he perceived that he was the 
 cause of my confusion, I know not, for taking me by the 
 hand, he raised me from the seat, and we proceeded in 
 silence to the palace. 
 
 On the following day Algernon had little more than 
 time to give some necessary orders, in his quality of my 
 father's aid-de-camp, before the heat of the day was so 
 far over, as to invite us abroad in one of the most de- 
 lightful evenings I ever witnessed. After much conver- 
 sation on the beauties of nature, he gave a turn to the 
 conversation, and observed u of all natural speculations, 
 there is none more calculated to refine the mind, than 
 the theory of the heart, and a knowledge of its affec- 
 tions. — Have you, lovely princess! as I observed last 
 evening, looked into yourself? Do you know the cha- 
 racter and tendency of your affections ?" At this instant 
 Melina came to reproach us for our absence, and to 
 summons us to a party formed in the great hall. 
 
 The badness of the weather for some days interrupted 
 our walks and conversations, and produced an unaccount- 
 able coldness of the most studied nature between us. — 
 Melina, who always appeared anxious to attract his at. 
 teution, now took the opportunity of engrossing the 
 
 \ , 
 
whole of his society, and I, from jealousy or resentment, 
 affected to enjoy the adoration of the Prussian Prince 
 L s, at that time a visitor at my father's court. 
 
 Thus circumstanced, one beautiful evening, after ram- 
 bling in a grove oNaurels till the lamp of night arose 
 aud silvered the objects around me, I seated myself 
 on the bank of a rivulet. A weeping willow spread over 
 me its branches; and an antique tower, partly in ruins, 
 and clothed with ivy, with a few neighbouring yews and 
 cypresses, were the only objects to be seen. Scarcely 
 had I seated myself, when my ears were assailed by the 
 advance of footsteps, and, to my surprise, I perceived 
 Mel in a, attended by Algernon, approach tfie tower, and 
 repose themselves oq a seat between the gate and the 
 stream. The moon illuminated tke manly countenance 
 of Algernon. I could see thai Molina regarded him with 
 a gentle smile. 1 could see, alas ! perhaps 1 only thought 
 I saw, that he looked upon her with a fond complacency, 
 and that he listened with rapture to all she said. 
 
 With a silent step, and a heart throbbing with agony, 
 I passed to a spot where I could remain concealed, al- 
 though nearer to them. Fatal curiosity ! I could not. 
 help confessing that Melina appeared a being of the mo^t 
 angelic form. A mantle of paie sapphire hung over h< r 
 shoulders to the ground ; her flaxen hair fell in waving 
 curls on her fine neck, and a white veil, nearly transpa- 
 rent, shaded her face ; as she lifted it up, she sighed, 
 and continued for some moments silent. Algernon, 
 adorned with the most manly features, with eyes bent 
 toward her, thus addressed her:—" Why does that sigh 
 distend thy bosom? Why does that blush prevade thy 
 cheek ? you, who are destined to augment the felicity of 
 
 some favored mortal ? What can r" u O never! 
 
 never ! dare I tell you," exclaimed Molina. She then 
 fixed her eyes on the surface of the water; the moon 
 sported on the wave, and all nature seemed Mshed to at- 
 tend to the sweet accents of Algernon. 
 
10 
 
 " Amiable Melina," said "he, "tell me, I conjure yon, 
 the cause of your uneasiness. Let me know what tender 
 passion dwells in your breast." — " Know then, noble 
 youth," exclaimed Melina, "that passion is for Alger- 
 non, and it is him alone upon whom my happiness de- 
 pends." Scarcely had she pronounced these words, 
 when she fell exhausted into the arms of Algernon. I 
 dropt lifeless to the ground, and, on recovering, heard 
 the loud tolling of the palace bell, and the voices of thos« 
 who were sent in pursuit of us. 
 
 The affecting manner in which Melina declared the 
 enthusiasm of her love, and the congenial return it seemed 
 to meet with, generated a fever which confined me to my 
 bed. My father was inconsolable, andmy motherwatched 
 with urrcea^ing care over (he safety of her child. In 
 exercising thii painful oiiice, she discovered the true 
 origin and cause of my disorder; but nature and reason 
 concurred to induce her to forgive me. To hasten my 
 recovery, she even condescended to speak of Algernon, 
 and, instead of meanly endeavouring to diminish his me- 
 rit, she increased, by her praises, the splendid reputation 
 he had already acquired. This generosity on her part 
 encouraged me to speak my mind without restraint; 
 "Heaven knows," said I, "in all my love, it is him, 
 and him only I seek for. I look for no dowry and alli- 
 ances by marriage ! I am even insensible to the pride of 
 my own birth, and the value of my own acquisitions. In 
 the name of his wife, there is something more fascinating 
 than all the tities that glitter on the crowns of princes. 
 But where is Algernon? Tell me, dear mother ! where 
 is Algornon ? Is it true that he loves Melina ? is it true 
 that I am no more to behold the man whom I am for ever 
 destined to adorer" 
 
 "Fear not," replied my mother. She then read to me 
 a letter from Melina, iQ which she acknowledged the pas- 
 sion she had for Algernon, and her unsuccessful disclo- 
 sure of it to him ; at the same time hoping that, as he most 
 vstieqiivocui'y declared in favor of me, that she might 
 
If 
 
 still retain my friendship, as she would en dearonr to for- 
 get him. Melina likewise acknowledged, that she had 
 ungenerously endeavoured to gain his aifectionsby telliug 
 him that a violent attachment existed between me and 
 
 Prince L s; and that, in consequence, he had applied 
 
 to the Duke for leave of absence, and set olf for Paris, 
 with all the appearance of a broken heart and a tortured 
 mind. 
 
 Nothing could equal my distress, my joy, my astonish- 
 ment, at the contents of Melina's letter. My first con- 
 cern was to undeceive Algernon. Prince L s, who, 
 
 from his infancy, entertained for me a brotherly kindness 
 and affection, and with whom I had been brought up as 
 a sister, immediately resolved to set oft' for Paris, to dis- 
 cover Algernon, to inform him of his error, and of his 
 happiness, and to bring him back to a society in which 
 he was so lamented and adored. Im this, after some lit- 
 tle trouble, he happily succeeded. He was son convin- 
 ced by Prince L s there was not the smallest ground 
 
 of jealousy, and, being perfectly assured of my inte- 
 grity and my innocence, they immediately set out on their 
 return, which caused so much agitation in my breast, 
 that it was not deemed prudent for me to see them till 
 the following day. A long, long nignt, therefore, had 
 to pass away, before I could fix my eyes on my beloved 
 and faithful Algernon. 
 
 In the course of the succeeding day he was introduced 
 to— me by the duchess. He advanced, knelt, took my 
 hand, and vainly attempted to speak, clasping my hand 
 incessantly to his lips, while his fixed looks revealed 
 every circumstance of his thoughts. " Imagine not," 
 said the duchess, u that 1 am ignorant of your worth ; 
 no, I call upon heaven to witness, that I !iave always re- 
 garded you as my son. I have no objection to your mar- 
 riage with Caroline — take her to your arms ! It shall be 
 my duty to reconcile you to the Duke. Be happy ! my 
 son • be happy !" 
 
12 
 
 By an irresistable impulse, at the same instant, Alger- 
 non caught me in his arms, and my cheek found a sweet 
 resting place on his shoulder ; while my fond parent 
 made an effort to seal with her blessing those sacred, 
 those delightful vows, each beating heart was for the first 
 time making to the other. 
 
 Cm I foresaw that I should have my portion of delight," 
 
 interrupted prince L s; " take this ring, Algernon,' 
 
 and let me unite your hands till the Duke consents to a 
 more holy rite." — Algernon, on hearing this, s-prung 
 from his knees, and, raising me with the mo*t endearing 
 tenderness, put the ring on my finger, and kissed my ex- 
 tended hand with the most fervent rapture. 
 
 Thus, a very few minutes, to the astonishment even of 
 the immediate parties, witnessed the happiness of two 
 lovers, who, hitherto, had only dared to love each other 
 in secret. Being still weak, my dear friends shortly 
 afterward left me to repose. 
 
 In the mean time my father's court had received the 
 acquisition of several English visitors of distinction ; 
 and nothing could offend my father more than to find 
 them treated with indifference, indeed, he valued that 
 nation more than any other country, and often declared, 
 that he would prefer to see me the wife of an English 
 prince, to that of being the empress of the largest or 
 richest nation in the whole world. 
 
 At this period a commissioner arrived from the house 
 of Albion, who had previously sent home some portraits- 
 of protestant princesses; as the HEIR TO THAT 
 HOUSK, as I was informed by Algernon, " was com- 
 pelled to marry some foreign PROTESTANT PRIN-. 
 CESS ; as his father refused to discharge his enor- 
 mous debts, about half a million, till that event; and 
 likewise consent to live with more regularity, and at the 
 same time secure a progressive line of descent to the 
 HOUSE. I no sooner heard of the business of the com- 
 missioner, than I suspected some design upon my peace; 
 tome interruption to my felicity. 
 
In 
 O 
 
 Shortly after this my father gave a dinner party, to 
 which all our English visitors were invited; and- 1 de- 
 termined to surprise them with a little concert, in which 
 I resolved to take a principal part. After dinner, we 
 adjourned to the drawing room, when* the gentlemen so- 
 licited Melina and myself to indulge them with a few 
 German airs. We complied, and were in the midst of 
 " Life let us Cherish," when Algernon, who had been 
 on duty, entered the room, — and, on hearing us, he ex- 
 claimed — 
 
 11 Hark ! to the mugic of the trembling sphere ! , 
 H What nightingales do sing in concert here?" 
 
 However affected we were by this elegant exclamation, 
 he continued — 
 
 " To hear =uch melting echo softly move, 
 Narcissus like ! who would not die in love ?" 
 
 upon which an expression of rapturous admiration burst 
 from every tongue, and every eye was turned upon 
 the inspired Algernon. If I did not utter my sentiments 
 publicly, I was charmed to hear from others, that he was 
 a man who could be admired, and perhaps equalled by 
 none. 
 
 The non-arrival of the expected visitor from England, 
 and the departure of our visitors, left me at liberty, the 
 day after the concert, to renew my evening walks with 
 the beloved and accomplished Algernon. When we first 
 entered the garden we remained some time silent. At 
 length he addressed me with his usual flow of eloquence 
 and sentiment. u Oh ! thou serene and silver moon," 
 exclaimed he-, « be witness to my sighs ; and you peace- 
 ful groves, how often have you sighed, after me, the 
 name of Caroline ! Thus must my youthful days perish, 
 if Caroline should disdain my love. But when I perish, 
 mayest thou then, surrounded with all earthly bliss, en- 
 joy the most enchanting pleasures in the arms of a more 
 amiab!e, a more happy lover !" 
 
 "No! distracting fiiought!" cried I, " no, never. 
 Why do you thus torment my soul ? Have I not givea 
 
u 
 
 you every hope ? Do I not smile upon you ? when I sing 
 and play on the harp in your presence, do you not 
 see that ray lips tremble, and that my lingers run wildly 
 o'er the neglected wire r" 
 
 " Then I still behold some glimmering rays of hope," 
 uttered he, with an expression of joy and exultation. 
 u Caroline loves her Algernon. Siie reclines her head 
 upon my breast ! — Come, let my kisses catch the tears of 
 love which glisten on her cheeks! ' 
 
 I rose up with precipitation, and confused, silent, and 
 supported by his arm, I reached the palace, retired to 
 my chamber, and there abandoned my mind to all the 
 delightful reveries of the most pure and exalted love. 
 
 The evening J have just described was followed by a 
 night of horror and perturbation. The image of Algernon 
 was perpetually before my eyes, in a bleeding and pro- 
 strate condition, but I could neither raise him from the 
 ground, nor dare to tell how much I loved him. Scarcely 
 had I rose in the morning, when I was summoned to 
 breakfast. Algernon was absent, my father looked oc- 
 cupied ! my mother had the appearance of having been 
 in tears, and it appeared to me that every eye regarded 
 me with an unusual expression of tenderness. The re- 
 past being over, my father rose, and, in a serious manner, 
 desired to converse with me in his closet. On entering 
 his study his look assumed that warlike spirit for which 
 he was so eminent, and the affections of a father appeared 
 totally extinguished ! " Caroline, " said he, u I was one* 
 ranked among the great generals of modern times, and 
 my sole ambition is, to be placed on the list of the greatest 
 warriors ; but a series of disappointments on my part^ 
 and successes on that of the French, obtain for them the 
 character of great generals, and sink me in the opinion 
 of the world. Fatigued, discouraged, and almost ex- 
 hausted, it is in vain that I endeavoured w^ith straining 
 eyes to gather a ray of hope in that vast horizon where 
 the sun of German glory seems set for ever. Deprived 
 of all hopes in my native land, I look to England as the 
 
15 
 
 theatre of future glory ; and I am happy to tell yon, my 
 daughter, that a circumstance has just come to my know- 
 ledge which affords me the truest felicity, and promises 
 success to all my designs. An express has just rearhrd 
 me, that the Duke of Albion has insisted upon the im- 
 mediate marriage of his eldest son, the Marquis; that, 
 in compliance with a law which governs that illustrious 
 family, a foreign p^otestant princess has been selected 
 for his wife; portraits of all • uch have been submitted to 
 his judgment, and he, my Caroline, has had the discri- 
 mination to make choice of you." 
 
 My father had no sooner pronounced the unfortunate 
 choice of the Marquis of Albion, than ra.ge and indig- 
 nation took possession of my breast. " Who, sir," ex- 
 claimed (, u do you think that your daughter can eat< r 
 into a cold political engagement with a man who is a 
 stranger to her heart? No, sir, rather let me dwell in 
 wretchedness, or else marry a man of a congenial natare ; 
 a man of integrity and honor, interested in my happiness 
 and welfare." 
 
 " Cease, cease, perverse girl !" exclaimed my father; 
 " a long habit of affectionate indulgence has, 1 perceive, 
 made you lose all idea of respect and obedience. You 
 Lave lost every desire to be of service to your father and 
 to your country. You feel for none but yourself, you 
 feel not for t)\e prosperity ef your family, you consider 
 not that the Marquis is 1« ir-apparent to the most exten- 
 sive power and estates; that, by your marriage with him. 
 you will revive the former lustre of your house, and gra- 
 tify the ambition of a father ! This address broke my 
 spirits, and gave me a look of resignation by whien he 
 was deceived. He took me to his bosom, and kiss* d my 
 cheek. I flung my arms round his venerable neck, and 
 for an instant both enjoyed the sweetest testimony of 
 parental affection. 
 
 " You consent then, my child," resumed my father. 
 " No, sir," said L gaining strength from despair, U no, 
 
16 
 
 sir, never shall I consent to a marriage cold, forced, and 
 political."—" What, never ! dare you say never !" rei- 
 terated my father!— 44 Yes, I repeat it," said I, in frantic 
 agony, " I say never — never, shall I give my hand to 
 any— but to— to— Algernon;" upon which my father's 
 rage rose so high, that he struck me to the ground, 
 where I remained senseless, till restored by the tender 
 cares of a kind mother and my attendants. 
 
 The following day my father again addressed me on this 
 most hateful subject. " Caroline,'* said he, " it is in 
 vain to reject the hand of the Marquis : I must be obey- 
 ed; rise, and hearken to my resolution. Amid the ruin of 
 my ambition, there was but one tie left to hold me to the 
 •world; and that was you. I have long anticipated your 
 elevation by marriage. Do, my child, yield to my earnest 
 entreaty ; consent that the nuptial tie shall join your 
 hands. Preparations shall be quickly made for your 
 marriage by proxy, and the festival shall be celebrated 
 •with all the dignity becoming your birth." 
 
 Finding that I continued inflexible, he left the room, 
 desiring my mother to see that I obeyed him before twen- 
 ty-four hours should elapse. My mother wept, and at 
 the same time wiped the tears from my streaming eyes. 
 An explanation of the tenderest kind ensued, and she at 
 length observed : " Caroline, my love, it is in vain to 
 resist your father. Since his defeat in France, he seems 
 capable of feeling no sentiment, of uttering no thought, 
 but those which relate to the recovery of his glory. >Tis 
 in vain to oppose him ; if you do, you will expose your 
 mother to all his fury for suiTering your intimacy with 
 Algernon, and you will consign your lover to those 
 hideous dungeons where the victims of your father's dis- 
 pleasure already linger; where they clank their heavy 
 chains in darkness, and where loathsome vermin are 
 their only companions, and the constant witnesses of 
 their groans and tears." 
 
 My father returned as my mother concluded ; and he, 
 from what motive I know not, congratulated my mother 
 
17 
 
 •n her success. Unable to speak, my silence compro- 
 mised my hoDor, and I was hurried into the appearance 
 of giving a flagitious consent to a union vrhich ray 
 soul abhorred. 
 
 After a restless night, I arose early the following 
 morning, and opened the window which looked into a 
 garden on the east side of the palace, where I perceived 
 Algernon busily engaged in conversation with the gar- 
 dener. From the smiles of Algernon, I could well com- 
 prehend him a stranger to all that had passed. I descen . 
 ded to the garden, and with a slow step, and palpitating 
 heart, advanced towards him. The change he beheld in 
 me seemed to fill him with terror. No more the lustre of 
 my eye sparkled ; no more their timid glances turned on 
 Algernon, to cheer, as they were wont, his adoring heart. 
 I again, however, felt the influence of his presence, and 
 for a moment forgot the griefs that laboured within me; 
 but soon, alas ! they resumed their position. The measure 
 of my woes seemed full and running over. While agita- 
 ted with contending emotions, Algernon had conducted 
 me to a seat, and, having placed himself beside me, he 
 exclaimed, "Caroline ! wilt thou not speak to me? wilt 
 thou not let me share the grief thy lojks tell me thou 
 canst but ill conceal ?" 
 
 "Ah Algernon," cried I, " would I had never known 
 the powerful influence of love ; T then should not have 
 to endure the conflicting emotions that agitate my soul, 
 anil destroy all my felicities." 
 
 " And has lov*, my Caroline, made thee so," inter- 
 rupted he. " When first thy \ips confessed thy heart 
 wasjmine, I fondly thought you seemed not then miserable, 
 but rather filled with heavenly joy and transport, res- 
 trained only by timid, soul enchanting modesty, thy love- 
 ly countenance breathed an air of bewitching ravishment, 
 and thy whole mien spoke the most ecstatic teuderness ; 
 when, sunk into my arms, thou supportedst thy beau- 
 teous head against my breast, and sufferedst me to clasp 
 thy winning form to the heart that beat only for thee. 
 
18 
 
 With eyes downcast, and blooming cheeks blushing like 
 the lovely rose, you listened to the soft whispers of love ; 
 and, with a tongue of seraphic music, exchanged with me, 
 in acents low and unconnected, vows of unshaken and 
 inviolable fidelity : while I hung enamoured over thee ; 
 beheld thy fascinating features glow with ineffable sweet- 
 ness ; saw thy enchanting bosom heave with transport 
 undissembled as as you murmured out protestations of 
 eternal love, which was answered in an incoherent train 
 of rapturous fondness. Then, oh then ! what transport! 
 what delight abounded in me ! Surely such wondrous 
 joy never was raised in the heart of man as I then felt ! 
 Let the recollection of that blessed hour attune thy heart 
 once more to love, and banish sorrow from that gentle 
 bosom!" 
 
 " Algernon !" exclaimed I, "happiness is torn for 
 ever from me ; and my heart, in losing you, has lost its 
 all. Now, Algernon, collect all thy fortitude to sustain 
 this shock! summon thy noble spirit to aid thee at this 
 trying moment, lest thou shouldst sink beneath it, and 
 become unable <o support our eternal separation!" 
 
 " Separation! eternal separation! what means my 
 Caroline ?" cried the frantic Algernon. " I will never 
 part from thee till this body lies breathless; for thou art 
 my love, my life, my all !" — " Yes, Algernon, I repeat it, 
 we must for ever part!" — " In pity, rack not my brains 
 with the wild thoughts of another happier lover wresting 
 thy affections from me. Speak! dispel my doubts! te?ll 
 me they are unfounded, or that Prince L s is a vil- 
 lain !"—" Oh, Algernon ! forgive me!" cried I, " Prince 
 
 L s is your dearest friend ! — A B h peer, the 
 
 Marquis of Albion, is the only enemy you possess. To 
 him it is that I am by violence to be allied ! Oh, Alger. 
 ion, fly ! fly ! here are persons come in pursuit. But 
 rcark me, should my father's severity affect my life be- 
 fore the prosecution of this marriage, for my sake, for 
 the sake of your Caroline, be to my father a serfant— to 
 my mother, a friend!" 
 
J9 
 
 I fell upon his shoulder, and wept bitterly. lie clasped 
 me to his breast. We were conducted to breakfast by 
 
 Melina and Prince L s, who found us in this 
 
 agonising state, and who in some measure restored us by 
 flattering hopes to ourselves. At breakfast I wai treated 
 by my father with peculiar tenderness and affection ; nor 
 did Algernon escape his notice. He conversed with him 
 with unusual affability, and enquired how he had spent 
 his time during his stay at Paris. 
 
 Several days elapsed without any particular event oc- 
 curring; it was evident, however, that the grand catas- 
 trophe was not barely anticipated, and that nothing 
 could arise capable of obstruc'ing the proposed union 
 with flu- marquis of Albion, a mm whom I ne\er beh< Id. 
 Thinking myself justified by the tyranny of such circum- 
 stances to despise the ordinary rales of decorum, I 
 resolved to consult with Algtrnon, on the first oppor- 
 tunity. 
 
 This did not instantly occur. I at length met him 
 reclining on his favourite seat, near *he old ruin in the 
 garden. The deepest sorrow was visible in his face, 
 u Madam,'* said he, with a faultering voice, M it is my 
 
 duty to retire, and not to as^ou are betrothed to 
 
 the MaTquis of Albion.'' — ' No, sir," I replied, "lam 
 not betrothed to the marquis ; my consent is only implied. 
 Be assured, then, that l love you ; that I love you with 
 more ardor than « ver, and that I will do every thing in 
 my power to confer upon you my fortune, my person, 
 and my heart — all that the most unbounded passion can 
 desire 1" 
 
 He tried to speak, and fell on his knees by my sirle, 
 cUfpiug my hands with mingled tran-poits of felicity 
 an,: terror. I can only call to mind, that we alternately 
 renewed a tLousaud protestations of everlasting love, 
 that our hearts dwelt with transport on our intended 
 felicity, and that we agreed to lly— with wings of low t# 
 fly— — to Ireland, to the father of Algernon. 
 
$0 
 
 It was finally resolved that Algernon should, in the 
 first instance, immediately repair to Ireland, and there 
 prepare for my reception ; attach some brave country- 
 men to his cause ; then return by way of Hamburgh, 
 there hire a vessel for our speedy conveyance, and on 
 his route to my father's court from Hamburgh plant re- 
 lays of horses, and station his most trusty companions 
 and friends. .Thus did every thing prophesy the happiest 
 fruition to our views ; and in a short time Algernon de- 
 parted, having procured leave of the Duke to visit his 
 father, lu a short time I receive^ a letter from him, 
 stating, M that everything had succeeded to his warmest 
 wishes ; that his friends lent their aid to all his desires; 
 and that he was about to return and secure the hand of 
 his Caroline, or perish in the attempt!" 
 
 Some time afterward, while working at the window, I 
 •hserved some horsemen at a distance, whom I imme- 
 diately left the palace to meet, and gladly found to be 
 some friends of Algernon's. One of them, of noble mien, 
 thus addressed me : ¥ 1 am his friend, and would not 
 allow him to approach your father's capital, as it might 
 lead to a discovery of his intentions. I have compelled 
 him to wait disguised a few leagues distant. Here is a 
 Jetter intreating you to arrange your flight, and then to 
 repair with me to the place where you both shall meet, 
 never, it is hoped, to be separated more. Prepare then, 
 madam, without delay. Your passion, I perceive, is 
 equally ardent and reciprocal, and may providence pre- 
 serve it from interruption!" 
 
 I suggested no difficulty to delay a moment to fly on 
 the wings of love to the amiable Algernon, and having 
 •ntered into particulars with the interesting stranger, 
 we formed a plan the most likely to be attended with' 
 success. 
 
 And is it to be wondered at that I entertained for him 
 so sincere, so sacred an affection? lie was educated with 
 my brother, whom 1 ten.ierly loved. I saw the youth, 
 under my father's protection, increase in stature and m 
 
21 
 
 knowledge. T saw him most loved and most praised. Tie 
 stood high in the world's estimation. 1 was satisfied 
 that to none more deserving could I render so d« ar a 
 gift as my heart, and dear it was to the gentle Algernon. 
 He had placed his affections on me long before he dared 
 to hope for my concurrence. Nor had he long to plead. 
 I soon confessed, with virgin hesitation, while the blusU 
 of tiuiid modesty mangled in crimson hue upon my cheek, 
 that my heart was hit, and that the nuptial tie, in spite 
 of destiny, should join eur hands, as love had united our 
 hearts. 
 
 In compliance with the arrangements I had entered 
 
 in 4 o vi'h L — (1 K d F z G d, the nobje- 
 
 stranger, I abandoned the place of my birth, and met 
 him at the time and sit.ia r ioi previously marked ont. Ti*e 
 clock had just struck midnight, and, clinging in speech- 
 lets agitation to my fearless deliverer, I trembled for the 
 moment I should behold Algernon, and breathe a more 
 vivifying air. Having assumed the garb of an English 
 youth, we proceeded on horseback to the concealment of 
 my lover. Scarce could I keep my seat, so much did the 
 appearance of every thing, and the reverberation of every 
 sound, threaten and terri'y me. We reached it by »un» 
 Ti-e, whither, on alighting from my horse, Algernon came 
 to my support, and, with a dear embrace, cheered mf 
 drooping spirits. After some refreshment we pursued 
 ouc journey, AJgernon riding close by my side, and L — d 
 
 E attending to the conduct of his party « the 
 
 whole led by a ; 'i le who professed to know flhe passes 
 and defiles ol the mountainous country through which 
 prudence directed us to pursue the principal part of the 
 remainder of our way. In a march so toilsome and te. 
 dious, our progress was perpetually retardel by almost 
 inacces-io'e decliviries and rocky sedges, scarce render, 
 ing ^pace or foot-hold for our horses. Faint, and ex- 
 hiu^ted with unavailing labour and solicitude, our party 
 agreed to hilt for the nig'it, aid with heart-felt alacrity 
 they stretched their weary length under the shelter of 
 
22 
 
 the hanging rork. Seated on a* projecting eminence, 
 Algernon and i tndeavoured to mitigate the sense of our 
 situation. Fortunately for us, as <je rested, the moon 
 shone with its utmost splendor, and afforded us light to 
 view the wild beauty of the ^ ro pert. After amusing 
 ourselves by admiring the truly picturesque scenery about 
 Us, Algernon started, and thought- he perceived the 
 deficient light of the night supp'ied by an artificial illu- 
 mination in a distant part of the route we had traversed* 
 the .preceding day. Alas! his conjecture was but too 
 correct ; the darkness of the val'ey was dispersed by the 
 bright blazing of torches, and voices were heard, and 
 people discovered, as if searching about the rocks, and" 
 looking- far some person or some object, with a more 
 ikttr ordinary degree of impatience. He made no reply 
 thafl can remember to my enquiries; but never shall I 
 forget the awful solemnity and mariner of his app-arance. 
 With an endearing tenderness he disengaged himself 
 from my arms, and looked si elitly upon his sword, which 
 he drew from the scabbard. Never did I behold him so 
 patient and resigned, so cool and determinate. But the 
 courage of Algernon was not the only subject of my ad- 
 miration As the lights approached, he told me briefly, 
 that he was convinced we were pursued, and, in exhorting 
 me to resolution, he employed a vigour of intellect that 
 elevated him to every exigence, without amazement, 
 terror, or confusion. In the interval the noble-minded 
 
 L — d E d was indefatigable. He placed the strength 
 
 of his party at the pass, leaving me to ihe protection of 
 Algernon in a spot the most likely to preserve us con- 
 cealed. 
 
 In an instant a figure suddenly appeared from an ave- 
 nue among the rocks, and called on me thrice by my 
 name u Choline ! Caroline ! Caroline !!" To my ears, 
 the v-o.ice sounded more than human, and I shrunk invo- 
 luntarily on my knees, holding Algtrnon by the hand. 
 But what was my (error and dismay when other figures 
 ^tted the *c«ne; when cm* and imprecations were 
 
23 
 
 hra-rrl ; when fn<* dashing of swords and the report of 
 pi^toN renf the skies ; an 1 when Algernon, rushing from 
 my z.r^p, plunged in f o the bosom of the fight, and left 
 cv pro trite 01 the ground ! Recovering by degrees, I 
 heard my name agiin rev* rbera'ing from rock <o rock; 
 and beheld a figure, leaning upon his sword, with his* 
 eyes anxiously bint upon me. The figure waved hit 
 hand, and exclaimed, u Caroline! Daughter! unfortu- 
 nate, wretched, disobedi-nt girl! rise, rise, and follow 
 me! Cherish no further errors! Be no longer ignorant ! 
 A'g"rnon, a^id ! 1 1 *= infitu ited b inditti, while striking at' 
 your fi'her's, brother'-, and friend's lives, were destroy* d 
 and subdued! Rise, girl ! follow your father, and learn 
 in futot* to love and to obey him !" I was soon con- 
 vinced i was my father; but it was in vain he told me 
 to rise. The words — M Algernon was destroyed and 
 subdued" rooted me to the ground, and 1 was carried 
 olT, frantic with despair ! 
 
 The remembrance I possess of what passed on my re- 
 turn to the palace is very imperfect ; but the . ariecting 
 manner in which [ was received by my mother made an 
 impression on my heart never to escape my memory. " 
 41 Mother of my life !" said I, " tell me, dear mother, 
 have J lost Algernon for ever ? Does he live ? or is he 
 dead? speak! if dead, may I perish on thy breast! if 
 living, let me bathe thy bosom with tears of happiness" 
 and joy !"— u He lives ! he lives! my child," exclaimed 1 
 my tender mother. — At this instant my brother entered, 
 with his arm sustained in a handkerchief. I shrunk 
 back. " Be not alar red, dear madam," cried he, 
 ii there is no blood of any consequence spilt. Algernon 
 fought nobly. In the first in tance the prospect was 
 bright on his side. He gave me this wound, and my foot 
 slipping, I fell to the ground. My father, like a lion en- 
 raged, then attacked him. Algernon parried, but never 
 thrust. I was obliged to rise from the earth to succour 
 our party, who were pushed to extremity by the people 
 undtr the command of L — d E d. My arrival ta- 
 
St 
 
 ee-uraged them : they defeated their enemies ; but L--<! 
 
 E d cut his way through, and rushed to the assistance 
 
 of Algernon, who was closely pressed by my father and 
 
 two of his officers. L--d K d, seeing that his friend 
 
 merely parried with my father, was about to strike at 
 the duke's existence, an hen Algernon exclaimed, 'fly ! 
 fly ! leave me to my destiny !' on this he dropped on one 
 Knee, and presented my father with his sword. The 
 gallant youth has received some scratches ; he is now a 
 prisoner in the Black Tower, and it is my father's decree 
 that he shall remain there till the hour that announce! 
 Caroline the zcife of the Marquis of Albion." 
 
 Upon this my mother endeavoured to persuade me, 
 that I ought to thank heaven that 1 had the power of 
 restoring him to liberty. u Remember, my child," said 
 she, u that you professed to love him. Let that remem- 
 brance fortify your mind, is it showing lo\e to the ob- 
 ject of your affections to let him pine in solitude, in 
 misery, and in chains ?" I was unable to make any re- 
 ply ; upon which my mother conducted me to my cham- 
 ber, where from illness I Mas confined several day«. 
 During this interval the utmost activity prevailed to pre- 
 cipitate my wedding wilh the Marquis, and, when 1 ap- 
 peared abroad, my ears were assailed with congratu- 
 lations, and my eyes disgusted with preparations for the 
 pompous ceremony which was about to be performed. 
 Even from society I could not conceal my sensations, 
 but often wept bitterly. I had not emerged from this 
 8ta:e, nor had the n port of my u fortunate flight been 
 bribed or hushed inco oblivion, before the proxy for the 
 Marquis arrived, attended by a prints ly suite, and two 
 ladies of distinction. The circumstances under which 
 this fatal marriage was brought a'jout are not sufficiently 
 understood ; I shall relate them in a few words: on his 
 marriage wi h me his debts w« re to be discharged. Con. 
 Ti nience then was the ground-work of his consent; and 
 so ignorant was he of my princip'es, and of my passion 
 for auoaier, that he expected 1 would give my hand te 
 
25 
 his proxy with delight, and fly into his presence with al- 
 most maddening admiration ; he therefore took no pains 
 to win me to his arms ; so little, that one of the ladies 
 sent by him to arrange my person, was a favorite who 
 had endeavoured to debauch his mind, and corrupt every 
 virtuous feelrhg of his heart. This profligate adultress 
 is yet in existence; she is the author of all my degrada- 
 tion and despair. Posterity will I trust do me justice by 
 execrating the memory of this infamous countess. Perhaps 
 it will scarcely be believed, 1 should have been driven 
 from my palace, and separated from my husband and his 
 family, by the intrigues of a noble prostitute ; and the 
 legitimacy of my child disputed through the mischievous 
 suggestions of a public adultress, whose testimony is not 
 held valid in the courts of honor, equity, and justic< ! 
 And this same adultress, who had lived on the most inti- 
 mate terms with the Marquis of Albion, would not agree". 
 to his union wiih me, unless she was appointed one of 
 the principal ladies of my household, and by this meays 
 secure an honorable and legal title to live under the 
 same roof with me. For the accomplishment of her 
 views she accomp .«nied the proxy to my father's court, 
 and commenced proceedings, by cultivating a particular 
 intimacy with me, in order to chaw from my breast those 
 secrets which she thought neces.-ary for my future dis- 
 grace. Jlav ng wormtd Be into confidence 1\ tl.c ia» i- 
 ancy of her flattery, I candidly told her, that though I 
 might be compelled to marry the marquis of Albion, I 
 could never be disposed to love him. 
 
 M Von must be under some delusion, amiable princess," 
 
 said Lady ; " the object of a political marriage 
 
 is not love and arte cf ion ; nor will it draw an insupera- 
 ble line of separation betwetn you and the object of 
 your esteem. The Knglish females, after marriage, id. 
 joy the most unbounded freedom; go where t\uy th.nk 
 proper, and visit, or are visited by, whom they please." 
 
 I was struck with horror at such ideas, and in the re- 
 mainder of her conversation she endeavoured topcr^iiad* 
 
2(5 
 
 me that a breach of fidelity in a political marriage was 
 not considered a crime; and that 1 was at full liberty to 
 follow the bent of my most ardent inclinations and desires. 
 Her molive for such conduct was plain ; fearing, that if 
 the Ma.quis were to marry a woman of a character likely 
 to attach him to fidelity and domestic endearments, the 
 opportunity of satiating him with her criminal appetite 
 wouhi be at an end. 
 
 in the mean time, Melina was seldom absent from my 
 presence ; and in her t found an interesting companion 
 and faithful friend; bat she, no more than any other 
 person who had not nw> fathers cjpher, was not per- 
 mitted to visit Algernon; but i rince L s, whom the 
 
 Duke could not refuse with propriety, obtained the cy- 
 pher every day, and reported to me or Melina the con- 
 ■ver-ations which he held with him. Melina, from the 
 arrival of the proxy, cease to dilate my aeart with hope, 
 and began to prepare my mind for au union with the 
 Marquis. But to marry the Marquis, was to redeem the 
 c.ip ivity of Algernon 1 Could I hesitate to strike otf his 
 chains, when the power was thus placed in my own 
 hands ? and the freedom and happiness of Algernon was 
 the only tie to cheer and maintain my future existence* 
 For his sake, theu, for the sake of Algernon, did 1 con- 
 sent to marry the Marquis. But notwithstanuing, I 
 was determined once more to behold Algernon ; and to 
 prove to him that l was not to obtain his freedom, 
 without assuming to myself the chains of degradation 
 and captivity. 
 
 To contrive this interesting interview, I directed 
 
 Adelina to consult with Prince L s, and to devise a 
 
 plan remote from discovery ; when he immediately sent 
 me the cypher, and advised me to most carefully disguise 
 myself. At length the anxious moment ar ived, and I 
 left the palace to visit the gloomy abode of the unfortiu 
 nate Algernon. The tower stood on the brow of a rock, 
 overgrown with briars and thistles, and was inaccessible 
 except at one side,, where there was a steep atcent «f 
 
27 
 
 «ne hundred steps to a stupendous portico with iron 
 folding gates, guarded by a ntin< Is. After being con- 
 ducted through a variety of winding passages, Melina 
 and I came to a door which stood open, and by the 
 light of a small lamp, which cast a feeble beam upon hi* 
 countenance, I perceived him sitting with his head re- 
 clined upon his arm. I approached, with inexpressible 
 emotion, a few step* nearer to him. He rose, and turn- 
 ing his head, exclaimed, "My Caroline! Heaven be 
 praised! my fears are groundless. Indeed! Indeed! I 
 trembled lest some violence — lest some treachery, or ty- 
 ranny, should have compelled you to abandon the unfor- 
 tunate Algernon to all the horrors of captivity and de- 
 spair." 
 
 My heart was penetrated wi:h the me*t poignant sor- 
 row, and I abruptly replied, u A'as! Alas! Algernon, 
 your fears were not groundless! My hand is promised to 
 the Marquis, and I have consented to become his wife, 
 on condition that " 
 
 Without waiting to hear the conclusion of this sentence^ 
 Algernon burst away from my embrace ; but the hardy 
 nature of the soldier assuming dominion over the win- 
 ning softness of the man, he again turned towards me, 
 and said, with a tone awful as firm, a did you pause, 
 madam, did you not take a moment for reflection, before 
 you promised your hand to the Marquis; when you pro- 
 nounced a sentence worse than the stroke of death, was 
 your heart as cold as your words were perjured ?" — 
 w Hold, sir, hold !" interrupted I, in fran ic agony. w Is 
 it no palliation of guilt — if I have consented to marry 
 the Marquis on the direct condition of restoring you to 
 freedom ? I sacrifice myself for you ! i have consented 
 to a miserable captivity, in order to set you free." 
 
 " I was ignorant, O Caroline! that, in accepting the 
 hand of the Marquis, you were swayed by the intention 
 of breaking these chains and of setting me free. Paidon 
 me, then ; suppress your indignation, and be disposed to 
 feel for the deplorable condition to which I am reduced, 
 
if my restoration to freedom must be purchased at the 
 expence of your liberty." 
 
 Melina could not remain a silent spectator of this 
 painful scene. She advanced to console and to uphold 
 us. " How could the duke," said she, " become so 
 hardened as to attend to this proposition! to abandon 
 you both in the bloom of life to different destinations, 
 and to see those hopes for ever blasted which you once 
 cherished! how can he expose you to so unmerited a 
 fate ! how can he commit such a crime as to separate 
 such faithful, such tender, and affectionate lovers?" 
 
 Prince L s, impatient at our long stay, and dread- 
 ing the fatal consequences, determined to interrupt the 
 interview, and with that resolve suddenly entered the 
 apartment. He had no occasion to announce his design. 
 Algernon pressed me closer to his heart, and I involun- 
 tarily exclaimed, " O ! we must part ! farewell, a long 
 
 farewell V Prince L s would afford no opportunity 
 
 for further explanation. " Reply not," said the prince, 
 <c Algernon, be a man!" on this, he tore me from the 
 breast of the tenderest of lovers, and bore me out of the 
 Toom. I at length found myself secure within my 
 chamber, but it was in vain that 1 endeavoured to seek 
 •repose. 
 
 On the morning after this heart-rending interview, I 
 was directed by my father to attend him to his closet. 
 *- 1 shall not, Caroline, waste my time in saying more to 
 you, than that i have ordered your union, by proxy, with 
 the Marquis of Albion, to take place to-morrow morn- 
 ing; and as I have reason to expect some treachery has 
 been lately employed, I shall keep Algernon ia chains 
 till 1 hear of your arrival in I" d, and of your con- 
 ducting yourself with respect to the illustrious house to 
 which you are about to be allied." The Duke then took 
 me to his arms, tender]) kissed me, and told me, 1 had 
 only to obey him cheerfully, and that i might reiy upon 
 his restoring Algernon, not only to freedom, but to his 
 former friendship and favor. 
 
29 
 
 Thus left without a choice, I resolved to make a merit 
 of necessity, and to confer freedom on Algernon with as 
 little delay as might be consist* nt with the ruin of my 
 own happiness, and the loss of my own libt rty. 
 
 Jt is unnecessary, my Charlotte, to give a description 
 of the ceremonv by proxy, which united me to the Mar- 
 quis, and which, at the same time, separated me from 
 every object that was dear to me upon the earth. 
 
 All matters being in readiness I commenced my jour- 
 ney for K d, attended by my brother, Prince 
 
 L s, Melina, and the numerous train of the Marquis's 
 
 splendid establishment. Arrived at the place of em- 
 barkation, I confided to Melina all my little remem- 
 brances, together with a ring, which I conjured her to 
 deliver to our dear and mutual friend, the unfortunate 
 Algernon. 
 
 From the instant I set my foot on British soil, my soul 
 sunk within me; and were it not that my marriage with 
 the Marqtiis was to secure the safety and liberation of 
 Algernon, I could never have supported the felicitations 
 which were ollered me from every quarter, and the core- 
 moni( s I had to endure on my arrival in town ; ami on 
 the day that it was announced I should be introduced to 
 the Marquis, 1 thought 1 should have bunk under the 
 apprehensions of an agitated mind. I knew I was about 
 to enter into engagements with a man of disposition and 
 qualities very di lie rent from my own. He was gay and 
 luxurious; I was serious, of simple manners, and fond 
 of domestic and rural life. He was accustomed to roa e 
 abroad lor amusement, while I was to avoid the din of 
 such licentiousness, or else comply with his taste and in- 
 clinations, so different from mine. Out 1 was deter- 
 mined not to reproach him, but rather to make him feel 
 the fall weight of my prudence and virtue; and, by ex- 
 ercising towards him that fraukuess, kindness, resigna- 
 tion, and patience, which must always meet with esteem 
 and ravereace, dispose him to abandon the countess, zud 
 
so 
 
 to regard me with merit and respect, complacency and 
 affection . 
 
 I went accompanied by a large train of attendants. 
 He was in a distant part of the apartment, and I had an 
 opporf unity of contemplating him a few moments before 
 I was introduced to him as his betrothed spouse. As he 
 approached towards me I trembled wi.h dread; a blush 
 overspread my countenance ; and when he took my hand 
 to congratulate me on my arrival, and to felicitate him- 
 self on his good forfune, 1 subsided into tears, and hud 
 to take his proffered arm to avoid falling to the ground* 
 He lamented much to see me sink into such deep afllic- 
 tion, regarded me with the utmost tenderness, and con- 
 ducted me to a seat, where I soon became restored to 
 myself. On the recovery of my reflection, I found it 
 difficult to conceal the pleasure of my heart on perceiving 
 the Marquis to be a person whose manners were truly 
 amiable, and his conversation and expression so feeling 
 and kind, that I am confident, had 1 known his person 
 and sentiments before my heart had entertained any other 
 passion, I should have felt it my glory to have given him 
 my hand ; and he said, that under the peculiar circum- 
 stances of the intended marriage, he was extremely 
 happy to find his hand and fortune were given to one, 
 on whom his affections could be with so little difficulty 
 bestowed. 
 
 Living under the immediate eyes of my uncle and aunt, 
 who weie also the father and mother of the Marquis, I 
 had frequent opportunities to discover that the Marquis 
 was a character so splendidly great, with endowments 
 that threw such a brightness over his life, that even his 
 promiscuous gallantries could not make him contemptible 
 in my sight ; and 1 consented to fix the wedding day with 
 less horror and perturbation than i could possibly have 
 imagined. The report of my concurrence was soon pub- 
 lished throughout the land, and our mutual kindred, wifh 
 the principal nobility, were assembled to grace the so- 
 lemnity. 
 
SI 
 
 The ceremony was no sooner over, thnn the sense of 
 calamity began to devour my spirits. u What," thought 
 I, " can express the agony of Algernon's soil, when he 
 learns that the faithless Caroline has yielded to the pas- 
 sion of another. He, who was so tru" and loyal to me, 
 to be so soon forgotten, so soon forsaken !" At night 
 the memory of Algernon pursued me to ?he chamber of 
 the Marquis, and I looked with horror on a bed on which 
 I was sensible I should exp. rience neither felicity or re- 
 pose. I was attended to this chamber by the Countess, 
 and three more females of my suite. The ap&rtnu at was 
 extremely superb ; the beds, tne chairs, the window cur- 
 tains, the hangings of the room, were all of white velvet, 
 embroidered and fringed with gold; and every article* ;i 
 the noble apartment corresponded with the same r.chnes , 
 and expressed in the Marquis the most exquisite taste 
 for grandeur and design, and for voluptuousness in fancy 
 and imagination. But it was all lost upon me! — i cast 
 pay eyes around with a vacant gaze and sighed ; while my 
 swollen heart was ready to sink with .error as 1 pre- 
 pared to reiire. 
 
 The marquis then appeared, and hastily undressing! 
 placed himself immediately beside me. I was no sooner 
 in his arms than terror seized every faculty of my soul ; 
 and 1 shrunk with a terrific trembling from an eu.brace, 
 which, instead of warming, chilled my blood. To him, 
 who flattered himself that every female heart was his, and 
 thought that I would have received his caresses with 
 transport, this conduct was a thunderstroke which ren- 
 dered him at once humiliated and confounded. Accus- 
 tomed to the enraptured and frantic embraces of the 
 
 Countess, a F -, a B -, a D -, and a 
 
 W , &c. &c. how must he have been disappointed 
 
 at the cold and constrained concurrence of a heart that 
 trembled at his touch, or that throbbed at the remem- 
 brance of another! However he had the goodness to dis- 
 semble, and to advance his suit with a due regard to the 
 anguish which distracted my heart ; and remonstrated 
 
 
32 
 in the language of love and sentiment against the severity 
 and singularity of my conduct towards him ; but finding 
 ' every lenient effort vain, he had at length recourse to a 
 violence which soon gave him dominion over my person, 
 but io no degree over my mind; and I withdrew from 
 his embrace weeping, and hiding my face in the folds of 
 the clothes. The Marquis now appeared more irritated 
 than astonished, and after venting on me the most poig- 
 nant reproaches, arose and walked about the chamber; 
 and, as he returned something composed in his feelings, 
 he humanely lamented with me, that, unfortunately for 
 our comfort and domestic happiness, a cursed policy had 
 proscribed him marrying with any but his own rank. 
 " It is now too late, madam," said he, " but you have 
 made me acquainted with the awful truth ; — 1 have torn 
 you from your native country — from your dear friends, 
 perhaps from the heart of a deserving lover I How could 
 I consent to be an agent in so cruel a design ? But will 
 you not forgive me ? — I do indeed wish to live in your 
 favor and esteem. Believe me, madam, I commiserate 
 you, and will consent to any thing that may mitigate 
 your sorrows. M 
 
 Indeed, so decidedly was he convinced of the impos- 
 sibility of our experiencing happiness together, that after 
 passing the night in a state of mental misery, he agreed 
 with me in the propriety of separate apartments, and of 
 living together in the simple quality of two friends, and 
 by preserving from the world our motives, save each 
 ethers feelings and sentiments. 
 
 If such motives urged the Marquis to consent to a se- 
 paration on the very first nigut of our wedding, how 
 much were his resolves strengthened, when, won by the 
 candour of his dignity and nature, I flung myself on his 
 breast, and there revealed the whole of my history, and 
 all my intercourse with Algernon! Your father, my dear 
 Charlotte, pressed me to his breast, and assured me that 
 my interesting narrative had inspired him with no sen- 
 timents but those of admiration and respect. He en. 
 
3$ 
 treated me to consider and consult him as a friend; and 
 concluded by asserting, that he would never betray the 
 confidence I had reposed in him, or wound my sentiments 
 by possessing my person when he could not possess. 
 my heart ; and told me, that he would send an express 
 to G y, and procure the instant liberation of Al- 
 gernon, by assuring the Duke, under his own hand, that 
 I performed all the obligations which were imposed upon 
 me by his commands. 
 
 Having suffered all the formalities of court, I accom- 
 panied the Marquis to \V r, from which we re- 
 turned to L n, to assist in the celebration of the 
 
 f h of J e, and we then repaired to B n. 
 
 In the mean time there was a person in the Marquis's 
 house that endeavoured to humble me in my own 
 opinion, and to injure me in that, oi' my illustrious rela- 
 tives. — The Countess, who was charged with the deco- 
 rating of my person, employed all her art to render me 
 unnatural and ridiculous ; and the ladies of my house- 
 hold, who were of her appointment, paid their court to 
 her, by propagating such anecdotes as would best accord 
 with her ambition, of drawing a line of eternal separation 
 between me and the Marquis, to whom I was allud. She 
 next proceeded to disfigure my person. Though fair, 
 she covered me with paint ; though rouged by nature, 
 she daubed my checks with red; though the palms of 
 my hands were inferior to none in carnation, she insisted 
 on heightening their colour hy applications as painful as 
 absurd, till she made me appear a creature made up of 
 dissimulation and art. 
 
 In all this time I was treated by the Marquis with t)\e 
 most respectful attentions ; and when I found I was 
 likely to become a mother, I began sincerely to w ish to 
 remove every thing that obstructed my domestic happi- 
 ness and love. But B n was not a proper place 
 
 for the realization of virtuous views. The Countess in- 
 habited the same house with myself and husband ; Mrs. 
 F lived in the immediate vicinity, and several other 
 
34 
 
 ▼omen of a similar cast disponed themselves in mch ft 
 manner as to attract his attention whichever way he 
 turned; but the kind behaviour of th e Marquis to me 
 alarmed the Countess, and she resolved to attempt to 
 banish, me from his presence for ever. 
 
 As a bad intention seldom wants a good argument, she 
 was soon presented with one At this time we were at 
 
 the P n at B -n, and it was the birth-day of the 
 
 Marquis. According to the custom of the day, the com- 
 pany broke up after coffee, and formed into small parties, 
 
 for the purpose of parading the S e, or of rambling 
 
 along the sea-shore. On this occasion the Marquis gave 
 me the most public proof of his esteem, by pro if e ring 
 me his arm; and I, with all that candour and simplicity 
 which mark my manners, declined the honor, saying, 
 
 " No, Marquis ; I have not seen C- n P e, who 
 
 commanded the vessel which brought me to England 
 since my arrival, I shall therefore take his arm and con- 
 verse with him on subjects of old," Followed by the 
 Countess, the Marquis, and his friends, we rambled for 
 some distance along the sea-shore, when looking round 
 we found that they had returned or left us. On our re- 
 turn the company was assembled to supper, and the- 
 Mar ;uis was too accomplished a gentleman to manifest 
 before them any dissatisfaction of mind ; nor should I, 
 perhaps, have suspected him to be in the least disturbed; 
 had he not, on retiring to my apartment, declined taking 
 my hand and of wishing me good-night in the accents of 
 a friend. 
 
 On the following morning the Marquis desired my at- 
 tendance in the library. He was in too great a pertur- 
 bation to speak, and put an open note into my hand, 
 directed to himself, and anonymous. He watched my 
 countenance whilst i read it. It ran thus : " Cease to 
 
 be a:" .aished at the partiality of your wife for C n 
 
 P e ! Enquire of the countess and of her attendants 
 
 and yoa will learn that it is not the first time she has 
 spent an evening in solitude with him l!" 
 
35 
 
 <C I have enquired," said the Marquis, and panted. — 
 * l And what is the result of your enquiry ?" replied I. 
 "I have made the necessary enquiries of the Countess, " 
 said the Marquis, w and the result is, we must part. I 
 could forgive your original attachment for the unfor- 
 tunate Algernon, but she who stoops to promiscuous 
 amours, shall never have the sanction of my name, nor 
 the protection of my house." 
 
 The state into which I was thrown by an annunciation 
 so alarming to me and so fatal to the innocent being then 
 forming to life in my womb, hindered the Marquis from 
 putting his threat into execution, and I remained some 
 time longer in the possession «f his rank and splendour, 
 but not in the enjoyment of his society and esteem. 
 Hence, after this unfortunate birth-day, he felt himself 
 at liberty to roam from one beauty to another. He gra- 
 dually estranged himself entirely from me; resided with 
 different mistresses and in different places ; and proposed 
 to me a plan for a separate establishment as the only 
 means of promoting our mutual satisfaction. — Finding all 
 means of a gentle and tender nature to recall the respect 
 and the attention of my husband fruitless, I finally agreed 
 to the plan of separation, and fi\ed my residence at 
 
 B 1 — h. There I passed my time in a kind of solitary 
 
 seclusion from the world; happy in the enjoyment of 
 you my Charlotte; happy, in the conviction of a consci- 
 ence void of offence ; and still, for your sake, nou- 
 rishing a secret hope, that the Marquis would, at length, 
 be convinced of his injustice, and restore me to his own 
 and his country's opinion. Patiently and resigned I 
 waited ; nor did f wait altogether in vain. As you ad- 
 vanced in years, the Marquis, indulging in his full swing 
 of ox'ravagance, had with him the Countess, a woman 
 that, instead of restraining him in it, urged him on in his 
 wild career, and contributed to involve him in many se- 
 rious difficulties. Every where involved and embarrass- 
 ed, he began to reflect, and to feel the full weight of the 
 «rioae he committed in suspecting me of a dishonorable 
 
36 
 
 act. In the mean time he frequently heard me mentioned 
 by persons almost strangers to me, for my exemplary 
 conduct in retirement. He resolved, therefore, to re- 
 storeme, if not 'o his arms, to his house, and to his society. 
 
 A first interview, after a long, and rather ungracious 
 absence, was the greatest difficulty for him to adjust with 
 
 propriety. He came at length to my residence at 13 h, 
 
 and walked some time in the garden, considering in what 
 manner he should enter the house. Here his good fortune 
 interposed, and suddenly enacted for him what he could 
 not satisfy himself in planning. 
 
 As he passed near an alcove, he perceived me sitting 
 within, reading, and you, his only child, playing inno- 
 cently with a favourite dog. He viewed me for a few 
 moments apparently with delight, and it was evident that 
 you, my sweet Charlotte, appeared in his eyes an angel. 
 His features shone wi h all their natural grace and good- 
 ness, though slightly clouded with an air of melancholy. 
 He hastened to m&, took me to his arms, and, as I after- 
 wards presented ray seat for him to sit on, he gently took 
 me by the hand, and kissed it with the most endearing ten- 
 derness. He drew you with equal tenderness to his knee. 
 In an instant, I naked my arms to yours about his neck, 
 without enquiring the cause of this sudden conversion, 
 without upbraiding him for past errors ! 
 
 Ad explanation of the most affectionate kind ensued : 
 on his part a sad confession of his faults ; on mine an ar- 
 dent declaration of belief in his sincerity. As for you, 
 my Caroline, he embraced you with anextacy of tender- 
 ness and kisses — a bond of re-union, whose artless lisp. 
 rngs and innocent tears contributed to knit our hearts 
 more firmly together. 
 
 Thus reconciled, it was proposed by your father that 
 
 I should return his visit at his house in P M , 
 
 and that he would there, in the presence of his friends, 
 express his regret at our separation, and invite me once 
 a j;ain to resume my station at ;he head of his family and 
 hmse;— and he was as good as his word. On the day 
 
 after his return to town, he directed L — d T w to 
 
 call upon me, to strengthen my determination of residing 
 with him, and fix upon the day that he might expect to 
 receive me with the formality due to so important an 
 occasion. 
 
 In evidence of my sincerity, I brought you, my dear 
 
37 
 
 Charlotte, to be the arbiter between your father and my- 
 self, and I advanced to the Marquis, as he entered the 
 drawing room, with that kind of honest air, which con- 
 vinced every one present 1 wished to recover his respect, 
 and by living with him, I should feel it my pride to secure 
 
 his lasting happiness ; and Lord T w united our hands, 
 
 and our friends congratulated us with more enthusiasm 
 ami joy than was displayed on our original alliance. 
 
 The manner iu which your father spoke to me and ca- 
 ressed yon, left no doubt in the minds of our friends of 
 our re-union. Would that you could see him as I did, 
 when he introduced you as the heir to his dignities and 
 estates. He regarded you as the sweet tie of connubial 
 bliss, and he esteemed me as the instrument which was to 
 redeem hki from a life irksome and unhappy ! But, alas! 
 it was only a momentary delusion, Yvhich was dissipated 
 by the entrance of a brother of the Marquis, who was sent 
 
 express from W r to communicate with yourfather, 
 
 and they both retired. In a little time L — -d T vv 
 
 and L — -d E e were called out, and I was left alone 
 
 in the spacious room. 
 
 I soon guessed the purport of the mission. The Mar- 
 quis's brother after a little while appeared, and informed 
 me, "That our re-union was retarded by the desire of 
 
 the F y," for rnotivesYvhich 1 shall hereafter explain. 
 
 <c Order my horses, my Lord," replied 1. In a few mo- 
 ments he obeyed, and I precipitated myself into my cha- 
 riot, with the sensation of a wretch stupiiied by blows, 
 and regardless of what became of the remainder of my 
 tortured life. 
 
 L d T yv shortly afterward called on me Yvith 
 
 a view to explain the Marquis's conduct, and to tell me 
 *' That the express which interrupted our re-union was 
 from the Duchess of A n. Her grace is offend- 
 ed with a packet of letters which you confided so^ie time 
 ago to the llev. Mr. R. That gentleman, on his declin- 
 ing to proceed to Berlin, gave them to the Countess for 
 you, Yvho disclosed some events to the Duchess, which 
 irritated her so much that she has i:i isted on the Mar- 
 quis to preserve himself separate from you, tiil an 
 enquiry is made into the truth of those reports which 
 now sully your illustrious character." 
 
 M Gracious God!" interrupted T, w to what reports 
 
ss 
 
 do you allude, I have never done or said any thing for 
 which 1 should blush!' 7 
 
 44 A calumny the most bold, wanton, and unwarrant- 
 able, is circulated to your dishonor, accusing jou of in- 
 fidelities, without however adducing one ato.ii of proof; 
 and it is painful to relate, that that scandalous woman, the 
 Countess, has made that deep impression on the minds of 
 the marquis's family, which, 1 fear, nothing cut the 
 most minute investigation can possibly efface. 
 
 I assured his lordship l had no objection to the most 
 minute enquiry. On the contrary, I shall demand it as a 
 right. Advise the Duchess, then, to bring me before my 
 accusers, whoever they umy be, and afford me an op- 
 portunity of proving the lalseness of th< ir calumnies. 
 
 I had no sooner concluded, than his lordship rose up, 
 and assuring me that the purity of the S-cc-s&t-n should 
 not be questioned upon no other foundation than wilful ca- 
 lumny, He took his leave, and departed for town. A con- 
 siderable time elapsed, however, before i heart! any more 
 of the Enquiry which I so ardently recommended. The 
 trutu is, my dear child, you wf re in some measure the 
 cause of this delay. Your Father was proud in the pos- 
 session of so beauteous a tieasure, and those who urst 
 intended to oppose your succession to the throne in iavor 
 
 of your uncle F- k, united with the Family, and 
 
 were urgent to preserve your birthright from further doubt- 
 In the mean time, I was represented to the Duchess your 
 Grandmother as an unlit person to have the charge of 
 your further education; you were therefore drawn from 
 my care, and i was deliberately exposed to solitude, 
 or else to an unknown and possibly dangerous society. 
 
 Deserted by the F v, I was also driven to the ab- 
 solutely necessity of looking out for an entire new set of 
 
 acquaintance, among whom were L y D s, Mrs. 
 
 11 h, and the M s of T sh d. In the in- 
 terval I became the patroness of a poor little boy, whom 
 I had often admired and who nad been repeatedly pointed 
 
 out to my attention by Mrs. R— h. The circumstance 
 
 of my attention to this little boy, and other reports indus- 
 triously buzzed about, aroused certain conjectures; and 
 in process of time the parentage of the boy was not merely 
 doubted, but attributed to me; which occasioned the 
 
 F y to assemble and debate on the importance of the 
 
 future inheritance to be established in the House of A n» 
 
It is unnecessary to detail the whole of what passed oit 
 this occasion ; but I do not hesitate to aver, that the en- 
 quiry instituted for the purpose of criminating me com. 
 
 pietely established my innocence with the whole F y, 
 
 except \j— d E d, although no less than twenty dis- 
 tinct charges of infidelity and Licentiousness were brought 
 
 against me. Upon I, d E d being interrogated 
 
 as to the cause of his dissatisfaction, he stated "that a 
 
 stranger resided in a cottage at B h for a length 
 
 of time ; that he frequently went disguised to the resi- 
 dence of the P ss, and that he had lately abruptly 
 
 disappeared." L— -d E d having concluded, looked 
 
 to me for an explanation of the mystery. Ktery coun- 
 tenance betrayed a suspicion of my knowledge of* the 
 man ; but I soon recovered strength to assert my total 
 ignorance of the transaction, and invited my accusing 
 cousin to silt it to the bottom. 
 
 F k, E d and tin- Marquis, con-cntcd to be 
 
 of the investigating party, and to visit the spot without 
 delay. The Marquis, remained with me while the other 
 two brothers went to the cottage to interrogate the 
 stranger. But they did not find him at home; he had 
 walked out, They discovered, however, what to them 
 appeared of the most ample testimony — a mimaturi: of 
 myself lying on the table, and sonnets and odes inscribed 
 to 4 ' cai;c0li ne" lay on fhe desk. Convinced and irri- 
 tated they returned, and exultingly described their suc- 
 cess. Indeed, they looked upon me as a coarse and vul- 
 gar being, capable of forming a casual connection ; and 
 with this impression they were about to leave me. But 
 this I could not suffer, and 1 insisted ^ in an indignant 
 
 tone, that they should stop, while C 1 G d, who 
 
 accompanied the Marquis, should go in pursuit of the 
 u s r 11 a xger," and bring him before them to.clear up th$ 
 mystery, or confirm them in the horrible opinion which 
 they entertained of me. 
 
 C 1 B d shortly returned and introd 
 
 the stranger. He moved towards me 1 At the first ad- 
 vance 1 1V11 into a swoon, in which the most ;;illiciing 
 visions swan before me, and that all around reproached 
 me as a criminal, who was the willing instrument of her 
 own infamy] Alas! I opened my eyes to discover a :iill 
 more excruciating reality — to discover that I was sup- 
 ported in the arms of Algernon! 
 
40 
 
 The Marquis, with his friends, would have instantly 
 left the room, had not Algernon shut the door, and said, 
 M So, sir! you have sought for, and sent for me, and 
 I nvst b*- heard. Stop, or you will commit against 
 this illustrious woman the greatest crime that can be pe r- 
 petra f cd against a being of an amiable heart — that of 
 suspecting its virtue. Believe me, sir, there is nothing 
 iti in r conduct but what claims from you the most exalted 
 sentiments of tenderness and respect. — She knew nothing 
 
 of my residence on the H h; I never dared to make 
 
 my residence known to her, and, as to tl.e little innocent 
 whom she has taken charge ol, heis the son of the brave 
 
 Prince L s and of JVielina, the friend of Caroline, 
 
 who dying, J took charge of the orphan, and, on my co- 
 ming "here, I instructed the bov's nurse to place him as 
 often as possible in the way of the F — ' — —ss, hoping, as 
 it succeeded, by this innocent stratagem to obtain for the 
 son of my friends the protection of the very woman who 
 was dearest to their hearts. Virtuous but uniortunate 
 woman! — Did your mi"d so associate with her's, as to 
 leave no room o regr< t the disinterested sacrifices she 
 made on the day of her marriage ? Did you preserve her 
 high in your affection ? Had you so acfed, you would 
 have perished sooner than suspected her fame." 
 
 44 Hold, sir," interrupted the Marquis. " That I 
 have been deceived, must he admitted. That there has 
 been much misrepresentation, must be acknowledged. 
 Be not surprised, then, that unjust suspicions have bf<n 
 excited. Your conduct and your motives need no farther 
 explanation. To this into view 1 am indebted for much 
 informarion on a subject of the greatest importance to 
 myseif, and for un e>p anation which must entirely se t at 
 rest eiery cause ot doubt in the minds of the F-w — Y.*' 
 This generous conduct had an electric effect en the 
 whole party, i seized and kissed the hand of the Marquis ; 
 Algernon did the same with an expression of enthusi- 
 «tic respect ; and the Ivlarqvis and h»s brothers dirt cud 
 al< t.er to their Father, stating, that the most pure, tho gh 
 bidden causes, precluded the idea of our living fo^etlur 
 in any other quality than friends. 
 
 Confident that these e vide mes from u The Book" wil'be 
 fatistactory to my CHiLf), to the Nation, and to (hi 
 World, 'hey are given with pleasure by your unfortu- 
 nate though aliectionate mother, CARUMNK. 
 FiNiS. 
 
 W. MASON, PRINTER, £1, CI.ERIIERWK1.L CREEK. 
 
>*:0*^1S