turer; and though, with his usual self-possession, he main- but for his own eagerness, have awakened Fenimore's sustaised an unshaken front to the world, his mind was secretly picions. It occurred to our adventurer, that, before the agitated by the most painful misgivings. He had always precarious tenure by which he held his estate should be supposed that the estate held by Mr. Langdon was at his divulged to the world, he might secure for his daughter an absolute disposal, and, resting on that belief, had never advantageous settlement by a marriage with this superthought it necessary to investigate his title. Upon inquiry, anuated Sybarite, and even obtain a douceur for himself as be now ascertained, that, in nearly the whole of the real the price of his parental interposition. In pursuance of and personal property of which he died possessed, Mr. this design, he took occasion one day, when he and FeniLangdon had only a life interest, and that, consequently, more were engaged in the discussion of their second bottle the property in question could not be liable to the provisions of Madeira, to turn the conversation on Letitia, and express of his will. The small amount subject to his testamentary his anxiety for her early establishment in marriage. Upon disposition, had long since been exhausted by our adventu- this hint Fenimore was induced to speak, and, being more rer, whose profuse expenditure had encroached considerably than half-seas over, readily stipulated to advance a large on the principal of the other property. If he were required sum of money for Newman's personal benefit, in consideto make restitution of the property so wasted, and to ac- ration that he prevailed on Letitia to give her voluntary count for the profits of the whole since the death of his consent to this unequal wedlock. Our adventurer clinched wife, by the same decree which wrested from him the en- the transaction by reducing their infamous agreement to tire estate, such a consummation would be fraught with ut- writing, and having it signed and sealed with the usual soter and irretrievable ruin to his affairs. His policy, there- lemnities. After this foul conspiracy against the peace of fore, was delay, and for that purpose he employed all the an innocent girl had been thus contrived by the selfish artifices of chicane to retard the progress of the suit. He policy of these worthies, they proceeded to signalize the had another object also in view, and that was to collect the execution of the treaty by pushing their orgies to the utevidences of his daughter's birth, and to substantiate her most verge of intemperance. title to a moiety of her mother's property. It was Hambden's prose, he saw, to exclude her, if possible, from a share the inheritance, and he was determined to defeat that iniqu'ous design. Though impoverished himself, he felt assured, that so long as his daughter could command the means of assisting him, he had a never-failing resource in her eerosity. This idea suggested to his teeming brain, aways fruitful in expedients, another scheme, by which the opulence of his daughter, he fondly hoped, would be placed beyond the reach of accident; while a fund, intangiMe to his creditors, would be secured for his personal

cnclument.

The next day, Newman sought an opportunity of broaching this delicate subject to his daughter, and as he knew that the utmost address was required to accomplish his nefarious object, he made his approaches with the utmost caution. He explained to his daughter the nature of the suit brought by Hambden, the difficulty, nay impossibility of establishing by satisfactory proof the fact that she was the daughter of Miss Langdon, and the certainty, that the ultimate loss of the estate would consign both him and her to want and misery.

This, he continued, is by no means a comfortable prospect to a man of my advanced age; yet, old as I am, I

There was a Mr. Fenimore, a very wealthy planter, who was a constant visiter at the house of our adventurer. This mar was now advanced in years; but the frosts of sixty sers had not quenched in his veins the impure fire of desarchery. A similarity, in some respects, of habits and pursuits, had cemented an intimacy between Fenimore and our adventurer. They were both dissolute; but Newman had a capacity for intellectual enjoyment, while in Feni- apparent care for her happiness, do not distress yourself One bestial propensities altogether predominated. about me. To be with you when the day of calamity comes, Oretaily of a narrow understanding, the feeble glimmer- to minister to your comfort, to soothe your anguish, to conmps of his mind had been obscured and smothered by a long tribute by my feeble exertions to your support, will give me career of the grossest sensuality. A bon-vivant in the more real, heartfelt enjoyment, than all the pleasures, and Berninated in brutal intoxication. In other respects, though that I can earn an independence. I will never shrink, pasires of the table, his convivial indulgencies usually superfluities which wealth can furnish. Never fear but hot conspicuously wicked, his character presented no re- through indolence, or false shame, from honorable toil, and deeming traits to counterbalance these loathsome and I am persuaded, that no one exempt from the infirmities of minable vices. In the artifices of private intrigue, and age, or disease, can ever suffer real want in this country, if metimes in the perplexities of pecuniary difficulty, New- they are willing to labor.

could bear up under such a reverse with more fortitude, if it fell on me alone. But to see you, young, beautiful, delicate, nursed in ease and affluence, exposed to the buffetings of fortune, reduced to the extremities of penury, compelled, like the meanest hind, to toil for daily bread, would be more than I could bear.

Ah, my dear father, said Letitia, deeply touched by this

man had found this man an useful auxiliary, and was there

fore, solicitous to preserve their friendly relations, for the be placed in circumstances where drudgery is not indismake of us own interest and convenience. To a man of pensable to subsistence? where you would have the means Fenimore's grovelling tastes, the luxurious fare and ex- of indulging the generous impulses of your heart? where paste liquors always found on the table of our adventu- you would be surrounded by the comforts, the conveniences, rer, would have constituted sufficient inducements to fre- the elegancies, to which you have been accustomed from quent a mansion where such pleasures courted his accep- childhood.

But would it not be better my daughter, said Newman, to

lance, but the splendid establishment of Newman offered

other attractions, scarcely less alluring to this veteran vo- to the charms of an elegant sufficiency, "the means and uptuary. This hoary lecher had the presumption to cast appliances" of affluence; but if I know myself, I would eye of desire on Letitia, and would have purchased the never cling to them in opposition to the commands of duty, possession of that lovely girl with a moiety of his immense or the behests of Providence.

I do not pretend, answered Letitia, that I am insensible

fortune. In his confidential intercourse with Newman, he

had ventured sometimes to throw out overtures of marriage, make this sacrifice? What if there were one, able and de

But what, said Newman, if you were not required to

bus politic friend, having

no

pave no encouragement to his advances. But the scene father, and screen him from the cruel and rapacious enmity was now to be reversed: and the glaring indelicacy with of your brother?-would you reject the overtures of a

immediate interest to serve, sirous to place you in a situation where you could aid your

wch Newman courted the renewal of his offers, would, friend so generous.

That would depend upon the character and purposes of the offerer, replied Letitia. But, father, you are not putting an imaginary case; you have some special meaning; some real proposition to make. What is it!

shield you from all the ills of penury, and put you in possession of all the blessings of life.

I am sure, my dear father, answered she, that your object is my happiness; but you have mistaken the means of Yes, said Newman, I have. Mr. Fenimore is the friend promoting it. Wealth to me would be a worthless boon, if to whom 1 allude. He is the generous man, who, disdain- my destiny were linked to a man I abhor. Sooner would I ing all mercenary views, proposes to take you, penniless work my fingers to the bone in the meanest and most toiland unendowed, as his wife; to make you the envied mis-some employment, than drag on a life of splendid misery as tress of his splendid mansion; the sharer of his ample the wife of such a beastly and abandoned libertine s fortune. Fenimore.

If there was a man whose appearance, manners, and You are prejudiced, Letitia, said Newman, and have tacharacter were more odious and detestable to Letitia than ken up a false conception of his character. He is a jovial, any other, Fenimore was that man; and, so absurd did this sociable creature, rather prone, I acknowledge, to carry the proposition appear to her, that, though her father was sel-pleasures of the table to excess, yet by no means so dissodom jocular, she conceived it to be a mere jest.

Really, said she smiling, I should tell the venerable swain with a courtesy, that I could not take his money with the incumbrance of his fat person; and that, desirable as fine houses, fine furniture, fine clothes, and fine equipages may be, they would never delight me with such an accompaniment. I should wish my hushand, whenever I get one, to be something more than a mere eating and drinking machine.

I am not in a facetious vein, said Newman with a frown. What I repeat to you is the serious, deliberate proposal of a man of the first standing and fortune for your hand, and it does not become you to treat it with levity. It is not every day that you will meet with such a generous offer, and it behooves you to weigh well the consequences of its rejection. Is it possible, said Letitia, turning pale at the severe tone of her father, that you would wish, or advise me to marry such a man as this; a drunkard, a gourmand, a coarse vulgar profligate, without understanding or education? Poverty, with all its privations; death itself would be preferable to a lot so wretched.

Poverty and a cottage, shared with such a handsome and gallant companion as your favorite Goodwin, would be more to your taste, I doubt not, said Newman, with a sneer. No, sir, replied Letitia, with spirit; I never had such an idea; but I am not ashamed to acknowledge, that I consider Mr Goodwin a gentleman, a man of talents and honor, as far superior to this Fenimore in every quality that should command esteem, as below him in the adventitious circumstance of wealth.

You speak warmly, and very much like a lovesick maiden, said Newman sarcastically. No doubt this god of your idolatry has been more busy in instilling these sentiments, than in fulfilling the duty of an instructor. But let him beware, continued he sternly, how he tampers with your affections, or ventures to thwart my purposes. You know I am not to be trifled with, and that no man ever crosses my path with impunity.

For mercy's sake, exclaimed Letitia, trembling with apprehension, do not be angry with him because he has the misfortune to possess my good opinion. He has never breathed a syllable to me, which you, which the whole world might not have heard.

Ay, said her father ironically, I know how these things are managed without the intervention of language. The pressure of hands, amorous sighs and glances, speak more emphatically than words. No doubt this respectful gentleman is a perfect adept in these signs and symbols.

I assure you, said Letitia, solemnly, that he is as incapable, from a sense of honor, of any thought, word, or deed, which could displease you, as I would be from a sense of duty.

Well! said Newman, it may be so; and let him take care that it is so. You talk boastingly of your sense of duty; but what notions of duty can you have, when you reject, with scorn, a scheme for settling you in life, recommended, enjoined upon you by your father?-a scheme, that would

lute as you imagine. His connections are highly respecta ble, and his wealth immense. What more could you desire! Besides, continued he, changing his battery, I have always thought you a dutiful girl, and ready to contribute in any way to my gratification. You know not how deeply my happiness, my interest, my very existence, are committed to the completion of this marriage.

How can that possibly be? exclaimed Letitia in as tonishment.

When that vindictive boy shall have succeeded in stripping me of my last pittance, said Newman, I shall be thrown upon the world, old, infirm and helpless, in a state of utter destitution, with not a friend to pity or relieve me. In such circumstances, you, a delicate female, could give me no assistance, and the consciousness, that you were involved in my ruin would only aggravate my misery. But beggary were nothing, if unattended with disgrace. Fenimore and others have claims upon me, which, were I not to discharge, I should be a dishonored man. Deprived of my property, I cannot satisfy these claims, nor have I any prospect of doing so, but from the assistance which Fenimore, in the expectation of becoming my son-in-law, has generously of fered. I am in that man's power, and he will not fail to exercise it, should he be disappointed in this alliance. In famy, then, will be my only alternative, and that I am determined not to survive. By rejecting these proposals, you consign me to poverty, to disgrace, and to despair. You reject comfort, elegance, ease, respect, distinction, all that is most coveted by mankind; and embrace obscurity, neglect, drudgery, and all the privations of poverty; rather than do an act which would shield the old age of your fa ther from the miseries of dependance, and rescue his character from ignominy. After this, talk no more of your duty and affection.

Is there no other expedient? exclaimed Letitia, in great agitation. Can nothing else be done? Suppose my brother could be persuaded to relinquish this unnatural suit-would not that relieve you from this fearful dilemma?

And how would you propose to effect that? inquired Newman.

By your surrendering to him immediately a portion of the property, and my releasing all claim to the whole, in consideration that you are permitted to have the use of the residue during your life, said Letitia.

It will be all in vain, said he. You might as well attempt to lure the wolf from his prey.

But will you allow me to try? inquired she. Do as you please, he replied. But when you fail, whet then? Will you marry Mr. Fenimore?

I will try, said Letitia in a tone of anguish, to reconcile my mind to the sacrifice, if you require it. But for mercy's sake let me entreat that you allow me a little time; let me have six months reprieve from this living death.

If you consent, said Newman, I have no objection to the delay you ask for. I would not urge this matter, were i not sure that all these fantastic distresses would vanish in the first month of your marriage.

Saying this, he left the unhappy girl to brood over the first real misery that had ever disturbed the tranquil current of her existence.

now swept through her bosom like a tornado, tearing up her most cherished hopes and affections, had unveiled, at the same time, the hidden secret of her heart; that secret, It was obvious from this conversation, that Newman was which, under the most propitious circumstances, maiden perfectly aware of the mutual attachment between Good-modesty always shrinks from confessing. She felt that she win and Letitia; but it is not to be inferred from the un-loved Goodwin; loved him with a deep, abiding, passionfeeling irony with which he alluded to it, that he was indif- ate tenderness, which she almost blushed to acknowledge ferent to the happiness of his daughter. He loved her as to herself. She felt her cheek tingle with shame at the inardently as he was capable of loving any one. He took a delicacy of lavishing her affections, unsought, upon a man pride in her beauty and accomplishments, and wished, above who had never shown, perhaps never felt a corresponding all things, to place her in that elevated sphere she was so emotion. But was he indifferent to her? What warring eminently qualified to adorn. He could not endure the sensations-what hopes and fears were awakened by that thought, that those brilliant endowments, which he had so question! What happiness to be loved by such a man, so assiduously cultivated, should be consigned to obscurity amiable, so talented, so fascinating, so accomplished! But and indigence. He was not willing that this precious gem ought she to wish it? Should she desire to involve this exshould lie unseen in the depths of privacy, but desired that cellent young man in her own miserable destiny? She reit should sparkle in a golden casket, exposed to the gaze of pelled a thought so selfish from her mind, and, with that admiring multitudes. Ambition and avarice were his ruling forgetfulness of her own feelings which is the distinguishpassions. The tranquil enjoyments, the homebred delights ing trait of woman, prayed that this cup might be spared gushing from the pure fountain of the affections, were as him; that he might escape the anguish, the desolation to tasteless to his perverted moral perceptions as water to which she was doomed. She could suffer with the more the lips of the drunkard. To immure one's self in the nar- fortitude if she suffered alone. How would her own row circle of domestic duty, was, in his view, a folly misery be aggravated, if she knew that the blow under scarcely less preposterous than the superstition that devotes which her heart was withering had blighted his peace? so many thousands to the gloom of monastic seclusion. It She saw that her father suspected her attachment, and was was only in the glare of wealth, the splendor of distinction, ready to impute to that cause her opposition to his wishes. the tumultuous gratifications of passion, that he could find She dreaded lest her obstinacy should draw down on the pleasures sufficiently piquant and stimulating to satisfy the unoffending Goodwin the resentment of her parent—a recravings of his morbid appetite; and he believed that he sentment which, when once aroused, she well knew to be consulted his daughter's true happiness by an arrangement deadly and implacable. She trembled at the consequences, which ensured her the possession of these objects. Her and was almost resolved to submit to her father's hateful preference for Goodwin, he deemed a mere childish predi- proposition. But, though she could not be so selfish as to lection-the fruit of a warm imagination, nourished by a desire the love of Goodwin, could she deny herself the life of solitude and study, which might be the cause of tem- solace of his sympathy and friendship? Delicacy forbade porary uneasiness, but would vanish when a more enlarged the communication of her projected marriage; but would acquaintance with the world, and an experience of the solid there be any impropriety in consulting him, as a trusty and advantages of the proposed marriage, had taught her the sincere friend, on the means of imparting the proposed futility of these romantic illusions. The truth was, that compromise to her brother-her only hope, faint as it was, our adventurer had always regarded love, that sentiment of extrication from these difficulties? Though she trusted compounded of friendship, tenderness and desire, which that he felt no warmer sentiment, yet she did not doubt that exerts such an influence on the happiness of mankind, as a he was such a friend; and that, as an intelligent and honormere fiction of poetry, fit only to amuse the fancy of amo-able man, he would give her sound and faithful advice in ras girls and dreaming enthusiasts. Never had he been this exigency. She resolved, therefore, to explain to Goodcapable of such a feeling. Whatever emotions the pre- win the nature of the controversy between her father and sence of the softer sex might have kindled in his bosom, brother, and her plan for its amicable adjustment; requestad, at all times, been subservient to his schemes of inter-ing, at the same time, his opinion as to the best method of Est and advancement. That the disappointment of such a communicating this healing overture. Frivolous passion should occasion durable pain, was to him While she was absorbed in these reflections, Goodwin neonceivable; nor could he believe that any rational being entered the apartment. His first impulse, when he saw would put these fantastic visions in competition with the her perturbation, was to retire; but, when she desired his stantial benefits of fortune. In vanquishing, therefore, counsel on a matter of some importance, he observed, with e weak repugnance of his daughter to the connection an air of surprise, that she might always command his serth Fenimore, he believed that he promoted her perma- vices. Conscious of the delicacy of his situation, he had ent welfare, at the expense of a few childish tears soon red up and dissipated by the sunshine of prosperity. hile he was thus acting, as he thought, the part of a kind ad provident parent, it was perfectly consonant with his stem to make his measures conducive at the same time his peculiar interest; an object paramount, in his scheme duty, to all other considerations. But, though no motive uld have persuaded him to abandon a project pregnant ith such advantages, parental affection relented at the ectacle of his daughter's distress, and he willingly granted r the respite she demanded, believing that he could at any e compel Fenimore to fulfil his engagement. Meanwhile, Letitia was plunged in the deepest sorrow. er filial affection—her sense of duty-her wish to gratify r father—and, above all, the undefined and terrible disters obscurely hinted at by him as the consequences of discussion among strangers.

always conducted himself towards Letitia with the most respectful politeness. Yet, when he observed the anguish depicted on her lovely countenance, he could scarcely refrain from transgressing the cautious reserve imposed by his sense of honor, and expressing the deep sympathy which he felt. On the other hand, the recent discovery of the state of her affections was still fresh in Letitia's recollection, and, for the first time during her intercourse with Goodwin, she felt embarrassed in his presence. With some effort, she at length recovered her composure, and briefly expounded to him the nature of her request. Goodwin remained silent for a few moments, and then replied:

Your father, I should suppose, madam, would be the most proper channel for this communication. He might not be pleased to have the affairs of his family made the subject of

r disobedience, pleaded strongly for the sacrifice which Ah! but, said Letitia, he is not willing that this proposirequired. The tempest of contending feelings, which tion should be made, though he consented that I should

VOL. VI.-45

make it if I chose. You know not how implacably offended | consideration of such release, and of an immediate surren he is with Hambden's undutiful behavior. If it is left to der of a moiety of the estate to you, you should consent, on him, nothing will ever be done; for I am sure that he would your part, to dismiss the suit you have instituted, and allow rather lose every thing than make the slightest concession. your father to enjoy the usufruct of the residue during his There is nothing I would not do to reconcile this distress-life. I trust you will think it better to adjust a painful ing family quarrel; but, unless I can get some discreet per- family dispute on such terms, than to abide the uncertain son to undertake this delicate commission, I have no hope issue of a law-suit. of it.

Really, sir, replied Hambden with a sneer, this lady, who

Then, said Goodwin warmly, I will be your envoy my-calls herself my sister, is very liberal in offering to release self; and I trust you need no assurance to induce you to what she has not the shadow of title to. I suppose you rely on my secrecy and discretion. think, because she resides in my father's house, and is ac

You! she exclaimed with surprise. I had no idea of knowledged by him as his child, that she is necessarily the putting you to that trouble.

daughter of my mother. A logical conclusion, truly! Butl have reason to think otherwise, and to believe that she is the fruit of one of those degrading amours for which Mr.

I should not consider it troublesome to render so trifling a service to any one, he replied; and for you, there is no labor or danger that I would not freely encounter to pur-Newman is notorious. chase you one moment's satisfaction. Honor me with your instructions, and I will execute them to the letter.

But, said she, I am not willing to impose on you such an unpleasant task. Hambden is fiery and overbearing, and sometimes forgets the courtesy that becomes a gentleman. You may have your feelings wounded by his rudeness.

But what motive, said Goodwin, could Mr. Newman have for acknowledging her as his legitimate daughter when she is not so?

Why, to rob me of my just inheritance, said Hambden vehemently.

Permit me to ask, said Goodwin, if you are not misled in this matter by your feelings? When Mr. Newman first ac

perfect harmony subsisted between you and him. Is it probable that he would defraud a legitimate child who had never offended him, for the benefit of a spurious one? Furthermore, are you certain that Mr. Newman is not prepared with proofs to support his assertion? Take care, lest. by

Never fear, answered Goodwin. I shall not forget that he is your brother, and I shall be too zealous for the fulfil-knowledged this lady as his daughter, I understand that ment of your wishes to suffer my own feelings to endanger the success of the negotiation. To brook an affront at the bidding of duty is no degradation. You may, therefore, dismiss your apprehensions, and confide in me implicitly. Since you are resolved to undertake it, there is no one, said Letitia, to whom I would more willingly entrust the man-reckoning too sanguinely on the failure of your adversary's agement of this affair. You understand my wishes, and I evidence, you expose yourself to ultimate disappointmen commit the whole business to your discretion, confident and discomfiture. that you will spare no exertions to bring it to a successful issue.

I will do what I can, said Goodwin, and, whether I fail or prosper, can say with perfect sincerity, that you could find no one more solicitous to accomplish your generous purpose.

With this protestation of zeal Goodwin departed, and hastened to make arrangements for the fulfilment of his

mission.

When I ask your advice you may give it, said Hambden insolently. At present, I should like to know by what right you presume to dicate the course I ought to pursue.

Mr. Newman, replied Goodwin coolly, I did not come here to offend or take offence. I claim no right to dictate to you. I speak to you as a reasonable man, whose mind is accessible to the force of sound argument. When you listen to your prejudices rather than your understanding, I have no more to say. If you decide definitely to reject this proposal my mission is ended, and there is no need altercation.

The wandering life of Hambden Newman made it uncertain where he could be found; but Goodwin ascertained, upon inquiry, that he had just returned to Augusta from Sir, said Hambden, I claim the whole of my rights one of his marauding excursions, and had established his brand this girl as an impostor, nor shall I yield one iota e head-quarters at the hotel mentioned in a former part of my due either at her bidding, or that of any of her para this narrative. As the tribe into which Hambden was in-mours: and you may tell her, that if she sends any mo corporated were trained to strike at all sorts of game, messengers to me on this subject, I shall dismiss them in policy made them easy of access. When, therefore, Good-plight which neither she nor they will relish. win sought a private interview with that young man, be had no difficulty in obtaining it.

Sir, said Goodwin, as soon as they were alone, I come on an errand from your sister. She is deeply concerned at the unhappy difference between you and your father, and has commissioned me to make a proposition to you with a view of effecting a reconciliation. This proposition, though not directly authorized by your father, has been made known to him; and your sister instructs me to say, that he will not object to it if it meets with your concurrence.

And what may be the proposition, which my discreet sister, as she calls herself, has thought it expedient to make through the medium of a stranger to our family affairs? said Hambden sarcastically. Doubtless it must be, judging by the channel through which it comes, something very private and confidential.

You say truly, sir, replied Goodwin calmly, that the subject of this conversation is private and confidential. What I have to offer was generously designed, in whatever temper it may be received. Your sister proposes, that she should release to you, absolutely and forever, all claim to the property now in the possession of your father; and that, in

Sir, said Goodwin, suppressing with difficulty his risi passion, in a good cause I am not to be intimidated threats, nor would I advise you to reckon always on m forbearance. At present I leave you, continued he, beston ing a cold and haughty salutation on the young man, an passing from the apartment before he had time to rezy The calm dignity of Goodwin's deportment irritated fiery Hambden almost to fury, which, but for his sudde departure, would have vented itself in the most contume lious abuse.

In a mood by no means tranquil, Goodwin set out to re port the unsuccessful result of this negotiation. Us to indignity, he was stung with mortification at the the that he had submitted tamely to the taunts of this arroga young man; and it was only his promise to Letitia, and e recollection that the offender was her brother, which c at all appease his wounded sensibility. He deter hereafter to avoid Hambden, sensible, that were he exp to the repetition of such insults he could no longer co mand his resentment. Engrossed with these meditations. he sauntered slowly down the street, unconscious of L passing throng, till his attention was arrested by the eararst

gaze

of a stranger, whose singular appearance and demea- I thought it was to chat with my wife, and had no notion that nor excited his curiosity. The strong athletic figure of this any thing was wrong. Things went on in this way for man was habited in the meanest and most squalid apparel, some years, and I was stupid enough to think him the best indicating the extremity of want. His long strait hair hung man, and the kindest friend I had in the world. One day, in elf-locks round his haggard visage. A grisly beard, un- when I came from the field, my wife was missing. I asked conscious of the razor, enveloped his nether features, and my neighbors if they had seen her, and they told me she hung in a matted tuft upon his bosom. The expression of had gone off with Newman. My eyes began to be opened, his eye, generally stern and gloomy, varied occasionally to and I soon found that his intimacy with my wife had been a restless wildness, which betrayed an unsettled imagina-long the talk of the neighborhood. Like a base thief, he tion. Annoyed by the fixed look of this inveterate starer, had stolen the affections of my wife, while I was laboring, Goodwin accosted the stranger, and inquired what he like a slave, for her support: I who had been always kind wanted. to her, and given her every thing she wanted from the I want to speak with you, was the brief reply. Follow sweat of my brow! Disgrace had entered my house; shame me into this house, and I will tell you for what purpose. had stained my hearthstone, and I had become the scorn Curious to know what would be the termination of this and laughing-stock of my neighbors: and all along of him. adventure, Goodwin followed this mysterious personage My brain turned, and they say I became a raving madman. into a small decayed framed building, that opened on one of I don't know, but I was given up to the dominion of devils. the cross streets of the town. The furniture of the apart-I saw things that others did not see, and heard sounds that ment into which he was ushered by his conductor, corres-others did not hear, and they thought I was raving. They ponded with the comfortless exterior of this wretched habi-tore me from my house and put me in prison, while the viltation, consisting of two stools, and three or four rickety, split-bottomed chairs. After they were seated, the stranger resumed the conversation.

lain that had wronged me, because he was a rich man, was going at large. When they let me out, my children had been bound apprentices; my property sold for a song to pay my You are surprised, said he, at my asking you in here, debts and the rent due my landlord. I was a ruined man. and want to know what it's for. I'll tell you presently. I My hearth was desolate, my family gone, and 1 became a know you, though you don't know me. You are the school-houseless wanderer upon the earth. I sought the wife that master at Anthony Newman's. You live in the devil's court, though, I believe, you don't do his works. My object is to warn you. Vengeance is dogging that man. Don't you try to ward it off, or it will fall on you. It was but a few months since, that I was about to plunge this (and he drew a long knife fiercely from his bosom) into the heart of that villain, and you stayed my hand. Beware how you do

so another time.

Why, my friend, said Goodwin, it is my duty as a good citizen to prevent murder when I see it about to be committed, no matter who may be the victim. If Mr. Newman deserves punishment, leave him to the laws, or the reproaches of his own conscience.

had left me, and found her in a house of infamy, turned adrift by her betrayer to want, and dying with a loathsome disease. She told me every thing, and I received her last breath. While I looked upon her corpse, I swore to avenge her injuries and mine. I have not forgotten that oath, nor will I forget it.

Goodwin was deeply affected by this tale of guilt and horror. He saw that the mind of this unhappy man had not recovered its equipoise, but, sincerely as he pitied him, thought it his duty to dissuade him from the violence which he meditated.

1

My friend, said he, you have suffered much, and received great provocation. But you should not take vengeance into your own hands. Both law and Religion forbid the shedding of blood, and, if you execute your purpose, you will be called to a fearful account for it both here and hereafter. I care not for what man can do, said he gloomily; and I know that God approves my design. A voice from above has told me so. The figure of my dead wife is now before me, and whispers that it will be a righteous deed. But, said Goodwin, if you persist in your purpose, must, to prevent mischief, make known your threats. Yes! rejoined he with a savage smile; tell him that he may be haunted by fear; tell him that what he did to Coleman that will I do to him, and more also. He may call on the laws to protect him; he may trust to his arms and his strength; he may hide or go abroad; but I will be with him at an hour when he least expects it. He may think to stop and confine me, but I am beyond his reach. And as to you, young man, I do not wish to hurt you, but never again step between me and my prey. Go now, and profit by the warning. With these words, he conducted Goodwin into the street, and, avoiding all further conversation, disappeared in an adjoining alley.

Laws! said he, with a wild laugh: rich men are above the law. Conscience! he never had any. Oh, you do not know how deeply I am bound to hate that man! If you did, you surely would not stand between him and my just revenge. But you shall know. Listen. My name is Joe Smith. I was once a thriving and industrious farmer in tais neighborhood. I had no land of my own, but I rented some, and was in hopes to buy, with my savings, a settlement in the backwoods. I had a young and handsome wife, who, by her management, kept our house neat and snug, and clothed me and our two children from her loom and spinning-wheel. There was plenty at home for ourselves and the friends that came to see us. I loved my wife and children, minded my own business, and was respected by all my neighbors. Every body saw and said, that Joe Smith's family was happy and contented, till this Newman, this fiend in human shape, entered my peaceful dwelling. He was then a candidate, and was wheedling all the poor people in the country with his hypocritical talk, that he might get their votes. Oh, how he loved the people! What a friend he was to the poor man! What sweet chat he had for our wives! How would he praise and dandle our little The day was now so far consumed, that Goodwin found ones! What fine promises did he make us! He was agoing it impossible to reach, by the usual dinner hour, the house to make us all rich, and give every poor man a settlement of Mr. Newman, which was situated in the suburbs of the in the western lands free gratis. And we were fools enough town, and, therefore, determined to take some refreshment to believe him. He came to see me often in his rounds, and at a neighboring tavern. While his meal was preparing, I was mightily pleased to entertain such a grand rich man, he mused upon the extraordinary and startling disclosures so humble and familiar. He was elected, but he still con- he had just heard. What a heartless, unprincipled proflitinued to visit me. I liked him the better for it. I thought gate was this Mr. Newman! By what singular deviation at first that he came for our votes, but I now believed he from the course of nature had it happened that a girl, so came to see us out of real kindness. Often would he stay pure, amiable, and exemplary as Letitia, should be the offat my house for hours, while I was busy with my crop. I spring of such parents-that she had inherited none of