been a subject of speculation in the town; that, formerly, her character was highly esteemed; but that her intimacy with a man of Sanford’s known libertinism, more especially as she was supposed to be engaged to another, had rendered her very censurable; that they were often together; that wherever she went he was sure to follow, as if by appointment; that they walked, talked, sung, and danced together in all companies; that some supposed he he would marry her; others, that he only meditated adding her name to the black catalogue of deluded wretches, whom he had already ruined!

I rose, and walked the room in great agitation.  He apologized for his freedom; was sorry if he had wounded my feelings; but friendship alone had induced him frankly to declare the truth, that I might guard against duplicity and deceit.

I thanked him for his kind intensions; and assured him that I should not quit the town till I had terminated this affair, in one way or another.

I retired to bed, but sleep was a stranger to my eyes.  With the dawn I rose; and after breakfast walked to Mrs. Wharton’s, who informed me, that Eliza was in her chamber, writing to a friend, but would be down in a few minutes.  I entered into conversation with the old lady on the subject of her daughter’s conduct; hinted my suspicions of the cause, and declared my resolution of knowing my destiny immediately.  She endeavored to extenuate, and excuse her as much as possible; but frankly owned that her behavior was mysterious; that no pains had been wanting, on her part, to alter and rectify it; that she had remonstrated, expostulated, advised and entreated, as often as occasion required.  She hoped that my resolution would have a good effect, as she knew that her daughter esteemed me very highly.

In this manner we conversed till the clock struck twelve; and, Eliza not appearing, I desired her mamma to send up word that I waited to see her.  The maid returned with an answer that she was indisposed, and had lain down.  Mrs. Wharton observed that she had not slept for several nights, and complained of the headache in the morning.  The girl added that she would wait on Mr. Boyer in the evening.  Upon this information I rose, and abruptly took my leave.  I went to dine with a friend, to whom I had engaged myself the day before; but my mind was too much agitated to enjoy either the company or the dinner.  I excused myself from tarrying to tea, and returned to Miss Wharton’s.  On inquiry, I was told that Eliza had gone to walk in the garden, but desired that no person might intrude on her retirement.  The singularity of the request awakened my curiosity, and determined me to follow her.  I sought her in vain in different parts of the garden, till, going towards an arbor, almost concealed from sight by surrounding shrubbery, I discovered her sitting in close conversation with Major Sanford!  My blood chilled in my veins, and I stood petrified with astonishment at the disclosure