when, with as little affection for the human race as for individuals, he thought of nothing but his own gratification.  He was just such a citizen, as a father.  The sums he adroitly obtained by a violation of the laws of his country, as well as those of humanity, he would allow a mistress to squander; though she was, with the same sang froid, consigned, as were his children, to poverty, when another proved more attractive.

“On various pretences, his friend continued to visit me; and, observing my want of money, he tried to induce me to accept of pecuniary aid; but this offer I absolutely rejected, though it was made with such delicacy, I could not be displeased.

“One day he came, as I thought accidentally, to dinner.  My husband was very much engaged in business, and quitted the room soon after the cloth was removed.  We conversed as usual, till confidential advice led again to love.  I was extremely mortified.  I had a sincere regard for him, and hoped that he had an equal friendship for me.  I therefore began mildly to expostulate with him.  This gentleness he mistook for coy encouragement; and he would not be diverted from the subject.  Perceiving his mistake, I seriously asked him how, using such language to me, he could profess to be my husband’s friend?  A significant sneer excited my curiosity, and he, supposing this to be my only scruple, took a letter deliberately out of his pocket, saying, ’Your husband’s honour is not inflexible.  How could you, with your discernment, think it so?  Why, he left the room this very day on purpose to give me an opportunity to explain myself; he thought me too timid—­too tardy.

“I snatched the letter with indescribable emotion.  The purport of it was to invite him to dinner, and to ridicule his chivalrous respect for me.  He assured him, ’that every woman had her price, and, with gross indecency, hinted, that he should be glad to have the duty of a husband taken off his hands.  These he termed liberal sentiments.  He advised him not to shock my romantic notions, but to attack my credulous generosity, and weak pity; and concluded with requesting him to lend him five hundred pounds for a month or six weeks.’  I read this letter twice over; and the firm purpose it inspired, calmed the rising tumult of my soul.  I rose deliberately, requested Mr. S——­ to wait a moment, and instantly going into the counting-house, desired Mr. Venables to return with me to the dining-parlour.

“He laid down his pen, and entered with me, without observing any change in my countenance.  I shut the door, and, giving him the letter, simply asked, ‘whether he wrote it, or was it a forgery?’

“Nothing could equal his confusion.  His friend’s eye met his, and he muttered something about a joke—­But I interrupted him—­’It is sufficient—­We part for ever.’