a father torn by that most dreadful of calamities, the dishonour of a child he doated on!  You have been already informed of some of the circumstances of her elopement:  I was then from home, called by the death of a relation, who, though he would never advance me a shilling on the utmost exigency in his life-time, left me all the gleanings of his frugality at his death.  I would not write this intelligence to my daughter, because I intended to be the bearer myself; and as soon as my business would allow me, I set out on my return, winged with all the haste of paternal affection.  I fondly built those schemes of future happiness, which present prosperity is ever busy to suggest:  my Emily was concerned in them all.  As I approached our little dwelling my heart throbbed with the anticipation of joy and welcome.  I imagined the cheering fire, the blissful contentment of a frugal meal, made luxurious by a daughter’s smile, I painted to myself her surprise at the tidings of our new-acquired riches, our fond disputes about the disposal of them.

“The road was shortened by the dreams of happiness I enjoyed, and it began to be dark as I reached the house:  I alighted from my horse, and walked softly upstairs to the room we commonly sat in.  I was somewhat disappointed at not finding my daughter there.  I rung the bell; her maid appeared, and shewed no small signs of wonder at the summons.  She blessed herself as she entered the room:  I smiled at her surprise.  ‘Where is Miss Emily, sir?’ said she.

“‘Emily!’

“’Yes, sir; she has been gone hence some days, upon receipt of those letters you sent her.’

“‘Letters!’ said I.

“’Yes, sir, so she told me, and went off in all haste that very night.’

“I stood aghast as she spoke, but was able so far to recollect myself, as to put on the affectation of calmness, and telling her there was certainly some mistake in the affair, desired her to leave me.

“When she was gone, I threw myself into a chair, in that state of uncertainty which is, of all others, the most dreadful.  The gay visions with which I had delighted myself, vanished in an instant.  I was tortured with tracing back the same circle of doubt and disappointment.  My head grew dizzy as I thought.  I called the servant again, and asked her a hundred questions, to no purpose; there was not room even for conjecture.

“Something at last arose in my mind, which we call Hope, without knowing what it is.  I wished myself deluded by it; but it could not prevail over my returning fears.  I rose and walked through the room.  My Emily’s spinnet stood at the end of it, open, with a book of music folded down at some of my favourite lessons.  I touched the keys; there was a vibration in the sound that froze my blood; I looked around, and methought the family pictures on the walls gazed on me with compassion in their faces.  I sat down again with an attempt at more composure; I started at every creaking of the door, and my ears rung with imaginary noises!