this intelligence, we have deemed it best to absent ourselves for
a time. You will not be able to find us, if you choose to institute a
search, until such time as we please to show ourselves; hence you need not
put yourself to the trouble of looking after us. So soon, however, as you
feel a willingness to receive us as your children, we will gladly return to
you. To ascertain your feelings on this subject, we will voluntarily open a
correspondence with you at some period in the future, perhaps in a month,
when you can communicate to us your wishes and commands.

"With sentiments of high esteem, and deeply pained feelings that I am
compelled to take this step, I am, my very dear sir,

"Your obedient servant,

"CHARLES HADLEY."

Mandeville read this letter a second time to assure himself that its
contents were what they seemed, and when satisfied on this point, he stood
mute for a brief space of time, as if to fully take in the astonishing
truth that Eveline, his only, his beloved child, had so far forgotten her
duly and her promise, yes, her solemn promise, as to leave her home and
_his_ care, for the love of a stranger! At last the great reality seemed to
enter his soul in all its crushing force, tearing from his heart the
affections that had clustered around his only child for years, from his
bosom the hopes of a lifetime, and leaving him a desolate, smitten,
soul-chilled being, with all the beauty and brightness of life departed!

Oh, ye children of affectionate parents! beware how you crush the hearts
that have "nourished and cherished" you as only parents' hearts can do! God
will smite the undutiful child with a curse! Bear and forbear, even if the
commands of those appointed over you should seem to be unjust. Remember
their labor, and toil and suffering in your behalf, and spare, oh! spare
them in their old age, when their bodies are ripening for the grave, and
their spirits for the skies. Let not their gray hairs go down to the
chambers of the dead in sorrow, nor their failing strength be suddenly
brought low by the anguish _you_ have inflicted upon their spirits; but
spare them as you would be spared!

Several minutes elapsed before Mr. Mandeville could collect his scattered
and stunned thoughts together. The blow was so sudden, the shock so
terrible, they almost prostrated him. He walked up and down the room, with
paleness on his cheeks, and a load in his bosom. The only evidence he
manifested of the gr