on with the Banditti who infested the
neighbouring Forest, and whose Troop was chiefly composed of Young Men
of family in the same predicament with himself. I was determined not
to forsake him. I followed him to the Cavern of the Brigands, and
shared with him the misery inseparable from a life of pillage. But
though I was aware that our existence was supported by plunder, I knew
not all the horrible circumstances attached to my Lover's profession.
These He concealed from me with the utmost care; He was conscious that
my sentiments were not sufficiently depraved to look without horror
upon assassination: He supposed, and with justice, that I should fly
with detestation from the embraces of a Murderer. Eight years of
possession had not abated his love for me; and He cautiously removed
from my knowledge every circumstance, which might lead me to suspect
the crimes in which He but too often participated. He succeeded
perfectly: It was not till after my Seducer's death, that I discovered
his hands to have been stained with the blood of innocence.

'One fatal night He was brought back to the Cavern covered with wounds:
He received them in attacking an English Traveller, whom his Companions
immediately sacrificed to their resentment. He had only time to
entreat my pardon for all the sorrows which He had caused me: He
pressed my hand to his lips, and expired. My grief was inexpressible.
As soon as its violence abated, I resolved to return to Strasbourg, to
throw myself with my two Children at my Father's feet, and implore his
forgiveness, though I little hoped to obtain it. What was my
consternation when informed that no one entrusted with the secret of
their retreat was ever permitted to quit the troop of the Banditti;
That I must give up all hopes of ever rejoining society, and consent
instantly to accepting one of their Band for my Husband! My prayers
and remonstrances were vain. They cast lots to decide to whose
possession I should fall; I became the property of the infamous
Baptiste. A Robber, who had once been a Monk, pronounced over us a
burlesque rather than a religious Ceremony: I and my Children were
delivered into the hands of my new Husband, and He conveyed us
immediately to his home.

'He assured me that He had long entertained for me the most ardent
regard; But that Friendship for my deceased Lover had obliged him to
stifle his desires. He endeavoured to reconcile me to my fate, and for
some time t