esitated--while I, with insufferable anguish of mind, begged
her to proceed.

"About six or eight months after your departure, she continued, it was
reported to Miss Vernon that she had a rival in the Indies; that you had
there found an American beauty, on whom you lavished those endearments
which belonged of right to her alone. This news made, at first, a deep
impression on her mind, but it soon wore away; and whether from this
cause, from fickleness of disposition, or that she never sincerely loved
you, I know not; but this I do know, that a youth has been for some time
past her almost constant companion. To convince you of this, you need
only tomorrow evening, about sunset, conceal yourself near the long
avenue by the side of the rivulet, back of Mr. Vernon's country-house,
where you will undoubtedly surprise Miss Vernon and her companion in
their usual evening's walk. If I should be mistaken I will submit to
your censure; but should you find it as I have predicted, you have only
to rush from your concealment, charge her with her perfidy, and renounce
her forever."

"Of all the plagues, of all the torments, of all the curses which
torture the soul, jealousy of a rival in love is the worst. Enraged,
confounded and astonished, it seemed as if my bosom would have
instantaneously burst. To conceal my emotions, I left my sister's
apartment, after having thanked her for her information, and proceeded
to obey her injunctions. I retired to my own room, and there poured out
my execrations.

"Cursed woman! I exclaimed, is it thus you requite my tender love! Could
a vague report of my inconstancy drive you to infidelity! Did not my
continual letters breathe constant adoration? And did not yours portray
the same sincerity of affection? No, it was not that which caused you to
perjure your plighted vows. It was that damnable passion for novelty,
which more or less holds a predominancy over your whole sex. To a new
coat, a new face, a new lover, you will sacrifice honour, principle and
virtue. And to those, backed by splendid power and splendid property,
you will forfeit your most sacred engagements, though made in the
presence of heaven."--Thus did I rave through a sleepless night.

"The next day I walked into the fields, and before the time my sister
appointed had arrived, I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy
of distraction. I repaired, however, to the spot, and concealed myself
in the place she had named, which w