r region and neighborhood.

This ride, however, was rather of a gloomy tendency, as its influences
were lost in the utterance and free exhibition to Ralph of the mental
sufferings of his companion. Naturally of a good spirit and temper, his
heart, though strong of endurance and fearless of trial, had not been
greatly hardened by the world's circumstance. The cold droppings of the
bitter waters, however they might have worn into, had not altogether
petrified it; and his feelings, coupled with and at all times acted upon
by a southern fancy, did not fail to depict to his own sense, and in the
most lively colors, the offence of which he had been guilty.

It was with a reproachful and troublesome consciousness, therefore, that
he now addressed his more youthful companion on the subject so fearfully
presented to his thought He had already, in their brief acquaintance,
found in Ralph a firm and friendly adviser, and acknowledging in his
person all the understood superiorities of polished manners and correct
education, he did not scruple to come to him for advice in his present
difficulties. Ralph, fully comprehending his distress, and conscious how
little of his fault had been premeditated,--estimating, too, the many
good qualities apparent in his character--did not withhold his counsel.

"I can say little to you now, Forrester, in the way of advice, so long
as you continue to herd with the men who have already led you into so
much mischief. You appear to me, and must appear to all men, while
coupled with such associates, as voluntarily choosing your ground, and
taking all the consequences of its position. As there would seem no
necessity for your dwelling longer among them, you certainly do make
your choice in thus continuing their associate."

"Not so much a matter of choice, now, 'squire, as you imagine. It was,
to be sure, choice at first, but then I did not know the people I had to
deal with; and when I did, you see, the circumstances were altered."

"How,--by what means?"

"Why, then,'squire, you must know, and I see no reason to keep the thing
from you, I took a liking, a short time after I came here, to a young
woman, the daughter of one of our people, and she to me--at least so she
says, and I must confess I'm not unwilling to believe her; though it is
difficult to say--these women you know--" and as he left the unfinished
sentence, he glanced significantly to the youth's face, with an
expression which the latte