ence of dejection and
sedentary labour on her brother's health. Yet this was not to be
considered as inevitable. Fortitude might be inspired by exhortation and
example, and no condition precluded us from every species of bodily
exertion. The less inclined he should prove to cultivate the means of
deliverance and happiness within his reach, the more necessary it became
for her to stimulate and fortify his resolution.

If I were captivated by the charms of this lady's person and carriage,
my reverence was excited by these proofs of wisdom and energy. I
zealously promised to concur with her in every scheme she should adopt
for her own or her brother's advantage; and, after spending some hours
with her, took my leave.

I now regretted the ignorance in which I had hitherto remained
respecting this lady. That she was, in an eminent degree, feminine and
lovely, was easily discovered; but intellectual weakness had been rashly
inferred from external frailty. She was accustomed to shrink from
observation, and reserve was mistaken for timidity. I called on Carlton
only when numerous engagements would allow, and when, by some accident,
his customary visits had been intermitted. On those occasions, my stay
was short, and my attention chiefly confined to her brother. I now
resolved to atone for my ancient negligence, not only by my own
assiduities, but by those of my wife.

On my return home, I found Mervyn and my wife in earnest discourse. I
anticipated the shock which the sensibility of the latter would receive
from the tidings which I had to communicate respecting Carlton. I was
unwilling, and yet perceived the necessity of disclosing the truth. I
desired to bring these women, as soon as possible, to the knowledge of
each other, but the necessary prelude to this was an acquaintance with
the disaster that had happened.

Scarcely had I entered the room, when Mervyn turned to me, and said,
with an air of anxiety and impatience, "Pray, my friend, have you any
knowledge of Francis Carlton?"

The mention of this name by Mervyn produced some surprise. I
acknowledged my acquaintance with him.

"Do you know in what situation he now is?"

In answer to this question, I stated by what singular means his
situation had been made known to me, and the purpose from the
accomplishment of which I had just returned. I inquired in my turn,
"Whence originated this question?"

He had overheard the name of Carlton in the prison. Two persons wer