dman's _brother_! A youth, forward,
gallant, and gay! Flushed with prosperity, and just returned from
Europe, with all the confidence of age, and all the ornaments of
education! She has gone with him, though pre-engaged to me! Poor Arthur,
how art thou despised!

This information only heightened my impatience. I went away, but
returned in the evening. I waited till eleven, but she came not back. I
cannot justly paint the interval that passed till next morning. It was
void of sleep. On leaving her house, I wandered into the fields. Every
moment increased my impatience. "She will probably spend the morrow at
Stedman's," said I, "and possibly the next day. Why should I wait for
her return? Why not seek her there, and rid myself at once of this
agonizing suspense? Why not go thither now? This night, wherever I spend
it, will be unacquainted with repose. I will go; it is already near
twelve, and the distance is more than eight miles. I will hover near the
house till morning, and then, as early as possible, demand an
interview."

I was well acquainted with Stedman's villa, having formerly been there
with Mrs. Fielding. I quickly entered its precincts. I went close to the
house; looked mournfully at every window. At one of them a light was to
be seen, and I took various stations to discover, if possible, the
persons within. Methought once I caught a glimpse of a female, whom my
fancy easily imagined to be Achsa. I sat down upon the lawn, some
hundred feet from the house, and opposite the window whence the light
proceeded. I watched it, till at length some one came to the window,
lifted it, and, leaning on her arms, continued to look out.

The preceding day had been a very sultry one: the night, as usual after
such a day and the fall of a violent shower, was delightfully serene and
pleasant. Where I stood was enlightened by the moon. Whether she saw me
or not, I could hardly tell, or whether she distinguished any thing but
a human figure.

Without reflecting on what was due to decorum and punctilio, I
immediately drew near the house. I quickly perceived that her attention
was fixed. Neither of us spoke, till I had placed myself directly under
her; I then opened my lips, without knowing in what manner to address
her. She spoke first, and in a startled and anxious voice:--

"Who is that?"

"Arthur Mervyn; he that was two days ago your friend."

"Mervyn! What is it that brings you here at this hour? What is the
matter? Wh