d to find myself the object of his choice. When our
engagement became known, I had good reason for believing myself to be
envied by many of my female acquaintances. Neither they nor I were aware
how soon their envy was to be turned to pity. An early day was appointed
for our marriage, and my poor parents exerted themselves to give me a
suitable wedding outfit. About this time, Mr. Almont had business which
obliged him to leave Littleton for a short time. When he bade me adieu I
felt a foreboding of evil; and, after he had gone, I experienced a
depression of spirits, for which I could not account. But, when he had
been a week absent, and I received from him a cheerful letter, informing
me of his return in a few days, I strove to banish my sad thoughts and
busied myself in preparing my wedding outfit. Going one day to the Post
Office, with the expectation of finding there a letter from Mr. Almont,
I received this instead."

As she spoke, Miss Simmonds unfolded a letter, which I had observed her
take from a drawer before commencing her story. It read thus:--

"Boston, June 4th, 18--.

"To Miss Priscilla Simmonds:

Although you are, personally, a stranger to me, I nevertheless take the
liberty of addressing you. By the merest chance I learned your name and
residence, also, that you are shortly to be united in marriage to Mr.
George Almont, a lawyer from the city of Boston.

"I felt it an imperative duty, before that event shall take place, to
inform you that I am the wedded wife of the same George Almont, whom you
are about to marry. He came to Boston about five years since, having, as
he said, just completed his studies in the city of New York. He opened
an office in this city for the practice of his profession; and, as his
external appearance was pleasing, he soon gained an entrance into good
society. I need not inform you that he was likely to make a favorable
impression upon the mind of a young lady just entering society. He rose
rapidly in his profession; and although my parents were wealthy, when
they saw how deeply I was attached to him, they did not object to my
receiving his addresses, as he bid fair to rise to a position of wealth
and influence. It is needless, as well as painful, for me to dwell upon
the subject. Two years after he first came to Boston we were married. We
soon removed to our own dwelling, which was a wedding gift to me, from
my father. For a time he treated me with the utmost kindness and
af