promised me a home
in Canada; an unjustifiable plea, as I may term it, to smoothe down his
intention of deserting me and my dear child, leaving us to be subjected
to the biting scorn of the uncharitable world, and without even the
nominal existence of a home that we could call our own. Again, the evil
spirit of his soul has been aroused from its lair; and without a
reasonable cause he pierces the very nerves of my affections with the
stings of a jealous heart. A soul so sensitive as mine feels deeply the
wounds he has afflicted. _Oh! unfortunate woman that I am! Wherefore am
I consigned to the torments of impending fate._ Have I committed crimes
so incurable that there is no remedy for them! My heart is ready to
burst! I shall die under the horror of my calamity! Oh! merciful
heavens, have pity upon me!--_poor wretched creature that I am_.

"Oh! Mrs. Charlston what shall I do? What shall I do?" she hysterically
exclaimed, the tears gushing out from her eyes.

"My dear Clara," ejaculated Mrs. Charlston, grasping her affectionately
by the hand, tears dimming her eyes also, "I shall have pity upon you;
and although your friends should become enemies to you, I shall adhere
to you, my dear child, like an affectionate mother and a faithful
friend."

"Thank you, thank you," exclaimed Clara, "but my heart is unable to
express its gratitude."

"Try to compose your feelings, my dear, with the assurance I have given
you of my fidelity."

"Yes, my dearest of friends, I shall endeavor to do so," said Clara.

Then grasping each other more firmly and affectionately by the hand they
sat together until they had sobbed out the sorrowful uprisings of their
hearts.

CHAPTER V.

On the following morning, Mrs. Charlston found an opportunity of
speaking privately to Fred about the unfortunate affair. She told him
all that Clara had said, at the same time endeavoring to make as
favorable impression in her behalf as the circumstances of the case
would allow; and also earnestly beseeching him to come into good terms
at once with Clara.

"_Never! never!_" ejaculated Fred.

"Why should you talk so determinately, Fred, I'm sure that Clara has
given sufficient reasons to justify the circumstances of an
unpremeditated act, apparently so innocent, as to be undeserving of
censure."

"Were it only the first innocent act, as you consider it, I would not
have attached any importance to it," said he.

"Have you really been made awa