roduced a
fever, which brought on a miscarriage; and I believe it is well for my
conscience that heaven thus disposed of my burden; for let me own to
you with penitence and horror, if I had brought a living child into the
world, my frenzy would have prompted me to sacrifice the little innocent
to my resentment of the father's infidelity.

'After this event my rage abated, and my hate became more deliberate and
calm: when one day my landlady informed me that there was a gentleman
below who desired to see me, he having something of consequence to
impart, which he was sure would contribute to my peace of mind. I was
exceedingly alarmed at this declaration, which I attempted to interpret
a thousand ways; and before I came to any determination he entered my
room, with an apology for intruding without my knowledge or consent.
I surveyed him some time, and not being able to recollect his face,
demanded, with a faltering accent, what his business was with me? Upon
which he desired I would give him a particular audience, and he did not
doubt of communicating something that would conduce to my satisfaction
and repose. As I thought myself sufficiently guarded against any
violence, I granted his request, and bade the woman withdraw. The
stranger, then advancing, gave me to understand that he was well
acquainted with the particulars of my story, having been informed
of them from Lothario's own mouth--that from the time he knew my
misfortunes he had entertained a detestation for the author of them,
which had of late been increased and inflamed to a desire of revenge,
by a piece of dishonourable conduct towards him--that hearing of my
melancholy situation, he had come with an intention of offering his
assistance and comfort, and was ready to espouse my quarrel, and
forthwith take vengeance on my seducer, provided I would grant him one
consideration, which, he hoped, I should see no reason to refuse. Had
all the artifice of hell been employed in composing a persuasive, it
could not have had a more instantaneous or favourable effect than this
discourse had upon me. I was transported with a delirium of gloomy joy.
The contract was made; he devoted himself to my revenge, undertook to
murder Lothario that very night, and to bring me an account of his death
before morning. Accordingly, about two of the clock, he was introduced
to my chamber, and assured me that my perfidious lover was no more: that
although he was not entitled to such an ho