ustn't think so hard of Mr.
Radcliff's attentions. You must encourage him, for he is very rich, and
_we need money_.'

'Must you have money at the expense of my honor?' demanded Sophia, with
unwonted spirit.

'And why not?' asked her mother in a severe tone. 'Must we starve on
account of your silly notions about virtue, and such humbug? Your sister
and I have long since learned to dispose of our persons for pecuniary
benefit, as well as for our sensual gratification--for it is as
pleasurable as profitable; and you must do the same, now that you are
old enough.'

'Never--never!' solemnly exclaimed Sophia--'my poor, dead father--'

'What of him?' eagerly demanded both mother and daughter, in the same
breath.

'He seems to look down on me from Heaven, and tell me to commit no sin,'
replied the young girl.

'Nonsense,' cried the mother--'but go now to your chamber, and retire to
bed; to-night at least, you shall rest undisturbed.'

Sophia bade them a mournful good night, and left the room. When the door
closed upon her, Josephine glanced at her mother with a look of
satisfaction.

'Radcliff will be here to-night at twelve,' said she--'according to his
appointment, for he will find no difficulty in procuring his discharge
from custody. Once introduced into Sophia's chamber, he will gain his
object with little trouble; then he will pay us the remaining thousand,
as agreed upon.'

'And which we need most desperately,' rejoined her mother--'how
unfortunate about the burning of our house! It has reduced us almost to
our last penny.'

'The loss is irreparable,' sighed Josephine--'what divine raptures we
used to enjoy in the 'Sanctuary of the Graces!' And there, too, was my
elegant wardrobe and that heavenly French bed!'

These two abandoned women then retired to their respective chambers, to
await the coming of Radcliff. At midnight he came. He was admitted into
the house by Mrs. Franklin, and conducted to the chamber of Sophia,
which he entered by means of a duplicate key furnished him by the
perfidious mother.

The libertine had not observed, on entering the house, that he was
followed by a man at a short distance. He was too intent upon the
accomplishment of his vile desire, to notice the close proximity of one
who was determined to oppose him in its execution. Sydney had expected
that Radcliff would be liberated, and felt assured that he would seek
his victim again that night. He comprehended that the poor gi