a stranger to herself and others, an alien to society nature inspired her to seek, and calculated her to enjoy. I have never known poverty, never suffered what is commonly called misfortune, my faculties have been cultivated to the uttermost, and I married the man I loved most fondly, and by whom in return I was idolized; my name is unblemished, my conduct blameless, even meritorious, yet has my grave been dug by shame and sorrow, solicitude and the curiosity of natural affection, created but to be crushed.
"I am persuaded you are a total stranger to many circumstances in your own family history, which your mother would properly keep from a daughter so young as you, and on which it is hardly likely your husband would dilate, if, indeed, he knew them, and it is very probable he does not. My friend and companion, Mrs. Cranstoun, assures me that nothing is more common in England, than for the very nearest connexions of parties, unhappily notorious for misconduct, to be ignorant of circumstances known to all others; few persons will expatiate on the guilt of her husband to a forsaken wife; they are aware she knows it, and suffers enough without the laceration their pity might inflict. But a child is still more sacred in their sight, for not only would they spare him the wound a father's infamy would give, but the know-
