15
While the bounty of the generous Trueman was thus employed in releasing the worthy Curate from the horrors of a prison, he himself was no less assiduous in soothing, by every act of benevolence and hospitality, the anxiety of the family at home.
With the assistance of his landlord, he was become acquainted with every transaction that had occurred in the village. In one of his evening walks, he was roused from his meditations by the sudden exclamations of a female voice; and, raising his eyes, beheld the fair object of his affections endeavouring to avoid the opportunities of a gentleman who was pursuing her.
"Stay, lovely Charlotte!" said the stranger. "Why do you fly me thus?"
"Why, Sir, are you so importunate?"
"Because I wish to remove the cloud of sorrow that hangs on your brow. In short, because I love you. Who could behold beauty such as your's, and live a stranger to affection!"
"Affection! view your recent conduct to my father; then say if affection bore a leading feature here?
"On honourable terms I sought your hand, which you in scorn refused. Had your father then said on you his commands, and forced you to be mine, he had escaped my resentment."
"My choice was free, sir; and, perhaps it was my nature's fault, I could not love you. But excuse my abruptness, should we be seen thus discoursing, the discovery would not add to my reputation."
"This contempt, child, is very pretty! but it
