ah, demanding my presence, with which I was weak enough to comply,
and for an hour and a half sustained the fury of her rage and
reproaches, when, as neither would agree to the proposals of the other,
we again parted. On my return home, I eagerly inquired after Ellenor.
'She is gone, sir!' said the girl, bursting into tears. 'Gone!' I
repeated. 'How--when--where is she gone?' 'That, sir,' she answered, 'I
know not. Soon after you went out, my lady sent Susan for a chaise and
four, which, the moment it arrived, she entered, leaving this letter
for you. Susan put in a few parcels, and followed her mistress; but
where they are gone to, God only knows!'

"I seized the letter; and you may judge of what I felt when I perused
it."

The Captain, with a sigh, drew a case from his bosom, and, taking out
the letter, read as follows:

"I mean not, Edward, to upbraid you with an action, which, though
it has involved your Ellenor in misery, was the offspring of
affection; or, by unavailing complaints, add to the sorrow that
already fills your bosom. No--rather let me speak peace to your
mind, and, if possible, soften this, perhaps last, farewell! I
have sustained the shock! Your real wife--oh, Edward, Edward!--But
I will be calm.

"After the discovery of last night, honour, religion, virtue,
forbid my continuance here. I am the child of misfortune; to stay,
would make me the child of guilt! Justice likewise demands, that
whilst your wife exists, you should think of Ellenor no otherwise
than as a friend; I cannot say--forget me; that would be injustice
to myself. No, Edward--pure has ever been my affection; and if
Heaven should release you from your vows, remember the hand, the
heart of Ellenor, may be demanded. Till then attempt not to
discover me; the search would be fruitless. Justice demands the
sacrifice, and it must be made! Yet how can I say--farewell! How
tear myself from him on whose existence that of Ellenor depends; be
merciful, Heaven--nor inflict a punishment past my power to
support! Still let me stay--let me at least see my Edward, and hear
him speak!--But it must not be. Oh, Edward, the punishment is just!
You had your secrets, and I had mine!

"My hand is incapable of performing its office; I would, but cannot
proceed. Oh, Edward! think of your Ellenor; doubt not my love--my
constancy: a