citizen, as a
father. The sums he adroitly obtained by a violation of the laws of his
country, as well as those of humanity, he would allow a mistress to
squander; though she was, with the same _sang froid_, consigned, as were
his children, to poverty, when another proved more attractive.

"On various pretences, his friend continued to visit me; and, observing
my want of money, he tried to induce me to accept of pecuniary aid; but
this offer I absolutely rejected, though it was made with such delicacy,
I could not be displeased.

"One day he came, as I thought accidentally, to dinner. My husband was
very much engaged in business, and quitted the room soon after the cloth
was removed. We conversed as usual, till confidential advice led again to
love. I was extremely mortified. I had a sincere regard for him, and
hoped that he had an equal friendship for me. I therefore began mildly to
expostulate with him. This gentleness he mistook for coy encouragement;
and he would not be diverted from the subject. Perceiving his mistake, I
seriously asked him how, using such language to me, he could profess to
be my husband's friend? A significant sneer excited my curiosity, and he,
supposing this to be my only scruple, took a letter deliberately out of
his pocket, saying, 'Your husband's honour is not inflexible. How could
you, with your discernment, think it so? Why, he left the room this very
day on purpose to give me an opportunity to explain myself; _he_ thought
me too timid--too tardy.'

"I snatched the letter with indescribable emotion. The purport of it was
to invite him to dinner, and to ridicule his chivalrous respect for me.
He assured him, 'that every woman had her price, and, with gross
indecency, hinted, that he should be glad to have the duty of a husband
taken off his hands. These he termed _liberal sentiments_. He advised him
not to shock my romantic notions, but to attack my credulous generosity,
and weak pity; and concluded with requesting him to lend him five hundred
pounds for a month or six weeks.' I read this letter twice over; and the
firm purpose it inspired, calmed the rising tumult of my soul. I rose
deliberately, requested Mr. S---- to wait a moment, and instantly going
into the counting-house, desired Mr. Venables to return with me to the
dining-parlour.

"He laid down his pen, and entered with me, without observing any change
in my countenance. I shut the door, and, giving him the letter, simply
ask