lived again in the revived emotions of youth, and
forgot her present in the retrospect of sorrows that had assumed an
unalterable character.

Though this employment lightened the weight of time, yet, never losing
sight of her main object, Maria did not allow any opportunity to slip of
winning on the affections of Jemima; for she discovered in her a strength
of mind, that excited her esteem, clouded as it was by the misanthropy of
despair.

An insulated being, from the misfortune of her birth, she despised and
preyed on the society by which she had been oppressed, and loved not her
fellow-creatures, because she had never been beloved. No mother had ever
fondled her, no father or brother had protected her from outrage; and the
man who had plunged her into infamy, and deserted her when she stood in
greatest need of support, deigned not to smooth with kindness the road to
ruin. Thus degraded, was she let loose on the world; and virtue, never
nurtured by affection, assumed the stern aspect of selfish independence.

This general view of her life, Maria gathered from her exclamations and
dry remarks. Jemima indeed displayed a strange mixture of interest and
suspicion; for she would listen to her with earnestness, and then
suddenly interrupt the conversation, as if afraid of resigning, by giving
way to her sympathy, her dear-bought knowledge of the world.

Maria alluded to the possibility of an escape, and mentioned a
compensation, or reward; but the style in which she was repulsed made her
cautious, and determine not to renew the subject, till she knew more of
the character she had to work on. Jemima's countenance, and dark hints,
seemed to say, "You are an extraordinary woman; but let me consider, this
may only be one of your lucid intervals." Nay, the very energy of Maria's
character, made her suspect that the extraordinary animation she
perceived might be the effect of madness. "Should her husband then
substantiate his charge, and get possession of her estate, from whence
would come the promised annuity, or more desired protection? Besides,
might not a woman, anxious to escape, conceal some of the circumstances
which made against her? Was truth to be expected from one who had been
entrapped, kidnapped, in the most fraudulent manner?"

In this train Jemima continued to argue, the moment after compassion and
respect seemed to make her swerve; and she still resolved not to be
wrought on to do more than soften the rigour o