that you would make any sacrifice to promote
my happiness--and, even in your last unkind letter, you talk of the
ties which bind you to me and my child. Tell me that you wish it,
and I will cut this Gordian knot.

I now most earnestly entreat you to write to me, without fail, by
the return of the post. Direct your letter to be left at the
post-office, and tell me whether you will come to me here, or where
you will meet me. I can receive your letter on Wednesday morning.

Do not keep me in suspense. I expect nothing from you, or any human
being; my die is cast! I have fortitude enough to determine to do
my duty; yet I cannot raise my depressed spirits, or calm my
trembling heart. That being who moulded it thus knows that I am
unable to tear up by the roots the propensity to affection which
has been the torment of my life,--but life will have an end!

Should you come here (a few months ago I could not have doubted it)
you will find me at ----. If you prefer meeting me on the road,
tell me where.

Yours affectionately,
MARY.

The result of this letter was that Imlay and Mary tried to retie the
broken thread of their domestic relations. The latter went up to London,
and they settled together in lodgings. It would have been better for her
had she never seen him again. The fire of his love had burnt out. No
power could rekindle it. His indifference was hard to bear; but so long
as he assured her that he had formed no other attachment, she made no
complaint. For Fanny's sake she endured the new bitterness, and found
such poor comfort as she could in being with him. It was but too true
that the constancy of her affection was the torment of her life. In spite
of everything, she still loved him. Before long, however, she discovered
through her servants that he was basely deceiving her. He was keeping up
a separate establishment for a new mistress. Mary, following the impulse
of the moment, went at once to this house, where she found him. The
particulars of their interview are not known; but her wretchedness during
the night which followed maddened her. His perfidy hurt her more deeply
than his indifference. Her cup of sorrow was filled to overflowing, and
for the second time she made up her mind to fly from a world which held
nothing but misery for her. It may be concluded that for the time being
she was really mad. It will be reme