on, and I was struck with the fire and vigour of the remarks,
which were uttered in such a melodious tone.

Her visits, during a month, were frequent, and every time did she press
upon me a fee. Although not in love with her person, I certainly felt
very grateful, and moreover was charmed with the superiority of her
mind. We were now on the most friendly and confiding terms. One
evening she said to me, "Japhet, we have now been friends some time.
Can I trust you?"

"With your life, if it were necessary," replied I.

"I believe it," said she. "Then can you leave the shop and come to me
to-morrow evening?"

"Yes, if you will send your maid for me, saying that you are not well."

"I will, at eight o'clock. Farewell, then, till to-morrow."

PART ONE, CHAPTER FIVE.

MY VANITY RECEIVES A DESPERATE WOUND, BUT MY HEART REMAINS UNSCATHED--AN
ANOMALY IN WOMAN, ONE WHO DESPISES BEAUTY.

The next evening I left Timothy in charge, and repaired to her house; it
was very respectable in outward appearance, as well as its furniture. I
was not, however, shown up into the first floor, but into the room
below.

"Miss Judd will come directly, sir," said a tall, meagre, puritanical
looking maid, shutting the door upon me. In a few minutes, during which
my pulse beat quick, (for I could not but expect some disclosure;
whether it was to be one of love or murder, I hardly knew which,) Miss
Aramathea Judd, for such was her Christian name, made her appearance,
and sitting down on the sofa, requested me to take a seat by her.

"Mr Newland," said she, "I wish to--and I think I can entrust you with
a secret most important to me. Why I am obliged to do it, you will
perfectly comprehend when you have heard my story. Tell me, are you
attached to me?"

This was a home question to a forward lad of sixteen. I took her by the
hand, and when I looked down on it, I felt as if I was. I looked up
into her face, and felt that I was not. And, as I now was close to her,
I perceived that she must have some aromatic drug in her mouth, as it
smelt strongly--this gave me the supposition that the breath which drew
such melodious tones was not equally sweet, and I felt a certain
increased degree of disgust.

"I am very grateful, Miss Judd," replied I; "I hope I shall prove that I
am attached when you confide in me."

"Swear then, by all that's sacred, you will not reveal what I do
confide."

"By all that's sacred I will not," replied I