y thing
that was graceful and lovely appeared centered in her person; every
thing that was virtuous and excellent in her mind. I sought her hand.
Our souls soon became united by the indissoluble bonds of sincerest
love, and as there were no parental or other impediments to our union,
it was agreed that as soon as I returned from the Indies, where it was
expected that my stay would be short, the marriage solemnities should be
performed. Solemn oaths of constancy passed between us, and I sailed,
with my regiment, for the Indies.

"While there, I received from her, and returned letters filled with the
tenderest expressions of anxiety and regret of absence. At length the
time came when we were to embark for England, where we arrived after an
absence of about eighteen months. The moment I got on land I hastened to
the house of Mr. Vernon, to see the charmer of my soul. She received me
with all the ardency of affection, and even shed tears of joy in my
presence. I pressed her to name the day which was to perfect our union
and happiness, and the next Sunday, four days only distant, was agreed
upon for me to lead her to the altar. How did my heart bound at the
prospect of making Miss Vernon my own!--of possessing in her all that
could render life agreeable; I hastened home to my family and informed
them of my approaching bliss, who all sympathized in the anticipated joy
which swelled my bosom.

"I had a sister some years older than myself, who had been the friend
and inmate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost every day
together, so that I had frequent opportunities of her company. One day
she had been with my sister at my father's, and I attended her home. On
my return, my sister requested me to attend her in a private room. We
therefore retired, and when we were seated she thus addressed me:

"Henry, you know that to promote your peace, your welfare, and your
happiness, has ever been the pride of my heart. Nothing except this
could extort the secret which I shall now disclose, and which has yet
remained deposited in my own bosom: my duty to a brother whom I esteem
dear as life, forbids me to remain silent. As an affectionate sister, I
cannot tacitly see you thus imposed upon; I cannot see you the dupe and
slave of an artful and insidious woman, who does not sincerely return
your love; nor can I bear to see your marriage consummated with one
whose soul and affections are placed upon another object."

"Here she h