cupied in gazing on the younger. My anxiety to
know the truth gave pathos and energy to my tones while I spoke:--

"Who, where, what are you? Do you reside in this house? Are you a sister
or daughter in this family, or merely a visitant? Do you know the
character, profession, and views of your companions? Do you deem them
virtuous, or know them to be profligate? Speak! tell me, I beseech you!"

The maiden confusion which had just appeared in the countenance of this
person now somewhat abated. She lifted her eyes, and glanced by turns at
me and at her who sat by her side. An air of serious astonishment
overspread her features, and she seemed anxious for me to proceed. The
elder, meanwhile, betrayed the utmost alarm, again upbraided my
audacity, commanded me to withdraw, and admonished me of the danger I
incurred by lingering.

I noticed not her interference, but again entreated to know of the
younger her true state. She had no time to answer me, supposing her not
to want the inclination, for every pause was filled by the clamorous
importunities and menaces of the other. I began to perceive that my
attempts were useless to this end, but the chief and most estimable
purpose was attainable. It was in my power to state the knowledge I
possessed, through your means, of Mrs. Villars and her daughters. This
information might be superfluous, since she to whom it was given might
be one of this licentious family. The contrary, however, was not
improbable, and my tidings, therefore, might be of the utmost moment to
her safety.

A resolute and even impetuous manner reduced my incessant interrupter to
silence. What I had to say, I compressed in a few words, and adhered to
perspicuity and candour with the utmost care. I still held the hand that
I had taken, and fixed my eyes upon her countenance with a steadfastness
that hindered her from lifting her eyes.

"I know you not; whether you be dissolute or chaste, I cannot tell. In
either case, however, what I am going to say will be useful. Let me
faithfully repeat what I have heard. It is mere rumour, and I vouch not
for its truth. Rumour as it is, I submit it to your judgment, and hope
that it may guide you into paths of innocence and honour.

"Mrs. Villars and her three daughters are Englishwomen, who supported
for a time an unblemished reputation, but who, at length, were suspected
of carrying on the trade of prostitution. This secret could not be
concealed forever. The profliga