uct in deserting him for the friendship of a
villain; and he was forced to arrive at the unwelcome conclusion, that
the Doctor was a man whose natural depravity led him to prefer the
companionship of crime to the society of honesty and honor.

Sydney never ventured abroad without being thoroughly armed; and he was
determined, if attacked by his enemies, to sell his life as dearly as
possible.

He had called once upon Miss Sophia Franklin, since the night he had
rescued her from the designs of the libertine Radcliff; Josephine and
her mother plainly evinced by their looks that they did not relish his
visit; but the fair Sophia received him with every demonstration of
gratitude and pleasure. She could not deny to herself that she felt a
deep and growing interest in the handsome young stranger, who had so
gallantly defended her honor: while on his part, he sympathized with her
unfortunate situation, on account of her unprincipled relatives, and
admired her for her beauty and goodness. He sighed as he thought that
his abandoned wife was a barrier to any hopes which he might entertain
in reference to Sophia; for he felt that he could joyfully make the
young lady his bride, and thus preserve her from her mother and sister,
were there no obstacle in the way. When he contrasted her purity and
virtue with the vices of Julia, he cursed his destiny that had placed so
great a prize beyond his grasp.

Sophia, as yet, knew nothing of Frank's history, and was of course
ignorant that he had a wife. Sweet hopes swelled the maiden's bosom,
when the thought arose in her pure heart that she might be beloved by
one whom she knew was worthy of her tenderest regard.

It was with a high degree of satisfaction that Julia now found
herself, by the liberality of Mr. Hedge, mistress of a splendid
establishment.--Her dresses, her jewelry, her furniture were of
the most magnificent kind; her husband placed no restraint upon
her whatever, he slept in a separate chamber, and never annoyed
her with his impotent embraces; each morning he was accustomed
to meet her in the breakfast parlor, and partake with her the
only meal they took together during the day; after the repast,
he would usually present her with money sufficient to do her
fashionable 'shopping;' then he would kiss her rosy cheek, bid
her adieu, and leave her to pass the day as her fancy or caprice
might dictate.

Enjoying such a life of luxurious ease, Julia was almost perfectly
happ