She loved Charlotte truly; and when she reflected on the innocence and gentleness of her disposition, she concluded that it must have been the advice and machinations of La Rue, which led her to this imprudent action; she recollected her agitation at the receipt of her mother's letter, and saw in it the conflict of her mind.
"Does that letter relate to Charlotte ?" said Mr.Eldridge, having waited some time in expectation of Madame Du Pont's speaking.
"It does," said she.

"Charlotte is well, but cannot return today." "Not return, Madam?
where is she?
who will detain her from her fond, expecting parents ?" "You distract me with these questions, Mr.Eldridge.Indeed I know not where she is, or who has seduced her from her duty." The whole truth now rushed at once upon Mr.Eldridge's mind.

"She has eloped then," said he.

"My child is betrayed; the darling, the comfort of my aged heart, is lost.

Oh would to heaven I had died but yesterday." A violent gush of grief in some measure relieved him, and, after several vain attempts, he at length assumed sufficient composure to read the note.
"And how shall I return to my children ?" said he: "how approach that mansion, so late the habitation of peace?
Alas! my dear Lucy, how will you support these heart-rending tidings?
or how shall I be enabled to console you, who need so much consolation myself ?" The old man returned to the chaise, but the light step and cheerful countenance were no more; sorrow filled his heart, and guided his motions; he seated himself in the chaise, his venerable head reclined upon his bosom, his hands were folded, his eye fixed on vacancy, and the large drops of sorrow rolled silently down his cheeks.