Forgive me, my dear Emmeline, and look not on me so beseechingly; painful as it is, in the sincerest friendship alone I place before your too partial eyes the real character of your child.

I have now done my duty, and will therefore leave you.
God bless you, and grant you strength to bear this bitter trial." She turned to the unhappy father, who, as she spoke, had, overcome with uncontrollable agitation, sunk on a chair and covered his face with his hands, but with a strong effort he roused himself as she pronounced his name, and rose.
"Mr.Hamilton, to your wife, your inestimable wife, you owe the preservation of your child this night from sin.

Let her not, I beseech you, afflict herself too deeply for those sufferings under which she may behold Caroline for a time the victim.

She deserves them all--all; but she merits not one half that affection which her fond and loving mother would lavish on her.

I leave you now, but, trust me, feeling deeply for you both." "Nay, rest with us to night, at least," exclaimed Mr.Hamilton, conquering himself sufficiently to think of his friend's situation, alone, in London, at such a late hour, and endeavouring to persuade her to remain with them; but decidedly, yet kindly, she refused.
"I sleep at St.James's, and shall be back at Airslie to-morrow morning before my guests are recovered from the effects of to-night," she urged.
"Your hospitality is kindly meant, Hamilton, but I cannot accept it; both Caroline and her mother can dispense with my company now." "Then let me accompany you home ?" "I will not hear of it, my good friend.