To an indifferent person, however, without any prejudice either for or against her, it was really impossible, considering the satanic success with which the plot was managed, and the number of witnesses actually present at its accomplishment, to consider Miss M'Loughlin as free at least from gross and indefensible levity, and a most unjustifiable relaxation of female prudence, at a period when it was known she was actually engaged to another.
This certainly looked very suspicious, and we need scarcely say that a cessation of all visits, intimacy, and correspondence, immediately took place, on the part of female friends and acquaintances.

In fact the innocent victim of this dastardly plot was completely deserted, and the little party of her friends was by no means a match for the large and godly hosts who charitably combined to establish her guilt.

Her father, with all his manliness of character, and sterling integrity, was not distressed on his daughter's account only.

There was another cause of anxiety to him equally deep--we mean the mysterious change that had come over his sons, in consequence of this blasting calamity.

He saw clearly that they had come to the dark and stern determination of avenging their sister's disgrace upon its author, and that at whatever risk.