Some days after, my brother with much seriousness informed me, that my modest and composed deportment had pleased Mr. Flint. “He has not only made his proposals to me of jointuring you in four hundred pounds _per annum_,” added he, “but he has also, on hearing the precise state of my fortune, engaged to befriend me, by lending me a sum of money which may turn to good account. He knew my father, and he is no stranger to the difficulties in which he left me involved.”—I attempted to speak—“Hear me to the end,” pursued he, “before you condemn a brother to a goal. This man’s age, his retired habits of life, and his fair character in the world for his uprightness, renders him more an object of veneration than of love. You may recompense him for the protection of the _parent_, by the kind offices of the _daughter_, whilst, by the union he solicits, you are securing to yourself an honourable name and independence, and saving me from ruin; for I tell you plainly, that I am already in a state of insolvency, in regard to credit. I will have you to consider of the answer you will commission me to give Mr. Flint.” “It is not necessary to deliberate,” replied I weeping bitterly. “The knowledge of my real situation will at once convince Mr. Flint, that I am not a suitable companion for his children, nor a becoming choice for him, and without adverting to the folly, which has led him to think of marriage, it will be enough that he knows, that I _am Duncan’s widow_.” Never shall I forget my brother’s fury! “Be a fool to the last!” cried he, “See me a beggar! blast my character with your own! sink me to a level with your highway-robber! But know,” added he trembling, “that I can be as desperate as your Duncan. I will not be an outlaw for one purse! Can you be so weak as to think any man will marry you, under the name of Duncan? What has this miscreant to do with the present question? He is dead, the witnesses of your _accursed_ marriage are dead. You have persisted in bearing your _own name_, and the character of an unmarried woman. Oh Harriet! let me plead for your youth, your helpless condition of fortune; for your innocence, and for a brother who loves you! Marry this worthy man: and let me see you protected from the dangers of the world!” I was subdued. I forsook the path of rectitude, and, as _Harriet Flamall_, married Mr. Flint, who was three times my age. CHAP. II.