Miss Harris here blushed and stopped; we encouraged her to proceed. With some hesitation, she added, At that time my lover's importunity prevailed; I resigned myself to his wishes. I had his solemn promise he would ratify our engagement at the altar; and my father had instilled notions into me of marriage being only a civil institution: he had often said, that the marriages among the Israelites were not attended with any religious ceremonies, except the prayers of the father of the family, and the standers by, to beg the blessing of God. We have examples of it in the marriage of Rebecca with Isaac, of Ruth with Boaz. We do not read that God acted the part of a priest to join Adam and Eve together, only that of a father to the young woman, in giving her away--_For he brought her to the man_: We do not see, he used to say, that there were any sacrifices offered upon the occasion; that they went to the temple, or sent to the priests. So that it was no more than a civil contract. I also knew the present custom in Sicily and in Holland. Thus I justified myself _to myself_, though not effectually; but I was willing then _to believe_ what I _wished_; as no inconvenience _to myself_ could equally affect me in its consequences, as my lover losing his fortune on _my account_, which made me decline marrying him at that time. And I firmly relied on his honor, whom from that time I considered, and shall do, as my husband. With this difference--if a woman survives her husband, after some time set apart for decency, there are many circumstances may combine to render a second attachment eligible. But one who like me has evinced a weakness must be more exemplary in every other part of her character, and more tenacious in her conduct, least the _particular affection_ which occasioned _her error_, should be imputed to her as a _depravity_. The event will prove, how requisite it is, for the good of society, that certain rules should be established, the infringers of which ought to suffer, for the good of the community. The effect of our passion was soon evident in my person--but sorry I am to relate, grieved to repeat it--he left me; and at a time when I expected every minute to become a mother; without affording me one single line to _comfort_ or _relieve_ my mind from a state of distraction, little short of madness. I was at last told he had been obliged to set out on confidential business to the continent! Alas, in what way did I lose his confidence? His _glory_ was dearer to me than my _own life_; and had he told me of the circumstances, I should have _urged_ his _departure_, instead of wishing to _protract_ his stay.