Five minutes afterwards he repented that he had accepted the invitation, because he foresaw that he should resume a conversation which was at once interesting and embarrassing. He felt that it was not right to become the depository of this lady’s complaints against her husband; yet he had been moved by her tears, and the idea that he was _the only man in the world_ to whom she would open her heart upon such a delicate subject, interested him irresistibly in her favour. He returned in the evening, and was flattered by observing, that amongst the crowd of company by which she was surrounded he was instantly distinguished. He was perfectly persuaded of the innocence of her intentions; and, as he was attached to another woman, he fancied that he could become the friend of the beautiful Mrs. Wharton without danger. The first time he had an opportunity of speaking to her in private, he expressed this idea in the manner that he thought the most delicately flattering to her self-complacency. Mrs. Wharton seemed to be perfectly satisfied with this conduct; and declared, that unless she had been certain that he was not a man of gallantry, she should never have placed any confidence in his friendship. “I consider you,” said she, “quite as a married man:--by-the-bye, when are you to be married, and what sort of a person is Miss Sidney?--I am told she is excessively handsome, and amiable, and sensible.--What a happy creature she is!--just going to be united to the man she loves!” Here the lady gave a profound sigh; and Vivian had an opportunity of observing that she had the longest dark eyelashes that he had ever seen. “I was married,” continued she, “before I knew what I was about. You know Mr. Wharton can be so charming when he pleases--and then he was so much in love with me, and swore he would shoot himself if I would not have him--and all that sort of thing.--I protest I was terrified; and I was quite a child, you know. I had been out but six weeks, and I thought I was in love with him. That was because I did not know what love was--_then_;--besides, he hurried and teased me to such a degree!--After all, I’m convinced I married him more out of compassion than any thing else; and now you see how he treats me!--most barbarously and tyrannically!--But I would not give the least hint of this to any man living but yourself. I conjure you to keep my secret--and--pity me!--that is all I ask--pity me sometimes, when your thoughts are not absorbed in a happier manner.”