“IT was now I appeared fully sensible that my conduct had hitherto been a course of disorder, and that systems of reformation, however well planned, had been overturned by the breath of adulation, before they had been thoroughly carried into execution—that I had been drifting upon a sea of inconsistency, without exercising my judgement; like a ship without a rudder, buffeted on the bosom of the ocean, the sport of winds and waves. “THE criminality of my connexion with _Maria_ appeared with the most aggravated circumstances; it stung me with remorse—and I instantly determined, however severe the conflict, to tear her from my bosom—to see her no more.—But how was I to inform her of it?—In what manner was I to bring about such a talk?—_Maria_ must be sacrificed to the happiness of _Amelia_. This was all I had to perform—it was a short lesson, but it was a hard one for me to execute. “WITH this determination, however, I entered the apartment of _Maria_—Duty to _Amelia_ and gratitude to _Maria_ interchangeably agitated me—the contention was dubious—but duty prevailed, and I adhered to my former resolution—yet how was I to tell her _this would be the last visit_?—Conscious she had ever acted in conformity to my wishes—how could I accuse her, without accusing myself?—I threw out a few inconsiderate and ungrateful hints of jealousy, and left the room abruptly. The feelings of _Maria_ must have been injured—but however her sensibility was affected, mine was doubly so; I felt for her—I felt for our infant, and these feelings were added to the afflictions which had already burst upon my devoted head. A few days consideration, however, convinced me of the impropriety and ingratitude of my behaviour to _Maria_—I hastened to tell her of it—to place her in a situation that should screen her from penury and malice—and to make provision for the child—but she was not to be found. I was informed that she had suddenly disappeared, and that a countryman had, by her order, called and taken away the child but a few hours before. This information burst upon my head like the voice of sudden thunder—I stood motionless, but my agitation was too violent to be of any long duration.— “A natural tear I shed but wip’d it soon.” “IT was your goodness, and the humanity of your family, that sheltered the wretched _Maria_, and provided for the helpless _Harriot_—Your feelings are your reward.