 relates to my former
transactions with Mr. Falkland; but, if I find that my present calamity is
connected with those transactions, I will not fear but that by an honest
explanation I shall remove it.
    I knocked at the door. A servant appeared, and told me that her mistress
hoped I would excuse her; she must really beg to dispense with my visit.
    I was thunderstruck. I was rooted to the spot. I had been carefully
preparing my mind for every thing that I supposed likely to happen, but this
event had not entered into my calculations. I roused myself in a partial degree,
and walked away without uttering a word.
    I had not gone far, before I perceived one of the workmen following me, who
put into my hands a billet. The contents were these.
 
        Mr. Williams,
            Let me see you no more. I have a right at least to expect your
        compliance with this requisition; and, upon that condition, I pardon the
        enormous impropriety and guilt, with which you have conducted yourself
        to me and my family.
                                                                  Laura Denison.
 
The sensations with which I read these few lines, are indescribable. I found in
them a dreadful confirmation of the calamity that on all sides invaded me. But
what I felt most, was the unmoved coldness with which they appeared to be
written. This coldness from Laura, my comforter, my friend, my mother! To
dismiss, to cast me off, for ever, without one thought of compunction!
    I determined however, in spite of her requisition, and; in spite of her
coldness, to have an explanation with her. I did not despair of conquering the
antipathy she harboured. I did not fear, that I should rouse her from the vulgar
and unworthy conception, of condemning a man, in points the most material to his
happiness, without stating the accusations that are urged against him, and
without hearing him in reply.
    Though I had no doubt, by means of resolution, of gaining access to her in
her house, yet I preferred taking her unprepared, and not warmed against me by
any previous contention. Accordingly, the next morning, at the time she usually
devoted to half an hour's air and exercise, I hastened to her garden, leaped the
paling, and concealed myself in an arbour. Presently I saw, from my retreat, the
younger part of the family, strolling through the garden, and from thence into
the fields; but it was not my business to be seen by them. I looked after them
however with earnestness, unobserved; and I could
