 which I foresaw must be attended with very hazardous consequences;

I therefore summoned a little council, the moment I arose, and after communicating the most distressful circumstances of her situation to Lucy, Harriet, and my faithful Benson, I desired them to give me their advice how to act, on this critical occasion; having first informed them, that I was determined not to desert the cause I had undertaken, by leaving this amiable woman to perish at Waltersburgh.
Various, as you may suppose, were the plans offered and rejected—It was at last agreed, that we should return home as soon as possible; and that Mrs. Walter should remain where she was, for three or four days after our departure; that, in that time, Benson should be employed in fitting up a chamber for her

reception in the house of one of our tenants, whom I formerly mentioned to you, as having his house burned, and who had now got a very comfortable, though small, habitation, within a short walk of Southfield; that as soon as every thing was prepared, Benson should come for her in my chaise, to a particular spot, at a time appointed, and convey her and the little Olivia to this house, where she was to remain in profound secrecy, till we saw what effect this innocent elopement might produce, till every thing in our power should have been done for the recovery of her health, and till we could fix upon some more eligible plan for her future happiness.
As the Colonel's servants gave themselves not the least trouble about the fair

recluse, we found it very easy to convey proper food to her, unobserved; and as I thought it right that she should have time to consider of our scheme, I wrote to her directly, and desired to have the pleasure of another interview with her, in my apartment, that night.—I gave her to understand, in the politest manner I could, my reasons for declining to bring her directly to Southfield, at least till I had consulted my husband; and assured her in the strongest terms, that while I lived, neither she, or her child, should ever be reduced to the misery of seeking support or protection from the inhuman Colonel Walter. I added every thing that I thought could soothe her mind, and implored her to take care of her health, for the sake of her lovely infant.

She replied almost instantly to my letter, poured forth the warmest acknowledgments for my goodness, again called me her guardian angel, and said she was ready to be guided by me in every thing;
