The novels of Charles Brockden Brown, consisting of Wieland;or, The transformation. Arthur Mervyn; or, Memoirs of the year 1793. Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a sleep-walker. Jane Talbot. Ormond; or, The secret witness. Clara Howard; or, The enthusiasm of love. With a memoir of the author.

12 JANE TALBOT.
"No, I had not heard of it before. I will look into it,
and see what can be done." HIere further conversation
was suspended by a visitant. I waited with impatience
till the guest had retired; but he had scarcely left the
room when my brother entered. I supposed my father
would have immediately introduced this subject, and, as
my brother usually represented him in every affair of
business, and could of course throw some light upon the
present mystery, I saw no reason why I should be excluded from a conference in which I had some interest,
and was therefore somewlhat surprised when my father
told me he had no need of my company for the rest of the
day, and wished to be alone with Francis. I rose instantly to depart, but said, "Pray, sir, tell my brother
what has happened. Perhaps he can explain the mystery."
" What!" cried my brother, with a laugh, "has thy silly
brain engendered a mystery which I am to solve? Thou
mayest save thyself the trouble of telling me, for, really,
I have no time to throw away on thee or thy mysteries."
There was always something in my brother's raillery
which my infirm soul could never support. I ought always to have listened and replied without emotion, but a
fluttering indignation usually deprived me of utterance.
I found my best expedient was flight, when I could fly,
and silence when obliged to remain: I therefore made
no answer to this speech, but hastily withdrew.
Next morning, earlier than usual, I went to my father.
Ile was thoughtful and melancholy. I introduced the
subject that was nearest my heart; but he answered me
reluctantly, and in general terms, that he had examined
the affair, and would take the necessary measures.
"But, dear sir," said I, "'how did it happen? How
did the money miscarry?"
"iNever mind," said he, a little peevishly: " we shall
see things put to rights, I tell you; and let that satisfy
you."
"I am glad of it. Poor fellow! Young, generous,
disdaining obligation, never knowing the want of money,
how must he have felt on being left quite destitute, penniless, running in arrear for absolute necessaries; in
debt to a good woman who lived by letting lodgings, and