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.

JANE TALBOT. 227
I could not write on such a subject sooner. For some
days I had thoughts of being wholly silent on this news.
Indeed, my emotions would not immediately permit me
to use the pen; but I have concluded, and it is my husband's earnest advice, to tell you the whole truth.
Be not too much distressed, my sister, my friend. Fain
would I give you that consolation which I myself want.
I entreat you, let me hear from you soon, and tell me
that you are not very much afflicted. Yet I could not
believe you if you did. Write to me speedily, however.
LETTER LXVII.
To Mrs. Talbot.
New York, November 23.
You do not writo to me, my dear Jane. Why are you
silent? Surely you cannot be indifferent to my happiness. You must know how painful, at a moment like
this, your silence must prove.
I have waited from day to day in expectation of a
letter; but more than a week has passed, and none has
come. Let me hear from you immediately, I entreat
you.
I am afraid you are ill; or perhaps you are displeased
with me. Unconsciously I may have given you offence.
But, indeed, I can easily suspect the cause of your
silence. I trembled with terror when I sent you tidings
of our calamity. I know the impetuosity of your feelings, and the effects of your present solitude. Would
to Heaven you were anywhere but where you are!
Would to Heaven you were once more with us!
Let me beseech you to return to us immediately. Mr.
M. is anxious to go for you. He wanted to set out immediately on his brother's arrival, and to be the bearer
of my letter, but I prevailed on him to forbear until I
heard from you.
Do not, if you have any regard for me, delay answering me a moment longer. M. M.