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.

176

ORMOND; OR,

occasion, was in English, and was distinguished by unrivalled fluency. Her phrases and habits of pronouncing
were untinctured with any foreign mixture, and bespoke
the perfect knowledge of a native of America.
On the next evening, while Constantia was reviewing
this transaction, calling up and weighing the sentiments
which the stranger had uttered, and indulging some regret at the unlikelihood of their again meeting, Martinette (for I will henceforth call her by her true name)
entered the apartment as abruptly as before. She accounted for the visit merely by the pleasure it afforded
her, and proceeded in a strain even more versatile and
brilliant than before. This interview ended, like the
first, without any tokens, on the part of the guest, of
resolution or desire to renew it; but a third interview
took place on the ensuing day.
Henceforth Martinette became a frequent but hasty
visitant, and Constantia became daily more enamoured
of her new acquaintance' She did not overlook peculiarities in the conversation and deportment of this
woman. These exhibited no tendencies to confidence,
or traces of sympathy. They merely denoted large experience, vigorous faculties, and masculine attainments.
Herself was never introduced, except as an observer;
but her observations on government and manners were
profound and critical.
Her education seemed not widely different from that
which Constantia had received. It was classical and
mathematical; but to this. was added a knowledge of
political and military transactions in Europe during the
present age, which implied the possession of better means
of information than books. She depicted scenes and
characters with the accuracy of one who had partaken
and witnessed them herself.
Constantia's attention had been chiefly occupied by
personal concerns. Ier youth had passed in contention
with misfortune, or in the quietudes of study. She could
not be unapprized of contemporary revolutions and wars,
but her ideas respecting them were indefinite and vague.
tier views and her inferences on this head were general
and speculative. Her acquaintance with history was