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.

100

ORMOND; OR,

her father, and the acts of which he had been guilty.
She slightly touched on the distresses which the family
had undergone during their abode in this city, and the
means by which she had been able to preserve her father
from want. She mentioned the circumstances which
compelled her to seek his charity as the last resource,
and the casual encounter with Craig by which she was
for the present diverted from that design. She laid before him a copy of the letter she had written, and explained
the result in the gift of the note which now appeared to
be a counterfeit. She concluded with stating her present
views, and soliciting him to receive her into his family
in quality of servant, or use his interest with some of
his friends to procure a provision of this kind. This
tale was calculated deeply to affect a man of Mr. Melbourne's humanity.
"No," said he, "I cannot listen to such a request.
My inclination is bounded by my means. These will
not allow me to place you in an independent situation;
but I will do what I can. With your leave, I will introduce you to my wife, in your true character. Her good
sense will teach her to set a just value on your friendship. There is no disgrace in earning your subsistence
by your own industry. She and her friends will furnish
you with plenty of materials; but, if there ever be a
deficiency, look to me for a supply."
Constantia's heart overflowed at this declaration. Her
silence was more eloquent than any words could have
been. She declined an immediate introduction to his
wife, and withdrew, but not till her new friend had
forced her to accept some money.
"Place it to account," said he. "It is merely paying
you beforehand, and discharging a debt at the time when
it happens to be most useful to the creditor."
To what entire and incredible reverses is the tenor of
human life subject! A short minute shall effect a transition from a state utterly destitute of hope, to a condition
where all is serene and abundant. The path which we
employ all our exertions to shun is often found, upon
trial, to be the true road to prosperity.
Constantia retired from this interview with a heart