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.

ORMOND; OR,

CHAPTER XVII.
THE politeness of Melbourne had somewhat abated
Mr. Dudley's aversion to society. He allowed himself
sometimes to comply with urgent invitations. On this
evening he happened to be at the house of that gentleman. Ormond entered, and found Constantia alone.
An interview of this kind was seldom enjoyed, though
earnestly wished for, by Constantia, who was eager to
renew the subject of her first conversation with Ormond.
I have already explained the situation of her mind. All
her wishes were concentred in the marriage of Helena.
The eligibility of this scheme, in every view which she
took of it, appeared in a stronger light. She was not
aware that any new obstacle had arisen. She was free
from the consciousness of any secret bias. Much less
did her modesty suspect that she herself would prove an
insuperable impediment to this plan.
There was more than usual solemnity in Ormond's
demeanour. After he was seated, he continued, contrary
to his custom, to be silent. These singularities were not
unobserved by Constantia. They did not, however,
divert her from her purpose.
"I am glad to see you," said she; "we so seldom enjoy
the advantage of a private interview. I have much to
say to you. You authorize me to deliberate on your
actions, and, in some measure, to prescribe to you. This
is a province which I hope to discharge with integrity
and diligence. I am convinced that Helena's happiness
and your own can be secured in one way only. I will
emulate your candour, and come at once to the point.
Why have you delayed so long the justice that is due to
this helpless and lovely girl? There are a thousand
reasons why you should think of no other alternative.
You have been pleased to repose some degree of confidence in my judgment. Hear my full and deliberate
opinion. Make Helena your wife. This is the unequivocal prescription of your duty."