The uncontrolable tears of bitter anguish rolled down the cheeks of the miserable Isabella; the hasty sparks of anger and revenge were extinguished-she trembled at her own thoughts, she shrunk from her own purposes the rectitude of her heart revolted from the maxims by which she had been taught to regulate her conduct. It cannot be right, thought she, to do wrong; - and would it not be wrong to do that from resentment, which my softer feelings condemn? yet what can be wrong that shall appear acceptable to my husband? what can be unfair that can aid me to preserve a heart so justly due to me?

CHAP. VIII.

"The Devil can cite Scripture for his

purpose." SHAKSPEARE.

ISABELLA's carriage was at the door; she was going out. "Drive," said she, "to Mrs. Nesbit's." "She is the best woman in the world, thought she, as the carriage moved on. I have heard Mamma say so a hundred times; and she knows what is right, and what the world will think to be right. And then she loves me so well, and is so ready to enter into all that concerns

me. And she does not love Lady Charlotte. And she is so acute, that I shall have no occasion to say three words before she will see into the bottom of the grievance. How often has she penetrated, nay, even anticipated my thoughts. I cannot have a better counsellor." Again tears filled the eyes of Isabella. "What am I about to do? thought she. Shall I confess that I fear Lady Charlotte's influence over my husband? Shall I complain of that husband? I ought better to consult my own dignity: or rather, I ought better to consult my own heart. I will call upon Mrs. Nesbitt, but I will not say a word of my unhappiness; it may not be so confirmed as I think. Yet last night! Well, I will see farther."

As Isabella made this wise resolution, she entered Mrs. Nesbitt's boudoir, and was received by that friendly lady with a violent exclamation

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My dearest Mrs. Willoughby! how pale you are! And there are tears absolutely in your eyes! You, my dear! can you have any thing to afflict or vex you?"

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Why should you suppose that I have either?" said Isabella: "I was up late; and the high wind

"Don't tell me of being up late, and the high wind," interrupted Mrs. Nesbitt, with the familiarity which her age and her intimacy gave her a right to assume in her intercourse with Isabella. "My dear child, I have known you too well and too long not to read your very soul in that ingenuous countenance of yours. know what is the matter. Yes, yes, I saw it all; although I was resolved not to say a word till you mentioned it to me. Never was there such a flirtation scene! It was quite abominable! And that passive husband to

I

stand by and bear it all! as if an earl's daughter could not do wrong. But the eccentricities of the beautiful Lady Charlotte, I suppose, are to be the excuse for all. She is to be judged by no common rules, I presume."

Isabella burst into tears.

"And was it indeed so evident? And did you indeed indeed see what I thought that no one but myself had seen that is, had observed ?"

"We must live in a better-natured world than we do for that to have been the case," returned Mrs. Nesbitt. "Yes, it was evident enough; that must be confessed; but perhaps not so much noticed by any one as me, because there can be few who take so much interest in you as I do, my love."

"And were you not surprised, my dear madam, that the very woman whom