This page has been validated.
222
A NEW-ENGLAND TALE.

Virginian, a name that passes among our northern bloods as synonymous with gentility high-mindedness, noble-daring, and other youthful virtues, but that he was a countryman of their own, a celebrated swindler, who had lived by his wits, ascending by regular gradations through the professions of hostler, dancing-master, and itinerant actor; and that having lately, by cleverness in managing the arts of his vocation, possessed himself of a large sum of money, he had made his debut as gentleman at the Springs.

After the events of the morning, Mr. Lloyd felt more anxiety than ever on Jane Elton's account; and never weary in well-doing, he determined to make one more effort to rescue Erskine from the pernicious society and influence of the Woodhulls. He solicited an interview with him; and without alluding to the events of the morning, he remonstrated warmly and kindly against an intimacy, of which the degradation and the danger were too evident to need pointing out. He trusted himself to speak of Jane, of her innocence, her purity, her trustful affection, her solitariness, her dependance.

At any other time, we cannot think Edward would have been unmoved by the eloquence of his appeal; but now he was exasperated by the mortifications of the morning; and when Mr. Lloyd said, "Erskine, if Jane Elton knew all, would she not withdraw her affections from thee?" he replied, angrily, "She shall know all. I have a right to expect she will overlook a few foibles; such as