conceal my guilt and ſhame, my ſeducer prevailed on me not to expoſe him to the reſentment of his mother. He renewed his former promiſes of marage at her death;—on which relying, I gave him my word to be ſecret—and I have to this hour buried his name deep in my heart.
Frederick.
Proceed, proceed! give me full information——I will have courage to hear it all. [Greatly agitated.]
Agatha.
His leave of abſence expired, he returned to his regiment, depending on my promiſe, and well aſſured of my eſteem. As ſoon as my ſituation became known, I was queſtioned, and received many ſevere reproaches: but I refuſed to confeſs who was my undoer; and for that obſtinacy was turned from the caſtle. I went to my parents; but their door was ſhut againſt me. My mother, indeed, wept as ſhe bade me quit her ſight for ever; but my father wiſhed increaſed affliction might befall me.
Frederick. [weeping].
Be quick with your narrative, or you'll break my heart.
Agatha.
I now ſought protection from the old clergyman of the pariſh. He received me with compaſſion. On my knees I begged forgiveneſs for the ſcandal I had cauſed to his pariſhioners; promiſed amendment; and he ſaid he did not doubt me. Through his recommendation I went to town; and hid in humble lodgings, procured the means of ſubſiſtence by teaching to the neighbouring children what I had learnt under the tuition of my benefactreſs. To inſtruft you, my Frederick, was my care and my delight; and in return for your filial love I would not thwart your wiſhes when they led to a
