Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/200

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THE NAVAL OFFICER.

error, but, I declare to Heaven, without any criminal intention. I ventured to suggest that she should live in a very pretty village a few Somerville, and where, after my marriage, it miles from —— Hall, the residence of Mr.

was intended that I should continue to reside with Emily. To this village, then, I directed her to go, assuring her that I should often ride over and visit her.

"Much as I should enjoy your company, Frank," said Eugenia, " this is a measure fraught with evil to all parties; nor is it fair dealing towards your future wife."

Unhappily for me, that turn for duplicity, which I had imbibed in early life, had not forsaken me, notwithstanding the warnings I had received, and the promises of amendment which I had made. Flattering myself that I intended no harm, I overruled all the scruples of the excellent Eugenia. She despatched a confidential person to the village; on the outskirts of which, he procured for her a commodious, and even