"It is impossible, madam, for any one who has seen his lady, to believe that Dr. W—, can be attracted elsewhere."
"I believe, sir, by your manner, that you know even more than you have told me."
Burr started, but remained silent; still he looked as if he was surprised that she should have so truly interpreted his manner.
"Come, sir, let me hear the worst at once."
"It is not my province, and very unpleasant to my feelings." returned the young soldier, looking at Mrs. W—, with an expression of deep sympathy on his countenance; "it is not my habit to foment misunderstandings between a husband and his wife, but rather to allay them."
"Nay, sir, the whole truth—whatever it be—cannot equal the dark suspicions which are engendered by this tormenting suspence."
"Madam, I am sorry that I was made the messenger on this painful occasion; but an intimate friend of your husband has told me that he said you never loved him—that you only married him for the sake of attaining to a social position—that you were afraid of dying an old maid."
"My husband said that! What, after all that had passed—after he had—but no matter." And the poor woman's cheeks were, at once, deluged with a flood of tears.
"Madam—dear madam," cried Burr, soothingly, but his sympathy availed little. The thought that a man for whom she had sacrificed herself, and to whose prayers and tears she had yielded rather than to her own feelings and preferences, should so misrepresent her conduct and character, was quite to much; and she continued to weep bitterly.
Burr then began to speak of himself, and of his intention to accompany Col. Arnold on an expedition to Canada. This awakened the interest of the lady, who asked if it was not exceedingly dangerous.
"That is its principal recommendation to a soldier, madam."
"But you are so young! Pray, sir, may I make so bold as to ask whether your parents are living."
"They died while I was a mere child; but I have other relatives. I have a sister."
"Does she know that you intend setting out on this dangerous enterprise."
"She does, and though feeling all the anxiety which does so much honor to the tender heart of a woman, is yet patriot enough to surrender me to my country."
Mrs. W— sighed. In his conversation, Burr had contrived to render himself extremely interesting. His youthful appearance was calculated to set the mind of the lady at rest in regard to any danger to her honor that might attend their private consultation, while his glowing countenance, his gallant air and determined heroism, united to that
