criminal, with the bitter feeling that your whole fortune could
not save her; and the agonising thought wrings you, that all your
efforts are powerless to impart even a moment's strength to the
departing soul, or quicken her with a transitory consolation."

At these words the remembrance of a similar scene at which I had
been once present fell with full force upon my heart. I buried my
face in my handkerchief, and hastened from the room, and was only
recalled to my recollection by Charlotte's voice, who reminded me
that it was time to return home. With what tenderness she chid
me on the way for the too eager interest I took in everything!
She declared it would do me injury, and that I ought to spare
myself. Yes, my angel! I will do so for your sake.

JULY 6.

She is still with her dying friend, and is still the same bright,
beautiful creature whose presence softens pain, and sheds happiness
around whichever way she turns. She went out yesterday with her
little sisters: I knew it, and went to meet them; and we walked
together. In about an hour and a half we returned to the town.
We stopped at the spring I am so fond of, and which is now a
thousand times dearer to me than ever. Charlotte seated herself
upon the low wall, and we gathered about her. I looked around,
and recalled the time when my heart was unoccupied and free.
"Dear fountain!" I said, "since that time I have no more come to
enjoy cool repose by thy fresh stream: I have passed thee with
careless steps, and scarcely bestowed a glance upon thee." I
looked down, and observed Charlotte's little sister, Jane, coming
up the steps with a glass of water. I turned toward Charlotte,