"
"Alas, Harry!" said Charles, "how few can bear the effects of unexpected
prosperity. When she and I were both comparatively poor, she was all
affection; but now that she has become an heiress, see what a change
there is! Well, Harry, if she can be faithless and selfish, I can be
both resolute and proud. She shall have no further trouble from me on
that subject; only I must say, I don't envy her her conscience."
"Don't be rash, Charles---we should judge of her charitably and
generously; I don't think myself she is so much to blame. O'Connor
Fardour, or Farther, or whatever you call him--"
"O, Ferdora!"
"Yes, Ferdora; that fellow is at the bottom of it all; he has plied her
well during the estrangement, and to some purpose. I never visit them
that I don't find him alone with her. He is, besides, both frank and
handsome, with a good deal of dash and insinuation in his address and
manner, and, besides, a good property, I am told. But, in the meantime,
I have a favor to ask of you; that is, if you think you can place
confidence in me."
"Every confidence, my dear Harry," said Charles, clasping his hand
warmly; "every confidence.
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