CHAPTER XI.
CONFLICT OF LOVE AND DUTY.
ALMOST a week was now gone, and Charlotte continued every evening to meet Montraville, and in her heart every meeting was resolved to be the last; but alas! when Montraville at parting would earnestly intreat one more interview, that treacherous heart betrayed her; and, forgetful of its resolution, pleaded the cause of the enemy so powerfully, that Charlotte was unable to resist.

Another and another meeting succeeded; and so well did Montraville improve each opportunity, that the heedless girl at length confessed no idea could be so painful to her as that of never seeing him again.
"Then we will never be parted," said he.
"Ah, Montraville," replied Charlotte, forcing a smile, "how can it be avoided?
My parents would never consent to our union; and even could they be brought to approve it, how should I bear to be separated from my kind, my beloved mother ?" "Then you love your parents more than you do me, Charlotte ?" "I hope I do," said she, blushing and looking down, "I hope my affection for them will ever keep me from infringing the laws of filial duty." "Well, Charlotte," said Montraville gravely, and letting go her hand, "since that is the case, I find I have deceived myself with fallacious hopes.

I had flattered my fond heart, that I was dearer to Charlotte than any thing in the world beside.

I thought that you would for my sake have braved the dangers of the ocean, that you would, by your affection and smiles, have softened the hardships of war, and, had it been my fate to fall, that your tenderness would cheer the hour of death, and smooth my passage to another world.

But farewel, Charlotte! I see you never loved me.