Lucy (Chapter_21)

Yes---Lucy was lost to hope, and gave herself up in reckless indifference to the fate prepared for her, by one to whom she was indebted for life--for shelter, and for sustenance. In the apartment, in which she had lived, until her separation from her child, she had conceived no idea of the kind of life Mrs Fainely led; even Hannah, and the servants who were there employed, knew little, of the scenes which took place in the spacious and elegantly furnished part of the house, where their mistress received company. Admission to this Temple of Vice, was permitted only to those initiated into its mysteries, even when Lucy was first introduced, were all these mysteries unveiled. It was not until every Hope was extinguished, that very tie, which bound her to society, was broken, that Mrs Fainely felt, secure of her victim. Now, she no longer concealed her designs on that life, she had saved, which had been so gratefully devoted to her--At first she strewed the path, with flowers, and Lucy saw, or thought she saw pleasure brightening all around her--

Music, dancing, theatres, poetry, and romance excited the imagination perverted the principles, and beguiled the time of her and her associates. Among the gay throng, who nightly collected in Mrs Fainely's apartments, the modest and timid visitor was sought and admired as a diamond of the first water-and as such, it was held at a high price, by its cruel Possessor. A young foreigner, enriched by nature, with an elegant person, a bright genius, an ardent heart, and gentle manners; And by fortune, with rank, and wealth, was the highest, and therefore the successful bidder. With honied words, and insinuating softness, he stole into Lucy's heart, before he sought to possess her person. Exposed, as she was exposed, excited, as she was excited, it is not to be wonder'd at that he succeeded. Every day, some new party of pleasure, every night some new amusement, dissipated reflection, and silenced the still, soft whispers of conscience. But what were there to the yet tender and feeling Lucy, compared

to the captivating charms, the seducing tenderness of her lover! Lavish to profusion, besides the enormous price, he had paid the Perfidious Mrs Fairly, not a day passed in which he did not load his mistress with rich gifts. The most beautiful dresses, the most splendid jewelry, which were received by her with as much carelessness, as they were bestowed. And as freely parted with, to the ever watchful and avaricious woman, who equally claimed her, and all she possessed. She was ordered to receive, every , but to retain nothing that was offered to her. The first part of the command, only was difficult to the disinterested and deluded girl. Often would her lover, miss from her arms the precious jewels he had clasped round them; but never the flower he had placed in her bosom. The rose, tho' faded, was still retained, still cherished for Lucy loved. Far rather would she walk alone with him and listen to his views of eternal constancy; or sit apart while he read or sung the captivating or melting strains, of

Byron or of {Moore?}, and wish to be the lovely Medora, in her high and solitary tower, or the faithful Kaled, silently watching in his eye, the unspoken wish--than to mingle in the gay and noisy festivities of her companions. For Lucy loved--and Lucy was no longer innocent. And Osmin, felt he was beloved, and beloved for himself, and not for the gold which he had once told the unhappy William, was the only way to find, or bind a woman's heart! But his, was not the virtuous love which endures when the charms which gave it birth, have grown familiar, his was not the love, that never tires. No, soon, too soon, did he experience, a vacuity of heart which mere personal charms, can never satisfy, which only can be filled by esteem.--And this, unfading virtue alone can bestow. last 3 lines crossed out

Esteem--without which the most ardent love soon expires. He sought in absence, for a relief of the ennui, which pressed upon him, and with promises of a quick return left Lucy to mourn and weep.