taining all possible information that was likely to facilitate his projected enterprise. But a piece of news which one of his slaves brought him, increased his anxiety to forward its execution, for he was informed that an emigrant had purchased a tract of land two miles distant from his own estate, and was daily expected to come and settle upon it. At any other time, the idea of having so near a neighbour would have been agreeable enough to Derbond, but now he felt inclined to regard every stranger as a rival in his schemes, or a spy upon his actions and purposes; and as he desired no companion to share his dangers, neither could he bear the idea that any one should be a partaker in their results.

One morning, nine or ten days subsequent to his conversation with the old Indian, as he was standing in front of his house, an European rode up to him, and introduced himself by the name of Markham, saying, that he and his wife had lately taken up their abode in the neighbourhood, and that he had come to pay his respects to him, and to express a hope that they might soon be better acquainted. Derbond, though far from being gratified by his visit, begged him to dismount, and received him with all the civility in his power. Mr. Markham was a tall, thin man, about thirty years old. His hair was very light, and inclining to a red colour; his eyes light blue, his complexion fair and ruddy, his figure awkward and languid in its motions,

and his general appearance strongly characteristic of feebleness and imbecility. He spoke with hesitation and timid embarrassment and downcast looks, and as if apprehensive of saying something that might offend the person whom he addressed.

It would be difficult to imagine two individuals affording a stronger contrast to each other, than did Derbond and his guest; the countenance of the former being dark, firm in its outline, and full of energy and intelligence, and his nervous and athletic figure exhibiting muscular strength, just proportions, and activity combined. His jealousy of Markham soon declined into contempt, and he accepted an invitation to visit him and his wife the ensuing day without reluctance; for he perceived that he was a person whose society and acquaintance he should find it easy to shake off, whenever they happened to become troublesome or disagreeable to him.

Next day, according to appointment, Derbond rode to Markham's estate, and on reaching the house, found that he had gone out; but a slave told him that the lady was at home, and would be happy to see him. In a few moments she made her appearance- Derbond started back, and she did the sameme-Emily Valance stood before him! He rushed towards her, calling her by name; but she waved him off, saying, with much agitation- "I am not what I was-I am marriedMr. Markham is my husband."

Derbond was struck to the heart by this intelligence, and he gazed upon her silently and incredulously. It seemed beyond belief, that a girl so haughty, highspirited, and ambitious, should have allied herself with one, who, apparently, did not possess a single quality calculated to please any woman of common judgment and penetration; beside being actually her reverse in habits, ideas, manners, and shades of character. Emily remained motionless, with downcast eyes and clasped hands, as if conscious of what was passing in his mind, and ashamed of herself and her situation: but hearing her husband approach, she recovered some degree of composure, and said hurriedly to Derbond-“I will explain every thing soon: meanwhile do not speak as if you had ever before seen or known me."

Markham now entered, and an insipid conversation commenced; in the course of which, he betrayed his weakness and ignorance in Derbond's opinion, even more than he had done on the preceding day. Emily seemed to be fully sensible of his deficiences, and often interrupted and silenced him, when she fancied he was about to say a foolish thing; looking at the same time inquisitively towards Derbond, to see whether he suspected her motives in so doing. At length her husband left the house, to give some orders to his slaves, and she took that opportunity of acquainting Derbond with the circumstances that had led to her marriage. Her parents had settled in Savannah, but both of them dying within

a few months after their arrival there, she was left utterly destitute of friends and property; and the fear of poverty and abandonment, had led her to favour the addresses of Markham, and become his wife. She unhesitatingly made these disclosures to a man whom she had formerly regarded as a lover, and he listened to them with satisfaction, because his vanity was flattered by perceiving that she regretted her imprudence, and even then liked him still infinitely better than her husband.

Derbond returned home agitated and perplexed, and in a manner sorry and irritated, that Emily should live so near him, when her presence could add nothing to his happiness. During the first months of his residence on his plantation, he frequently thought of her, and had once or twice been on the eve of setting out for Savannah to inquire after her, and make her an offer of marriage; but latterly, the Ouaquahenegow scheme had exclusively occupied his mind, and he now looked upon her as likely to prove a hindrance to its execution, though he could not tell why it should be so; however, he perceived that his best and most prudent line of conduct, would be to avoid her society altogether, and to banish her from his recollection, by preparing for his expedition into the marsh, and commencing it earlier than he had at first intended.

Derbond would probably have adhered to these good resolutions had it depended upon himself, but Mark

ham was in the habit of coming to his house every two or three days, and asking him to ride home with him, and give his opinion and advice on some point connected with the management of his plantation. Derbond generally complied; but nevertheless, always avoided being much alone with Emily, or having any serious conversation with her. One day, when her husband was out of the way, she taxed him with reserve and unkindness, saying, "Why do you shun my society?—It is true that I am a married woman, but need that debar me from enjoying your friendship, which would indeed be a source of consolation to me, for I, am very unhappy: Markham and myself have few or no tastes or sympathies in common, and I spend the day in cheerless solitude, fondly remembering the past, and dreading to anticipate the evils which futurity must have in store for me-let us then be to one another what we were while on board ship."

"That is impossible!" returned Derbond sadly; "our respective circumstances will not admit of it without imminent danger to both parties; but I am ever ready and willing to be your friend; and if I have lately been negligent, it is because I am busy preparing for a distant journey."

"A journey!" exclaimed Emily,-" when? where? how long will you be absent?

"Every thing is uncertain," replied he with embarrassment," and perfect secresy is requisite."

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