ARTHUR
36

"Because I wanted another topic, I asked by whom this information was brought. He replied, that the bearer was Captain Amos Watson, whose ship had been seized, at the same time, under a different pretext. He added that, my name which was mentioned accidentally to Watson, the latter had betrayed a sign of great surprise, and was very earnest in his investigation with respect to my situation. After gaining knowledge of what Thetford could communicate, the captain had left, admitted a former acquaintance with me, and expressed his intention to visit me.

"These words work in my body like lightning. All in me was commotion and terror, and I rushed out of the house. I went forward with unequal steps, and at random. Some instinct took me to the fields, and I did not know the direction of my steps, until, looking up, I found myself on Schuylkill beach.

"So I was, for the second time, consumed by a hopeless and incurable evil. An interval of motley feelings, false intelligence and despicable falsehood, has passed since my encounter with a stranger in Wilmington. Then my sad state has brought me to the brink. A brief pause and fever had been given to me, but now I was brought to the brink of the same abyss.

"Amos Watson is the brother of the angel whom I despised and destroyed. What except fiery anger and unbearable vengeance could bring him before me? With what heart can I listen to his words? someone I have inflicted with such terrible and unbearable wounds?

"I know the majesty of his mind; his hatred of injustice, and the ungrateful whirlwind cravings and criminals like me are qualified to rise up on his chest. I am not afraid of violence. The death he might incur was not the object of hatred It was poverty and disgrace, the detection of my crimes, the appearance and the sound of curse and reprimand, from which my cowardice dwindled.

"There is no room for hesitation. To rush to the river in front of me, and put an end to all at once my life and the inseparable tribulations associated with it, was the only process that fate had left to my choice. My muscles were already deployed for this purpose, when the condition of the helpless Clemenza was remembered. What provisions can I make to fight the crimes that threaten it? Should I let it be really sad and without friends? Mrs Wentworth's character is forgiving and compassionate. Difficulties had taught him to participate and his wealth allowed him to dispel distress. Who is there with whom such strong claims of help and protection can be urged as by this lonely girl? Could it be that I did not state the situation in the letter to this woman, and urged an irresistible plea for an extension of time? his kindness to this object?

"This thought made me delay my move. I was determined to find my place of residence once again, and, having written and kept this letter, to return to the execution of my fatal goal. I had just reached my own door, when someone approached along the way. Its shape, at first, is indistinguishable, but, with the coming, at the end, in the illumination of the lamp, it is perfectly known.

"To avoid this disgusting interview is now impossible. Watson approached and greeted me. In this chaotic conflict of feelings, I can still maintain a courageous attitude. His attitude was that of a man struggling with his anger. His accent was hasty. , and could hardly speak. 'There are ten words I want to say to you, ' he said, 'lead into the house, and into a private room. My business with you will be sent soon.'