ARTHUR
66

To describe my confusion, to repeat my execution to the madness that has ensued, during such a long time that it has been mine, this treasure is useless to me, and my curse upon the fatal disturbance that has taken away the reward, he said, it will only aggravate my disappointment and sadness. You find me in this state, and know what happens next.

This narrative highlights Welbeck's character. If an accident gave him possession of this treasure, it was easy to predict what schemes of luxury and selfishness would be expended. The same reliance on the wrong estimate of the world, the same devotion to falsehood, and the levity of the future, will shape the picture of his future life, as it distinguishes the past.

This money belongs to someone else. Keeping it for your own use is a criminal act. From this crime he seemed insensitive as ever. His own satisfaction was the supreme law of his actions. Subject to the necessity of honest work is the heaviest of all evils, and one from which he is willing to flee by committing suicide.

The volume he was looking for was mine. It is my duty to return it to its rightful owner, or, if the prosecution cannot be found, use it in promoting virtue and happiness. Giving it to Welbeck means sanctifying it for the purpose of selfishness and misery. My right, which is considered valid, is as valid as his.

But, if I intend not to hand it to him, is it appropriate to reveal the truth and explain by whom the book was taken off the shelf? The first impulse is to conceal this truth; but my understanding has been taught, through recent events, to question justice and deny the usefulness of secrecy in any case. My principles are true; my motives are pure: why should I hesitate to acknowledge my principles and justify my actions?

Welbeck is no longer feared or respected. The admiration once created by the superiority of age, the subtlety of ethics, and the dignity of his clothes, has vanished. I was a child for many years, a poor and uneducated rural person; but I was able to discern the illusion of power and wealth, and reject any claim to appreciation that was not based on integrity. There is no court in which I must waver in declaring the truth, and there is no kind of martyrdom which I will not embrace with joy in its cause.

After a while, I said, "Can't you guess in what way this volume disappeared?"

"No," he replied with a sigh. "Why, of all its volumes, this is the only thing that should disappear, is an inexplicable puzzle."

"Maybe," I said, "it is less important to know how it was removed than by whom it now belongs."

"There is no doubt; however, unless that knowledge allows me to regain possession, it will be useless."

"It's useless, because the current owner will never give it back to you."

"Indeed," he replied, in an annoyed tone, "your guess is most likely. Such a gift is too precious to give."

"What I say flows not from conjecture, but from knowledge. I know that it will never be returned to you."

"Yes. After our farewell at the river, I returned to this house. I found this volume and secured it. You are right to suspect it. The money is there."

Welbeck started as if he had stepped on a gold mine. His first emotion was excitement, but was immediately reprimanded by some degree of doubt:— "What happened to him? Have you got it? Is entirely? Do you have it?"

"It's not broken. I've earned it, and will hold it as a sacred trust for the rightful owner."

The tone that accompanied this declaration shook Welbeck's nascent confidence. "The rightful owner! right, but I am him. To me it's just that it belongs, and to me you, no doubt, are willing to give it back."

"Mrs. Welbeck! It is not my desire to give you confusion or sadness; to exercise with your passion. Assuming your death, I consider it not an offense of justice to take this manuscript. The accident opened the contents. I can't hesitate to choose my path. The natural and legitimate successor of Vincentio Lodi was his sister. Therefore, his, this property belongs to, and he's all I'll give."

"The arrogant boy! And this is your wise decision. I tell you that I am the owner, and you will give it to me. Who is this girl? Childish and stupid! Unable to consult and act for himself on the most trivial occasions Am I not, with the appointment of his dying brother, protector and guardian? His age resulted in property law incompetence. Do you imagine that such an obvious way of procuring my legitimate appointment as his guardian was ignored by me? If ignored, it remains that my right to give a living and its pleasure is unquestionable.

“Didn't I have saved her from poverty, prostitution, and infamy? Didn't I fulfill all of his desires with unrelenting attention? Whatever conditions are required has been abundantly provided. His dwelling and furnishings are his, to the extent permitted by rigid jurisprudence. To determine his expenses and organize his family was his guardian territory.

"You have heard the story of my sadness and despair. Where did they flow from except from the frustration of a projected scheme to his advantage, as they were executed with his money and in a manner that was fully justified by the authority of his guardian? Why did I meet him? this infectious atmosphere, and exploring my path, like a thief, to this recess, but with the intent to save him from poverty and restore himself?

"Your objection is ridiculous and criminal. I'm treating them more lightly, because your youth is raw and your conception is rough. But if, after this proof of justice of my claim, you hesitate to return the money, I will treat you as a robber, who has looted my closet and refused to return the spoils."

These reasons are powerful and new. I am acquainted with the guardianship rights. Welbeck, in some ways, acted as this lady's friend. Surrendering to this office is a behavior determined by his youth and helplessness to his friend. His title to this money, as his guardian, is undeniable.

But how is this statement compatible with previous representations? There was no mention of guardianship. By doing so, he will thwart all his plans to win the dignity of mankind and cultivate the comforted trust of the world in his opulence and independence.

I was thrown, by these thoughts, into considerable confusion. If his statement is true, his claim to the money is proven; but I question the truth. Raising my doubts about the truth will incite hatred and anger.