We now sat down to dinner, which was almost hardship or injustice in pursuing the most legal cold, but previously, my arm still continuing pain- means of redress." ful, Sir William wrote a prescription, for he had made the study of physic his amusement, and was more than moderately skilled in the profession: this being sent to an apothecary who lived in the place, my arm was dressed, and I found almost instantaneous relief. We were waited upon at dinner by the gaoler himself, who was willing to do our guest all the honour in his power. But before we had well dined, another message was brought from his nephew, desiring permission to appear in order to vindicate his innocence and honour; with which request the baronet complied, and desired innocence is vindicated: but though, at your enMr. Thornhill to be introduced. "If this," cried Sir William, "be as you have stated it, there is nothing unpardonable in your of fence; and though your conduct might have been more generous in not suffering this gentleman to be oppressed by subordinate tyranny, yet it has been at least equitable." CHAPTER XXXI. "He can not contradict a single particular," replied the 'Squire; "I defy him to do so; and several of my servants are ready to attest what I say. Thus, sir," continued he, finding that I was silent, for in fact I could not contradict him; "thus, sir, my own treaty, I am ready to forgive this gentleman every other offence, yet his attempts to lessen me in your esteem excite a resentment that I can not govern; and this, too, at a time when his son was actually preparing to take away my life;-this, I say, was such guilt, that I am determined to let the law take its course. I have here the challenge that was sent me, and two witnesses to prove it: one of my servants has been wounded dangerously; and even though my uncle himself should dissuade me, which I know he will not, yet I will see public justice done, and he shall suffer for it." Former Benevolence now repaid with unexpected interest. MR. THORNHILL made his appearance with a smile, which he seldom wanted, and was going to embrace his uncle, which the other repulsed with an air of disdain. "No fawning, sir, at present," cried the baronet, with a look of severity; "the only way to my heart is by the road of honour; but here I only see complicated instances of falsehood, cowardice, and oppression. How is it, sir, that this poor man, for whom I know you professed a friendship, is used thus hardly? His daughter vilely I am sure he is, and never did harm to man." seduced as a recompense for his hospitality, and he himself thrown into prison, perhaps but for resenting the insult? His son, too, whom you feared to face as a man "Is it possible, sir," interrupted his nephew, "that my uncle could object that as a crime, which his repeated instructions alone have persuaded me to avoid?" "Thou monster," cried my wife, "hast thou not had vengeance enough already, but must my poor boy feel thy cruelty? I hope that good Sir William will protect us; for my son is as innocent as a child: "Madam," replied the good man, "your wishes for his safety are not greater than mine; but I am sorry to find his guilt too plain; and if my nephew persists" But the appearance of Jenkinson and the gaoler's two servants now called off our attention, who entered, hauling in a tall man, very genteelly dressed, and answering the description already given of the ruffian who had carried off my daughter:-" Here," cried Jenkinson, pulling him in, "here we have him; and if ever there was a candidate for Tyburn, this is one." "Your rebuke," cried Sir William, "is just; you have acted in this instance prudently and well, though not quite as your father would have done: my brother, indeed, was the soul of honour; but The moment Mr. Thornhill perceived the prithou-Yes, you have acted in this instance per-soner, and Jenkinson who had him in custody, he fectly right, and it has my warmest approbation." seemed to shrink back with terror. His face be"And I hope," said his nephew, "that the rest came pale with conscious guilt, and he would have of my conduct will not be found to deserve censure. withdrawn; but Jenkinson, who perceived his deI appeared, sir, with this gentleman's daughter at sign, stopped him." What, 'Squire," cried he, some places of public amusement: thus, what was "are you ashamed of your two old acquaintances, levity, scandal called by a harsher name, and it was Jenkinson and Baxter? but this is the way that all reported that I had debauched her. I waited on great men forget their friends, though I am resolved her father in person, willing to clear the thing to we will not forget you. Our prisoner, please your his satisfaction, and he received me only with in- honour," continued he, turning to Sir William, sult and abuse. As for the rest, with regard to his being here, my attorney and steward can best in form you, as I commit the management of business entirely to them. If he has contracted debts, and is unwilling, or even unable, to pay them, it is their business to proceed in this manner; and I see no "has already confessed all. This is the gentleman reported to be so dangerously wounded. He declares that it was Mr. Thornhill who first put him upon this affair; that he gave him the clothes he now wears, to appear like a gentleman; and furnished him with the post-chaise. The plan was laid be tween them, that he should carry off the young|tion was dictated by tyranny, cowardice, and relady to a place of safety; and that there he should venge. At my request Mr. Gaoler, set this young threaten and terrify her; but Mr. Thornhill was to officer, now your prisoner, free, and trust to me for come in in the mean time, as if by accident, to her the consequences. I'll make it my business to set rescue; and that they should fight a while, and then the affair in a proper light to my friend the magishe was to run off,-by which Mr. Thornhill would trate who has committed him-But where is the have the better opportunity of gaining her affections unfortunate young lady herself? Let her appear himself, under the character of her defender." to confront this wretch: I long to know by what arts he has seduced her. Entreat her to come in. Where is she?" Sir William remembered the coat to have been worn by his nephew, and all the rest the prisoner himself confirmed by a more circumstantial account, concluding, that Mr. Thornhill had often declared to him that he was in love with both sisters at the same time. "Heavens!" cried Sir William, "what a viper have I been fostering in my bosom! And so fond of public justice, too, as he seemed to be! But he shall have it; secure him, Mr. Gaoler :-yet, hold, I fear there is no legal evidence to detain him.". Upon this Mr. Thornhill, with the utmost humility, entreated that two such abandoned wretches might not be admitted as evidences against him, but that his servants should be examined.-"Your servants!" replied Sir William; "wretch! call them yours no longer; but come let us hear what these fellows have to say; let his butler be called." When the butler was introduced, he soon perceived by his former master's looks that all his power was now over. "Tell me," cried Sir William sternly, "have you ever seen your master and that fellow dressed up in his clothes in company together."-"Yes, please your honour," cried the butler; "a thousand times: he was the man that always brought him his ladies."—"How," interrupted young Mr. Thornhill, "this to my face!" "Yes," replied the butler, "or to any man's face. To tell you a truth, Master Thornhill, I never either loved or liked you, and I don't care if I tell you now a piece of my mind."-"Now, then," cried Jenkinson, "tell his honour whether you know any thing of me."-"I can't say," replied the butler, "that I know much good of you. The night that gentleman's daughter was deluded to our house, you were one of them."-"So, then," cried Sir William, "I find you have brought a very fine witness to prove your innocence: thou stain to humanity! to associate with such wretches! But," continuing his examination, "you tell me, Mr. Butler, that this was the person who brought him this old gentleman's daughter."—"No, please your honour," replied the butler, he did not bring her, for the 'Squire himself undertook that business; but he brought the priest that pretended to marry them.”—“It is but too true," cried Jenkinson, "I can not deny it; that was the employment assigned me, and I confess it to my confusion." “Ah, sir,” said I, "that question stings me to the heart; I was once indeed happy in a daughter, but her miseries- "Another interruption here prevented me; for who should make her appearance but Miss Arabella Wilmot, who was next day to have been married to Mr. Thornhill. Nothing could equal her surprise at seeing Sir William and his nephew here before her; for her arrival was quite accidental. It happened that she and the old gentleman her father were passing through the town on their way to her aunt's, who insisted that her nuptials with Mr. Thornhill should be consummated at her house; but stopping for refreshment, they put up at an inn at the other end of the town. It was there, from the window, that the young lady happened to observe one of my little boys playing in the street, and instantly sending a footman to bring the child to her, she learned from him some account of our misfortunes; but was still kept ignorant of young Mr. Thornhill's being the cause. Though her father made several remon strances on the impropriety of going to a prison to visit us, yet they were ineffectual; she desired the child to conduct her, which he did, and it was thus she surprised us at a juncture so unexpected. Nor can I go on without a reflection on those accidental meetings, which, though they happen every day, seldom excite our surprise but upon some extraordinary occasion. To what a fortuitous concurrence do we not owe every pleasure and convenience of our lives! How many seeming accidents must unite before we can be clothed or fed! The peasant must be disposed to labour, the shower must fall, the wind fill the merchant's sail, or numbers must want the usual supply. We all continued silent for some moments, while my charming pupil, which was the name I generally gave this young lady, united in her looks compassion and astonishment, which gave new finishing to her beauty. "Indeed, my dear Mr. Thornhill," cried she to the 'Squire, who she supposed was come here to succour, and not to oppress us, "I take it a little unkindly that you should come here without me, or never inform me of the situation of a family so dear to us both; you know I should take as much pleasure in contributing to the "Good heavens!" exclaimed the baronet, "how relief of my reverend old master here, whom I shall every new discovery of his villany alarms me. All ever esteem, as you can. But I find that, like your his guilt is now too plain, and I find his prosecu-luncle, you take a pleasure in doing good in secret.' "He find pleasure in doing good!" cried Sir replied she; "I have been deceived, basely deceivWilliam, interrupting her. "No, my dear, his ed, else nothing could have ever made me unjust to pleasures are as base as he is. You see in him, my promise. You know my friendship, you have madam, as complete a villain as ever disgraced humanity. A wretch, who, after having deluded this poor man's daughter, after plotting against the innocence of her sister, has thrown the father into prison, and the eldest son into fetters, because he had the courage to face her betrayer. And give me leave, madam, now to congratulate you upon an escape from the embraces of such a monster." This hint was sufficient for my son Moses, who "O goodness," cried the lovely girl, "how have immediately flew to the inn where the old gentleI been deceived! Mr. Thornhill informed me for man was, to inform him of every circumstance that certain that this gentleman's eldest son, Captain had happened. But in the mean time the 'Squire, Primrose, was gone off to America with his new-perceiving that he was on every side undone, now married lady." finding that no hopes were left from flattery and "My sweetest miss," cried my wife, "he has dissimulation, concluded that his wisest way would told you nothing but falsehoods. My son George be to turn and face his pursuers. Thus, laying never left the kingdom, nor ever was married.— aside all shame, he appeared the open hardy vilThough you have forsaken him, he has always lain. "I find, then," cried he, "that I am to exloved you too well to think of any body else; and pect no justice here; but I am resolved it shall be I have heard him say, he would die a bachelor for done me. You shall know, sir," turning to Sir your sake." She then proceeded to expatiate upon William, "I am no longer a poor dependant upon the sincerity of her son's passion. She set his duel your favours. I scorn them. Nothing can keep with Mr. Thornhill in a proper light; from thence Miss Wilmot's fortune from me, which, I thank she made a rapid digression to the 'Squire's de- her father's assiduity, is pretty large. The articles baucheries, his pretended marriages, and ended and a bond for her fortune are signed, and safe in with a most insulting picture of his cowardice. long known it; but forget what I have done, and as you once had my warmest vows of constancy, you shall now have them repeated; and be assured, that if your Arabella can not be yours, she shall never be another's."-"And no other's you shall be," cried Sir William, "if I have any influence with your father." my possession. It was her fortune, not her person, that induced me to wish for this match; and possessed of the one, let who will take the other." "Good Heaven!" cried Miss Wilmot, "how very near have I been to the brink of ruin! Ten thousand falsehoods has this gentleman told me: he had This was an alarming blow. Sir William was at last art enough to persuade me, that my promise sensible of the justice of his claims, for he had been to the only man I esteemed was no longer binding, instrumental in drawing up the marriage articles since he had been unfaithful. By his falsehoods himself. Miss Wilmot, therefore, perceiving that I was taught to detest one equally brave and gene- her fortune was irretrievably lost, turning to my son, she asked if the loss of her fortune could lessen her value to him? "Though fortune," said she, "is out of my power, at least I have my heart But by this time my son was freed from the incumbrances of justice, as the person supposed to be wounded was detected to be an impostor. Mr. to give." Jenkinson also, who had acted as his valet de cham- "And that, madam," cried her real lover, "was bre, had dressed up his hair, and furnished him indeed all that you ever had to give; at least all that with whatever was necessary to make a genteel I ever thought worth the acceptance. And I now appearance. He now therefore entered, handsome-protest, my Arabella, by all that's happy, your want ly dressed in his regimentals; and without vanity of fortune this moment increases my pleasure, as (for I am above it,) he appeared as handsome a fel- it serves to convince my sweet girl of my sincerity." low as ever wore a military dress. As he entered, Mr. Wilmot now entering, he seemed not a lithe made Miss Wilmot a modest and distant bow, tle pleased at the danger his daughter had just esfor he was not as yet acquainted with the change caped, and readily consented to a dissolution of the which the eloquence of his mother had wrought in match. But finding that her fortune, which was his favour. But no decorums could restrain the secured to Mr. Thornhill by bond, would not be impatience of his blushing mistress to be forgiven. given up, nothing could exceed his disappointment. Her tears, her looks, all contributed to discover the He now saw that his money must all go to enrich real sensations of her heart, for having forgotten one who had no fortune of his own. He could her former promise, and having suffered herself to bear his being a rascal, but to want an equivalent be deluded by an impostor. My son appeared to his daughter's fortune was wormwood. He sat amazed at her condescension, and could scarcely therefore for some minutes employed in the most believe it real.—" Sure, madam," cried he, "this is mortifying speculations, till Sir William attempted but delusion! I can never have merited this! To to lessen his anxiety.-"I must confess, sir," cried be blessed thus is to be too happy."-"No, sir," he, "that your present disappointment does not entirely displease me. Your immoderate passion | Jenkinson, who brings you a wife; and if the comfor wealth is now justly punished. But though the pany restrain their curiosity a few minutes, they young lady can not be rich, she has still a compe- shall see her." So saying he went off with his tence sufficient to give content. Here you see an usual celerity, and left us all unable to form any honest young soldier, who is willing to take her probable conjecture as to his design. "Ay, let without fortune: they have long loved each other; him go," cried the 'Squire; "whatever else I may and for the friendship I bear his father, my interest have done, I defy him there. I am too old now to shall not be wanting in his promotion. Leave then be frightened with squibs." that ambition which disappoints you, and for once "I am surprised," said the baronet, "what the admit that happiness which courts your acceptance." fellow can intend by this. Some low piece of hu"Sir William," replied the old gentleman, "be mour, I suppose."—"Perhaps, sir,” replied I, "he assured I never yet forced her inclinations, nor will may have a more serious meaning. For when we I now. If she still continues to love this young reflect on the various schemes this gentleman has gentleman, let her have him with all my heart. laid to seduce innocence, perhaps some one, more There is still, thank Heaven, some fortune left, artful than the rest, has been found able to deceive and your promise will make it something more. him. When we consider what numbers he has Only let my old friend here (meaning me) give me ruined, how many parents now feel with anguish a promise of settling six thousand pounds upon my the infamy and the contamination which he has girl if ever he should come to his fortune, and I am brought into their families, it would not surprise ready this night to be the first to join them toge- me if some one of them-Amazement! Do I see ther." my lost daughter? do I hold her? It is, it is my life, As it now remained with me to make the young my happiness. I thought thee lost, my Olivia, yet couple happy, I readily gave a promise of making still I hold thee-and still thou shalt live to bless the settlement he required, which from one who me." The warmest transports of the fondest lover had such little expectations as I, was no great fa- were not greater than mine, when I saw him invour. We had now, therefore, the satisfaction of troduce my child, and held my daughter in my seeing them fly into each other's arms in a trans- arms, whose silence only spoke her raptures. port." After all my misfortunes," cried my son. George, "to be thus rewarded! Sure this is more cried I, "to be my comfort in age!"- -"That she than I could ever have presumed to, hope for. To be possessed of all that's good, and after such an interval of pain! My warmest wishes could never rise so high!" "And art thou returned to me, my darling," is," cried Jenkinson, "and make much of her, for she is your own honourable child, and as honest a woman as any in the whole room, let the other be who she will. And as for you, 'Squire, as sure as "Yes, my George," returned his lovely bride, you stand there, this young lady is your lawful "now let the wretch take my fortune; since you wedded wife. And to convince you that I speak are happy without it, so am I. O what an exchange nothing but truth, here is the license by which you have I made from the basest of men to the dearest, were married together."-So saying, he put the best!-Let him enjoy our fortune, I now can be license into the baronet's hands, who read it, and happy even in indigence."—" And I promise you," found it perfect in every respect. "And now, cried the 'Squire, with a malicious grin, "that I gentlemen," continued he, "I find you are surshall be very happy with what you despise."--prised at all this; but a few words will explain the Hold, hold, sir," cried Jenkinson, "there are two difficulty. That there 'Squire of renown, for whom words to that bargain. As for that lady's fortune, I have a great friendship (but that's between our sir, you shall never touch a single stiver of it. Pray, selves), has often employed me in doing odd little your honour," continued he to Sir William, "can things for him. Among the rest he commissioned the 'Squire have this lady's fortune if he be marri- me to procure him a false license and a false priest, ed to another?"—"How can you make such a in order to deceive this young lady. But as I was simple demand?" replied the baronet: "undoubt- very much his friend, what did I do, but went and edly he can not."-"I am sorry for that," cried got a true license and a true priest, and married Jenkinson; "for as this gentleman and I have been them both as fast as the cloth could make them. old fellow-sporters, I have a friendship for him. But I must declare, well as I love him, that his contract is not worth a tobacco-stopper, for he is married already."-"You lie, like a rascal," returned the 'Squire, who seemed roused by this insult; "I never was legally married to any woman." 'Indeed, begging your honour's pardon," replied the other, "you were; and I hope you will show a proper return of friendship to your own honest Perhaps you'll think it was generosity that made me do all this: but no; to my shame I confess it, my only design was to keep the license, and let the 'Squire know that I could prove it upon him whenever I thought proper, and so make him come down whenever I wanted money." A burst of pleasure now seemed to fill the whole apartment; our joy reached even to the common room, where the pri soners themselves sympathized, And shook their chains In transport and rude harmony. even our benefactor Jenkinson desired to be admitted to that honour. Our satisfaction seemed Happiness was expanded upon every face, and scarcely capable of increase. Sir William, whose even Olivia's cheek seemed flushed with pleasure. greatest pleasure was in doing good, now looked To be thus restored to reputation, to friends and round with a countenance open as the sun, and saw fortune at once, was a rapture sufficient to stop the nothing but joy in the looks of all except that of progress of decay, and restore former health and my daughter Sophia, who, for some reasons we vivacity. But perhaps among all there was not could not comprehend, did not seem perfectly satisone who felt sincerer pleasure than I. Still hold-fied. "I think, now," cried he, with a smile, "that ing the dear loved child in my arms, I asked my all the company except one or two seem perfectly heart if these transports were not delusion. "How happy. There only remains an act of justice for could you," cried I, turning to Mr. Jenkinson, me to do. You are sensible, sir," continued he, "how could you add to my miseries by the story turning to me, "of the obligations we both owe of her death? But it matters not; my pleasure at Mr. Jenkinson, and it is but just we should both finding her again is more than a recompense for reward him for it. Miss Sophia will, I am sure, the pain." make him very happy, and he shall have from me "As to your question," replied Jenkinson, "that five hundred pounds as her fortune; and upon this is easily answered. I thought the only probable I am sure they can live very comfortably together. means of freeing you from prison, was by submit- Come, Miss Sophia, what say you to this match ting to the 'Squire, and consenting to his marriage of my making? Will you have him?". -My poor with the other young lady. But these you had girl seemed almost sinking into her mother's arms vowed never to grant while your daughter was liv- at the hideous proposal.-" Have him, sir!" cried ing; there was therefore no other method to bring she faintly: "No, sir, never."-" What!" cried he things to bear, but by persuading you that she was again, "not have Mr. Jenkinson, your benefactor, dead. I prevailed on your wife to join in the de- a handsome young fellow, with five hundred ceit, and we have not had a fit opportunity of un-pounds, and good expectations?"-"I beg, sir," deceiving you till now." returned she, scarcely able to speak, "that you'll In the whole assembly there now appeared only desist, and not make me so very wretched."two faces that did not glow with transport. Mr. "Was ever such obstinacy known?" cried he again, Thornhill's assurance had entirely forsaken him: "to refuse a man whom the family has such inhe now saw the gulf of infamy and want before finite obligations to, who has preserved your sister, him, and trembled to take the plunge. He there- and who has five hundred pounds! What, not have fore fell on his knees before his uncle, and in a him?"- "No, sir, never," replied she angrily; voice of piercing misery implored compassion. Sir "I'd sooner die first."—" If that be the case, then,' William was going to spurn him away, but at my cried he, "if you will not have him—I think I request he raised him, and, after pausing a few mo- must have you myself." And so saying, he caught ments, "Thy vices, crimes, and ingratitude," cried her to his breast with ardour. "My loveliest, my he, "deserve no tenderness; yet thou shalt not be most sensible of girls," cried he, "how could you entirely forsaken—a bare competence shall be sup- ever think your own Burchell could deceive you, or plied to support the wants of life, but not its follies. that Sir William Thornhill could ever cease to adThis young lady, thy wife, shall be put in posses-mire a mistress that loved him for himself alone? I sion of a third part of that fortune which once was have for some years sought for a woman, who, a thine, and from her tenderness alone thou art to stranger to my fortune, could think that I had expect any extraordinary supplies for the future." merit as a man. After having tried in vain, even He was going to express his gratitude for such amongst the pert and the ugly, how great at last kindness in a set speech; but the baronet prevented must be my rapture to have made a conquest over him, by bidding him not aggravate his meanness, such sense and such heavenly beauty!" Then which was already but too apparent. He ordered turning to Jenkinson: "As I can not, sir, part him at the same time to be gone, and from all his with this young lady myself, for she has taken a former domestics to choose one, such as he should fancy to the cut of my face, all the recompense I think proper, which was all that should be granted can make is to give you her fortune; and you may to attend him. call upon my steward to-morrow for five hundred As soon as he left us, Sir William very politely pounds." Thus, we had all our compliments to stepped up to his new niece with a smile, and repeat, and Lady Thornhill underwent the same wished her joy. His example was followed by round of ceremony that her sister had done before. Miss Wilmot and her father. My wife too kissed In the meantime, Sir William's gentleman appearher daughter with much affection; as, to use her ed to tell us that the equipages were ready to carry own expression, she was now made an honest wo- us to the inn, where every thing was prepared for man of. Sophia and Moses followed in turn, and our reception. My wife and I led the van, and |