Part 70 (2/2)

'Why then I aained a friend, ill never suffer you to go to prison'

The word friend conjured up a train of ideas, which almost overcame me 'I have lost a friend,' said I, 'ould not have suffered one I accepted even _his_ favours with an aching and unwilling heart; and prison itself will not, I suspect, be so painful to ations of the saly prepossessed in his favour, I scarcely can hope should equal Mr Evelyn And, if he even did, an extravagant supposition, I should still hesitate: I doubt if a prison itself be so hateful as a knowledge that I am only out of one on sufferance; and that, when any caprice shall seize my creditor, I may be hunted like a ferocious beast; and co cur

Mr Hilary endeavoured to co: but it was not to be conquered The short period of trial since the death of Mr Evelyn had afforded me too e can excite; and of the propensity which I had to give theement To be as I have said the slave of any man's temper, not as an effort of duty but from a sense of fear, was insufferable A prison, locks, bolts, and bread and water, were to be preferred

Mr Hilary sat with ood humour, but to cheer my heart and his own, ordered supper, and drankme to follow his exa that had the appearance of an incapacity to endure whatever the tyranny of rancorous er, he told one down into the country; from whence he would return within a week: but he forbore to er having enquiries to make, which induced him to keep it secret

Before he left iven to Clarke: after which we quitted the best parlour, into which we had been introduced with great ceremony to sup; and I retired to try how soundly I could sleep, in one of the good beds of a lock-up house

CHAPTER XV

_Morning visitors: A generous proposal rejected: The affectionate friendshi+p of Miss Wilmot: A very unexpected visitor: His extraordinary conduct, and a scene of reconciliation: A letter which excites delightful sensations_

The ence of Mr Hilary was that of a friend, and the best parlour was soon filled: the reader will easily guess by whom There is an undescribable pleasure, e are persecuted by one set of hus, to receiveconsolation to know that kindness and justice have not wholly forsaken the earth

Wilmot, Clarke, and Turl ith ratification at enjoying another social eon Charlotte and her maid, Pol, were very alert; and I believe she al-room, since she found I had so many friends

Clarke was asked to partake; but answered with a 'no thank you, Mr

Trevor' I supposed it ard bashfulness I did hi motive: for, when I pressed him very earnestly, he replied--'At another time, Mr Trevor, such a favour would make me happy; and you know I have not refused: but, just nohy it would look as if, because you are under enerous fellow! He was still the saood reader, he breakfasted with us

And now I had a contest to undergo, which was maintained with so much obstinacy that it became truly painful Wilmot, in consequence of the success of his coe my debt; and on this at first he peremptorily insisted But it hat I could not accept

He was, I knew, an Evelyn in soul: but I too panted to be so

I could not endure to rob hie oppressed by the consciousness of i meanness would be the chief feature

Such at least were my sensations: and they were too impetuous to be overcome

In the ardour we mutually felt, Turl was appealed to by both At first he strongly inclined to the side of Wiluish which the proposal gave, he at length said--'Let us pause awhile We are friends Ier that, as friends, we should suffer each other to endure it long, if there should be any possible and honestfreedouht If he can relieve himself, by his abilities and industry, which he is persuaded he can, it is his duty For it will not only increase his iive confidence to his efforts, and strength to his mind: qualities that are inestienius To reject aid frohtiness is a vice: but to despair of our own resources is the death of all true greatness of character In any case, suspend your contest; in which, though frouments at leisure If Mr Trevor can be renderedyour offer, it will then be just in him to cede: but remember once more we are friends, that know each other's worth; and it will be just that I should partake in his release To this I know you will both joyfully consent If good can be done, you will not deny me my share!'

It was characteristic of Turl never to speak on serious occasions without leaving a deep ih, but was silent

Having thus far prevailed, I was desirous of being immediately removed to prison: but to this they both vehe to love ht to be taken for consideration; and evil should not be sported with, though when unavoidable it ought to be endured with fortitude

While these debates took place, it was no uninteresting spectacle to contees in the countenance of Clarke Before the adventure of Bath, he had risen much above the level of his co to part with all he possessed to rescue another fro reasons why it was probable the offer ought not to be accepted, his feelings were all in arms His passions, while Wilmot pleaded, were ready to break their bounds; and, when he listened to the answers that were returned, his mind was filled and expanded He discovered that there is a disinterested grandeur in morality, of which he had no previous conception He was in a neorld; and a dark room, with barred as heaven in all its splendor

Having agreed to follow their advice, Wilmot and Turl left : but poor Clarke said 'he had no heart for work that day; and he could not abide to leave h I had true friends; such as would never forsake ood' When however I represented to hiht consider on my situation, and requested he would dine with his fa, he co of the day was chiefly consu to remain alone I had scarcely dined before a coach stopped at the door, and Charlotte canificance in her face

'There is a young lady, sir,' said she, '_which_ says her name is Wilmot, _which_ wants to see you'

At this reeable visitor that could have arrived Her heart was full, her eyes were swollen, and red eeping, and, as soon as she entered the rooain burst into tears

It has often been asked why sorrows like these should excite so ratification? The answer is evident They are not only tokens of personal respect and affection, but they are proofs that injustice cannot be co perceptibly and often deeply felt by others, as well as by those on whom it is exercised