Page:Adventures of Susan Hopley (Volume 1).pdf/232

Rh became more inviting, and every review of life, of such a life as must henceforth await him, less so.

"She, too, and the world, will see that I preferred encountering death to shame. My name will not stand in the calendar of crime, a disgrace to all connected with me. At first, they'll think I have fledand there'll be a reward offeredand the police will seek meand the coast will be on the alertbut, ere long, the body will be found and my fate ascertainedthere'll be a little noise about ita few remarks in the newspapers and then the whole will be forgotten;" and so saying he quickened his pace and walked briskly forwards towards Blackfriars Bridge. "That will be the best place," thought he"a leap from the parapet and all is doneand since my mind's made up, there shall be no pause" he stepped upon the bridge"since I am to die, hesitation would be weaknessand how much better is it thus to die a death of my own choosing, than to have my shame and my agonies made a scoff and a spectacle to assembled thousands!Farewell Eliza," he whispered, as he prepared to mount the parapet"farewell, dear wife! Forgive me, and be happy!"