Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/38

36 for selfish purposes, and in the speedy acquisition of wealth and independence, have found no inadequate indemnity for other losses,—even of fame, honour, and character trampled in the dust! Scrupulous as he had been, and abhorrent from such principles and practices, how poignant to be accused of having acted otherwise! Thus wrought upon, he determined to call for a public investigation of his conduct: "Let them at once," exclaimed he, "brand me with dishonour, or make my innocence appear clear as the noonday light!"

His request having been acceded to, it remained for him but to make the preliminary arrangements, for which due time was allowed him, and lay a statement of his case before the Court of Inquiry. Cheered by the conviction that he should arise triumphant, free from every imputation made against him, he sunk by degrees into that calm philosophy of feeling which none, under like circumstances, can attain, but they whose hearts are shielded by conscious integrity: availing himself of the delay, he stole away from care and business to pass the interval with his wife and children.

He arrived at Bath just at the time when reports were in high circulation relative to the match that was forming between the son and heir of Mr. and Mrs. Blake and his daughter Oriana. Of this