Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/147

 nor I are capable of disguising the truth or committing an injustice: the moment she receives conviction of your right she will restore this money to you; the moment I imbibe this conviction I will exert all my infiuence, and it is not small, to induce her to restore it. Permit me, however, to question you in your turn. Who was the merchant on whom your bill was drawn, what was the date of it, and when did the bill and its counterparts arrive?"

"I do not exactly remember the date of the bills: they were made out, however, six days before I myself embarked, which happened on the 10th of August, 1784. They were sent by three vessels, one of which was bound to Charleston, and the others to New York: the last arrived within two days of each other, and about the middle of November in the same year. The name of the payer was Monteith."

After a pause of recollection, I answered—"I will not hesitate to apprise you of every thing which may throw light upon this transaction, and whether favourable or otherwise to your claim. I have told you that among my friend's papers your name is not to be found; I must likewise repeat that the possession of this money by Waldegrave was wholly unknown to us till his death; we are likewise unacquainted with any means by which he could get possession of so large a sum in his own right: he spent no more than his scanty stipend as a teacher, though this stipend was insufficient to supply his wants. This bank receipt is dated in December, 1784; a fortnight, perhaps, after the date that you have mentioned. You will perceive how much this coincidence, which could scarcely have taken place by chance, is favourable to your claim.

"Mary Waldegrave resides at present at Abingdon: she will rejoice, as I do, to see one who, as her brother's friend, is entitled to her affection. Doubt not but that she will listen with impartiality and candour to all that you can urge in defence of your title to this money. Her decision will not be precipitate, but it will be generous and just, and founded on such reasons that, even if it be adverse to your wishes, you will be compelled to approve it."

"I can entertain no doubt," he answered, "as to the