Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/269

 —"I came hither with a view to benefit a man with whose misfortunes his own lips have made me acquainted, and who has awakened in my breast the deepest sympathy. I know the cause and extent of his dejection; I know the event which has given birth to horror and remorse in his heart:—he believes that by his means his patroness and benefactress has found an untimely death."

These words produced a visible shock in my companion, which evinced that I had at least engaged his attention. I proceeded.

"This unhappy lady was cursed with a wicked and unnatural brother: she conceived a disproportionate affection for this brother, and erroneously imagined that her fate was blended with his—that their lives would necessarily terminate at the same period—and that, therefore, whoever was the contriver of his death, was likewise, by a fatal and invincible necessity, the author of her own.

"Clithero was her servant; but was raised by her bounty to the station of her son, and the rank of her friend. Clithero, in self-defence, took away the life of that unnatural brother; and in that deed falsely, but cogently, believed that he had perpetrated the destruction of his benefactress.

"To ascertain the truth, he sought her presence; she was found; the tidings of her brother's death were communicated, and she sunk breathless at his feet."

At these words Clithero started from the ground, and cast upon me looks of furious indignation.

"And come you hither," he muttered, "for this end—to recount my offences, and drive me again to despair?"

"No," answered I, with quickness; "I come to out-root a fatal but powerful illusion; I come to assure you that the woman with whose destruction you charge yourself, is not dead!"

These words, uttered with the most emphatical solemnity, merely produced looks in which contempt was mingled with anger. He continued silent.

"I perceive," resumed I, "that my words are disregarded. Would to Heaven I were able to conquer your incredulity, and show you, not only the truth, but the