Page:Pathetic history of George Barnwell the London apprentice.pdf/10

 Love seemed to have gained entire ascendency over him; and just as he had made up his mind to inform his uncle he could no longer remain with him, his kind patron met him at the door, and received him with more than his usual affection, which recalled poor Barnwell's scattered senses of honour to so good a master, that he altered his resolution, and determined to forget Milwood, and by attention repay the favours he had received from his uncle.

He became thus more composed, and settled to his business with all his wonted assiduity; till one morning, being just on the point of going out on business, a woman knocked at the door with a letter for him; it was from Milwood. Trembling with emotion, he opened it; it was full of this wicked woman's pretended misery in not seeing him for so long a time, and stating her destruction if he neglected her. It was worded with such tenderness, that for the moment she regained his affection; and placing the letter in his pockets he uttered to the bearer, " I will come."

When the evening arrived, our hero again procured leave of absence until the following morning, and he again hastened to the house of infamy. When he entered, Milwood, with feigned regret, threw herself into his arms, and entreated him to forgive the impetuosity of her conduct, so