Page:Pathetic history of George Barnwell the London apprentice.pdf/12

 upon the liberality of his uncle, in order to support her extravagance, and gratify: her rapacity. The time however was at hand, when Milwood began to extend her views, and to discover still deeper designs upon her ill-fated victim. She complained at first with an appearance of tenderness, which gradually gave way to a more reproving manner, of the supplies which he brought her.

In vain did the unhappy Barnwell urge, that he had already drawn from his generous uncle, until he was ashamed to solicit any further contributions towards his extravagance that he had not only received all the wages that were due, but that he was even in arrears with his master. Every thing was urged in vain; and when driven to desperation by her continued reproaches, he hehe [sic] exclaimed, 'What would you have me to do?' Milwood, with a sarcastic sneer replied, "Do you ask such a question, who have continually your employer's money vested in your hands?"

Never, until this moment, had the idea of robbing his master been suggested to him, and the sensation which followed it was dreadful in the extreme. Distressed beyond measure, his spirits sunk, and more than once a full resolution was formed, to quit his mistress for ever, than to support her by dishonest means; but, alas! influence was transient.

The evening approached rapidly—the hour