Page:Pathetic history of George Barnwell the London apprentice.pdf/16

16 ferings to the deity who presided in this unhallowed temple. His salary, and the supplies of his uncle, were greatly incompetent to the expences which Barnwell thus plunged into continually; and he was, of course, obliged to have recourse to his master's property.

But it was not possible for this course to continue long unnoticed; his daring and increasing calls being so unqualified and frequent, and the day of reckoning rapidly approaching. As this dreadful period drew near, the terrors of Barnwell began to revive; and the more he thought of the impossibility of meeting the deficiences his crimes had occasioned, the more his apprehensions gained ground; but when he imparted his fears to Milwood, she laughed at his pusillanimity, and her embraces and the intoxication of guilty pleasure, proved effectual in drowning for a time the sober voice of reason: and a temporary forgetfulness of grief was eagerly resorted to, in the absence of every consolation of a more cheering and permanent nature.

From this moment, Barnwell resolved to absent himself from his duty; but, previous to this step, he resolved to make free with the remainder of the property entrusted to him, which amounted to above £300.

But the idea of deserting Maria (although not so painful as it would have been some time since),