Page:Pathetic history of George Barnwell the London apprentice.pdf/22

22 sprang to the door, and bolting it, exclaimed, "Tell me, for heaven's sake, are you pursued; or have you been fortunate enough to escape suspicion?"—"I have escaped!" exclaimed Barnwell, "from every thing but my own conscience, and that will pursue me every where;" and throwing the bag of money upon the table, he heaved a deep sigh, and fell insensible on the floor. Milwood summoned her servant, and by their united efforts he was restored to his reason; while his mistress was counting over the dear-bought plunder, convulsive sobs rent the agonized frame of the murderer. Milwood upbraided him for his villainy in murdering his uncle; to rob him of life, nature's first, last, clear prerogative; telling him she would not hazard her life by screening him. At this treatment Barnwell became almost frantic. "Oh, Milwood!" said he, "if you hate me, if you wish me dead, then are you happy; for, oh! 'tis sure my grief will soon end me." Milwood exclaimed, "In this madness you will discover all, and involve me in your ruin." After pausing awhile, she said, "To preserve myself, I must hand him over to justice," and immediately called in a servant, requesting an officer to be brought to seize Barnwell; 'for,' said she, 'if I suffer the villain to escape, I may be thought as bad as he.' The servant having left the room, Barnwell begged Milwood to stop