Page:The Adventures of David Simple (1904).djvu/265

 appear only a mischief-maker, and still impose the more on me. But,' continued he, 'I will endeavour all the ways I can to open his eyes, and to let him see the regard you have for him.' "'I had now heard enough, and was going hastily to break open the door, but found it locked. Le Neuf well knew who it was, and sent the boy out at another door, down a pair of backstairs, and then let me in, The fury of my looks sufficiently declared that I had been witness of all that had passed between him and the fancied Dumont. I stared wildly about the room in hopes to find him, but in vain. Le Neuf was in the highest satisfaction imaginable at this success of his vile scheme; and said that by my actions and manner he was convinced accident had undeceived me with regard to my opinion of Dumont; that indeed he had a long time been thinking of a method to let me know the truth, but was always afraid my fixed love for my friend would have put it in his power to blind my eyes enough to make him appear the only guilty person. "You may remember, sir," continued he, "how much my conversation has turned, ever since I had the pleasure of knowing you, on the great caution that is necessary (if we would preserve our own peace) before we entirely place a confidence in any man. What you have now overheard will prove this to you better than all I could say; but let me add another piece of advice, which is no less proper for you upon this occasion; break off your friendship with Dumont by degrees, without ever telling him the real cause; that would only produce a quarrel between you, which might have bad consequences; and when the subject of it comes to be known in the world, it might bring some disgrace upon you for having been duped by him so long, and give you the air of a bubble. It is therefore much more prudent to let your connection