Page:Tragical history of George Barnwell (2).pdf/7

 "There is (ſaid George) a ſingular coincidence in your dream with the muſic you heard, we will take a ramble to the Abbey this evening and ſhould there be in the old Aiſle a tomb reſembling that in your dream I think we should relate the whole circumſtance to Sir James. Murder (added the youth) is a crime beyond all other offenſive to God, and if, in our days he diſplays a miracle I can conceive nothing more likely to occaſion his interference than the detection of ſo foul a crime."

At dinner they joined a numerous circle of the neighbouring gentry. It was the cuſtom of Sir James to invite them all without exception once a year. At other times he indulged himſelf in a ſelection according to his taſte. On this occaſion he relinquiſhed his prejudices and there were at his table individuals of as various a call as a circuit of ten miles round contained Among theſe viſitors, was one moſt oppoſitooppoſite [sic] to the Knight in his principles and manners; Mr Mental was ſuppoſed poſed to be equally averſe from all kings and all religions. His dreſs and figure were the moſt ſingular to be imagined. He was of a large make, but thin; his face pale, his hair black, and cropped ſhort in his neck; his dreſs always the ſame, a ſuit of plain brown cloth. He would eat nothing that had ever enjoyed life; nothing in which ſugar was an ingredient; and his drink was water. He never ſmiled, and the only pleaſure he appeared to enjoy was the triumph of argument. The evils of ſociety were his dearest topic, and the climax