no recompence, and then subjected him to the suspicions of people, who were ❝ unable or unwilling to look after their own affairs. His very great friendship for the rector had induced him to, take this office upon himself, though he • well knew the trouble and tediousness attending it, and the ingratitude with which it was always repaid. He had 'several times in his life played the fool in the same way, and had always met, ' with the same reward.'

Equivocation is the essence of law, and

I believe he spoke truth.

'He should take care, however, not to involve himself in • troubles for the future.

counts, he was ready at

desirous to have them

such officious

As for the ac

all times, and

settled. He

had been plagued enough, and had even

paid money out of his own pocket, 'which he was sure, whenever a balance 'came to be struck, he should not be ' reimbursed. But there were various

affairs that he could not immediately 'close; law accounts, bad debts, mort

gages, and other matters that required time. He had business of his own to ⚫ which he must attend, or be ruined; his 'clients would have good actions against him,if it could be proved that their suits were lost by his neglect. Indeed he was not bound to give me any account; but he always acted on the square, and 'therefore defied scrutiny; nay, he wished it, for what had an honest man to < fear?'

6

He talked so much of his honesty that, if he did not quite persuade me it was immaculate, he at least led me to doubt.

Beside, as he had reminded me, what claims had I? The property was bequeathed to my mother; she had married, her husband had squandered it away, and there was an end of it. Farther inquiry was but vexation and loss of time. It is true, the supposed wealth of the rector

rector had quickly disappeared: but if the owner of it, my mother's husband, were satisfied, what could be said?

She indeed hinted to me that Wakefield, finding he could wrest no more from his uncle, unless by filing a bill in Chancery, or some other process at law, for which he had no funds, not to mention the great chance of his being cast in costs of suit, had been obliged to desist; though convinced that the property was not one half expended. He had a better hope. Thornby was old, had no children, and might soon leave him the whole.

With most men this would have been a powerful motive; but the passions of her young husband, my mother owned, were too impetuous to be restrained by the cold considerations of prudence. At first she censured him with reluctance; for to censure him was in reality to adduce mementos of her own folly; but her resentment against him for having deserted her presently

A 5

sently overpowered her caution, and the pictures she drew shewed him to be not only dissipated and prodigal but unprincipled. He had even so far offended the law, that it was doubtful whether his life were not in danger; and Thornby, whose plans had been frustrated by his extravagance, had more ways than one of ridding himself of his importunity.

In any case it was necessary to make some provision for my mother mother; and, embroiled in doubt as I was, the most prudent way that I could imagine was to consult Thornby.

He affected to be very conscientious, and scarcely knew what advice to give. 'My mother was in want, and to desert

her would be cruel; yet the money 'that was devised me was my own: it was bequeathed for a good purpose, and the pious will of the testator ought to be held sacred. I was young, the grandson of a good man, an excellent • man, and his dear friend. I had great learning

⚫ learning and good sense, and ought not 'to be deprived of the means that had been left me of establishing myself in life. But then my mother had been tenderly brought up, and a dutiful son to be sure could not desert his parent. It was a difficult point. To purchase a life annuity for her would be the best way of securing her, against the mi'series of poverty in old age; but then

it would sink deeply into the thousand 5 pounds to make but a very moderate provision of this kind; though he knew no other method in her case that would 'be so safe.'

While I listened I resolved. To provide for my mother I held to be an indispensable duty; and, notwithstanding my late disappointments, my fears for myself were but few. People of a sanguine temper are subject to temporary doubt and gloom; but the sky soon clears, and though one bright star may shoot and fall, hope soon creates a whole

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