of indignation and sorrow
filled my eyes. I could scarcely stifle my emotions sufficiently to ask,
"Of whom, sir, do you speak? Was the name of the youth--his
name--was----"

"His name was Wallace. I see that you have some interest in his fate. He
was one whom I loved. I would have given half my fortune to procure him
accommodation under some hospitable roof. His attack was violent; but,
still, his recovery, if he had been suitably attended, was possible.
That he should survive removal to the hospital, and the treatment he
must receive when there, was not to be hoped.

"The conduct of Thetford was as absurd as it was wicked. To imagine the
disease to be contagious was the height of folly; to suppose himself
secure, merely by not permitting a sick man to remain under his roof,
was no less stupid; but Thetford's fears had subverted his
understanding. He did not listen to arguments or supplications. His
attention was incapable of straying from one object. To influence him by
words was equivalent to reasoning with the deaf.

"Perhaps the wretch was more to be pitied than hated. The victims of his
implacable caution could scarcely have endured agonies greater than
those which his pusillanimity inflicted on himself. Whatever be the
amount of his guilt, the retribution has been adequate. He witnessed the
death of his wife and child, and last night was the close of his own
existence. Their sole attendant was a black woman; whom, by frequent
visits, I endeavoured, with little success, to make diligent in the
performance of her duty."

Such, then, was the catastrophe of Wallace. The end for which I
journeyed hither was accomplished. His destiny was ascertained; and all
that remained was to fulfil the gloomy predictions of the lovely but
unhappy Susan. To tell them all the truth would be needlessly to
exasperate her sorrow. Time, aided by the tenderness and sympathy of
friendship, may banish her despair, and relieve her from all but the
witcheries of melancholy.

Having disengaged my mind from these reflections, I explained to my
companion, in general terms, my reasons for visiting the city, and my
curiosity respecting. Thetford. He inquired into the particulars of my
journey, and the time of my arrival. When informed that I had come in
the preceding evening, and had passed the subsequent hours without sleep
or food, he expressed astonishment and compassion.

"Your undertaking," said he, "has certainly been hazardous. Ther