h with infinite
reluctance, I consented.

This interval allowed him to reflect upon the past, and to inquire into
the fate of Thetford and his family. The intelligence which Medlicote
had enabled me to afford him was heard with more satisfaction than
regret. The ingratitude and cruelty with which he had been treated
seemed to have extinguished every sentiment but hatred and vengeance. I
was willing to profit by this interval to know more of Thetford than I
already possessed. I inquired why Wallace had so perversely neglected
the advice of his uncle and cousin, and persisted to brave so many
dangers when flight was so easy.

"I cannot justify my conduct," answered he. "It was in the highest
degree thoughtless and perverse. I was confident and unconcerned as long
as our neighbourhood was free from disease, and as long as I forbore any
communication with the sick; yet I should have withdrawn to Malverton,
merely to gratify my friends, if Thetford had not used the most powerful
arguments to detain me. He laboured to extenuate the danger.

"'Why not stay,' said he, 'as long as I and my family stay? Do you think
that we would linger here, if the danger were imminent? As soon as it
becomes so, we will fly. You know that we have a country-house prepared
for our reception. When we go, you shall accompany us. Your services at
this time are indispensable to my affairs. If you will not desert me,
your salary next year shall be double; and that will enable you to marry
your cousin immediately. Nothing is more improbable than that any of us
should be sick; but, if this should happen to you, I plight my honour
that you shall be carefully and faithfully attended.'

"These assurances were solemn and generous. To make Susan Hadwin my wife
was the scope of all my wishes and labours. By staying, I should hasten
this desirable event, and incur little hazard. By going, I should
alienate the affections of Thetford; by whom, it is but justice to
acknowledge, that I had hitherto been treated with unexampled generosity
and kindness; and blast all the schemes I had formed for rising into
wealth.

"My resolution was by no means steadfast. As often as a letter from
_Malverton_ arrived, I felt myself disposed to hasten away; but this
inclination was combated by new arguments and new entreaties of
Thetford.

"In this state of suspense, the girl by whom Mrs. Thetford's infant was
nursed fell sick. She was an excellent creature, and merited bett