s, with new vehemence. I was compelled to
answer. I told him, in few words, that his reasonings had not convinced
me of the equity of his claim, and that my determination was unaltered.

He had not expected this inflexibility from one in my situation. The
folly of opposition, when my feebleness and loneliness were contrasted
with his activity and resources, appeared to him monstrous and glaring;
but his contempt was converted into rage and fear when he reflected
that this folly might finally defeat his hopes. He had probably
determined to obtain the money, let the purchase cost what it would, but
was willing to exhaust pacific expedients before he should resort to
force. He might likewise question whether the money was within his
reach. I had told him that I had it, but whether it was now about me was
somewhat dubious; yet, though he used no direct inquiries, he chose to
proceed on the supposition of its being at hand. His angry tones were
now changed into those of remonstrance and persuasion:--

"Your present behaviour, Mervyn, does not justify the expectation I had
formed of you. You have been guilty of a base theft. To this you have
added the deeper crime of ingratitude, but your infatuation and folly
are, at least, as glaring as your guilt. Do you think I can credit your
assertions that you keep this money for another, when I recollect that
six weeks have passed since you carried it off? Why have you not sought
the owner and restored it to her? If your intentions had been honest,
would you have suffered so long a time to elapse without doing this? It
is plain that you designed to keep it for your own use.

"But, whether this were your purpose or not, you have no longer power to
restore it or retain it. You say that you came hither to die. If so,
what is to be the fate of the money? In your present situation you
cannot gain access to the lady. Some other must inherit this wealth.
Next to _Signora Lodi_, whose right can be put in competition with mine?
But, if you will not give it to me on my own account, let it be given in
trust for her. Let me be the bearer of it to her own hands. I have
already shown you that my claim to it, as her guardian, is legal and
incontrovertible, but this claim I waive. I will merely be the executor
of your will. I will bind myself to comply with your directions by any
oath, however solemn and tremendous, which you shall prescribe."

As long as my own heart acquitted me, these imputation