the conversation below. This
interval was pregnant with thought. That impulse which led my
reflections from Welbeck to my own state passed away in a moment, and
suffered me to meditate anew upon the terms of that confession which had
just been made.

Horror at the fate which this interview had enabled me to shun was
uppermost in my conceptions. I was eager to surrender these fatal bills.
I held them for that purpose in my hand, and was impatient for Welbeck's
return. He continued at the door; stooping, with his face averted, and
eagerly attentive to the conversation in the street.

All the circumstances of my present situation tended to arrest the
progress of thought and chain my contemplations to one image; but even
now there was room for foresight and deliberation. Welbeck intended to
destroy these bills. Perhaps he had not been sincere; or, if his
purpose had been honestly disclosed, this purpose might change when the
bills were in his possession. His poverty and sanguineness of temper
might prompt him to use them.

That this conduct was evil, and would only multiply his miseries, could
not be questioned. Why should I subject his frailty to this temptation?
The destruction of these bills was the loudest injunction of my duty;
was demanded by every sanction which bound me to promote the welfare of
mankind.

The means of destruction was easy. A lighted candle stood on a table, at
the distance of a few yards. Why should I hesitate a moment to
annihilate so powerful a cause of error and guilt? A passing instant was
sufficient. A momentary lingering might change the circumstances that
surrounded me, and frustrate my project.

My languors were suspended by the urgencies of this occasion. I started
from my bed and glided to the table. Seizing the notes with my right
hand, I held them in the flame of the candle, and then threw them,
blazing, on the floor.

The sudden illumination was perceived by Welbeck. The cause of it
appeared to suggest itself as soon. He turned, and, marking the paper
where it lay, leaped to the spot, and extinguished the fire with his
foot. His interposition was too late. Only enough of them remained to
inform him of the nature of the sacrifice.

Welbeck now stood, with limbs trembling, features aghast, and eyes
glaring upon me. For a time he was without speech. The storm was
gathering in silence, and at length burst upon me. In a tone menacing
and loud, he exclaimed,--

"Wretch! what have