A cowardly and
preposterous slander, originating in political malice, and which never have
been whispered had he not been poor and imprudent, is best silenced by this
ordeal of purification. All I possess goes to him if my child dies under
age; and the custody of her person I commit meanwhile to him alone, knowing
that she is as safe in his as she could have been under my own care. I rely
upon your remembrance of our early friendship to make this known wherever
an opportunity occurs, and also to say what your sense of justice may
warrant.'
The other letters were in the same spirit. My heart sank like lead as I
read them. I quaked with fear. What had I done? My father's wise and noble
vindication of our dishonoured name I had presumed to frustrate. I had,
like a coward, receded from my easy share in the task; and, merciful
Heaven, I had broken my faith with the dead!
With these letters in my hand, white with fear, I flew like a shadow to the
drawing-room where Cousin Monica was, and told her to read them. I saw by
her countenance how much alarmed she was by my looks, but she said nothing,
only read the letters hurriedly, and then exclaimed--
'Is this all, my dear child? I really fancied you had found a second will,
and had lost everything.
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