But, after these high promises, I
got no longer peace; for he began to urge the death of my father
with such an unremitting earnestness that I found I had nothing
for it but to comply. I did so; and cannot express his enthusiasm
of approbation. So much did he hurry and press me in this that I
was forced to devise some of the most openly violent measures,
having no alternative. Heaven spared me the deed, taking, in that
instance, the vengeance in its own hand; for, before my arm could
effect the sanguine but meritorious act, the old man followed his
son to the grave. My illustrious and zealous friend seemed to
regret this somewhat, but he comforted himself with the
reflection, that still I had the merit of it, having not only
consented to it, but in fact effected it, for by doing the one action
I had brought about both.
No sooner were the obsequies of the funeral over than my friend
and I went to Dalcastle, and took undisputed possession of the
houses, lands and effects that had been my father's; but his plate,
and vast treasures of ready money, he had bestowed on a
voluptuous and unworthy creature, who had lived long with him
as a mistress.
Pages:
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264