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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/792-h.zip b/792-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c9abfe9 --- /dev/null +++ b/792-h.zip diff --git a/792-h/792-h.htm b/792-h/792-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cc0e5bd --- /dev/null +++ b/792-h/792-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9781 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Wieland; Or the Transformation, by Charles Brockden Brown + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Wieland; or The Transformation, by Charles Brockden Brown + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Wieland; or The Transformation + An American Tale + +Author: Charles Brockden Brown + +Release Date: August 7, 2008 [EBook #792] +Last Updated: January 25, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WIELAND; OR THE TRANSFORMATION *** + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + WIELAND; OR THE TRANSFORMATION + </h1> + <h2> + An American Tale + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Charles Brockden Brown + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + From Virtue's blissful paths away + The double-tongued are sure to stray; + Good is a forth-right journey still, + And mazy paths but lead to ill. + </pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Advertisement. + </p> + <p> + The following Work is delivered to the world as the first of a series of + performances, which the favorable reception of this will induce the Writer + to publish. His purpose is neither selfish nor temporary, but aims at the + illustration of some important branches of the moral constitution of man. + Whether this tale will be classed with the ordinary or frivolous sources + of amusement, or be ranked with the few productions whose usefulness + secures to them a lasting reputation, the reader must be permitted to + decide. + </p> + <p> + The incidents related are extraordinary and rare. Some of them, perhaps, + approach as nearly to the nature of miracles as can be done by that which + is not truly miraculous. It is hoped that intelligent readers will not + disapprove of the manner in which appearances are solved, but that the + solution will be found to correspond with the known principles of human + nature. The power which the principal person is said to possess can + scarcely be denied to be real. It must be acknowledged to be extremely + rare; but no fact, equally uncommon, is supported by the same strength of + historical evidence. + </p> + <p> + Some readers may think the conduct of the younger Wieland impossible. In + support of its possibility the Writer must appeal to Physicians and to men + conversant with the latent springs and occasional perversions of the human + mind. It will not be objected that the instances of similar delusion are + rare, because it is the business of moral painters to exhibit their + subject in its most instructive and memorable forms. If history furnishes + one parallel fact, it is a sufficient vindication of the Writer; but most + readers will probably recollect an authentic case, remarkably similar to + that of Wieland. + </p> + <p> + It will be necessary to add, that this narrative is addressed, in an + epistolary form, by the Lady whose story it contains, to a small number of + friends, whose curiosity, with regard to it, had been greatly awakened. It + may likewise be mentioned, that these events took place between the + conclusion of the French and the beginning of the revolutionary war. The + memoirs of Carwin, alluded to at the conclusion of the work, will be + published or suppressed according to the reception which is given to the + present attempt. + </p> + <p> + C. B. B. September 3, 1798. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> Chapter XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> Chapter XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> Chapter XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> Chapter XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> Chapter XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> Chapter XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> Chapter XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> Chapter XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> Chapter XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> Chapter XXVII </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + Chapter I + </h2> + <p> + I feel little reluctance in complying with your request. You know not + fully the cause of my sorrows. You are a stranger to the depth of my + distresses. Hence your efforts at consolation must necessarily fail. Yet + the tale that I am going to tell is not intended as a claim upon your + sympathy. In the midst of my despair, I do not disdain to contribute what + little I can to the benefit of mankind. I acknowledge your right to be + informed of the events that have lately happened in my family. Make what + use of the tale you shall think proper. If it be communicated to the + world, it will inculcate the duty of avoiding deceit. It will exemplify + the force of early impressions, and show the immeasurable evils that flow + from an erroneous or imperfect discipline. + </p> + <p> + My state is not destitute of tranquillity. The sentiment that dictates my + feelings is not hope. Futurity has no power over my thoughts. To all that + is to come I am perfectly indifferent. With regard to myself, I have + nothing more to fear. Fate has done its worst. Henceforth, I am callous to + misfortune. + </p> + <p> + I address no supplication to the Deity. The power that governs the course + of human affairs has chosen his path. The decree that ascertained the + condition of my life, admits of no recal. No doubt it squares with the + maxims of eternal equity. That is neither to be questioned nor denied by + me. It suffices that the past is exempt from mutation. The storm that tore + up our happiness, and changed into dreariness and desert the blooming + scene of our existence, is lulled into grim repose; but not until the + victim was transfixed and mangled; till every obstacle was dissipated by + its rage; till every remnant of good was wrested from our grasp and + exterminated. + </p> + <p> + How will your wonder, and that of your companions, be excited by my story! + Every sentiment will yield to your amazement. If my testimony were without + corroborations, you would reject it as incredible. The experience of no + human being can furnish a parallel: That I, beyond the rest of mankind, + should be reserved for a destiny without alleviation, and without example! + Listen to my narrative, and then say what it is that has made me deserve + to be placed on this dreadful eminence, if, indeed, every faculty be not + suspended in wonder that I am still alive, and am able to relate it. My + father's ancestry was noble on the paternal side; but his mother was the + daughter of a merchant. My grand-father was a younger brother, and a + native of Saxony. He was placed, when he had reached the suitable age, at + a German college. During the vacations, he employed himself in traversing + the neighbouring territory. On one occasion it was his fortune to visit + Hamburg. He formed an acquaintance with Leonard Weise, a merchant of that + city, and was a frequent guest at his house. The merchant had an only + daughter, for whom his guest speedily contracted an affection; and, in + spite of parental menaces and prohibitions, he, in due season, became her + husband. + </p> + <p> + By this act he mortally offended his relations. Thenceforward he was + entirely disowned and rejected by them. They refused to contribute any + thing to his support. All intercourse ceased, and he received from them + merely that treatment to which an absolute stranger, or detested enemy, + would be entitled. + </p> + <p> + He found an asylum in the house of his new father, whose temper was kind, + and whose pride was flattered by this alliance. The nobility of his birth + was put in the balance against his poverty. Weise conceived himself, on + the whole, to have acted with the highest discretion, in thus disposing of + his child. My grand-father found it incumbent on him to search out some + mode of independent subsistence. His youth had been eagerly devoted to + literature and music. These had hitherto been cultivated merely as sources + of amusement. They were now converted into the means of gain. At this + period there were few works of taste in the Saxon dialect. My ancestor may + be considered as the founder of the German Theatre. The modern poet of the + same name is sprung from the same family, and, perhaps, surpasses but + little, in the fruitfulness of his invention, or the soundness of his + taste, the elder Wieland. His life was spent in the composition of sonatas + and dramatic pieces. They were not unpopular, but merely afforded him a + scanty subsistence. He died in the bloom of his life, and was quickly + followed to the grave by his wife. Their only child was taken under the + protection of the merchant. At an early age he was apprenticed to a London + trader, and passed seven years of mercantile servitude. + </p> + <p> + My father was not fortunate in the character of him under whose care he + was now placed. He was treated with rigor, and full employment was + provided for every hour of his time. His duties were laborious and + mechanical. He had been educated with a view to this profession, and, + therefore, was not tormented with unsatisfied desires. He did not hold his + present occupations in abhorrence, because they withheld him from paths + more flowery and more smooth, but he found in unintermitted labour, and in + the sternness of his master, sufficient occasions for discontent. No + opportunities of recreation were allowed him. He spent all his time pent + up in a gloomy apartment, or traversing narrow and crowded streets. His + food was coarse, and his lodging humble. His heart gradually contracted a + habit of morose and gloomy reflection. He could not accurately define what + was wanting to his happiness. He was not tortured by comparisons drawn + between his own situation and that of others. His state was such as suited + his age and his views as to fortune. He did not imagine himself treated + with extraordinary or unjustifiable rigor. In this respect he supposed the + condition of others, bound like himself to mercantile service, to resemble + his own; yet every engagement was irksome, and every hour tedious in its + lapse. + </p> + <p> + In this state of mind he chanced to light upon a book written by one of + the teachers of the Albigenses, or French Protestants. He entertained no + relish for books, and was wholly unconscious of any power they possessed + to delight or instruct. This volume had lain for years in a corner of his + garret, half buried in dust and rubbish. He had marked it as it lay; had + thrown it, as his occasions required, from one spot to another; but had + felt no inclination to examine its contents, or even to inquire what was + the subject of which it treated. + </p> + <p> + One Sunday afternoon, being induced to retire for a few minutes to his + garret, his eye was attracted by a page of this book, which, by some + accident, had been opened and placed full in his view. He was seated on + the edge of his bed, and was employed in repairing a rent in some part of + his clothes. His eyes were not confined to his work, but occasionally + wandering, lighted at length upon the page. The words "Seek and ye shall + find," were those that first offered themselves to his notice. His + curiosity was roused by these so far as to prompt him to proceed. As soon + as he finished his work, he took up the book and turned to the first page. + The further he read, the more inducement he found to continue, and he + regretted the decline of the light which obliged him for the present to + close it. + </p> + <p> + The book contained an exposition of the doctrine of the sect of + Camissards, and an historical account of its origin. His mind was in a + state peculiarly fitted for the reception of devotional sentiments. The + craving which had haunted him was now supplied with an object. His mind + was at no loss for a theme of meditation. On days of business, he rose at + the dawn, and retired to his chamber not till late at night. He now + supplied himself with candles, and employed his nocturnal and Sunday hours + in studying this book. It, of course, abounded with allusions to the + Bible. All its conclusions were deduced from the sacred text. This was the + fountain, beyond which it was unnecessary to trace the stream of religious + truth; but it was his duty to trace it thus far. + </p> + <p> + A Bible was easily procured, and he ardently entered on the study of it. + His understanding had received a particular direction. All his reveries + were fashioned in the same mould. His progress towards the formation of + his creed was rapid. Every fact and sentiment in this book were viewed + through a medium which the writings of the Camissard apostle had + suggested. His constructions of the text were hasty, and formed on a + narrow scale. Every thing was viewed in a disconnected position. One + action and one precept were not employed to illustrate and restrict the + meaning of another. Hence arose a thousand scruples to which he had + hitherto been a stranger. He was alternately agitated by fear and by + ecstacy. He imagined himself beset by the snares of a spiritual foe, and + that his security lay in ceaseless watchfulness and prayer. + </p> + <p> + His morals, which had never been loose, were now modelled by a stricter + standard. The empire of religious duty extended itself to his looks, + gestures, and phrases. All levities of speech, and negligences of + behaviour, were proscribed. His air was mournful and contemplative. He + laboured to keep alive a sentiment of fear, and a belief of the + awe-creating presence of the Deity. Ideas foreign to this were sedulously + excluded. To suffer their intrusion was a crime against the Divine Majesty + inexpiable but by days and weeks of the keenest agonies. + </p> + <p> + No material variation had occurred in the lapse of two years. Every day + confirmed him in his present modes of thinking and acting. It was to be + expected that the tide of his emotions would sometimes recede, that + intervals of despondency and doubt would occur; but these gradually were + more rare, and of shorter duration; and he, at last, arrived at a state + considerably uniform in this respect. + </p> + <p> + His apprenticeship was now almost expired. On his arrival of age he became + entitled, by the will of my grand-father, to a small sum. This sum would + hardly suffice to set him afloat as a trader in his present situation, and + he had nothing to expect from the generosity of his master. Residence in + England had, besides, become almost impossible, on account of his + religious tenets. In addition to these motives for seeking a new + habitation, there was another of the most imperious and irresistable + necessity. He had imbibed an opinion that it was his duty to disseminate + the truths of the gospel among the unbelieving nations. He was terrified + at first by the perils and hardships to which the life of a missionary is + exposed. This cowardice made him diligent in the invention of objections + and excuses; but he found it impossible wholly to shake off the belief + that such was the injunction of his duty. The belief, after every new + conflict with his passions, acquired new strength; and, at length, he + formed a resolution of complying with what he deemed the will of heaven. + </p> + <p> + The North-American Indians naturally presented themselves as the first + objects for this species of benevolence. As soon as his servitude expired, + he converted his little fortune into money, and embarked for Philadelphia. + Here his fears were revived, and a nearer survey of savage manners once + more shook his resolution. For a while he relinquished his purpose, and + purchasing a farm on Schuylkill, within a few miles of the city, set + himself down to the cultivation of it. The cheapness of land, and the + service of African slaves, which were then in general use, gave him who + was poor in Europe all the advantages of wealth. He passed fourteen years + in a thrifty and laborious manner. In this time new objects, new + employments, and new associates appeared to have nearly obliterated the + devout impressions of his youth. He now became acquainted with a woman of + a meek and quiet disposition, and of slender acquirements like himself. He + proffered his hand and was accepted. + </p> + <p> + His previous industry had now enabled him to dispense with personal + labour, and direct attention to his own concerns. He enjoyed leisure, and + was visited afresh by devotional contemplation. The reading of the + scriptures, and other religious books, became once more his favorite + employment. His ancient belief relative to the conversion of the savage + tribes, was revived with uncommon energy. To the former obstacles were now + added the pleadings of parental and conjugal love. The struggle was long + and vehement; but his sense of duty would not be stifled or enfeebled, and + finally triumphed over every impediment. + </p> + <p> + His efforts were attended with no permanent success. His exhortations had + sometimes a temporary power, but more frequently were repelled with insult + and derision. In pursuit of this object he encountered the most imminent + perils, and underwent incredible fatigues, hunger, sickness, and solitude. + The licence of savage passion, and the artifices of his depraved + countrymen, all opposed themselves to his progress. His courage did not + forsake him till there appeared no reasonable ground to hope for success. + He desisted not till his heart was relieved from the supposed obligation + to persevere. With his constitution somewhat decayed, he at length + returned to his family. An interval of tranquillity succeeded. He was + frugal, regular, and strict in the performance of domestic duties. He + allied himself with no sect, because he perfectly agreed with none. Social + worship is that by which they are all distinguished; but this article + found no place in his creed. He rigidly interpreted that precept which + enjoins us, when we worship, to retire into solitude, and shut out every + species of society. According to him devotion was not only a silent + office, but must be performed alone. An hour at noon, and an hour at + midnight were thus appropriated. + </p> + <p> + At the distance of three hundred yards from his house, on the top of a + rock whose sides were steep, rugged, and encumbered with dwarf cedars and + stony asperities, he built what to a common eye would have seemed a + summer-house. The eastern verge of this precipice was sixty feet above the + river which flowed at its foot. The view before it consisted of a + transparent current, fluctuating and rippling in a rocky channel, and + bounded by a rising scene of cornfields and orchards. The edifice was + slight and airy. It was no more than a circular area, twelve feet in + diameter, whose flooring was the rock, cleared of moss and shrubs, and + exactly levelled, edged by twelve Tuscan columns, and covered by an + undulating dome. My father furnished the dimensions and outlines, but + allowed the artist whom he employed to complete the structure on his own + plan. It was without seat, table, or ornament of any kind. + </p> + <p> + This was the temple of his Deity. Twice in twenty-four hours he repaired + hither, unaccompanied by any human being. Nothing but physical inability + to move was allowed to obstruct or postpone this visit. He did not exact + from his family compliance with his example. Few men, equally sincere in + their faith, were as sparing in their censures and restrictions, with + respect to the conduct of others, as my father. The character of my mother + was no less devout; but her education had habituated her to a different + mode of worship. The loneliness of their dwelling prevented her from + joining any established congregation; but she was punctual in the offices + of prayer, and in the performance of hymns to her Saviour, after the + manner of the disciples of Zinzendorf. My father refused to interfere in + her arrangements. His own system was embraced not, accurately speaking, + because it was the best, but because it had been expressly prescribed to + him. Other modes, if practised by other persons, might be equally + acceptable. + </p> + <p> + His deportment to others was full of charity and mildness. A sadness + perpetually overspread his features, but was unmingled with sternness or + discontent. The tones of his voice, his gestures, his steps were all in + tranquil unison. His conduct was characterised by a certain forbearance + and humility, which secured the esteem of those to whom his tenets were + most obnoxious. They might call him a fanatic and a dreamer, but they + could not deny their veneration to his invincible candour and invariable + integrity. His own belief of rectitude was the foundation of his + happiness. This, however, was destined to find an end. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the sadness that constantly attended him was deepened. Sighs, and + even tears, sometimes escaped him. To the expostulations of his wife he + seldom answered any thing. When he designed to be communicative, he hinted + that his peace of mind was flown, in consequence of deviation from his + duty. A command had been laid upon him, which he had delayed to perform. + He felt as if a certain period of hesitation and reluctance had been + allowed him, but that this period was passed. He was no longer permitted + to obey. The duty assigned to him was transferred, in consequence of his + disobedience, to another, and all that remained was to endure the penalty. + </p> + <p> + He did not describe this penalty. It appeared to be nothing more for some + time than a sense of wrong. This was sufficiently acute, and was + aggravated by the belief that his offence was incapable of expiation. No + one could contemplate the agonies which he seemed to suffer without the + deepest compassion. Time, instead of lightening the burthen, appeared to + add to it. At length he hinted to his wife, that his end was near. His + imagination did not prefigure the mode or the time of his decease, but was + fraught with an incurable persuasion that his death was at hand. He was + likewise haunted by the belief that the kind of death that awaited him was + strange and terrible. His anticipations were thus far vague and + indefinite; but they sufficed to poison every moment of his being, and + devote him to ceaseless anguish. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II + </h2> + <p> + Early in the morning of a sultry day in August, he left Mettingen, to go + to the city. He had seldom passed a day from home since his return from + the shores of the Ohio. Some urgent engagements at this time existed, + which would not admit of further delay. He returned in the evening, but + appeared to be greatly oppressed with fatigue. His silence and dejection + were likewise in a more than ordinary degree conspicuous. My mother's + brother, whose profession was that of a surgeon, chanced to spend this + night at our house. It was from him that I have frequently received an + exact account of the mournful catastrophe that followed. + </p> + <p> + As the evening advanced, my father's inquietudes increased. He sat with + his family as usual, but took no part in their conversation. He appeared + fully engrossed by his own reflections. Occasionally his countenance + exhibited tokens of alarm; he gazed stedfastly and wildly at the ceiling; + and the exertions of his companions were scarcely sufficient to interrupt + his reverie. On recovering from these fits, he expressed no surprize; but + pressing his hand to his head, complained, in a tremulous and terrified + tone, that his brain was scorched to cinders. He would then betray marks + of insupportable anxiety. + </p> + <p> + My uncle perceived, by his pulse, that he was indisposed, but in no + alarming degree, and ascribed appearances chiefly to the workings of his + mind. He exhorted him to recollection and composure, but in vain. At the + hour of repose he readily retired to his chamber. At the persuasion of my + mother he even undressed and went to bed. Nothing could abate his + restlessness. He checked her tender expostulations with some sternness. + "Be silent," said he, "for that which I feel there is but one cure, and + that will shortly come. You can help me nothing. Look to your own + condition, and pray to God to strengthen you under the calamities that + await you." "What am I to fear?" she answered. "What terrible disaster is + it that you think of?" "Peace—as yet I know it not myself, but come + it will, and shortly." She repeated her inquiries and doubts; but he + suddenly put an end to the discourse, by a stern command to be silent. + </p> + <p> + She had never before known him in this mood. Hitherto all was benign in + his deportment. Her heart was pierced with sorrow at the contemplation of + this change. She was utterly unable to account for it, or to figure to + herself the species of disaster that was menaced. + </p> + <p> + Contrary to custom, the lamp, instead of being placed on the hearth, was + left upon the table. Over it against the wall there hung a small clock, so + contrived as to strike a very hard stroke at the end of every sixth hour. + That which was now approaching was the signal for retiring to the fane at + which he addressed his devotions. Long habit had occasioned him to be + always awake at this hour, and the toll was instantly obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Now frequent and anxious glances were cast at the clock. Not a single + movement of the index appeared to escape his notice. As the hour verged + towards twelve his anxiety visibly augmented. The trepidations of my + mother kept pace with those of her husband; but she was intimidated into + silence. All that was left to her was to watch every change of his + features, and give vent to her sympathy in tears. + </p> + <p> + At length the hour was spent, and the clock tolled. The sound appeared to + communicate a shock to every part of my father's frame. He rose + immediately, and threw over himself a loose gown. Even this office was + performed with difficulty, for his joints trembled, and his teeth + chattered with dismay. At this hour his duty called him to the rock, and + my mother naturally concluded that it was thither he intended to repair. + Yet these incidents were so uncommon, as to fill her with astonishment and + foreboding. She saw him leave the room, and heard his steps as they + hastily descended the stairs. She half resolved to rise and pursue him, + but the wildness of the scheme quickly suggested itself. He was going to a + place whither no power on earth could induce him to suffer an attendant. + </p> + <p> + The window of her chamber looked toward the rock. The atmosphere was clear + and calm, but the edifice could not be discovered at that distance through + the dusk. My mother's anxiety would not allow her to remain where she was. + She rose, and seated herself at the window. She strained her sight to get + a view of the dome, and of the path that led to it. The first painted + itself with sufficient distinctness on her fancy, but was + undistinguishable by the eye from the rocky mass on which it was erected. + The second could be imperfectly seen; but her husband had already passed, + or had taken a different direction. + </p> + <p> + What was it that she feared? Some disaster impended over her husband or + herself. He had predicted evils, but professed himself ignorant of what + nature they were. When were they to come? Was this night, or this hour to + witness the accomplishment? She was tortured with impatience, and + uncertainty. All her fears were at present linked to his person, and she + gazed at the clock, with nearly as much eagerness as my father had done, + in expectation of the next hour. + </p> + <p> + An half hour passed away in this state of suspence. Her eyes were fixed + upon the rock; suddenly it was illuminated. A light proceeding from the + edifice, made every part of the scene visible. A gleam diffused itself + over the intermediate space, and instantly a loud report, like the + explosion of a mine, followed. She uttered an involuntary shriek, but the + new sounds that greeted her ear, quickly conquered her surprise. They were + piercing shrieks, and uttered without intermission. The gleams which had + diffused themselves far and wide were in a moment withdrawn, but the + interior of the edifice was filled with rays. + </p> + <p> + The first suggestion was that a pistol was discharged, and that the + structure was on fire. She did not allow herself time to meditate a second + thought, but rushed into the entry and knocked loudly at the door of her + brother's chamber. My uncle had been previously roused by the noise, and + instantly flew to the window. He also imagined what he saw to be fire. The + loud and vehement shrieks which succeeded the first explosion, seemed to + be an invocation of succour. The incident was inexplicable; but he could + not fail to perceive the propriety of hastening to the spot. He was + unbolting the door, when his sister's voice was heard on the outside + conjuring him to come forth. + </p> + <p> + He obeyed the summons with all the speed in his power. He stopped not to + question her, but hurried down stairs and across the meadow which lay + between the house and the rock. The shrieks were no longer to be heard; + but a blazing light was clearly discernible between the columns of the + temple. Irregular steps, hewn in the stone, led him to the summit. On + three sides, this edifice touched the very verge of the cliff. On the + fourth side, which might be regarded as the front, there was an area of + small extent, to which the rude staircase conducted you. My uncle speedily + gained this spot. His strength was for a moment exhausted by his haste. He + paused to rest himself. Meanwhile he bent the most vigilant attention + towards the object before him. + </p> + <p> + Within the columns he beheld what he could no better describe, than by + saying that it resembled a cloud impregnated with light. It had the + brightness of flame, but was without its upward motion. It did not occupy + the whole area, and rose but a few feet above the floor. No part of the + building was on fire. This appearance was astonishing. He approached the + temple. As he went forward the light retired, and, when he put his feet + within the apartment, utterly vanished. The suddenness of this transition + increased the darkness that succeeded in a tenfold degree. Fear and wonder + rendered him powerless. An occurrence like this, in a place assigned to + devotion, was adapted to intimidate the stoutest heart. + </p> + <p> + His wandering thoughts were recalled by the groans of one near him. His + sight gradually recovered its power, and he was able to discern my father + stretched on the floor. At that moment, my mother and servants arrived + with a lanthorn, and enabled my uncle to examine more closely this scene. + My father, when he left the house, besides a loose upper vest and + slippers, wore a shirt and drawers. Now he was naked, his skin throughout + the greater part of his body was scorched and bruised. His right arm + exhibited marks as of having been struck by some heavy body. His clothes + had been removed, and it was not immediately perceived that they were + reduced to ashes. His slippers and his hair were untouched. + </p> + <p> + He was removed to his chamber, and the requisite attention paid to his + wounds, which gradually became more painful. A mortification speedily + shewed itself in the arm, which had been most hurt. Soon after, the other + wounded parts exhibited the like appearance. + </p> + <p> + Immediately subsequent to this disaster, my father seemed nearly in a + state of insensibility. He was passive under every operation. He scarcely + opened his eyes, and was with difficulty prevailed upon to answer the + questions that were put to him. By his imperfect account, it appeared, + that while engaged in silent orisons, with thoughts full of confusion and + anxiety, a faint gleam suddenly shot athwart the apartment. His fancy + immediately pictured to itself, a person bearing a lamp. It seemed to come + from behind. He was in the act of turning to examine the visitant, when + his right arm received a blow from a heavy club. At the same instant, a + very bright spark was seen to light upon his clothes. In a moment, the + whole was reduced to ashes. This was the sum of the information which he + chose to give. There was somewhat in his manner that indicated an + imperfect tale. My uncle was inclined to believe that half the truth had + been suppressed. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the disease thus wonderfully generated, betrayed more terrible + symptoms. Fever and delirium terminated in lethargic slumber, which, in + the course of two hours, gave place to death. Yet not till insupportable + exhalations and crawling putrefaction had driven from his chamber and the + house every one whom their duty did not detain. + </p> + <p> + Such was the end of my father. None surely was ever more mysterious. When + we recollect his gloomy anticipations and unconquerable anxiety; the + security from human malice which his character, the place, and the + condition of the times, might be supposed to confer; the purity and + cloudlessness of the atmosphere, which rendered it impossible that + lightning was the cause; what are the conclusions that we must form? + </p> + <p> + The prelusive gleam, the blow upon his arm, the fatal spark, the explosion + heard so far, the fiery cloud that environed him, without detriment to the + structure, though composed of combustible materials, the sudden vanishing + of this cloud at my uncle's approach—what is the inference to be + drawn from these facts? Their truth cannot be doubted. My uncle's + testimony is peculiarly worthy of credit, because no man's temper is more + sceptical, and his belief is unalterably attached to natural causes. + </p> + <p> + I was at this time a child of six years of age. The impressions that were + then made upon me, can never be effaced. I was ill qualified to judge + respecting what was then passing; but as I advanced in age, and became + more fully acquainted with these facts, they oftener became the subject of + my thoughts. Their resemblance to recent events revived them with new + force in my memory, and made me more anxious to explain them. Was this the + penalty of disobedience? this the stroke of a vindictive and invisible + hand? Is it a fresh proof that the Divine Ruler interferes in human + affairs, meditates an end, selects, and commissions his agents, and + enforces, by unequivocal sanctions, submission to his will? Or, was it + merely the irregular expansion of the fluid that imparts warmth to our + heart and our blood, caused by the fatigue of the preceding day, or + flowing, by established laws, from the condition of his thoughts? [*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * A case, in its symptoms exactly parallel to this, is + published in one of the Journals of Florence. See, likewise, + similar cases reported by Messrs. Merille and Muraire, in + the "Journal de Medicine," for February and May, 1783. The + researches of Maffei and Fontana have thrown some light upon + this subject. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III + </h2> + <p> + The shock which this disastrous occurrence occasioned to my mother, was + the foundation of a disease which carried her, in a few months, to the + grave. My brother and myself were children at this time, and were now + reduced to the condition of orphans. The property which our parents left + was by no means inconsiderable. It was entrusted to faithful hands, till + we should arrive at a suitable age. Meanwhile, our education was assigned + to a maiden aunt who resided in the city, and whose tenderness made us in + a short time cease to regret that we had lost a mother. + </p> + <p> + The years that succeeded were tranquil and happy. Our lives were molested + by few of those cares that are incident to childhood. By accident more + than design, the indulgence and yielding temper of our aunt was mingled + with resolution and stedfastness. She seldom deviated into either extreme + of rigour or lenity. Our social pleasures were subject to no unreasonable + restraints. We were instructed in most branches of useful knowledge, and + were saved from the corruption and tyranny of colleges and + boarding-schools. + </p> + <p> + Our companions were chiefly selected from the children of our neighbours. + Between one of these and my brother, there quickly grew the most + affectionate intimacy. Her name was Catharine Pleyel. She was rich, + beautiful, and contrived to blend the most bewitching softness with the + most exuberant vivacity. The tie by which my brother and she were united, + seemed to add force to the love which I bore her, and which was amply + returned. Between her and myself there was every circumstance tending to + produce and foster friendship. Our sex and age were the same. We lived + within sight of each other's abode. Our tempers were remarkably congenial, + and the superintendants of our education not only prescribed to us the + same pursuits, but allowed us to cultivate them together. + </p> + <p> + Every day added strength to the triple bonds that united us. We gradually + withdrew ourselves from the society of others, and found every moment + irksome that was not devoted to each other. My brother's advance in age + made no change in our situation. It was determined that his profession + should be agriculture. His fortune exempted him from the necessity of + personal labour. The task to be performed by him was nothing more than + superintendance. The skill that was demanded by this was merely + theoretical, and was furnished by casual inspection, or by closet study. + The attention that was paid to this subject did not seclude him for any + long time from us, on whom time had no other effect than to augment our + impatience in the absence of each other and of him. Our tasks, our walks, + our music, were seldom performed but in each other's company. + </p> + <p> + It was easy to see that Catharine and my brother were born for each other. + The passion which they mutually entertained quickly broke those bounds + which extreme youth had set to it; confessions were made or extorted, and + their union was postponed only till my brother had passed his minority. + The previous lapse of two years was constantly and usefully employed. + </p> + <p> + O my brother! But the task I have set myself let me perform with + steadiness. The felicity of that period was marred by no gloomy + anticipations. The future, like the present, was serene. Time was supposed + to have only new delights in store. I mean not to dwell on previous + incidents longer than is necessary to illustrate or explain the great + events that have since happened. The nuptial day at length arrived. My + brother took possession of the house in which he was born, and here the + long protracted marriage was solemnized. + </p> + <p> + My father's property was equally divided between us. A neat dwelling, + situated on the bank of the river, three quarters of a mile from my + brother's, was now occupied by me. These domains were called, from the + name of the first possessor, Mettingen. I can scarcely account for my + refusing to take up my abode with him, unless it were from a disposition + to be an economist of pleasure. Self-denial, seasonably exercised, is one + means of enhancing our gratifications. I was, beside, desirous of + administering a fund, and regulating an household, of my own. The short + distance allowed us to exchange visits as often as we pleased. The walk + from one mansion to the other was no undelightful prelude to our + interviews. I was sometimes their visitant, and they, as frequently, were + my guests. + </p> + <p> + Our education had been modelled by no religious standard. We were left to + the guidance of our own understanding, and the casual impressions which + society might make upon us. My friend's temper, as well as my own, + exempted us from much anxiety on this account. It must not be supposed + that we were without religion, but with us it was the product of lively + feelings, excited by reflection on our own happiness, and by the grandeur + of external nature. We sought not a basis for our faith, in the weighing + of proofs, and the dissection of creeds. Our devotion was a mixed and + casual sentiment, seldom verbally expressed, or solicitously sought, or + carefully retained. In the midst of present enjoyment, no thought was + bestowed on the future. As a consolation in calamity religion is dear. But + calamity was yet at a distance, and its only tendency was to heighten + enjoyments which needed not this addition to satisfy every craving. + </p> + <p> + My brother's situation was somewhat different. His deportment was grave, + considerate, and thoughtful. I will not say whether he was indebted to + sublimer views for this disposition. Human life, in his opinion, was made + up of changeable elements, and the principles of duty were not easily + unfolded. The future, either as anterior, or subsequent to death, was a + scene that required some preparation and provision to be made for it. + These positions we could not deny, but what distinguished him was a + propensity to ruminate on these truths. The images that visited us were + blithsome and gay, but those with which he was most familiar were of an + opposite hue. They did not generate affliction and fear, but they diffused + over his behaviour a certain air of forethought and sobriety. The + principal effect of this temper was visible in his features and tones. + These, in general, bespoke a sort of thrilling melancholy. I scarcely ever + knew him to laugh. He never accompanied the lawless mirth of his + companions with more than a smile, but his conduct was the same as ours. + </p> + <p> + He partook of our occupations and amusements with a zeal not less than + ours, but of a different kind. The diversity in our temper was never the + parent of discord, and was scarcely a topic of regret. The scene was + variegated, but not tarnished or disordered by it. It hindered the element + in which we moved from stagnating. Some agitation and concussion is + requisite to the due exercise of human understanding. In his studies, he + pursued an austerer and more arduous path. He was much conversant with the + history of religious opinions, and took pains to ascertain their validity. + He deemed it indispensable to examine the ground of his belief, to settle + the relation between motives and actions, the criterion of merit, and the + kinds and properties of evidence. + </p> + <p> + There was an obvious resemblance between him and my father, in their + conceptions of the importance of certain topics, and in the light in which + the vicissitudes of human life were accustomed to be viewed. Their + characters were similar, but the mind of the son was enriched by science, + and embellished with literature. + </p> + <p> + The temple was no longer assigned to its ancient use. From an Italian + adventurer, who erroneously imagined that he could find employment for his + skill, and sale for his sculptures in America, my brother had purchased a + bust of Cicero. He professed to have copied this piece from an antique dug + up with his own hands in the environs of Modena. Of the truth of his + assertions we were not qualified to judge; but the marble was pure and + polished, and we were contented to admire the performance, without waiting + for the sanction of connoisseurs. We hired the same artist to hew a + suitable pedestal from a neighbouring quarry. This was placed in the + temple, and the bust rested upon it. Opposite to this was a harpsichord, + sheltered by a temporary roof from the weather. This was the place of + resort in the evenings of summer. Here we sung, and talked, and read, and + occasionally banqueted. Every joyous and tender scene most dear to my + memory, is connected with this edifice. Here the performances of our + musical and poetical ancestor were rehearsed. Here my brother's children + received the rudiments of their education; here a thousand conversations, + pregnant with delight and improvement, took place; and here the social + affections were accustomed to expand, and the tear of delicious sympathy + to be shed. + </p> + <p> + My brother was an indefatigable student. The authors whom he read were + numerous, but the chief object of his veneration was Cicero. He was never + tired of conning and rehearsing his productions. To understand them was + not sufficient. He was anxious to discover the gestures and cadences with + which they ought to be delivered. He was very scrupulous in selecting a + true scheme of pronunciation for the Latin tongue, and in adapting it to + the words of his darling writer. His favorite occupation consisted in + embellishing his rhetoric with all the proprieties of gesticulation and + utterance. + </p> + <p> + Not contented with this, he was diligent in settling and restoring the + purity of the text. For this end, he collected all the editions and + commentaries that could be procured, and employed months of severe study + in exploring and comparing them. He never betrayed more satisfaction than + when he made a discovery of this kind. + </p> + <p> + It was not till the addition of Henry Pleyel, my friend's only brother, to + our society, that his passion for Roman eloquence was countenanced and + fostered by a sympathy of tastes. This young man had been some years in + Europe. We had separated at a very early age, and he was now returned to + spend the remainder of his days among us. + </p> + <p> + Our circle was greatly enlivened by the accession of a new member. His + conversation abounded with novelty. His gaiety was almost boisterous, but + was capable of yielding to a grave deportment when the occasion required + it. His discernment was acute, but he was prone to view every object + merely as supplying materials for mirth. His conceptions were ardent but + ludicrous, and his memory, aided, as he honestly acknowledged, by his + invention, was an inexhaustible fund of entertainment. + </p> + <p> + His residence was at the same distance below the city as ours was above, + but there seldom passed a day without our being favoured with a visit. My + brother and he were endowed with the same attachment to the Latin writers; + and Pleyel was not behind his friend in his knowledge of the history and + metaphysics of religion. Their creeds, however, were in many respects + opposite. Where one discovered only confirmations of his faith, the other + could find nothing but reasons for doubt. Moral necessity, and calvinistic + inspiration, were the props on which my brother thought proper to repose. + Pleyel was the champion of intellectual liberty, and rejected all guidance + but that of his reason. Their discussions were frequent, but, being + managed with candour as well as with skill, they were always listened to + by us with avidity and benefit. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel, like his new friends, was fond of music and poetry. Henceforth our + concerts consisted of two violins, an harpsichord, and three voices. We + were frequently reminded how much happiness depends upon society. This new + friend, though, before his arrival, we were sensible of no vacuity, could + not now be spared. His departure would occasion a void which nothing could + fill, and which would produce insupportable regret. Even my brother, + though his opinions were hourly assailed, and even the divinity of Cicero + contested, was captivated with his friend, and laid aside some part of his + ancient gravity at Pleyel's approach. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV + </h2> + <p> + Six years of uninterrupted happiness had rolled away, since my brother's + marriage. The sound of war had been heard, but it was at such a distance + as to enhance our enjoyment by affording objects of comparison. The + Indians were repulsed on the one side, and Canada was conquered on the + other. Revolutions and battles, however calamitous to those who occupied + the scene, contributed in some sort to our happiness, by agitating our + minds with curiosity, and furnishing causes of patriotic exultation. Four + children, three of whom were of an age to compensate, by their personal + and mental progress, the cares of which they had been, at a more helpless + age, the objects, exercised my brother's tenderness. The fourth was a + charming babe that promised to display the image of her mother, and + enjoyed perfect health. To these were added a sweet girl fourteen years + old, who was loved by all of us, with an affection more than parental. + </p> + <p> + Her mother's story was a mournful one. She had come hither from England + when this child was an infant, alone, without friends, and without money. + She appeared to have embarked in a hasty and clandestine manner. She + passed three years of solitude and anguish under my aunt's protection, and + died a martyr to woe; the source of which she could, by no importunities, + be prevailed upon to unfold. Her education and manners bespoke her to be + of no mean birth. Her last moments were rendered serene, by the assurances + she received from my aunt, that her daughter should experience the same + protection that had been extended to herself. + </p> + <p> + On my brother's marriage, it was agreed that she should make a part of his + family. I cannot do justice to the attractions of this girl. Perhaps the + tenderness she excited might partly originate in her personal resemblance + to her mother, whose character and misfortunes were still fresh in our + remembrance. She was habitually pensive, and this circumstance tended to + remind the spectator of her friendless condition; and yet that epithet was + surely misapplied in this case. This being was cherished by those with + whom she now resided, with unspeakable fondness. Every exertion was made + to enlarge and improve her mind. Her safety was the object of a solicitude + that almost exceeded the bounds of discretion. Our affection indeed could + scarcely transcend her merits. She never met my eye, or occurred to my + reflections, without exciting a kind of enthusiasm. Her softness, her + intelligence, her equanimity, never shall I see surpassed. I have often + shed tears of pleasure at her approach, and pressed her to my bosom in an + agony of fondness. + </p> + <p> + While every day was adding to the charms of her person, and the stores of + her mind, there occurred an event which threatened to deprive us of her. + An officer of some rank, who had been disabled by a wound at Quebec, had + employed himself, since the ratification of peace, in travelling through + the colonies. He remained a considerable period at Philadelphia, but was + at last preparing for his departure. No one had been more frequently + honoured with his visits than Mrs. Baynton, a worthy lady with whom our + family were intimate. He went to her house with a view to perform a + farewell visit, and was on the point of taking his leave, when I and my + young friend entered the apartment. It is impossible to describe the + emotions of the stranger, when he fixed his eyes upon my companion. He was + motionless with surprise. He was unable to conceal his feelings, but sat + silently gazing at the spectacle before him. At length he turned to Mrs. + Baynton, and more by his looks and gestures than by words, besought her + for an explanation of the scene. He seized the hand of the girl, who, in + her turn, was surprised by his behaviour, and drawing her forward, said in + an eager and faultering tone, Who is she? whence does she come? what is + her name? + </p> + <p> + The answers that were given only increased the confusion of his thoughts. + He was successively told, that she was the daughter of one whose name was + Louisa Conway, who arrived among us at such a time, who sedulously + concealed her parentage, and the motives of her flight, whose incurable + griefs had finally destroyed her, and who had left this child under the + protection of her friends. Having heard the tale, he melted into tears, + eagerly clasped the young lady in his arms, and called himself her father. + When the tumults excited in his breast by this unlooked-for meeting were + somewhat subsided, he gratified our curiosity by relating the following + incidents. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Conway was the only daughter of a banker in London, who discharged + towards her every duty of an affectionate father. He had chanced to fall + into her company, had been subdued by her attractions, had tendered her + his hand, and been joyfully accepted both by parent and child. His wife + had given him every proof of the fondest attachment. Her father, who + possessed immense wealth, treated him with distinguished respect, + liberally supplied his wants, and had made one condition of his consent to + their union, a resolution to take up their abode with him. + </p> + <p> + "They had passed three years of conjugal felicity, which had been + augmented by the birth of this child; when his professional duty called + him into Germany. It was not without an arduous struggle, that she was + persuaded to relinquish the design of accompanying him through all the + toils and perils of war. No parting was ever more distressful. They strove + to alleviate, by frequent letters, the evils of their lot. Those of his + wife, breathed nothing but anxiety for his safety, and impatience of his + absence. At length, a new arrangement was made, and he was obliged to + repair from Westphalia to Canada. One advantage attended this change. It + afforded him an opportunity of meeting his family. His wife anticipated + this interview, with no less rapture than himself. He hurried to London, + and the moment he alighted from the stage-coach, ran with all speed to Mr. + Conway's house. + </p> + <p> + "It was an house of mourning. His father was overwhelmed with grief, and + incapable of answering his inquiries. The servants, sorrowful and mute, + were equally refractory. He explored the house, and called on the names of + his wife and daughter, but his summons was fruitless. At length, this new + disaster was explained. Two days before his arrival, his wife's chamber + was found empty. No search, however diligent and anxious, could trace her + steps. No cause could be assigned for her disappearance. The mother and + child had fled away together. + </p> + <p> + "New exertions were made, her chamber and cabinets were ransacked, but no + vestige was found serving to inform them as to the motives of her flight, + whether it had been voluntary or otherwise, and in what corner of the + kingdom or of the world she was concealed. Who shall describe the sorrow + and amazement of the husband? His restlessness, his vicissitudes of hope + and fear, and his ultimate despair? His duty called him to America. He had + been in this city, and had frequently passed the door of the house in + which his wife, at that moment, resided. Her father had not remitted his + exertions to elucidate this painful mystery, but they had failed. This + disappointment hastened his death; in consequence of which, Louisa's + father became possessor of his immense property." + </p> + <p> + This tale was a copious theme of speculation. A thousand questions were + started and discussed in our domestic circle, respecting the motives that + influenced Mrs. Stuart to abandon her country. It did not appear that her + proceeding was involuntary. We recalled and reviewed every particular that + had fallen under our own observation. By none of these were we furnished + with a clue. Her conduct, after the most rigorous scrutiny, still remained + an impenetrable secret. On a nearer view, Major Stuart proved himself a + man of most amiable character. His attachment to Louisa appeared hourly to + increase. She was no stranger to the sentiments suitable to her new + character. She could not but readily embrace the scheme which was proposed + to her, to return with her father to England. This scheme his regard for + her induced him, however, to postpone. Some time was necessary to prepare + her for so great a change and enable her to think without agony of her + separation from us. + </p> + <p> + I was not without hopes of prevailing on her father entirely to relinquish + this unwelcome design. Meanwhile, he pursued his travels through the + southern colonies, and his daughter continued with us. Louisa and my + brother frequently received letters from him, which indicated a mind of no + common order. They were filled with amusing details, and profound + reflections. While here, he often partook of our evening conversations at + the temple; and since his departure, his correspondence had frequently + supplied us with topics of discourse. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon in May, the blandness of the air, and brightness of the + verdure, induced us to assemble, earlier than usual, in the temple. We + females were busy at the needle, while my brother and Pleyel were bandying + quotations and syllogisms. The point discussed was the merit of the + oration for Cluentius, as descriptive, first, of the genius of the + speaker; and, secondly, of the manners of the times. Pleyel laboured to + extenuate both these species of merit, and tasked his ingenuity, to shew + that the orator had embraced a bad cause; or, at least, a doubtful one. He + urged, that to rely on the exaggerations of an advocate, or to make the + picture of a single family a model from which to sketch the condition of a + nation, was absurd. The controversy was suddenly diverted into a new + channel, by a misquotation. Pleyel accused his companion of saying + "polliciatur" when he should have said "polliceretur." Nothing would + decide the contest, but an appeal to the volume. My brother was returning + to the house for this purpose, when a servant met him with a letter from + Major Stuart. He immediately returned to read it in our company. + </p> + <p> + Besides affectionate compliments to us, and paternal benedictions on + Louisa, his letter contained a description of a waterfall on the + Monongahela. A sudden gust of rain falling, we were compelled to remove to + the house. The storm passed away, and a radiant moon-light succeeded. + There was no motion to resume our seats in the temple. We therefore + remained where we were, and engaged in sprightly conversation. The letter + lately received naturally suggested the topic. A parallel was drawn + between the cataract there described, and one which Pleyel had discovered + among the Alps of Glarus. In the state of the former, some particular was + mentioned, the truth of which was questionable. To settle the dispute + which thence arose, it was proposed to have recourse to the letter. My + brother searched for it in his pocket. It was no where to be found. At + length, he remembered to have left it in the temple, and he determined to + go in search of it. His wife, Pleyel, Louisa, and myself, remained where + we were. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes he returned. I was somewhat interested in the dispute, + and was therefore impatient for his return; yet, as I heard him ascending + the stairs, I could not but remark, that he had executed his intention + with remarkable dispatch. My eyes were fixed upon him on his entrance. + Methought he brought with him looks considerably different from those with + which he departed. Wonder, and a slight portion of anxiety were mingled in + them. His eyes seemed to be in search of some object. They passed quickly + from one person to another, till they rested on his wife. She was seated + in a careless attitude on the sofa, in the same spot as before. She had + the same muslin in her hand, by which her attention was chiefly engrossed. + </p> + <p> + The moment he saw her, his perplexity visibly increased. He quietly seated + himself, and fixing his eyes on the floor, appeared to be absorbed in + meditation. These singularities suspended the inquiry which I was + preparing to make respecting the letter. In a short time, the company + relinquished the subject which engaged them, and directed their attention + to Wieland. They thought that he only waited for a pause in the discourse, + to produce the letter. The pause was uninterrupted by him. At length + Pleyel said, "Well, I suppose you have found the letter." + </p> + <p> + "No," said he, without any abatement of his gravity, and looking + stedfastly at his wife, "I did not mount the hill."—"Why not?"—"Catharine, + have you not moved from that spot since I left the room?"—She was + affected with the solemnity of his manner, and laying down her work, + answered in a tone of surprise, "No; Why do you ask that question?"—His + eyes were again fixed upon the floor, and he did not immediately answer. + At length, he said, looking round upon us, "Is it true that Catharine did + not follow me to the hill? That she did not just now enter the room?"—We + assured him, with one voice, that she had not been absent for a moment, + and inquired into the motive of his questions. + </p> + <p> + "Your assurances," said he, "are solemn and unanimous; and yet I must deny + credit to your assertions, or disbelieve the testimony of my senses, which + informed me, when I was half way up the hill, that Catharine was at the + bottom." + </p> + <p> + We were confounded at this declaration. Pleyel rallied him with great + levity on his behaviour. He listened to his friend with calmness, but + without any relaxation of features. + </p> + <p> + "One thing," said he with emphasis, "is true; either I heard my wife's + voice at the bottom of the hill, or I do not hear your voice at present." + </p> + <p> + "Truly," returned Pleyel, "it is a sad dilemma to which you have reduced + yourself. Certain it is, if our eyes can give us certainty that your wife + has been sitting in that spot during every moment of your absence. You + have heard her voice, you say, upon the hill. In general, her voice, like + her temper, is all softness. To be heard across the room, she is obliged + to exert herself. While you were gone, if I mistake not, she did not utter + a word. Clara and I had all the talk to ourselves. Still it may be that + she held a whispering conference with you on the hill; but tell us the + particulars." + </p> + <p> + "The conference," said he, "was short; and far from being carried on in a + whisper. You know with what intention I left the house. Half way to the + rock, the moon was for a moment hidden from us by a cloud. I never knew + the air to be more bland and more calm. In this interval I glanced at the + temple, and thought I saw a glimmering between the columns. It was so + faint, that it would not perhaps have been visible, if the moon had not + been shrowded. I looked again, but saw nothing. I never visit this + building alone, or at night, without being reminded of the fate of my + father. There was nothing wonderful in this appearance; yet it suggested + something more than mere solitude and darkness in the same place would + have done. + </p> + <p> + "I kept on my way. The images that haunted me were solemn; and I + entertained an imperfect curiosity, but no fear, as to the nature of this + object. I had ascended the hill little more than half way, when a voice + called me from behind. The accents were clear, distinct, powerful, and + were uttered, as I fully believed, by my wife. Her voice is not commonly + so loud. She has seldom occasion to exert it, but, nevertheless, I have + sometimes heard her call with force and eagerness. If my ear was not + deceived, it was her voice which I heard. + </p> + <p> + "Stop, go no further. There is danger in your path." The suddenness and + unexpectedness of this warning, the tone of alarm with which it was given, + and, above all, the persuasion that it was my wife who spoke, were enough + to disconcert and make me pause. I turned and listened to assure myself + that I was not mistaken. The deepest silence succeeded. At length, I spoke + in my turn. Who calls? is it you, Catharine? I stopped and presently + received an answer. "Yes, it is I; go not up; return instantly; you are + wanted at the house." Still the voice was Catharine's, and still it + proceeded from the foot of the stairs. + </p> + <p> + "What could I do? The warning was mysterious. To be uttered by Catharine + at a place, and on an occasion like these, enhanced the mystery. I could + do nothing but obey. Accordingly, I trod back my steps, expecting that she + waited for me at the bottom of the hill. When I reached the bottom, no one + was visible. The moon-light was once more universal and brilliant, and + yet, as far as I could see no human or moving figure was discernible. If + she had returned to the house, she must have used wondrous expedition to + have passed already beyond the reach of my eye. I exerted my voice, but in + vain. To my repeated exclamations, no answer was returned. + </p> + <p> + "Ruminating on these incidents, I returned hither. There was no room to + doubt that I had heard my wife's voice; attending incidents were not + easily explained; but you now assure me that nothing extraordinary has + happened to urge my return, and that my wife has not moved from her seat." + </p> + <p> + Such was my brother's narrative. It was heard by us with different + emotions. Pleyel did not scruple to regard the whole as a deception of the + senses. Perhaps a voice had been heard; but Wieland's imagination had + misled him in supposing a resemblance to that of his wife, and giving such + a signification to the sounds. According to his custom he spoke what he + thought. Sometimes, he made it the theme of grave discussion, but more + frequently treated it with ridicule. He did not believe that sober + reasoning would convince his friend, and gaiety, he thought, was useful to + take away the solemnities which, in a mind like Wieland's, an accident of + this kind was calculated to produce. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel proposed to go in search of the letter. He went and speedily + returned, bearing it in his hand. He had found it open on the pedestal; + and neither voice nor visage had risen to impede his design. + </p> + <p> + Catharine was endowed with an uncommon portion of good sense; but her mind + was accessible, on this quarter, to wonder and panic. That her voice + should be thus inexplicably and unwarrantably assumed, was a source of no + small disquietude. She admitted the plausibility of the arguments by which + Pleyel endeavoured to prove, that this was no more than an auricular + deception; but this conviction was sure to be shaken, when she turned her + eyes upon her husband, and perceived that Pleyel's logic was far from + having produced the same effect upon him. + </p> + <p> + As to myself, my attention was engaged by this occurrence. I could not + fail to perceive a shadowy resemblance between it and my father's death. + On the latter event, I had frequently reflected; my reflections never + conducted me to certainty, but the doubts that existed were not of a + tormenting kind. I could not deny that the event was miraculous, and yet I + was invincibly averse to that method of solution. My wonder was excited by + the inscrutableness of the cause, but my wonder was unmixed with sorrow or + fear. It begat in me a thrilling, and not unpleasing solemnity. Similar to + these were the sensations produced by the recent adventure. + </p> + <p> + But its effect upon my brother's imagination was of chief moment. All that + was desirable was, that it should be regarded by him with indifference. + The worst effect that could flow, was not indeed very formidable. Yet I + could not bear to think that his senses should be the victims of such + delusion. It argued a diseased condition of his frame, which might show + itself hereafter in more dangerous symptoms. The will is the tool of the + understanding, which must fashion its conclusions on the notices of sense. + If the senses be depraved, it is impossible to calculate the evils that + may flow from the consequent deductions of the understanding. + </p> + <p> + I said, this man is of an ardent and melancholy character. Those ideas + which, in others, are casual or obscure, which are entertained in moments + of abstraction and solitude, and easily escape when the scene is changed, + have obtained an immoveable hold upon his mind. The conclusions which long + habit has rendered familiar, and, in some sort, palpable to his intellect, + are drawn from the deepest sources. All his actions and practical + sentiments are linked with long and abstruse deductions from the system of + divine government and the laws of our intellectual constitution. He is, in + some respects, an enthusiast, but is fortified in his belief by + innumerable arguments and subtilties. + </p> + <p> + His father's death was always regarded by him as flowing from a direct and + supernatural decree. It visited his meditations oftener than it did mine. + The traces which it left were more gloomy and permanent. This new incident + had a visible effect in augmenting his gravity. He was less disposed than + formerly to converse and reading. When we sifted his thoughts, they were + generally found to have a relation, more or less direct, with this + incident. It was difficult to ascertain the exact species of impression + which it made upon him. He never introduced the subject into conversation, + and listened with a silent and half-serious smile to the satirical + effusions of Pleyel. + </p> + <p> + One evening we chanced to be alone together in the temple. I seized that + opportunity of investigating the state of his thoughts. After a pause, + which he seemed in no wise inclined to interrupt, I spoke to him—"How + almost palpable is this dark; yet a ray from above would dispel it." "Ay," + said Wieland, with fervor, "not only the physical, but moral night would + be dispelled." "But why," said I, "must the Divine Will address its + precepts to the eye?" He smiled significantly. "True," said he, "the + understanding has other avenues." "You have never," said I, approaching + nearer to the point—"you have never told me in what way you + considered the late extraordinary incident." "There is no determinate way + in which the subject can be viewed. Here is an effect, but the cause is + utterly inscrutable. To suppose a deception will not do. Such is possible, + but there are twenty other suppositions more probable. They must all be + set aside before we reach that point." "What are these twenty + suppositions?" "It is needless to mention them. They are only less + improbable than Pleyel's. Time may convert one of them into certainty. + Till then it is useless to expatiate on them." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V + </h2> + <p> + Some time had elapsed when there happened another occurrence, still more + remarkable. Pleyel, on his return from Europe, brought information of + considerable importance to my brother. My ancestors were noble Saxons, and + possessed large domains in Lusatia. The Prussian wars had destroyed those + persons whose right to these estates precluded my brother's. Pleyel had + been exact in his inquiries, and had discovered that, by the law of + male-primogeniture, my brother's claims were superior to those of any + other person now living. Nothing was wanting but his presence in that + country, and a legal application to establish this claim. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel strenuously recommended this measure. The advantages he thought + attending it were numerous, and it would argue the utmost folly to neglect + them. Contrary to his expectation he found my brother averse to the + scheme. Slight efforts, he, at first, thought would subdue his reluctance; + but he found this aversion by no means slight. The interest that he took + in the happiness of his friend and his sister, and his own partiality to + the Saxon soil, from which he had likewise sprung, and where he had spent + several years of his youth, made him redouble his exertions to win + Wieland's consent. For this end he employed every argument that his + invention could suggest. He painted, in attractive colours, the state of + manners and government in that country, the security of civil rights, and + the freedom of religious sentiments. He dwelt on the privileges of wealth + and rank, and drew from the servile condition of one class, an argument in + favor of his scheme, since the revenue and power annexed to a German + principality afford so large a field for benevolence. The evil flowing + from this power, in malignant hands, was proportioned to the good that + would arise from the virtuous use of it. Hence, Wieland, in forbearing to + claim his own, withheld all the positive felicity that would accrue to his + vassals from his success, and hazarded all the misery that would redound + from a less enlightened proprietor. + </p> + <p> + It was easy for my brother to repel these arguments, and to shew that no + spot on the globe enjoyed equal security and liberty to that which he at + present inhabited. That if the Saxons had nothing to fear from + mis-government, the external causes of havoc and alarm were numerous and + manifest. The recent devastations committed by the Prussians furnished a + specimen of these. The horrors of war would always impend over them, till + Germany were seized and divided by Austrian and Prussian tyrants; an event + which he strongly suspected was at no great distance. But setting these + considerations aside, was it laudable to grasp at wealth and power even + when they were within our reach? Were not these the two great sources of + depravity? What security had he, that in this change of place and + condition, he should not degenerate into a tyrant and voluptuary? Power + and riches were chiefly to be dreaded on account of their tendency to + deprave the possessor. He held them in abhorrence, not only as instruments + of misery to others, but to him on whom they were conferred. Besides, + riches were comparative, and was he not rich already? He lived at present + in the bosom of security and luxury. All the instruments of pleasure, on + which his reason or imagination set any value, were within his reach. But + these he must forego, for the sake of advantages which, whatever were + their value, were as yet uncertain. In pursuit of an imaginary addition to + his wealth, he must reduce himself to poverty, he must exchange present + certainties for what was distant and contingent; for who knows not that + the law is a system of expence, delay and uncertainty? If he should + embrace this scheme, it would lay him under the necessity of making a + voyage to Europe, and remaining for a certain period, separate from his + family. He must undergo the perils and discomforts of the ocean; he must + divest himself of all domestic pleasures; he must deprive his wife of her + companion, and his children of a father and instructor, and all for what? + For the ambiguous advantages which overgrown wealth and flagitious tyranny + have to bestow? For a precarious possession in a land of turbulence and + war? Advantages, which will not certainly be gained, and of which the + acquisition, if it were sure, is necessarily distant. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel was enamoured of his scheme on account of its intrinsic benefits, + but, likewise, for other reasons. His abode at Leipsig made that country + appear to him like home. He was connected with this place by many social + ties. While there he had not escaped the amorous contagion. But the lady, + though her heart was impressed in his favor, was compelled to bestow her + hand upon another. Death had removed this impediment, and he was now + invited by the lady herself to return. This he was of course determined to + do, but was anxious to obtain the company of Wieland; he could not bear to + think of an eternal separation from his present associates. Their + interest, he thought, would be no less promoted by the change than his + own. Hence he was importunate and indefatigable in his arguments and + solicitations. + </p> + <p> + He knew that he could not hope for mine or his sister's ready concurrence + in this scheme. Should the subject be mentioned to us, we should league + our efforts against him, and strengthen that reluctance in Wieland which + already was sufficiently difficult to conquer. He, therefore, anxiously + concealed from us his purpose. If Wieland were previously enlisted in his + cause, he would find it a less difficult task to overcome our aversion. My + brother was silent on this subject, because he believed himself in no + danger of changing his opinion, and he was willing to save us from any + uneasiness. The mere mention of such a scheme, and the possibility of his + embracing it, he knew, would considerably impair our tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + One day, about three weeks subsequent to the mysterious call, it was + agreed that the family should be my guests. Seldom had a day been passed + by us, of more serene enjoyment. Pleyel had promised us his company, but + we did not see him till the sun had nearly declined. He brought with him a + countenance that betokened disappointment and vexation. He did not wait + for our inquiries, but immediately explained the cause. Two days before a + packet had arrived from Hamburgh, by which he had flattered himself with + the expectation of receiving letters, but no letters had arrived. I never + saw him so much subdued by an untoward event. His thoughts were employed + in accounting for the silence of his friends. He was seized with the + torments of jealousy, and suspected nothing less than the infidelity of + her to whom he had devoted his heart. The silence must have been + concerted. Her sickness, or absence, or death, would have increased the + certainty of some one's having written. No supposition could be formed but + that his mistress had grown indifferent, or that she had transferred her + affections to another. The miscarriage of a letter was hardly within the + reach of possibility. From Leipsig to Hamburgh, and from Hamburgh hither, + the conveyance was exposed to no hazard. + </p> + <p> + He had been so long detained in America chiefly in consequence of + Wieland's aversion to the scheme which he proposed. He now became more + impatient than ever to return to Europe. When he reflected that, by his + delays, he had probably forfeited the affections of his mistress, his + sensations amounted to agony. It only remained, by his speedy departure, + to repair, if possible, or prevent so intolerable an evil. Already he had + half resolved to embark in this very ship which, he was informed, would + set out in a few weeks on her return. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile he determined to make a new attempt to shake the resolution of + Wieland. The evening was somewhat advanced when he invited the latter to + walk abroad with him. The invitation was accepted, and they left + Catharine, Louisa and me, to amuse ourselves by the best means in our + power. During this walk, Pleyel renewed the subject that was nearest his + heart. He re-urged all his former arguments, and placed them in more + forcible lights. + </p> + <p> + They promised to return shortly; but hour after hour passed, and they made + not their appearance. Engaged in sprightly conversation, it was not till + the clock struck twelve that we were reminded of the lapse of time. The + absence of our friends excited some uneasy apprehensions. We were + expressing our fears, and comparing our conjectures as to what might be + the cause, when they entered together. There were indications in their + countenances that struck me mute. These were unnoticed by Catharine, who + was eager to express her surprize and curiosity at the length of their + walk. As they listened to her, I remarked that their surprize was not less + than ours. They gazed in silence on each other, and on her. I watched + their looks, but could not understand the emotions that were written in + them. + </p> + <p> + These appearances diverted Catharine's inquiries into a new channel. What + did they mean, she asked, by their silence, and by their thus gazing + wildly at each other, and at her? Pleyel profited by this hint, and + assuming an air of indifference, framed some trifling excuse, at the same + time darting significant glances at Wieland, as if to caution him against + disclosing the truth. My brother said nothing, but delivered himself up to + meditation. I likewise was silent, but burned with impatience to fathom + this mystery. Presently my brother and his wife, and Louisa, returned + home. Pleyel proposed, of his own accord, to be my guest for the night. + This circumstance, in addition to those which preceded, gave new edge to + my wonder. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were left alone, Pleyel's countenance assumed an air of + seriousness, and even consternation, which I had never before beheld in + him. The steps with which he measured the floor betokened the trouble of + his thoughts. My inquiries were suspended by the hope that he would give + me the information that I wanted without the importunity of questions. I + waited some time, but the confusion of his thoughts appeared in no degree + to abate. At length I mentioned the apprehensions which their unusual + absence had occasioned, and which were increased by their behaviour since + their return, and solicited an explanation. He stopped when I began to + speak, and looked stedfastly at me. When I had done, he said, to me, in a + tone which faultered through the vehemence of his emotions, "How were you + employed during our absence?" "In turning over the Della Crusca + dictionary, and talking on different subjects; but just before your + entrance, we were tormenting ourselves with omens and prognosticks + relative to your absence." "Catherine was with you the whole time?" "Yes." + "But are you sure?" "Most sure. She was not absent a moment." He stood, + for a time, as if to assure himself of my sincerity. Then, clinching his + hands, and wildly lifting them above his head, "Lo," cried he, "I have + news to tell you. The Baroness de Stolberg is dead?" + </p> + <p> + This was her whom he loved. I was not surprised at the agitations which he + betrayed. "But how was the information procured? How was the truth of this + news connected with the circumstance of Catharine's remaining in our + company?" He was for some time inattentive to my questions. When he spoke, + it seemed merely a continuation of the reverie into which he had been + plunged. + </p> + <p> + "And yet it might be a mere deception. But could both of us in that case + have been deceived? A rare and prodigious coincidence! Barely not + impossible. And yet, if the accent be oracular—Theresa is dead. No, + no," continued he, covering his face with his hands, and in a tone half + broken into sobs, "I cannot believe it. She has not written, but if she + were dead, the faithful Bertrand would have given me the earliest + information. And yet if he knew his master, he must have easily guessed at + the effect of such tidings. In pity to me he was silent." + </p> + <p> + "Clara, forgive me; to you, this behaviour is mysterious. I will explain + as well as I am able. But say not a word to Catharine. Her strength of + mind is inferior to your's. She will, besides, have more reason to be + startled. She is Wieland's angel." + </p> + <p> + Pleyel proceeded to inform me, for the first time, of the scheme which he + had pressed, with so much earnestness, on my brother. He enumerated the + objections which had been made, and the industry with which he had + endeavoured to confute them. He mentioned the effect upon his resolutions + produced by the failure of a letter. "During our late walk," continued he, + "I introduced the subject that was nearest my heart. I re-urged all my + former arguments, and placed them in more forcible lights. Wieland was + still refractory. He expatiated on the perils of wealth and power, on the + sacredness of conjugal and parental duties, and the happiness of + mediocrity. + </p> + <p> + "No wonder that the time passed, unperceived, away. Our whole souls were + engaged in this cause. Several times we came to the foot of the rock; as + soon as we perceived it, we changed our course, but never failed to + terminate our circuitous and devious ramble at this spot. At length your + brother observed, 'We seem to be led hither by a kind of fatality. Since + we are so near, let us ascend and rest ourselves a while. If you are not + weary of this argument we will resume it there.' + </p> + <p> + "I tacitly consented. We mounted the stairs, and drawing the sofa in front + of the river, we seated ourselves upon it. I took up the thread of our + discourse where we had dropped it. I ridiculed his dread of the sea, and + his attachment to home. I kept on in this strain, so congenial with my + disposition, for some time, uninterrupted by him. At length, he said to + me, "Suppose now that I, whom argument has not convinced, should yield to + ridicule, and should agree that your scheme is eligible; what will you + have gained? Nothing. You have other enemies beside myself to encounter. + When you have vanquished me, your toil has scarcely begun. There are my + sister and wife, with whom it will remain for you to maintain the contest. + And trust me, they are adversaries whom all your force and stratagem will + never subdue." I insinuated that they would model themselves by his will: + that Catharine would think obedience her duty. He answered, with some + quickness, "You mistake. Their concurrence is indispensable. It is not my + custom to exact sacrifices of this kind. I live to be their protector and + friend, and not their tyrant and foe. If my wife shall deem her happiness, + and that of her children, most consulted by remaining where she is, here + she shall remain." "But," said I, "when she knows your pleasure, will she + not conform to it?" Before my friend had time to answer this question, a + negative was clearly and distinctly uttered from another quarter. It did + not come from one side or the other, from before us or behind. Whence then + did it come? By whose organs was it fashioned? + </p> + <p> + "If any uncertainty had existed with regard to these particulars, it would + have been removed by a deliberate and equally distinct repetition of the + same monosyllable, "No." The voice was my sister's. It appeared to come + from the roof. I started from my seat. Catharine, exclaimed I, where are + you? No answer was returned. I searched the room, and the area before it, + but in vain. Your brother was motionless in his seat. I returned to him, + and placed myself again by his side. My astonishment was not less than + his." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said he, at length, "What think you of this? This is the self-same + voice which I formerly heard; you are now convinced that my ears were well + informed." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said I, "this, it is plain, is no fiction of the fancy." We again + sunk into mutual and thoughtful silence. A recollection of the hour, and + of the length of our absence, made me at last propose to return. We rose + up for this purpose. In doing this, my mind reverted to the contemplation + of my own condition. "Yes," said I aloud, but without particularly + addressing myself to Wieland, "my resolution is taken. I cannot hope to + prevail with my friends to accompany me. They may doze away their days on + the banks of Schuylkill, but as to me, I go in the next vessel; I will fly + to her presence, and demand the reason of this extraordinary silence." + </p> + <p> + "I had scarcely finished the sentence, when the same mysterious voice + exclaimed, "You shall not go. The seal of death is on her lips. Her + silence is the silence of the tomb." Think of the effects which accents + like these must have had upon me. I shuddered as I listened. As soon as I + recovered from my first amazement, "Who is it that speaks?" said I, + "whence did you procure these dismal tidings?" I did not wait long for an + answer. "From a source that cannot fail. Be satisfied. She is dead." You + may justly be surprised, that, in the circumstances in which I heard the + tidings, and notwithstanding the mystery which environed him by whom they + were imparted, I could give an undivided attention to the facts, which + were the subject of our dialogue. I eagerly inquired, when and where did + she die? What was the cause of her death? Was her death absolutely + certain? An answer was returned only to the last of these questions. + "Yes," was pronounced by the same voice; but it now sounded from a greater + distance, and the deepest silence was all the return made to my subsequent + interrogatories. + </p> + <p> + "It was my sister's voice; but it could not be uttered by her; and yet, if + not by her, by whom was it uttered? When we returned hither, and + discovered you together, the doubt that had previously existed was + removed. It was manifest that the intimation came not from her. Yet if not + from her, from whom could it come? Are the circumstances attending the + imparting of this news proof that the tidings are true? God forbid that + they should be true." + </p> + <p> + Here Pleyel sunk into anxious silence, and gave me leisure to ruminate on + this inexplicable event. I am at a loss to describe the sensations that + affected me. I am not fearful of shadows. The tales of apparitions and + enchantments did not possess that power over my belief which could even + render them interesting. I saw nothing in them but ignorance and folly, + and was a stranger even to that terror which is pleasing. But this + incident was different from any that I had ever before known. Here were + proofs of a sensible and intelligent existence, which could not be denied. + Here was information obtained and imparted by means unquestionably + super-human. + </p> + <p> + That there are conscious beings, beside ourselves, in existence, whose + modes of activity and information surpass our own, can scarcely be denied. + Is there a glimpse afforded us into a world of these superior beings? My + heart was scarcely large enough to give admittance to so swelling a + thought. An awe, the sweetest and most solemn that imagination can + conceive, pervaded my whole frame. It forsook me not when I parted from + Pleyel and retired to my chamber. An impulse was given to my spirits + utterly incompatible with sleep. I passed the night wakeful and full of + meditation. I was impressed with the belief of mysterious, but not of + malignant agency. Hitherto nothing had occurred to persuade me that this + airy minister was busy to evil rather than to good purposes. On the + contrary, the idea of superior virtue had always been associated in my + mind with that of superior power. The warnings that had thus been heard + appeared to have been prompted by beneficent intentions. My brother had + been hindered by this voice from ascending the hill. He was told that + danger lurked in his path, and his obedience to the intimation had perhaps + saved him from a destiny similar to that of my father. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel had been rescued from tormenting uncertainty, and from the hazards + and fatigues of a fruitless voyage, by the same interposition. It had + assured him of the death of his Theresa. + </p> + <p> + This woman was then dead. A confirmation of the tidings, if true, would + speedily arrive. Was this confirmation to be deprecated or desired? By her + death, the tie that attached him to Europe, was taken away. Henceforward + every motive would combine to retain him in his native country, and we + were rescued from the deep regrets that would accompany his hopeless + absence from us. Propitious was the spirit that imparted these tidings. + Propitious he would perhaps have been, if he had been instrumental in + producing, as well as in communicating the tidings of her death. + Propitious to us, the friends of Pleyel, to whom has thereby been secured + the enjoyment of his society; and not unpropitious to himself; for though + this object of his love be snatched away, is there not another who is able + and willing to console him for her loss? + </p> + <p> + Twenty days after this, another vessel arrived from the same port. In this + interval, Pleyel, for the most part, estranged himself from his old + companions. He was become the prey of a gloomy and unsociable grief. His + walks were limited to the bank of the Delaware. This bank is an artificial + one. Reeds and the river are on one side, and a watery marsh on the other, + in that part which bounded his lands, and which extended from the mouth of + Hollander's creek to that of Schuylkill. No scene can be imagined less + enticing to a lover of the picturesque than this. The shore is deformed + with mud, and incumbered with a forest of reeds. The fields, in most + seasons, are mire; but when they afford a firm footing, the ditches by + which they are bounded and intersected, are mantled with stagnating green, + and emit the most noxious exhalations. Health is no less a stranger to + those seats than pleasure. Spring and autumn are sure to be accompanied + with agues and bilious remittents. + </p> + <p> + The scenes which environed our dwellings at Mettingen constituted the + reverse of this. Schuylkill was here a pure and translucid current, broken + into wild and ceaseless music by rocky points, murmuring on a sandy + margin, and reflecting on its surface, banks of all varieties of height + and degrees of declivity. These banks were chequered by patches of dark + verdure and shapeless masses of white marble, and crowned by copses of + cedar, or by the regular magnificence of orchards, which, at this season, + were in blossom, and were prodigal of odours. The ground which receded + from the river was scooped into valleys and dales. Its beauties were + enhanced by the horticultural skill of my brother, who bedecked this + exquisite assemblage of slopes and risings with every species of vegetable + ornament, from the giant arms of the oak to the clustering tendrils of the + honey-suckle. + </p> + <p> + To screen him from the unwholesome airs of his own residence, it had been + proposed to Pleyel to spend the months of spring with us. He had + apparently acquiesced in this proposal; but the late event induced him to + change his purpose. He was only to be seen by visiting him in his + retirements. His gaiety had flown, and every passion was absorbed in + eagerness to procure tidings from Saxony. I have mentioned the arrival of + another vessel from the Elbe. He descried her early one morning as he was + passing along the skirt of the river. She was easily recognized, being the + ship in which he had performed his first voyage to Germany. He immediately + went on board, but found no letters directed to him. This omission was, in + some degree, compensated by meeting with an old acquaintance among the + passengers, who had till lately been a resident in Leipsig. This person + put an end to all suspense respecting the fate of Theresa, by relating the + particulars of her death and funeral. + </p> + <p> + Thus was the truth of the former intimation attested. No longer devoured + by suspense, the grief of Pleyel was not long in yielding to the influence + of society. He gave himself up once more to our company. His vivacity had + indeed been damped; but even in this respect he was a more acceptable + companion than formerly, since his seriousness was neither incommunicative + nor sullen. + </p> + <p> + These incidents, for a time, occupied all our thoughts. In me they + produced a sentiment not unallied to pleasure, and more speedily than in + the case of my friends were intermixed with other topics. My brother was + particularly affected by them. It was easy to perceive that most of his + meditations were tinctured from this source. To this was to be ascribed a + design in which his pen was, at this period, engaged, of collecting and + investigating the facts which relate to that mysterious personage, the + Daemon of Socrates. + </p> + <p> + My brother's skill in Greek and Roman learning was exceeded by that of + few, and no doubt the world would have accepted a treatise upon this + subject from his hand with avidity; but alas! this and every other scheme + of felicity and honor, were doomed to sudden blast and hopeless + extermination. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI + </h2> + <p> + I now come to the mention of a person with whose name the most turbulent + sensations are connected. It is with a shuddering reluctance that I enter + on the province of describing him. Now it is that I begin to perceive the + difficulty of the task which I have undertaken; but it would be weakness + to shrink from it. My blood is congealed: and my fingers are palsied when + I call up his image. Shame upon my cowardly and infirm heart! Hitherto I + have proceeded with some degree of composure, but now I must pause. I mean + not that dire remembrance shall subdue my courage or baffle my design, but + this weakness cannot be immediately conquered. I must desist for a little + while. + </p> + <p> + I have taken a few turns in my chamber, and have gathered strength enough + to proceed. Yet have I not projected a task beyond my power to execute? If + thus, on the very threshold of the scene, my knees faulter and I sink, how + shall I support myself, when I rush into the midst of horrors such as no + heart has hitherto conceived, nor tongue related? I sicken and recoil at + the prospect, and yet my irresolution is momentary. I have not formed this + design upon slight grounds, and though I may at times pause and hesitate, + I will not be finally diverted from it. + </p> + <p> + And thou, O most fatal and potent of mankind, in what terms shall I + describe thee? What words are adequate to the just delineation of thy + character? How shall I detail the means which rendered the secrecy of thy + purposes unfathomable? But I will not anticipate. Let me recover if + possible, a sober strain. Let me keep down the flood of passion that would + render me precipitate or powerless. Let me stifle the agonies that are + awakened by thy name. Let me, for a time, regard thee as a being of no + terrible attributes. Let me tear myself from contemplation of the evils of + which it is but too certain that thou wast the author, and limit my view + to those harmless appearances which attended thy entrance on the stage. + </p> + <p> + One sunny afternoon, I was standing in the door of my house, when I marked + a person passing close to the edge of the bank that was in front. His pace + was a careless and lingering one, and had none of that gracefulness and + ease which distinguish a person with certain advantages of education from + a clown. His gait was rustic and aukward. His form was ungainly and + disproportioned. Shoulders broad and square, breast sunken, his head + drooping, his body of uniform breadth, supported by long and lank legs, + were the ingredients of his frame. His garb was not ill adapted to such a + figure. A slouched hat, tarnished by the weather, a coat of thick grey + cloth, cut and wrought, as it seemed, by a country tailor, blue worsted + stockings, and shoes fastened by thongs, and deeply discoloured by dust, + which brush had never disturbed, constituted his dress. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing remarkable in these appearances; they were frequently to + be met with on the road, and in the harvest field. I cannot tell why I + gazed upon them, on this occasion, with more than ordinary attention, + unless it were that such figures were seldom seen by me, except on the + road or field. This lawn was only traversed by men whose views were + directed to the pleasures of the walk, or the grandeur of the scenery. + </p> + <p> + He passed slowly along, frequently pausing, as if to examine the prospect + more deliberately, but never turning his eye towards the house, so as to + allow me a view of his countenance. Presently, he entered a copse at a + small distance, and disappeared. My eye followed him while he remained in + sight. If his image remained for any duration in my fancy after his + departure, it was because no other object occurred sufficient to expel it. + </p> + <p> + I continued in the same spot for half an hour, vaguely, and by fits, + contemplating the image of this wanderer, and drawing, from outward + appearances, those inferences with respect to the intellectual history of + this person, which experience affords us. I reflected on the alliance + which commonly subsists between ignorance and the practice of agriculture, + and indulged myself in airy speculations as to the influence of + progressive knowledge in dissolving this alliance, and embodying the + dreams of the poets. I asked why the plough and the hoe might not become + the trade of every human being, and how this trade might be made conducive + to, or, at least, consistent with the acquisition of wisdom and eloquence. + </p> + <p> + Weary with these reflections, I returned to the kitchen to perform some + household office. I had usually but one servant, and she was a girl about + my own age. I was busy near the chimney, and she was employed near the + door of the apartment, when some one knocked. The door was opened by her, + and she was immediately addressed with "Pry'thee, good girl, canst thou + supply a thirsty man with a glass of buttermilk?" She answered that there + was none in the house. "Aye, but there is some in the dairy yonder. Thou + knowest as well as I, though Hermes never taught thee, that though every + dairy be an house, every house is not a dairy." To this speech, though she + understood only a part of it, she replied by repeating her assurances, + that she had none to give. "Well then," rejoined the stranger, "for + charity's sweet sake, hand me forth a cup of cold water." The girl said + she would go to the spring and fetch it. "Nay, give me the cup, and suffer + me to help myself. Neither manacled nor lame, I should merit burial in the + maw of carrion crows, if I laid this task upon thee." She gave him the + cup, and he turned to go to the spring. + </p> + <p> + I listened to this dialogue in silence. The words uttered by the person + without, affected me as somewhat singular, but what chiefly rendered them + remarkable, was the tone that accompanied them. It was wholly new. My + brother's voice and Pleyel's were musical and energetic. I had fondly + imagined, that, in this respect, they were surpassed by none. Now my + mistake was detected. I cannot pretend to communicate the impression that + was made upon me by these accents, or to depict the degree in which force + and sweetness were blended in them. They were articulated with a + distinctness that was unexampled in my experience. But this was not all. + The voice was not only mellifluent and clear, but the emphasis was so + just, and the modulation so impassioned, that it seemed as if an heart of + stone could not fail of being moved by it. It imparted to me an emotion + altogether involuntary and incontroulable. When he uttered the words "for + charity's sweet sake," I dropped the cloth that I held in my hand, my + heart overflowed with sympathy, and my eyes with unbidden tears. + </p> + <p> + This description will appear to you trifling or incredible. The importance + of these circumstances will be manifested in the sequel. The manner in + which I was affected on this occasion, was, to my own apprehension, a + subject of astonishment. The tones were indeed such as I never heard + before; but that they should, in an instant, as it were, dissolve me in + tears, will not easily be believed by others, and can scarcely be + comprehended by myself. + </p> + <p> + It will be readily supposed that I was somewhat inquisitive as to the + person and demeanour of our visitant. After a moment's pause, I stepped to + the door and looked after him. Judge my surprize, when I beheld the + self-same figure that had appeared an half hour before upon the bank. My + fancy had conjured up a very different image. A form, and attitude, and + garb, were instantly created worthy to accompany such elocution; but this + person was, in all visible respects, the reverse of this phantom. Strange + as it may seem, I could not speedily reconcile myself to this + disappointment. Instead of returning to my employment, I threw myself in a + chair that was placed opposite the door, and sunk into a fit of musing. + </p> + <p> + My attention was, in a few minutes, recalled by the stranger, who returned + with the empty cup in his hand. I had not thought of the circumstance, or + should certainly have chosen a different seat. He no sooner shewed + himself, than a confused sense of impropriety, added to the suddenness of + the interview, for which, not having foreseen it, I had made no + preparation, threw me into a state of the most painful embarrassment. He + brought with him a placid brow; but no sooner had he cast his eyes upon + me, than his face was as glowingly suffused as my own. He placed the cup + upon the bench, stammered out thanks, and retired. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before I could recover my wonted composure. I had + snatched a view of the stranger's countenance. The impression that it made + was vivid and indelible. His cheeks were pallid and lank, his eyes sunken, + his forehead overshadowed by coarse straggling hairs, his teeth large and + irregular, though sound and brilliantly white, and his chin discoloured by + a tetter. His skin was of coarse grain, and sallow hue. Every feature was + wide of beauty, and the outline of his face reminded you of an inverted + cone. + </p> + <p> + And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, + his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a + radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his + features, which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to + betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the + portrait. This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count + among the most extraordinary incidents of my life. This face, seen for a + moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost + every other image. I had purposed to spend the evening with my brother, + but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of + this memorable visage. Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar + inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, + though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste. + </p> + <p> + I placed it at all distances, and in all lights; my eyes were rivetted + upon it. Half the night passed away in wakefulness and in contemplation of + this picture. So flexible, and yet so stubborn, is the human mind. So + obedient to impulses the most transient and brief, and yet so unalterably + observant of the direction which is given to it! How little did I then + foresee the termination of that chain, of which this may be regarded as + the first link? + </p> + <p> + Next day arose in darkness and storm. Torrents of rain fell during the + whole day, attended with incessant thunder, which reverberated in stunning + echoes from the opposite declivity. The inclemency of the air would not + allow me to walk-out. I had, indeed, no inclination to leave my apartment. + I betook myself to the contemplation of this portrait, whose attractions + time had rather enhanced than diminished. I laid aside my usual + occupations, and seating myself at a window, consumed the day in + alternately looking out upon the storm, and gazing at the picture which + lay upon a table before me. You will, perhaps, deem this conduct somewhat + singular, and ascribe it to certain peculiarities of temper. I am not + aware of any such peculiarities. I can account for my devotion to this + image no otherwise, than by supposing that its properties were rare and + prodigious. Perhaps you will suspect that such were the first inroads of a + passion incident to every female heart, and which frequently gains a + footing by means even more slight, and more improbable than these. I shall + not controvert the reasonableness of the suspicion, but leave you at + liberty to draw, from my narrative, what conclusions you please. + </p> + <p> + Night at length returned, and the storm ceased. The air was once more + clear and calm, and bore an affecting contrast to that uproar of the + elements by which it had been preceded. I spent the darksome hours, as I + spent the day, contemplative and seated at the window. Why was my mind + absorbed in thoughts ominous and dreary? Why did my bosom heave with + sighs, and my eyes overflow with tears? Was the tempest that had just past + a signal of the ruin which impended over me? My soul fondly dwelt upon the + images of my brother and his children, yet they only increased the + mournfulness of my contemplations. The smiles of the charming babes were + as bland as formerly. The same dignity sat on the brow of their father, + and yet I thought of them with anguish. Something whispered that the + happiness we at present enjoyed was set on mutable foundations. Death must + happen to all. Whether our felicity was to be subverted by it to-morrow, + or whether it was ordained that we should lay down our heads full of years + and of honor, was a question that no human being could solve. At other + times, these ideas seldom intruded. I either forbore to reflect upon the + destiny that is reserved for all men, or the reflection was mixed up with + images that disrobed it of terror; but now the uncertainty of life + occurred to me without any of its usual and alleviating accompaniments. I + said to myself, we must die. Sooner or later, we must disappear for ever + from the face of the earth. Whatever be the links that hold us to life, + they must be broken. This scene of existence is, in all its parts, + calamitous. The greater number is oppressed with immediate evils, and + those, the tide of whose fortunes is full, how small is their portion of + enjoyment, since they know that it will terminate. + </p> + <p> + For some time I indulged myself, without reluctance, in these gloomy + thoughts; but at length, the dejection which they produced became + insupportably painful. I endeavoured to dissipate it with music. I had all + my grand-father's melody as well as poetry by rote. I now lighted by + chance on a ballad, which commemorated the fate of a German Cavalier, who + fell at the siege of Nice under Godfrey of Bouillon. My choice was + unfortunate, for the scenes of violence and carnage which were here wildly + but forcibly pourtrayed, only suggested to my thoughts a new topic in the + horrors of war. + </p> + <p> + I sought refuge, but ineffectually, in sleep. My mind was thronged by + vivid, but confused images, and no effort that I made was sufficient to + drive them away. In this situation I heard the clock, which hung in the + room, give the signal for twelve. It was the same instrument which + formerly hung in my father's chamber, and which, on account of its being + his workmanship, was regarded, by every one of our family, with + veneration. It had fallen to me, in the division of his property, and was + placed in this asylum. The sound awakened a series of reflections, + respecting his death. I was not allowed to pursue them; for scarcely had + the vibrations ceased, when my attention was attracted by a whisper, + which, at first, appeared to proceed from lips that were laid close to my + ear. + </p> + <p> + No wonder that a circumstance like this startled me. In the first impulse + of my terror, I uttered a slight scream, and shrunk to the opposite side + of the bed. In a moment, however, I recovered from my trepidation. I was + habitually indifferent to all the causes of fear, by which the majority + are afflicted. I entertained no apprehension of either ghosts or robbers. + Our security had never been molested by either, and I made use of no means + to prevent or counterwork their machinations. My tranquillity, on this + occasion, was quickly retrieved. The whisper evidently proceeded from one + who was posted at my bed-side. The first idea that suggested itself was, + that it was uttered by the girl who lived with me as a servant. Perhaps, + somewhat had alarmed her, or she was sick, and had come to request my + assistance. By whispering in my ear, she intended to rouse without + alarming me. + </p> + <p> + Full of this persuasion, I called; "Judith," said I, "is it you? What do + you want? Is there any thing the matter with you?" No answer was returned. + I repeated my inquiry, but equally in vain. Cloudy as was the atmosphere, + and curtained as my bed was, nothing was visible. I withdrew the curtain, + and leaning my head on my elbow, I listened with the deepest attention to + catch some new sound. Meanwhile, I ran over in my thoughts, every + circumstance that could assist my conjectures. + </p> + <p> + My habitation was a wooden edifice, consisting of two stories. In each + story were two rooms, separated by an entry, or middle passage, with which + they communicated by opposite doors. The passage, on the lower story, had + doors at the two ends, and a stair-case. Windows answered to the doors on + the upper story. Annexed to this, on the eastern side, were wings, + divided, in like manner, into an upper and lower room; one of them + comprized a kitchen, and chamber above it for the servant, and + communicated, on both stories, with the parlour adjoining it below, and + the chamber adjoining it above. The opposite wing is of smaller + dimensions, the rooms not being above eight feet square. The lower of + these was used as a depository of household implements, the upper was a + closet in which I deposited my books and papers. They had but one inlet, + which was from the room adjoining. There was no window in the lower one, + and in the upper, a small aperture which communicated light and air, but + would scarcely admit the body. The door which led into this, was close to + my bed-head, and was always locked, but when I myself was within. The + avenues below were accustomed to be closed and bolted at nights. + </p> + <p> + The maid was my only companion, and she could not reach my chamber without + previously passing through the opposite chamber, and the middle passage, + of which, however, the doors were usually unfastened. If she had + occasioned this noise, she would have answered my repeated calls. No other + conclusion, therefore, was left me, but that I had mistaken the sounds, + and that my imagination had transformed some casual noise into the voice + of a human creature. Satisfied with this solution, I was preparing to + relinquish my listening attitude, when my ear was again saluted with a new + and yet louder whispering. It appeared, as before, to issue from lips that + touched my pillow. A second effort of attention, however, clearly shewed + me, that the sounds issued from within the closet, the door of which was + not more than eight inches from my pillow. + </p> + <p> + This second interruption occasioned a shock less vehement than the former. + I started, but gave no audible token of alarm. I was so much mistress of + my feelings, as to continue listening to what should be said. The whisper + was distinct, hoarse, and uttered so as to shew that the speaker was + desirous of being heard by some one near, but, at the same time, studious + to avoid being overheard by any other. + </p> + <p> + "Stop, stop, I say; madman as you are! there are better means than that. + Curse upon your rashness! There is no need to shoot." + </p> + <p> + Such were the words uttered in a tone of eagerness and anger, within so + small a distance of my pillow. What construction could I put upon them? My + heart began to palpitate with dread of some unknown danger. Presently, + another voice, but equally near me, was heard whispering in answer. "Why + not? I will draw a trigger in this business, but perdition be my lot if I + do more." To this, the first voice returned, in a tone which rage had + heightened in a small degree above a whisper, "Coward! stand aside, and + see me do it. I will grasp her throat; I will do her business in an + instant; she shall not have time so much as to groan." What wonder that I + was petrified by sounds so dreadful! Murderers lurked in my closet. They + were planning the means of my destruction. One resolved to shoot, and the + other menaced suffocation. Their means being chosen, they would forthwith + break the door. Flight instantly suggested itself as most eligible in + circumstances so perilous. I deliberated not a moment; but, fear adding + wings to my speed, I leaped out of bed, and scantily robed as I was, + rushed out of the chamber, down stairs, and into the open air. I can + hardly recollect the process of turning keys, and withdrawing bolts. My + terrors urged me forward with almost a mechanical impulse. I stopped not + till I reached my brother's door. I had not gained the threshold, when, + exhausted by the violence of my emotions, and by my speed, I sunk down in + a fit. + </p> + <p> + How long I remained in this situation I know not. When I recovered, I + found myself stretched on a bed, surrounded by my sister and her female + servants. I was astonished at the scene before me, but gradually recovered + the recollection of what had happened. I answered their importunate + inquiries as well as I was able. My brother and Pleyel, whom the storm of + the preceding day chanced to detain here, informing themselves of every + particular, proceeded with lights and weapons to my deserted habitation. + They entered my chamber and my closet, and found every thing in its proper + place and customary order. The door of the closet was locked, and appeared + not to have been opened in my absence. They went to Judith's apartment. + They found her asleep and in safety. Pleyel's caution induced him to + forbear alarming the girl; and finding her wholly ignorant of what had + passed, they directed her to return to her chamber. They then fastened the + doors, and returned. + </p> + <p> + My friends were disposed to regard this transaction as a dream. That + persons should be actually immured in this closet, to which, in the + circumstances of the time, access from without or within was apparently + impossible, they could not seriously believe. That any human beings had + intended murder, unless it were to cover a scheme of pillage, was + incredible; but that no such design had been formed, was evident from the + security in which the furniture of the house and the closet remained. + </p> + <p> + I revolved every incident and expression that had occurred. My senses + assured me of the truth of them, and yet their abruptness and + improbability made me, in my turn, somewhat incredulous. The adventure had + made a deep impression on my fancy, and it was not till after a week's + abode at my brother's, that I resolved to resume the possession of my own + dwelling. There was another circumstance that enhanced the mysteriousness + of this event. After my recovery it was obvious to inquire by what means + the attention of the family had been drawn to my situation. I had fallen + before I had reached the threshold, or was able to give any signal. My + brother related, that while this was transacting in my chamber, he himself + was awake, in consequence of some slight indisposition, and lay, according + to his custom, musing on some favorite topic. Suddenly the silence, which + was remarkably profound, was broken by a voice of most piercing + shrillness, that seemed to be uttered by one in the hall below his + chamber. "Awake! arise!" it exclaimed: "hasten to succour one that is + dying at your door." + </p> + <p> + This summons was effectual. There was no one in the house who was not + roused by it. Pleyel was the first to obey, and my brother overtook him + before he reached the hall. What was the general astonishment when your + friend was discovered stretched upon the grass before the door, pale, + ghastly, and with every mark of death! + </p> + <p> + This was the third instance of a voice, exerted for the benefit of this + little community. The agent was no less inscrutable in this, than in the + former case. When I ruminated upon these events, my soul was suspended in + wonder and awe. Was I really deceived in imagining that I heard the closet + conversation? I was no longer at liberty to question the reality of those + accents which had formerly recalled my brother from the hill; which had + imparted tidings of the death of the German lady to Pleyel; and which had + lately summoned them to my assistance. + </p> + <p> + But how was I to regard this midnight conversation? Hoarse and manlike + voices conferring on the means of death, so near my bed, and at such an + hour! How had my ancient security vanished! That dwelling, which had + hitherto been an inviolate asylum, was now beset with danger to my life. + That solitude, formerly so dear to me, could no longer be endured. Pleyel, + who had consented to reside with us during the months of spring, lodged in + the vacant chamber, in order to quiet my alarms. He treated my fears with + ridicule, and in a short time very slight traces of them remained: but as + it was wholly indifferent to him whether his nights were passed at my + house or at my brother's, this arrangement gave general satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII + </h2> + <p> + I will not enumerate the various inquiries and conjectures which these + incidents occasioned. After all our efforts, we came no nearer to + dispelling the mist in which they were involved; and time, instead of + facilitating a solution, only accumulated our doubts. In the midst of + thoughts excited by these events, I was not unmindful of my interview with + the stranger. I related the particulars, and shewed the portrait to my + friends. Pleyel recollected to have met with a figure resembling my + description in the city; but neither his face or garb made the same + impression upon him that it made upon me. It was a hint to rally me upon + my prepossessions, and to amuse us with a thousand ludicrous anecdotes + which he had collected in his travels. He made no scruple to charge me + with being in love; and threatened to inform the swain, when he met him, + of his good fortune. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel's temper made him susceptible of no durable impressions. His + conversation was occasionally visited by gleams of his ancient vivacity; + but, though his impetuosity was sometimes inconvenient, there was nothing + to dread from his malice. I had no fear that my character or dignity would + suffer in his hands, and was not heartily displeased when he declared his + intention of profiting by his first meeting with the stranger to introduce + him to our acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Some weeks after this I had spent a toilsome day, and, as the sun + declined, found myself disposed to seek relief in a walk. The river bank + is, at this part of it, and for some considerable space upward, so rugged + and steep as not to be easily descended. In a recess of this declivity, + near the southern verge of my little demesne, was placed a slight + building, with seats and lattices. From a crevice of the rock, to which + this edifice was attached, there burst forth a stream of the purest water, + which, leaping from ledge to ledge, for the space of sixty feet, produced + a freshness in the air, and a murmur, the most delicious and soothing + imaginable. These, added to the odours of the cedars which embowered it, + and of the honey-suckle which clustered among the lattices, rendered this + my favorite retreat in summer. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion I repaired hither. My spirits drooped through the fatigue + of long attention, and I threw myself upon a bench, in a state, both + mentally and personally, of the utmost supineness. The lulling sounds of + the waterfall, the fragrance and the dusk combined to becalm my spirits, + and, in a short time, to sink me into sleep. Either the uneasiness of my + posture, or some slight indisposition molested my repose with dreams of no + cheerful hue. After various incoherences had taken their turn to occupy my + fancy, I at length imagined myself walking, in the evening twilight, to my + brother's habitation. A pit, methought, had been dug in the path I had + taken, of which I was not aware. As I carelessly pursued my walk, I + thought I saw my brother, standing at some distance before me, beckoning + and calling me to make haste. He stood on the opposite edge of the gulph. + I mended my pace, and one step more would have plunged me into this abyss, + had not some one from behind caught suddenly my arm, and exclaimed, in a + voice of eagerness and terror, "Hold! hold!" + </p> + <p> + The sound broke my sleep, and I found myself, at the next moment, standing + on my feet, and surrounded by the deepest darkness. Images so terrific and + forcible disabled me, for a time, from distinguishing between sleep and + wakefulness, and withheld from me the knowledge of my actual condition. My + first panics were succeeded by the perturbations of surprize, to find + myself alone in the open air, and immersed in so deep a gloom. I slowly + recollected the incidents of the afternoon, and how I came hither. I could + not estimate the time, but saw the propriety of returning with speed to + the house. My faculties were still too confused, and the darkness too + intense, to allow me immediately to find my way up the steep. I sat down, + therefore, to recover myself, and to reflect upon my situation. + </p> + <p> + This was no sooner done, than a low voice was heard from behind the + lattice, on the side where I sat. Between the rock and the lattice was a + chasm not wide enough to admit a human body; yet, in this chasm he that + spoke appeared to be stationed. "Attend! attend! but be not terrified." + </p> + <p> + I started and exclaimed, "Good heavens! what is that? Who are you?" + </p> + <p> + "A friend; one come, not to injure, but to save you; fear nothing." + </p> + <p> + This voice was immediately recognized to be the same with one of those + which I had heard in the closet; it was the voice of him who had proposed + to shoot, rather than to strangle, his victim. My terror made me, at once, + mute and motionless. He continued, "I leagued to murder you. I repent. + Mark my bidding, and be safe. Avoid this spot. The snares of death + encompass it. Elsewhere danger will be distant; but this spot, shun it as + you value your life. Mark me further; profit by this warning, but divulge + it not. If a syllable of what has passed escape you, your doom is sealed. + Remember your father, and be faithful." + </p> + <p> + Here the accents ceased, and left me overwhelmed with dismay. I was + fraught with the persuasion, that during every moment I remained here, my + life was endangered; but I could not take a step without hazard of falling + to the bottom of the precipice. The path, leading to the summit, was + short, but rugged and intricate. Even star-light was excluded by the + umbrage, and not the faintest gleam was afforded to guide my steps. What + should I do? To depart or remain was equally and eminently perilous. + </p> + <p> + In this state of uncertainty, I perceived a ray flit across the gloom and + disappear. Another succeeded, which was stronger, and remained for a + passing moment. It glittered on the shrubs that were scattered at the + entrance, and gleam continued to succeed gleam for a few seconds, till + they, finally, gave place to unintermitted darkness. + </p> + <p> + The first visitings of this light called up a train of horrors in my mind; + destruction impended over this spot; the voice which I had lately heard + had warned me to retire, and had menaced me with the fate of my father if + I refused. I was desirous, but unable, to obey; these gleams were such as + preluded the stroke by which he fell; the hour, perhaps, was the same—I + shuddered as if I had beheld, suspended over me, the exterminating sword. + </p> + <p> + Presently a new and stronger illumination burst through the lattice on the + right hand, and a voice, from the edge of the precipice above, called out + my name. It was Pleyel. Joyfully did I recognize his accents; but such was + the tumult of my thoughts that I had not power to answer him till he had + frequently repeated his summons. I hurried, at length, from the fatal + spot, and, directed by the lanthorn which he bore, ascended the hill. + </p> + <p> + Pale and breathless, it was with difficulty I could support myself. He + anxiously inquired into the cause of my affright, and the motive of my + unusual absence. He had returned from my brother's at a late hour, and was + informed by Judith, that I had walked out before sun-set, and had not yet + returned. This intelligence was somewhat alarming. He waited some time; + but, my absence continuing, he had set out in search of me. He had + explored the neighbourhood with the utmost care, but, receiving no tidings + of me, he was preparing to acquaint my brother with this circumstance, + when he recollected the summer-house on the bank, and conceived it + possible that some accident had detained me there. He again inquired into + the cause of this detention, and of that confusion and dismay which my + looks testified. + </p> + <p> + I told him that I had strolled hither in the afternoon, that sleep had + overtaken me as I sat, and that I had awakened a few minutes before his + arrival. I could tell him no more. In the present impetuosity of my + thoughts, I was almost dubious, whether the pit, into which my brother had + endeavoured to entice me, and the voice that talked through the lattice, + were not parts of the same dream. I remembered, likewise, the charge of + secrecy, and the penalty denounced, if I should rashly divulge what I had + heard. For these reasons, I was silent on that subject, and shutting + myself in my chamber, delivered myself up to contemplation. + </p> + <p> + What I have related will, no doubt, appear to you a fable. You will + believe that calamity has subverted my reason, and that I am amusing you + with the chimeras of my brain, instead of facts that have really happened. + I shall not be surprized or offended, if these be your suspicions. I know + not, indeed, how you can deny them admission. For, if to me, the immediate + witness, they were fertile of perplexity and doubt, how must they affect + another to whom they are recommended only by my testimony? It was only by + subsequent events, that I was fully and incontestibly assured of the + veracity of my senses. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile what was I to think? I had been assured that a design had been + formed against my life. The ruffians had leagued to murder me. Whom had I + offended? Who was there with whom I had ever maintained intercourse, who + was capable of harbouring such atrocious purposes? + </p> + <p> + My temper was the reverse of cruel and imperious. My heart was touched + with sympathy for the children of misfortune. But this sympathy was not a + barren sentiment. My purse, scanty as it was, was ever open, and my hands + ever active, to relieve distress. Many were the wretches whom my personal + exertions had extricated from want and disease, and who rewarded me with + their gratitude. There was no face which lowered at my approach, and no + lips which uttered imprecations in my hearing. On the contrary, there was + none, over whose fate I had exerted any influence, or to whom I was known + by reputation, who did not greet me with smiles, and dismiss me with + proofs of veneration; yet did not my senses assure me that a plot was laid + against my life? + </p> + <p> + I am not destitute of courage. I have shewn myself deliberative and calm + in the midst of peril. I have hazarded my own life, for the preservation + of another, but now was I confused and panic struck. I have not lived so + as to fear death, yet to perish by an unseen and secret stroke, to be + mangled by the knife of an assassin was a thought at which I shuddered; + what had I done to deserve to be made the victim of malignant passions? + </p> + <p> + But soft! was I not assured, that my life was safe in all places but one? + And why was the treason limited to take effect in this spot? I was every + where equally defenceless. My house and chamber were, at all times, + accessible. Danger still impended over me; the bloody purpose was still + entertained, but the hand that was to execute it, was powerless in all + places but one! + </p> + <p> + Here I had remained for the last four or five hours, without the means of + resistance or defence, yet I had not been attacked. A human being was at + hand, who was conscious of my presence, and warned me hereafter to avoid + this retreat. His voice was not absolutely new, but had I never heard it + but once before? But why did he prohibit me from relating this incident to + others, and what species of death will be awarded if I disobey? + </p> + <p> + He talked of my father. He intimated, that disclosure would pull upon my + head, the same destruction. Was then the death of my father, portentous + and inexplicable as it was, the consequence of human machinations? It + should seem, that this being is apprised of the true nature of this event, + and is conscious of the means that led to it. Whether it shall likewise + fall upon me, depends upon the observance of silence. Was it the + infraction of a similar command, that brought so horrible a penalty upon + my father? + </p> + <p> + Such were the reflections that haunted me during the night, and which + effectually deprived me of sleep. Next morning, at breakfast, Pleyel + related an event which my disappearance had hindered him from mentioning + the night before. Early the preceding morning, his occasions called him to + the city; he had stepped into a coffee-house to while away an hour; here + he had met a person whose appearance instantly bespoke him to be the same + whose hasty visit I have mentioned, and whose extraordinary visage and + tones had so powerfully affected me. On an attentive survey, however, he + proved, likewise, to be one with whom my friend had had some intercourse + in Europe. This authorised the liberty of accosting him, and after some + conversation, mindful, as Pleyel said, of the footing which this stranger + had gained in my heart, he had ventured to invite him to Mettingen. The + invitation had been cheerfully accepted, and a visit promised on the + afternoon of the next day. + </p> + <p> + This information excited no sober emotions in my breast. I was, of course, + eager to be informed as to the circumstances of their ancient intercourse. + When, and where had they met? What knew he of the life and character of + this man? + </p> + <p> + In answer to my inquiries, he informed me that, three years before, he was + a traveller in Spain. He had made an excursion from Valencia to Murviedro, + with a view to inspect the remains of Roman magnificence, scattered in the + environs of that town. While traversing the scite of the theatre of old + Saguntum, he lighted upon this man, seated on a stone, and deeply engaged + in perusing the work of the deacon Marti. A short conversation ensued, + which proved the stranger to be English. They returned to Valencia + together. + </p> + <p> + His garb, aspect, and deportment, were wholly Spanish. A residence of + three years in the country, indefatigable attention to the language, and a + studious conformity with the customs of the people, had made him + indistinguishable from a native, when he chose to assume that character. + Pleyel found him to be connected, on the footing of friendship and + respect, with many eminent merchants in that city. He had embraced the + catholic religion, and adopted a Spanish name instead of his own, which + was CARWIN, and devoted himself to the literature and religion of his new + country. He pursued no profession, but subsisted on remittances from + England. + </p> + <p> + While Pleyel remained in Valencia, Carwin betrayed no aversion to + intercourse, and the former found no small attractions in the society of + this new acquaintance. On general topics he was highly intelligent and + communicative. He had visited every corner of Spain, and could furnish the + most accurate details respecting its ancient and present state. On topics + of religion and of his own history, previous to his TRANSFORMATION into a + Spaniard, he was invariably silent. You could merely gather from his + discourse that he was English, and that he was well acquainted with the + neighbouring countries. + </p> + <p> + His character excited considerable curiosity in this observer. It was not + easy to reconcile his conversion to the Romish faith, with those proofs of + knowledge and capacity that were exhibited by him on different occasions. + A suspicion was, sometimes, admitted, that his belief was counterfeited + for some political purpose. The most careful observation, however, + produced no discovery. His manners were, at all times, harmless and + inartificial, and his habits those of a lover of contemplation and + seclusion. He appeared to have contracted an affection for Pleyel, who was + not slow to return it. + </p> + <p> + My friend, after a month's residence in this city, returned into France, + and, since that period, had heard nothing concerning Carwin till his + appearance at Mettingen. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion Carwin had received Pleyel's greeting with a certain + distance and solemnity to which the latter had not been accustomed. He had + waved noticing the inquiries of Pleyel respecting his desertion of Spain, + in which he had formerly declared that it was his purpose to spend his + life. He had assiduously diverted the attention of the latter to + indifferent topics, but was still, on every theme, as eloquent and + judicious as formerly. Why he had assumed the garb of a rustic, Pleyel was + unable to conjecture. Perhaps it might be poverty, perhaps he was swayed + by motives which it was his interest to conceal, but which were connected + with consequences of the utmost moment. + </p> + <p> + Such was the sum of my friend's information. I was not sorry to be left + alone during the greater part of this day. Every employment was irksome + which did not leave me at liberty to meditate. I had now a new subject on + which to exercise my thoughts. Before evening I should be ushered into his + presence, and listen to those tones whose magical and thrilling power I + had already experienced. But with what new images would he then be + accompanied? + </p> + <p> + Carwin was an adherent to the Romish faith, yet was an Englishman by + birth, and, perhaps, a protestant by education. He had adopted Spain for + his country, and had intimated a design to spend his days there, yet now + was an inhabitant of this district, and disguised by the habiliments of a + clown! What could have obliterated the impressions of his youth, and made + him abjure his religion and his country? What subsequent events had + introduced so total a change in his plans? In withdrawing from Spain, had + he reverted to the religion of his ancestors; or was it true, that his + former conversion was deceitful, and that his conduct had been swayed by + motives which it was prudent to conceal? + </p> + <p> + Hours were consumed in revolving these ideas. My meditations were intense; + and, when the series was broken, I began to reflect with astonishment on + my situation. From the death of my parents, till the commencement of this + year, my life had been serene and blissful, beyond the ordinary portion of + humanity; but, now, my bosom was corroded by anxiety. I was visited by + dread of unknown dangers, and the future was a scene over which clouds + rolled, and thunders muttered. I compared the cause with the effect, and + they seemed disproportioned to each other. All unaware, and in a manner + which I had no power to explain, I was pushed from my immoveable and lofty + station, and cast upon a sea of troubles. + </p> + <p> + I determined to be my brother's visitant on this evening, yet my resolves + were not unattended with wavering and reluctance. Pleyel's insinuations + that I was in love, affected, in no degree, my belief, yet the + consciousness that this was the opinion of one who would, probably, be + present at our introduction to each other, would excite all that confusion + which the passion itself is apt to produce. This would confirm him in his + error, and call forth new railleries. His mirth, when exerted upon this + topic, was the source of the bitterest vexation. Had he been aware of its + influence upon my happiness, his temper would not have allowed him to + persist; but this influence, it was my chief endeavour to conceal. That + the belief of my having bestowed my heart upon another, produced in my + friend none but ludicrous sensations, was the true cause of my distress; + but if this had been discovered by him, my distress would have been + unspeakably aggravated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VIII + </h2> + <p> + As soon as evening arrived, I performed my visit. Carwin made one of the + company, into which I was ushered. Appearances were the same as when I + before beheld him. His garb was equally negligent and rustic. I gazed upon + his countenance with new curiosity. My situation was such as to enable me + to bestow upon it a deliberate examination. Viewed at more leisure, it + lost none of its wonderful properties. I could not deny my homage to the + intelligence expressed in it, but was wholly uncertain, whether he were an + object to be dreaded or adored, and whether his powers had been exerted to + evil or to good. + </p> + <p> + He was sparing in discourse; but whatever he said was pregnant with + meaning, and uttered with rectitude of articulation, and force of + emphasis, of which I had entertained no conception previously to my + knowledge of him. Notwithstanding the uncouthness of his garb, his manners + were not unpolished. All topics were handled by him with skill, and + without pedantry or affectation. He uttered no sentiment calculated to + produce a disadvantageous impression: on the contrary, his observations + denoted a mind alive to every generous and heroic feeling. They were + introduced without parade, and accompanied with that degree of earnestness + which indicates sincerity. + </p> + <p> + He parted from us not till late, refusing an invitation to spend the night + here, but readily consented to repeat his visit. His visits were + frequently repeated. Each day introduced us to a more intimate + acquaintance with his sentiments, but left us wholly in the dark, + concerning that about which we were most inquisitive. He studiously + avoided all mention of his past or present situation. Even the place of + his abode in the city he concealed from us. + </p> + <p> + Our sphere, in this respect, being somewhat limited, and the intellectual + endowments of this man being indisputably great, his deportment was more + diligently marked, and copiously commented on by us, than you, perhaps, + will think the circumstances warranted. Not a gesture, or glance, or + accent, that was not, in our private assemblies, discussed, and inferences + deduced from it. It may well be thought that he modelled his behaviour by + an uncommon standard, when, with all our opportunities and accuracy of + observation, we were able, for a long time, to gather no satisfactory + information. He afforded us no ground on which to build even a plausible + conjecture. + </p> + <p> + There is a degree of familiarity which takes place between constant + associates, that justifies the negligence of many rules of which, in an + earlier period of their intercourse, politeness requires the exact + observance. Inquiries into our condition are allowable when they are + prompted by a disinterested concern for our welfare; and this solicitude + is not only pardonable, but may justly be demanded from those who chuse us + for their companions. This state of things was more slow to arrive on this + occasion than on most others, on account of the gravity and loftiness of + this man's behaviour. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel, however, began, at length, to employ regular means for this end. + He occasionally alluded to the circumstances in which they had formerly + met, and remarked the incongruousness between the religion and habits of a + Spaniard, with those of a native of Britain. He expressed his astonishment + at meeting our guest in this corner of the globe, especially as, when they + parted in Spain, he was taught to believe that Carwin should never leave + that country. He insinuated, that a change so great must have been + prompted by motives of a singular and momentous kind. + </p> + <p> + No answer, or an answer wide of the purpose, was generally made to these + insinuations. Britons and Spaniards, he said, are votaries of the same + Deity, and square their faith by the same precepts; their ideas are drawn + from the same fountains of literature, and they speak dialects of the same + tongue; their government and laws have more resemblances than differences; + they were formerly provinces of the same civil, and till lately, of the + same religious, Empire. + </p> + <p> + As to the motives which induce men to change the place of their abode, + these must unavoidably be fleeting and mutable. If not bound to one spot + by conjugal or parental ties, or by the nature of that employment to which + we are indebted for subsistence, the inducements to change are far more + numerous and powerful, than opposite inducements. + </p> + <p> + He spoke as if desirous of shewing that he was not aware of the tendency + of Pleyel's remarks; yet, certain tokens were apparent, that proved him by + no means wanting in penetration. These tokens were to be read in his + countenance, and not in his words. When any thing was said, indicating + curiosity in us, the gloom of his countenance was deepened, his eyes sunk + to the ground, and his wonted air was not resumed without visible + struggle. Hence, it was obvious to infer, that some incidents of his life + were reflected on by him with regret; and that, since these incidents were + carefully concealed, and even that regret which flowed from them + laboriously stifled, they had not been merely disastrous. The secrecy that + was observed appeared not designed to provoke or baffle the inquisitive, + but was prompted by the shame, or by the prudence of guilt. + </p> + <p> + These ideas, which were adopted by Pleyel and my brother, as well as + myself, hindered us from employing more direct means for accomplishing our + wishes. Questions might have been put in such terms, that no room should + be left for the pretence of misapprehension, and if modesty merely had + been the obstacle, such questions would not have been wanting; but we + considered, that, if the disclosure were productive of pain or disgrace, + it was inhuman to extort it. + </p> + <p> + Amidst the various topics that were discussed in his presence, allusions + were, of course, made to the inexplicable events that had lately happened. + At those times, the words and looks of this man were objects of my + particular attention. The subject was extraordinary; and any one whose + experience or reflections could throw any light upon it, was entitled to + my gratitude. As this man was enlightened by reading and travel, I + listened with eagerness to the remarks which he should make. + </p> + <p> + At first, I entertained a kind of apprehension, that the tale would be + heard by him with incredulity and secret ridicule. I had formerly heard + stories that resembled this in some of their mysterious circumstances, but + they were, commonly, heard by me with contempt. I was doubtful, whether + the same impression would not now be made on the mind of our guest; but I + was mistaken in my fears. + </p> + <p> + He heard them with seriousness, and without any marks either of surprize + or incredulity. He pursued, with visible pleasure, that kind of + disquisition which was naturally suggested by them. His fancy was + eminently vigorous and prolific, and if he did not persuade us, that human + beings are, sometimes, admitted to a sensible intercourse with the author + of nature, he, at least, won over our inclination to the cause. He merely + deduced, from his own reasonings, that such intercourse was probable; but + confessed that, though he was acquainted with many instances somewhat + similar to those which had been related by us, none of them were perfectly + exempted from the suspicion of human agency. + </p> + <p> + On being requested to relate these instances, he amused us with many + curious details. His narratives were constructed with so much skill, and + rehearsed with so much energy, that all the effects of a dramatic + exhibition were frequently produced by them. Those that were most coherent + and most minute, and, of consequence, least entitled to credit, were yet + rendered probable by the exquisite art of this rhetorician. For every + difficulty that was suggested, a ready and plausible solution was + furnished. Mysterious voices had always a share in producing the + catastrophe, but they were always to be explained on some known + principles, either as reflected into a focus, or communicated through a + tube. I could not but remark that his narratives, however complex or + marvellous, contained no instance sufficiently parallel to those that had + befallen ourselves, and in which the solution was applicable to our own + case. + </p> + <p> + My brother was a much more sanguine reasoner than our guest. Even in some + of the facts which were related by Carwin, he maintained the probability + of celestial interference, when the latter was disposed to deny it, and + had found, as he imagined, footsteps of an human agent. Pleyel was by no + means equally credulous. He scrupled not to deny faith to any testimony + but that of his senses, and allowed the facts which had lately been + supported by this testimony, not to mould his belief, but merely to give + birth to doubts. + </p> + <p> + It was soon observed that Carwin adopted, in some degree, a similar + distinction. A tale of this kind, related by others, he would believe, + provided it was explicable upon known principles; but that such notices + were actually communicated by beings of an higher order, he would believe + only when his own ears were assailed in a manner which could not be + otherwise accounted for. Civility forbad him to contradict my brother or + myself, but his understanding refused to acquiesce in our testimony. + Besides, he was disposed to question whether the voices heard in the + temple, at the foot of the hill, and in my closet, were not really uttered + by human organs. On this supposition he was desired to explain how the + effect was produced. + </p> + <p> + He answered, that the power of mimickry was very common. Catharine's voice + might easily be imitated by one at the foot of the hill, who would find no + difficulty in eluding, by flight, the search of Wieland. The tidings of + the death of the Saxon lady were uttered by one near at hand, who + overheard the conversation, who conjectured her death, and whose + conjecture happened to accord with the truth. That the voice appeared to + come from the cieling was to be considered as an illusion of the fancy. + The cry for help, heard in the hall on the night of my adventure, was to + be ascribed to an human creature, who actually stood in the hall when he + uttered it. It was of no moment, he said, that we could not explain by + what motives he that made the signal was led hither. How imperfectly + acquainted were we with the condition and designs of the beings that + surrounded us? The city was near at hand, and thousands might there exist + whose powers and purposes might easily explain whatever was mysterious in + this transaction. As to the closet dialogue, he was obliged to adopt one + of two suppositions, and affirm either that it was fashioned in my own + fancy, or that it actually took place between two persons in the closet. + </p> + <p> + Such was Carwin's mode of explaining these appearances. It is such, + perhaps, as would commend itself as most plausible to the most sagacious + minds, but it was insufficient to impart conviction to us. As to the + treason that was meditated against me, it was doubtless just to conclude + that it was either real or imaginary; but that it was real was attested by + the mysterious warning in the summer-house, the secret of which I had + hitherto locked up in my own breast. + </p> + <p> + A month passed away in this kind of intercourse. As to Carwin, our + ignorance was in no degree enlightened respecting his genuine character + and views. Appearances were uniform. No man possessed a larger store of + knowledge, or a greater degree of skill in the communication of it to + others; Hence he was regarded as an inestimable addition to our society. + Considering the distance of my brother's house from the city, he was + frequently prevailed upon to pass the night where he spent the evening. + Two days seldom elapsed without a visit from him; hence he was regarded as + a kind of inmate of the house. He entered and departed without ceremony. + When he arrived he received an unaffected welcome, and when he chose to + retire, no importunities were used to induce him to remain. + </p> + <p> + The temple was the principal scene of our social enjoyments; yet the + felicity that we tasted when assembled in this asylum, was but the gleam + of a former sun-shine. Carwin never parted with his gravity. The + inscrutableness of his character, and the uncertainty whether his + fellowship tended to good or to evil, were seldom absent from our minds. + This circumstance powerfully contributed to sadden us. + </p> + <p> + My heart was the seat of growing disquietudes. This change in one who had + formerly been characterized by all the exuberances of soul, could not fail + to be remarked by my friends. My brother was always a pattern of + solemnity. My sister was clay, moulded by the circumstances in which she + happened to be placed. There was but one whose deportment remains to be + described as being of importance to our happiness. Had Pleyel likewise + dismissed his vivacity? + </p> + <p> + He was as whimsical and jestful as ever, but he was not happy. The truth, + in this respect, was of too much importance to me not to make me a + vigilant observer. His mirth was easily perceived to be the fruit of + exertion. When his thoughts wandered from the company, an air of + dissatisfaction and impatience stole across his features. Even the + punctuality and frequency of his visits were somewhat lessened. It may be + supposed that my own uneasiness was heightened by these tokens; but, + strange as it may seem, I found, in the present state of my mind, no + relief but in the persuasion that Pleyel was unhappy. + </p> + <p> + That unhappiness, indeed, depended, for its value in my eyes, on the cause + that produced it. It did not arise from the death of the Saxon lady: it + was not a contagious emanation from the countenances of Wieland or Carwin. + There was but one other source whence it could flow. A nameless ecstacy + thrilled through my frame when any new proof occurred that the + ambiguousness of my behaviour was the cause. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IX + </h2> + <p> + My brother had received a new book from Germany. It was a tragedy, and the + first attempt of a Saxon poet, of whom my brother had been taught to + entertain the highest expectations. The exploits of Zisca, the Bohemian + hero, were woven into a dramatic series and connection. According to + German custom, it was minute and diffuse, and dictated by an adventurous + and lawless fancy. It was a chain of audacious acts, and unheard-of + disasters. The moated fortress, and the thicket; the ambush and the + battle; and the conflict of headlong passions, were pourtrayed in wild + numbers, and with terrific energy. An afternoon was set apart to rehearse + this performance. The language was familiar to all of us but Carwin, whose + company, therefore, was tacitly dispensed with. + </p> + <p> + The morning previous to this intended rehearsal, I spent at home. My mind + was occupied with reflections relative to my own situation. The sentiment + which lived with chief energy in my heart, was connected with the image of + Pleyel. In the midst of my anguish, I had not been destitute of + consolation. His late deportment had given spring to my hopes. Was not the + hour at hand, which should render me the happiest of human creatures? He + suspected that I looked with favorable eyes upon Carwin. Hence arose + disquietudes, which he struggled in vain to conceal. He loved me, but was + hopeless that his love would be compensated. Is it not time, said I, to + rectify this error? But by what means is this to be effected? It can only + be done by a change of deportment in me; but how must I demean myself for + this purpose? + </p> + <p> + I must not speak. Neither eyes, nor lips, must impart the information. He + must not be assured that my heart is his, previous to the tender of his + own; but he must be convinced that it has not been given to another; he + must be supplied with space whereon to build a doubt as to the true state + of my affections; he must be prompted to avow himself. The line of + delicate propriety; how hard it is, not to fall short, and not to overleap + it! + </p> + <p> + This afternoon we shall meet at the temple. We shall not separate till + late. It will be his province to accompany me home. The airy expanse is + without a speck. This breeze is usually stedfast, and its promise of a + bland and cloudless evening, may be trusted. The moon will rise at eleven, + and at that hour, we shall wind along this bank. Possibly that hour may + decide my fate. If suitable encouragement be given, Pleyel will reveal his + soul to me; and I, ere I reach this threshold, will be made the happiest + of beings. And is this good to be mine? Add wings to thy speed, sweet + evening; and thou, moon, I charge thee, shroud thy beams at the moment + when my Pleyel whispers love. I would not for the world, that the burning + blushes, and the mounting raptures of that moment, should be visible. + </p> + <p> + But what encouragement is wanting? I must be regardful of insurmountable + limits. Yet when minds are imbued with a genuine sympathy, are not words + and looks superfluous? Are not motion and touch sufficient to impart + feelings such as mine? Has he not eyed me at moments, when the pressure of + his hand has thrown me into tumults, and was it possible that he mistook + the impetuosities of love, for the eloquence of indignation? + </p> + <p> + But the hastening evening will decide. Would it were come! And yet I + shudder at its near approach. An interview that must thus terminate, is + surely to be wished for by me; and yet it is not without its terrors. + Would to heaven it were come and gone! + </p> + <p> + I feel no reluctance, my friends to be thus explicit. Time was, when these + emotions would be hidden with immeasurable solicitude, from every human + eye. Alas! these airy and fleeting impulses of shame are gone. My scruples + were preposterous and criminal. They are bred in all hearts, by a perverse + and vicious education, and they would still have maintained their place in + my heart, had not my portion been set in misery. My errors have taught me + thus much wisdom; that those sentiments which we ought not to disclose, it + is criminal to harbour. + </p> + <p> + It was proposed to begin the rehearsal at four o'clock; I counted the + minutes as they passed; their flight was at once too rapid and too slow; + my sensations were of an excruciating kind; I could taste no food, nor + apply to any task, nor enjoy a moment's repose: when the hour arrived, I + hastened to my brother's. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel was not there. He had not yet come. On ordinary occasions, he was + eminent for punctuality. He had testified great eagerness to share in the + pleasures of this rehearsal. He was to divide the task with my brother, + and, in tasks like these, he always engaged with peculiar zeal. His + elocution was less sweet than sonorous; and, therefore, better adapted + than the mellifluences of his friend, to the outrageous vehemence of this + drama. + </p> + <p> + What could detain him? Perhaps he lingered through forgetfulness. Yet this + was incredible. Never had his memory been known to fail upon even more + trivial occasions. Not less impossible was it, that the scheme had lost + its attractions, and that he staid, because his coming would afford him no + gratification. But why should we expect him to adhere to the minute? + </p> + <p> + An half hour elapsed, but Pleyel was still at a distance. Perhaps he had + misunderstood the hour which had been proposed. Perhaps he had conceived + that to-morrow, and not to-day, had been selected for this purpose: but + no. A review of preceding circumstances demonstrated that such + misapprehension was impossible; for he had himself proposed this day, and + this hour. This day, his attention would not otherwise be occupied; but + to-morrow, an indispensible engagement was foreseen, by which all his time + would be engrossed: his detention, therefore, must be owing to some + unforeseen and extraordinary event. Our conjectures were vague, + tumultuous, and sometimes fearful. His sickness and his death might + possibly have detained him. + </p> + <p> + Tortured with suspense, we sat gazing at each other, and at the path which + led from the road. Every horseman that passed was, for a moment, imagined + to be him. Hour succeeded hour, and the sun, gradually declining, at + length, disappeared. Every signal of his coming proved fallacious, and our + hopes were at length dismissed. His absence affected my friends in no + insupportable degree. They should be obliged, they said, to defer this + undertaking till the morrow; and, perhaps, their impatient curiosity would + compel them to dispense entirely with his presence. No doubt, some + harmless occurrence had diverted him from his purpose; and they trusted + that they should receive a satisfactory account of him in the morning. + </p> + <p> + It may be supposed that this disappointment affected me in a very + different manner. I turned aside my head to conceal my tears. I fled into + solitude, to give vent to my reproaches, without interruption or + restraint. My heart was ready to burst with indignation and grief. Pleyel + was not the only object of my keen but unjust upbraiding. Deeply did I + execrate my own folly. Thus fallen into ruins was the gay fabric which I + had reared! Thus had my golden vision melted into air! + </p> + <p> + How fondly did I dream that Pleyel was a lover! If he were, would he have + suffered any obstacle to hinder his coming? Blind and infatuated man! I + exclaimed. Thou sportest with happiness. The good that is offered thee, + thou hast the insolence and folly to refuse. Well, I will henceforth + intrust my felicity to no one's keeping but my own. + </p> + <p> + The first agonies of this disappointment would not allow me to be + reasonable or just. Every ground on which I had built the persuasion that + Pleyel was not unimpressed in my favor, appeared to vanish. It seemed as + if I had been misled into this opinion, by the most palpable illusions. + </p> + <p> + I made some trifling excuse, and returned, much earlier than I expected, + to my own house. I retired early to my chamber, without designing to + sleep. I placed myself at a window, and gave the reins to reflection. + </p> + <p> + The hateful and degrading impulses which had lately controuled me were, in + some degree, removed. New dejection succeeded, but was now produced by + contemplating my late behaviour. Surely that passion is worthy to be + abhorred which obscures our understanding, and urges us to the commission + of injustice. What right had I to expect his attendance? Had I not + demeaned myself like one indifferent to his happiness, and as having + bestowed my regards upon another? His absence might be prompted by the + love which I considered his absence as a proof that he wanted. He came not + because the sight of me, the spectacle of my coldness or aversion, + contributed to his despair. Why should I prolong, by hypocrisy or silence, + his misery as well as my own? Why not deal with him explicitly, and assure + him of the truth? + </p> + <p> + You will hardly believe that, in obedience to this suggestion, I rose for + the purpose of ordering a light, that I might instantly make this + confession in a letter. A second thought shewed me the rashness of this + scheme, and I wondered by what infirmity of mind I could be betrayed into + a momentary approbation of it. I saw with the utmost clearness that a + confession like that would be the most remediless and unpardonable outrage + upon the dignity of my sex, and utterly unworthy of that passion which + controuled me. + </p> + <p> + I resumed my seat and my musing. To account for the absence of Pleyel + became once more the scope of my conjectures. How many incidents might + occur to raise an insuperable impediment in his way? When I was a child, a + scheme of pleasure, in which he and his sister were parties, had been, in + like manner, frustrated by his absence; but his absence, in that instance, + had been occasioned by his falling from a boat into the river, in + consequence of which he had run the most imminent hazard of being drowned. + Here was a second disappointment endured by the same persons, and produced + by his failure. Might it not originate in the same cause? Had he not + designed to cross the river that morning to make some necessary purchases + in Jersey? He had preconcerted to return to his own house to dinner; but, + perhaps, some disaster had befallen him. Experience had taught me the + insecurity of a canoe, and that was the only kind of boat which Pleyel + used: I was, likewise, actuated by an hereditary dread of water. These + circumstances combined to bestow considerable plausibility on this + conjecture; but the consternation with which I began to be seized was + allayed by reflecting, that if this disaster had happened my brother would + have received the speediest information of it. The consolation which this + idea imparted was ravished from me by a new thought. This disaster might + have happened, and his family not be apprized of it. The first + intelligence of his fate may be communicated by the livid corpse which the + tide may cast, many days hence, upon the shore. + </p> + <p> + Thus was I distressed by opposite conjectures: thus was I tormented by + phantoms of my own creation. It was not always thus. I can ascertain the + date when my mind became the victim of this imbecility; perhaps it was + coeval with the inroad of a fatal passion; a passion that will never rank + me in the number of its eulogists; it was alone sufficient to the + extermination of my peace: it was itself a plenteous source of calamity, + and needed not the concurrence of other evils to take away the attractions + of existence, and dig for me an untimely grave. + </p> + <p> + The state of my mind naturally introduced a train of reflections upon the + dangers and cares which inevitably beset an human being. By no violent + transition was I led to ponder on the turbulent life and mysterious end of + my father. I cherished, with the utmost veneration, the memory of this + man, and every relique connected with his fate was preserved with the most + scrupulous care. Among these was to be numbered a manuscript, containing + memoirs of his own life. The narrative was by no means recommended by its + eloquence; but neither did all its value flow from my relationship to the + author. Its stile had an unaffected and picturesque simplicity. The great + variety and circumstantial display of the incidents, together with their + intrinsic importance, as descriptive of human manners and passions, made + it the most useful book in my collection. It was late; but being sensible + of no inclination to sleep, I resolved to betake myself to the perusal of + it. + </p> + <p> + To do this it was requisite to procure a light. The girl had long since + retired to her chamber: it was therefore proper to wait upon myself. A + lamp, and the means of lighting it, were only to be found in the kitchen. + Thither I resolved forthwith to repair; but the light was of use merely to + enable me to read the book. I knew the shelf and the spot where it stood. + Whether I took down the book, or prepared the lamp in the first place, + appeared to be a matter of no moment. The latter was preferred, and, + leaving my seat, I approached the closet in which, as I mentioned + formerly, my books and papers were deposited. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the remembrance of what had lately passed in this closet + occurred. Whether midnight was approaching, or had passed, I knew not. I + was, as then, alone, and defenceless. The wind was in that direction in + which, aided by the deathlike repose of nature, it brought to me the + murmur of the water-fall. This was mingled with that solemn and enchanting + sound, which a breeze produces among the leaves of pines. The words of + that mysterious dialogue, their fearful import, and the wild excess to + which I was transported by my terrors, filled my imagination anew. My + steps faultered, and I stood a moment to recover myself. + </p> + <p> + I prevailed on myself at length to move towards the closet. I touched the + lock, but my fingers were powerless; I was visited afresh by unconquerable + apprehensions. A sort of belief darted into my mind, that some being was + concealed within, whose purposes were evil. I began to contend with those + fears, when it occurred to me that I might, without impropriety, go for a + lamp previously to opening the closet. I receded a few steps; but before I + reached my chamber door my thoughts took a new direction. Motion seemed to + produce a mechanical influence upon me. I was ashamed of my weakness. + Besides, what aid could be afforded me by a lamp? + </p> + <p> + My fears had pictured to themselves no precise object. It would be + difficult to depict, in words, the ingredients and hues of that phantom + which haunted me. An hand invisible and of preternatural strength, lifted + by human passions, and selecting my life for its aim, were parts of this + terrific image. All places were alike accessible to this foe, or if his + empire were restricted by local bounds, those bounds were utterly + inscrutable by me. But had I not been told by some one in league with this + enemy, that every place but the recess in the bank was exempt from danger? + I returned to the closet, and once more put my hand upon the lock. O! may + my ears lose their sensibility, ere they be again assailed by a shriek so + terrible! Not merely my understanding was subdued by the sound: it acted + on my nerves like an edge of steel. It appeared to cut asunder the fibres + of my brain, and rack every joint with agony. + </p> + <p> + The cry, loud and piercing as it was, was nevertheless human. No + articulation was ever more distinct. The breath which accompanied it did + not fan my hair, yet did every circumstance combine to persuade me that + the lips which uttered it touched my very shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "Hold! Hold!" were the words of this tremendous prohibition, in whose tone + the whole soul seemed to be wrapped up, and every energy converted into + eagerness and terror. + </p> + <p> + Shuddering, I dashed myself against the wall, and by the same involuntary + impulse, turned my face backward to examine the mysterious monitor. The + moon-light streamed into each window, and every corner of the room was + conspicuous, and yet I beheld nothing! + </p> + <p> + The interval was too brief to be artificially measured, between the + utterance of these words, and my scrutiny directed to the quarter whence + they came. Yet if a human being had been there, could he fail to have been + visible? Which of my senses was the prey of a fatal illusion? The shock + which the sound produced was still felt in every part of my frame. The + sound, therefore, could not but be a genuine commotion. But that I had + heard it, was not more true than that the being who uttered it was + stationed at my right ear; yet my attendant was invisible. + </p> + <p> + I cannot describe the state of my thoughts at that moment. Surprize had + mastered my faculties. My frame shook, and the vital current was + congealed. I was conscious only to the vehemence of my sensations. This + condition could not be lasting. Like a tide, which suddenly mounts to an + overwhelming height, and then gradually subsides, my confusion slowly gave + place to order, and my tumults to a calm. I was able to deliberate and + move. I resumed my feet, and advanced into the midst of the room. Upward, + and behind, and on each side, I threw penetrating glances. I was not + satisfied with one examination. He that hitherto refused to be seen, might + change his purpose, and on the next survey be clearly distinguishable. + </p> + <p> + Solitude imposes least restraint upon the fancy. Dark is less fertile of + images than the feeble lustre of the moon. I was alone, and the walls were + chequered by shadowy forms. As the moon passed behind a cloud and emerged, + these shadows seemed to be endowed with life, and to move. The apartment + was open to the breeze, and the curtain was occasionally blown from its + ordinary position. This motion was not unaccompanied with sound. I failed + not to snatch a look, and to listen when this motion and this sound + occurred. My belief that my monitor was posted near, was strong, and + instantly converted these appearances to tokens of his presence, and yet I + could discern nothing. + </p> + <p> + When my thoughts were at length permitted to revert to the past, the first + idea that occurred was the resemblance between the words of the voice + which I had just heard, and those which had terminated my dream in the + summer-house. There are means by which we are able to distinguish a + substance from a shadow, a reality from the phantom of a dream. The pit, + my brother beckoning me forward, the seizure of my arm, and the voice + behind, were surely imaginary. That these incidents were fashioned in my + sleep, is supported by the same indubitable evidence that compels me to + believe myself awake at present; yet the words and the voice were the + same. Then, by some inexplicable contrivance, I was aware of the danger, + while my actions and sensations were those of one wholly unacquainted with + it. Now, was it not equally true that my actions and persuasions were at + war? Had not the belief, that evil lurked in the closet, gained + admittance, and had not my actions betokened an unwarrantable security? To + obviate the effects of my infatuation, the same means had been used. + </p> + <p> + In my dream, he that tempted me to my destruction, was my brother. Death + was ambushed in my path. From what evil was I now rescued? What minister + or implement of ill was shut up in this recess? Who was it whose + suffocating grasp I was to feel, should I dare to enter it? What monstrous + conception is this? my brother! + </p> + <p> + No; protection, and not injury is his province. Strange and terrible + chimera! Yet it would not be suddenly dismissed. It was surely no vulgar + agency that gave this form to my fears. He to whom all parts of time are + equally present, whom no contingency approaches, was the author of that + spell which now seized upon me. Life was dear to me. No consideration was + present that enjoined me to relinquish it. Sacred duty combined with every + spontaneous sentiment to endear to me my being. Should I not shudder when + my being was endangered? But what emotion should possess me when the arm + lifted aginst me was Wieland's? + </p> + <p> + Ideas exist in our minds that can be accounted for by no established laws. + Why did I dream that my brother was my foe? Why but because an omen of my + fate was ordained to be communicated? Yet what salutary end did it serve? + Did it arm me with caution to elude, or fortitude to bear the evils to + which I was reserved? My present thoughts were, no doubt, indebted for + their hue to the similitude existing between these incidents and those of + my dream. Surely it was phrenzy that dictated my deed. That a ruffian was + hidden in the closet, was an idea, the genuine tendency of which was to + urge me to flight. Such had been the effect formerly produced. Had my mind + been simply occupied with this thought at present, no doubt, the same + impulse would have been experienced; but now it was my brother whom I was + irresistably persuaded to regard as the contriver of that ill of which I + had been forewarned. This persuasion did not extenuate my fears or my + danger. Why then did I again approach the closet and withdraw the bolt? My + resolution was instantly conceived, and executed without faultering. + </p> + <p> + The door was formed of light materials. The lock, of simple structure, + easily forewent its hold. It opened into the room, and commonly moved upon + its hinges, after being unfastened, without any effort of mine. This + effort, however, was bestowed upon the present occasion. It was my purpose + to open it with quickness, but the exertion which I made was ineffectual. + It refused to open. + </p> + <p> + At another time, this circumstance would not have looked with a face of + mystery. I should have supposed some casual obstruction, and repeated my + efforts to surmount it. But now my mind was accessible to no conjecture + but one. The door was hindered from opening by human force. Surely, here + was new cause for affright. This was confirmation proper to decide my + conduct. Now was all ground of hesitation taken away. What could be + supposed but that I deserted the chamber and the house? that I at least + endeavoured no longer to withdraw the door? + </p> + <p> + Have I not said that my actions were dictated by phrenzy? My reason had + forborne, for a time, to suggest or to sway my resolves. I reiterated my + endeavours. I exerted all my force to overcome the obstacle, but in vain. + The strength that was exerted to keep it shut, was superior to mine. + </p> + <p> + A casual observer might, perhaps, applaud the audaciousness of this + conduct. Whence, but from an habitual defiance of danger, could my + perseverance arise? I have already assigned, as distinctly as I am able, + the cause of it. The frantic conception that my brother was within, that + the resistance made to my design was exerted by him, had rooted itself in + my mind. You will comprehend the height of this infatuation, when I tell + you, that, finding all my exertions vain, I betook myself to exclamations. + Surely I was utterly bereft of understanding. + </p> + <p> + Now had I arrived at the crisis of my fate. "O! hinder not the door to + open," I exclaimed, in a tone that had less of fear than of grief in it. + "I know you well. Come forth, but harm me not. I beseech you come forth." + </p> + <p> + I had taken my hand from the lock, and removed to a small distance from + the door. I had scarcely uttered these words, when the door swung upon its + hinges, and displayed to my view the interior of the closet. Whoever was + within, was shrouded in darkness. A few seconds passed without + interruption of the silence. I knew not what to expect or to fear. My eyes + would not stray from the recess. Presently, a deep sigh was heard. The + quarter from which it came heightened the eagerness of my gaze. Some one + approached from the farther end. I quickly perceived the outlines of a + human figure. Its steps were irresolute and slow. I recoiled as it + advanced. + </p> + <p> + By coming at length within the verge of the room, his form was clearly + distinguishable. I had prefigured to myself a very different personage. + The face that presented itself was the last that I should desire to meet + at an hour, and in a place like this. My wonder was stifled by my fears. + Assassins had lurked in this recess. Some divine voice warned me of + danger, that at this moment awaited me. I had spurned the intimation, and + challenged my adversary. + </p> + <p> + I recalled the mysterious countenance and dubious character of Carwin. + What motive but atrocious ones could guide his steps hither? I was alone. + My habit suited the hour, and the place, and the warmth of the season. All + succour was remote. He had placed himself between me and the door. My + frame shook with the vehemence of my apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + Yet I was not wholly lost to myself: I vigilantly marked his demeanour. + His looks were grave, but not without perturbation. What species of + inquietude it betrayed, the light was not strong enough to enable me to + discover. He stood still; but his eyes wandered from one object to + another. When these powerful organs were fixed upon me, I shrunk into + myself. At length, he broke silence. Earnestness, and not embarrassment, + was in his tone. He advanced close to me while he spoke. + </p> + <p> + "What voice was that which lately addressed you?" + </p> + <p> + He paused for an answer; but observing my trepidation, he resumed, with + undiminished solemnity: "Be not terrified. Whoever he was, he hast done + you an important service. I need not ask you if it were the voice of a + companion. That sound was beyond the compass of human organs. The + knowledge that enabled him to tell you who was in the closet, was obtained + by incomprehensible means. + </p> + <p> + "You knew that Carwin was there. Were you not apprized of his intents? The + same power could impart the one as well as the other. Yet, knowing these, + you persisted. Audacious girl! but, perhaps, you confided in his + guardianship. Your confidence was just. With succour like this at hand you + may safely defy me. + </p> + <p> + "He is my eternal foe; the baffler of my best concerted schemes. Twice + have you been saved by his accursed interposition. But for him I should + long ere now have borne away the spoils of your honor." + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with greater stedfastness than before. I became every + moment more anxious for my safety. It was with difficulty I stammered out + an entreaty that he would instantly depart, or suffer me to do so. He paid + no regard to my request, but proceeded in a more impassioned manner. + </p> + <p> + "What is it you fear? Have I not told you, you are safe? Has not one in + whom you more reasonably place trust assured you of it? Even if I execute + my purpose, what injury is done? Your prejudices will call it by that + name, but it merits it not. I was impelled by a sentiment that does you + honor; a sentiment, that would sanctify my deed; but, whatever it be, you + are safe. Be this chimera still worshipped; I will do nothing to pollute + it." There he stopped. + </p> + <p> + The accents and gestures of this man left me drained of all courage. + Surely, on no other occasion should I have been thus pusillanimous. My + state I regarded as a hopeless one. I was wholly at the mercy of this + being. Whichever way I turned my eyes, I saw no avenue by which I might + escape. The resources of my personal strength, my ingenuity, and my + eloquence, I estimated at nothing. The dignity of virtue, and the force of + truth, I had been accustomed to celebrate; and had frequently vaunted of + the conquests which I should make with their assistance. + </p> + <p> + I used to suppose that certain evils could never befall a being in + possession of a sound mind; that true virtue supplies us with energy which + vice can never resist; that it was always in our power to obstruct, by his + own death, the designs of an enemy who aimed at less than our life. How + was it that a sentiment like despair had now invaded me, and that I + trusted to the protection of chance, or to the pity of my persecutor? + </p> + <p> + His words imparted some notion of the injury which he had meditated. He + talked of obstacles that had risen in his way. He had relinquished his + design. These sources supplied me with slender consolation. There was no + security but in his absence. When I looked at myself, when I reflected on + the hour and the place, I was overpowered by horror and dejection. + </p> + <p> + He was silent, museful, and inattentive to my situation, yet made no + motion to depart. I was silent in my turn. What could I say? I was + confident that reason in this contest would be impotent. I must owe my + safety to his own suggestions. Whatever purpose brought him hither, he had + changed it. Why then did he remain? His resolutions might fluctuate, and + the pause of a few minutes restore to him his first resolutions. + </p> + <p> + Yet was not this the man whom we had treated with unwearied kindness? + Whose society was endeared to us by his intellectual elevation and + accomplishments? Who had a thousand times expatiated on the usefulness and + beauty of virtue? Why should such a one be dreaded? If I could have + forgotten the circumstances in which our interview had taken place, I + might have treated his words as jests. Presently, he resumed: + </p> + <p> + "Fear me not: the space that severs us is small, and all visible succour + is distant. You believe yourself completely in my power; that you stand + upon the brink of ruin. Such are your groundless fears. I cannot lift a + finger to hurt you. Easier it would be to stop the moon in her course than + to injure you. The power that protects you would crumble my sinews, and + reduce me to a heap of ashes in a moment, if I were to harbour a thought + hostile to your safety. Thus are appearances at length solved. Little did + I expect that they originated hence. What a portion is assigned to you? + Scanned by the eyes of this intelligence, your path will be without pits + to swallow, or snares to entangle you. Environed by the arms of this + protection, all artifices will be frustrated, and all malice repelled." + </p> + <p> + Here succeeded a new pause. I was still observant of every gesture and + look. The tranquil solemnity that had lately possessed his countenance + gave way to a new expression. All now was trepidation and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + "I must be gone," said he in a faltering accent. "Why do I linger here? I + will not ask your forgiveness. I see that your terrors are invincible. + Your pardon will be extorted by fear, and not dictated by compassion. I + must fly from you forever. He that could plot against your honor, must + expect from you and your friends persecution and death. I must doom myself + to endless exile." + </p> + <p> + Saying this, he hastily left the room. I listened while he descended the + stairs, and, unbolting the outer door, went forth. I did not follow him + with my eyes, as the moon-light would have enabled me to do. Relieved by + his absence, and exhausted by the conflict of my fears, I threw myself on + a chair, and resigned myself to those bewildering ideas which incidents + like these could not fail to produce. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter X + </h2> + <p> + Order could not readily be introduced into my thoughts. The voice still + rung in my ears. Every accent that was uttered by Carwin was fresh in my + remembrance. His unwelcome approach, the recognition of his person, his + hasty departure, produced a complex impression on my mind which no words + can delineate. I strove to give a slower motion to my thoughts, and to + regulate a confusion which became painful; but my efforts were nugatory. I + covered my eyes with my hand, and sat, I know not how long, without power + to arrange or utter my conceptions. + </p> + <p> + I had remained for hours, as I believed, in absolute solitude. No thought + of personal danger had molested my tranquillity. I had made no preparation + for defence. What was it that suggested the design of perusing my father's + manuscript? If, instead of this, I had retired to bed, and to sleep, to + what fate might I not have been reserved? The ruffian, who must almost + have suppressed his breathing to screen himself from discovery, would have + noticed this signal, and I should have awakened only to perish with + affright, and to abhor myself. Could I have remained unconscious of my + danger? Could I have tranquilly slept in the midst of so deadly a snare? + </p> + <p> + And who was he that threatened to destroy me? By what means could he hide + himself in this closet? Surely he is gifted with supernatural power. Such + is the enemy of whose attempts I was forewarned. Daily I had seen him and + conversed with him. Nothing could be discerned through the impenetrable + veil of his duplicity. When busied in conjectures, as to the author of the + evil that was threatened, my mind did not light, for a moment, upon his + image. Yet has he not avowed himself my enemy? Why should he be here if he + had not meditated evil? + </p> + <p> + He confesses that this has been his second attempt. What was the scene of + his former conspiracy? Was it not he whose whispers betrayed him? Am I + deceived; or was there not a faint resemblance between the voice of this + man and that which talked of grasping my throat, and extinguishing my life + in a moment? Then he had a colleague in his crime; now he is alone. Then + death was the scope of his thoughts; now an injury unspeakably more + dreadful. How thankful should I be to the power that has interposed to + save me! + </p> + <p> + That power is invisible. It is subject to the cognizance of one of my + senses. What are the means that will inform me of what nature it is? He + has set himself to counterwork the machinations of this man, who had + menaced destruction to all that is dear to me, and whose cunning had + surmounted every human impediment. There was none to rescue me from his + grasp. My rashness even hastened the completion of his scheme, and + precluded him from the benefits of deliberation. I had robbed him of the + power to repent and forbear. Had I been apprized of the danger, I should + have regarded my conduct as the means of rendering my escape from it + impossible. Such, likewise, seem to have been the fears of my invisible + protector. Else why that startling intreaty to refrain from opening the + closet? By what inexplicable infatuation was I compelled to proceed? + </p> + <p> + Yet my conduct was wise. Carwin, unable to comprehend my folly, ascribed + my behaviour to my knowledge. He conceived himself previously detected, + and such detection being possible to flow only from MY heavenly friend, + and HIS enemy, his fears acquired additional strength. + </p> + <p> + He is apprized of the nature and intentions of this being. Perhaps he is a + human agent. Yet, on that supposition his atchievements are incredible. + Why should I be selected as the object of his care; or, if a mere mortal, + should I not recognize some one, whom, benefits imparted and received had + prompted to love me? What were the limits and duration of his + guardianship? Was the genius of my birth entrusted by divine benignity + with this province? Are human faculties adequate to receive stronger + proofs of the existence of unfettered and beneficent intelligences than I + have received? + </p> + <p> + But who was this man's coadjutor? The voice that acknowledged an alliance + in treachery with Carwin warned me to avoid the summer-house. He assured + me that there only my safety was endangered. His assurance, as it now + appears, was fallacious. Was there not deceit in his admonition? Was his + compact really annulled? Some purpose was, perhaps, to be accomplished by + preventing my future visits to that spot. Why was I enjoined silence to + others, on the subject of this admonition, unless it were for some + unauthorized and guilty purpose? + </p> + <p> + No one but myself was accustomed to visit it. Backward, it was hidden from + distant view by the rock, and in front, it was screened from all + examination, by creeping plants, and the branches of cedars. What recess + could be more propitious to secrecy? The spirit which haunted it formerly + was pure and rapturous. It was a fane sacred to the memory of infantile + days, and to blissful imaginations of the future! What a gloomy reverse + had succeeded since the ominous arrival of this stranger! Now, perhaps, it + is the scene of his meditations. Purposes fraught with horror, that shun + the light, and contemplate the pollution of innocence, are here + engendered, and fostered, and reared to maturity. + </p> + <p> + Such were the ideas that, during the night, were tumultuously revolved by + me. I reviewed every conversation in which Carwin had borne a part. I + studied to discover the true inferences deducible from his deportment and + words with regard to his former adventures and actual views. I pondered on + the comments which he made on the relation which I had given of the closet + dialogue. No new ideas suggested themselves in the course of this review. + My expectation had, from the first, been disappointed on the small degree + of surprize which this narrative excited in him. He never explicitly + declared his opinion as to the nature of those voices, or decided whether + they were real or visionary. He recommended no measures of caution or + prevention. + </p> + <p> + But what measures were now to be taken? Was the danger which threatened me + at an end? Had I nothing more to fear? I was lonely, and without means of + defence. I could not calculate the motives and regulate the footsteps of + this person. What certainty was there, that he would not re-assume his + purposes, and swiftly return to the execution of them? + </p> + <p> + This idea covered me once more with dismay. How deeply did I regret the + solitude in which I was placed, and how ardently did I desire the return + of day! But neither of these inconveniencies were susceptible of remedy. + At first, it occurred to me to summon my servant, and make her spend the + night in my chamber; but the inefficacy of this expedient to enhance my + safety was easily seen. Once I resolved to leave the house, and retire to + my brother's, but was deterred by reflecting on the unseasonableness of + the hour, on the alarm which my arrival, and the account which I should be + obliged to give, might occasion, and on the danger to which I might expose + myself in the way thither. I began, likewise, to consider Carwin's return + to molest me as exceedingly improbable. He had relinquished, of his own + accord, his design, and departed without compulsion. "Surely," said I, + "there is omnipotence in the cause that changed the views of a man like + Carwin. The divinity that shielded me from his attempts will take suitable + care of my future safety. Thus to yield to my fears is to deserve that + they should be real." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had I uttered these words, when my attention was startled by the + sound of footsteps. They denoted some one stepping into the piazza in + front of my house. My new-born confidence was extinguished in a moment. + Carwin, I thought, had repented his departure, and was hastily returning. + The possibility that his return was prompted by intentions consistent with + my safety, found no place in my mind. Images of violation and murder + assailed me anew, and the terrors which succeeded almost incapacitated me + from taking any measures for my defence. It was an impulse of which I was + scarcely conscious, that made me fasten the lock and draw the bolts of my + chamber door. Having done this, I threw myself on a seat; for I trembled + to a degree which disabled me from standing, and my soul was so perfectly + absorbed in the act of listening, that almost the vital motions were + stopped. + </p> + <p> + The door below creaked on its hinges. It was not again thrust to, but + appeared to remain open. Footsteps entered, traversed the entry, and began + to mount the stairs. How I detested the folly of not pursuing the man when + he withdrew, and bolting after him the outer door! Might he not conceive + this omission to be a proof that my angel had deserted me, and be thereby + fortified in guilt? + </p> + <p> + Every step on the stairs, which brought him nearer to my chamber, added + vigor to my desperation. The evil with which I was menaced was to be at + any rate eluded. How little did I preconceive the conduct which, in an + exigence like this, I should be prone to adopt. You will suppose that + deliberation and despair would have suggested the same course of action, + and that I should have, unhesitatingly, resorted to the best means of + personal defence within my power. A penknife lay open upon my table. I + remembered that it was there, and seized it. For what purpose you will + scarcely inquire. It will be immediately supposed that I meant it for my + last refuge, and that if all other means should fail, I should plunge it + into the heart of my ravisher. + </p> + <p> + I have lost all faith in the stedfastness of human resolves. It was thus + that in periods of calm I had determined to act. No cowardice had been + held by me in greater abhorrence than that which prompted an injured + female to destroy, not her injurer ere the injury was perpetrated, but + herself when it was without remedy. Yet now this penknife appeared to me + of no other use than to baffle my assailant, and prevent the crime by + destroying myself. To deliberate at such a time was impossible; but among + the tumultuous suggestions of the moment, I do not recollect that it once + occurred to me to use it as an instrument of direct defence. The steps had + now reached the second floor. Every footfall accelerated the completion, + without augmenting, the certainty of evil. The consciousness that the door + was fast, now that nothing but that was interposed between me and danger, + was a source of some consolation. I cast my eye towards the window. This, + likewise, was a new suggestion. If the door should give way, it was my + sudden resolution to throw myself from the window. Its height from the + ground, which was covered beneath by a brick pavement, would insure my + destruction; but I thought not of that. + </p> + <p> + When opposite to my door the footsteps ceased. Was he listening whether my + fears were allayed, and my caution were asleep? Did he hope to take me by + surprize? Yet, if so, why did he allow so many noisy signals to betray his + approach? Presently the steps were again heard to approach the door. An + hand was laid upon the lock, and the latch pulled back. Did he imagine it + possible that I should fail to secure the door? A slight effort was made + to push it open, as if all bolts being withdrawn, a slight effort only was + required. + </p> + <p> + I no sooner perceived this, than I moved swiftly towards the window. + Carwin's frame might be said to be all muscle. His strength and activity + had appeared, in various instances, to be prodigious. A slight exertion of + his force would demolish the door. Would not that exertion be made? Too + surely it would; but, at the same moment that this obstacle should yield, + and he should enter the apartment, my determination was formed to leap + from the window. My senses were still bound to this object. I gazed at the + door in momentary expectation that the assault would be made. The pause + continued. The person without was irresolute and motionless. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, it occurred to me that Carwin might conceive me to have fled. + That I had not betaken myself to flight was, indeed, the least probable of + all conclusions. In this persuasion he must have been confirmed on finding + the lower door unfastened, and the chamber door locked. Was it not wise to + foster this persuasion? Should I maintain deep silence, this, in addition + to other circumstances, might encourage the belief, and he would once more + depart. Every new reflection added plausibility to this reasoning. It was + presently more strongly enforced, when I noticed footsteps withdrawing + from the door. The blood once more flowed back to my heart, and a dawn of + exultation began to rise: but my joy was short lived. Instead of + descending the stairs, he passed to the door of the opposite chamber, + opened it, and having entered, shut it after him with a violence that + shook the house. + </p> + <p> + How was I to interpret this circumstance? For what end could he have + entered this chamber? Did the violence with which he closed the door + testify the depth of his vexation? This room was usually occupied by + Pleyel. Was Carwin aware of his absence on this night? Could he be + suspected of a design so sordid as pillage? If this were his view there + were no means in my power to frustrate it. It behoved me to seize the + first opportunity to escape; but if my escape were supposed by my enemy to + have been already effected, no asylum was more secure than the present. + How could my passage from the house be accomplished without noises that + might incite him to pursue me? + </p> + <p> + Utterly at a loss to account for his going into Pleyel's chamber, I waited + in instant expectation of hearing him come forth. All, however, was + profoundly still. I listened in vain for a considerable period, to catch + the sound of the door when it should again be opened. There was no other + avenue by which he could escape, but a door which led into the girl's + chamber. Would any evil from this quarter befall the girl? + </p> + <p> + Hence arose a new train of apprehensions. They merely added to the + turbulence and agony of my reflections. Whatever evil impended over her, I + had no power to avert it. Seclusion and silence were the only means of + saving myself from the perils of this fatal night. What solemn vows did I + put up, that if I should once more behold the light of day, I would never + trust myself again within the threshold of this dwelling! + </p> + <p> + Minute lingered after minute, but no token was given that Carwin had + returned to the passage. What, I again asked, could detain him in this + room? Was it possible that he had returned, and glided, unperceived, away? + I was speedily aware of the difficulty that attended an enterprize like + this; and yet, as if by that means I were capable of gaining any + information on that head, I cast anxious looks from the window. + </p> + <p> + The object that first attracted my attention was an human figure standing + on the edge of the bank. Perhaps my penetration was assisted by my hopes. + Be that as it will, the figure of Carwin was clearly distinguishable. From + the obscurity of my station, it was impossible that I should be discerned + by him, and yet he scarcely suffered me to catch a glimpse of him. He + turned and went down the steep, which, in this part, was not difficult to + be scaled. + </p> + <p> + My conjecture then had been right. Carwin has softly opened the door, + descended the stairs, and issued forth. That I should not have overheard + his steps, was only less incredible than that my eyes had deceived me. But + what was now to be done? The house was at length delivered from this + detested inmate. By one avenue might he again re-enter. Was it not wise to + bar the lower door? Perhaps he had gone out by the kitchen door. For this + end, he must have passed through Judith's chamber. These entrances being + closed and bolted, as great security was gained as was compatible with my + lonely condition. + </p> + <p> + The propriety of these measures was too manifest not to make me struggle + successfully with my fears. Yet I opened my own door with the utmost + caution, and descended as if I were afraid that Carwin had been still + immured in Pleyel's chamber. The outer door was a-jar. I shut, with + trembling eagerness, and drew every bolt that appended to it. I then + passed with light and less cautious steps through the parlour, but was + surprized to discover that the kitchen door was secure. I was compelled to + acquiesce in the first conjecture that Carwin had escaped through the + entry. + </p> + <p> + My heart was now somewhat eased of the load of apprehension. I returned + once more to my chamber, the door of which I was careful to lock. It was + no time to think of repose. The moon-light began already to fade before + the light of the day. The approach of morning was betokened by the usual + signals. I mused upon the events of this night, and determined to take up + my abode henceforth at my brother's. Whether I should inform him of what + had happened was a question which seemed to demand some consideration. My + safety unquestionably required that I should abandon my present + habitation. + </p> + <p> + As my thoughts began to flow with fewer impediments, the image of Pleyel, + and the dubiousness of his condition, again recurred to me. I again ran + over the possible causes of his absence on the preceding day. My mind was + attuned to melancholy. I dwelt, with an obstinacy for which I could not + account, on the idea of his death. I painted to myself his struggles with + the billows, and his last appearance. I imagined myself a midnight + wanderer on the shore, and to have stumbled on his corpse, which the tide + had cast up. These dreary images affected me even to tears. I endeavoured + not to restrain them. They imparted a relief which I had not anticipated. + The more copiously they flowed, the more did my general sensations appear + to subside into calm, and a certain restlessness give way to repose. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, relieved by this effusion, the slumber so much wanted might have + stolen on my senses, had there been no new cause of alarm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XI + </h2> + <p> + I was aroused from this stupor by sounds that evidently arose in the next + chamber. Was it possible that I had been mistaken in the figure which I + had seen on the bank? or had Carwin, by some inscrutable means, penetrated + once more into this chamber? The opposite door opened; footsteps came + forth, and the person, advancing to mine, knocked. + </p> + <p> + So unexpected an incident robbed me of all presence of mind, and, starting + up, I involuntarily exclaimed, "Who is there?" An answer was immediately + given. The voice, to my inexpressible astonishment, was Pleyel's. + </p> + <p> + "It is I. Have you risen? If you have not, make haste; I want three + minutes conversation with you in the parlour—I will wait for you + there." Saying this he retired from the door. + </p> + <p> + Should I confide in the testimony of my ears? If that were true, it was + Pleyel that had been hitherto immured in the opposite chamber: he whom my + rueful fancy had depicted in so many ruinous and ghastly shapes: he whose + footsteps had been listened to with such inquietude! What is man, that + knowledge is so sparingly conferred upon him! that his heart should be + wrung with distress, and his frame be exanimated with fear, though his + safety be encompassed with impregnable walls! What are the bounds of human + imbecility! He that warned me of the presence of my foe refused the + intimation by which so many racking fears would have been precluded. + </p> + <p> + Yet who would have imagined the arrival of Pleyel at such an hour? His + tone was desponding and anxious. Why this unseasonable summons? and why + this hasty departure? Some tidings he, perhaps, bears of mysterious and + unwelcome import. + </p> + <p> + My impatience would not allow me to consume much time in deliberation: I + hastened down. Pleyel I found standing at a window, with eyes cast down as + in meditation, and arms folded on his breast. Every line in his + countenance was pregnant with sorrow. To this was added a certain wanness + and air of fatigue. The last time I had seen him appearances had been the + reverse of these. I was startled at the change. The first impulse was to + question him as to the cause. This impulse was supplanted by some degree + of confusion, flowing from a consciousness that love had too large, and, + as it might prove, a perceptible share in creating this impulse. I was + silent. + </p> + <p> + Presently he raised his eyes and fixed them upon me. I read in them an + anguish altogether ineffable. Never had I witnessed a like demeanour in + Pleyel. Never, indeed, had I observed an human countenance in which grief + was more legibly inscribed. He seemed struggling for utterance; but his + struggles being fruitless, he shook his head and turned away from me. + </p> + <p> + My impatience would not allow me to be longer silent: "What," said I, "for + heaven's sake, my friend, what is the matter?" + </p> + <p> + He started at the sound of my voice. His looks, for a moment, became + convulsed with an emotion very different from grief. His accents were + broken with rage. + </p> + <p> + "The matter—O wretch!—thus exquisitely fashioned—on whom + nature seemed to have exhausted all her graces; with charms so awful and + so pure! how art thou fallen! From what height fallen! A ruin so complete—so + unheard of!" + </p> + <p> + His words were again choaked by emotion. Grief and pity were again mingled + in his features. He resumed, in a tone half suffocated by sobs: + </p> + <p> + "But why should I upbraid thee? Could I restore to thee what thou hast + lost; efface this cursed stain; snatch thee from the jaws of this fiend; I + would do it. Yet what will avail my efforts? I have not arms with which to + contend with so consummate, so frightful a depravity. + </p> + <p> + "Evidence less than this would only have excited resentment and scorn. The + wretch who should have breathed a suspicion injurious to thy honor, would + have been regarded without anger; not hatred or envy could have prompted + him; it would merely be an argument of madness. That my eyes, that my + ears, should bear witness to thy fall! By no other way could detestible + conviction be imparted. + </p> + <p> + "Why do I summon thee to this conference? Why expose myself to thy + derision? Here admonition and entreaty are vain. Thou knowest him already, + for a murderer and thief. I had thought to have been the first to disclose + to thee his infamy; to have warned thee of the pit to which thou art + hastening; but thy eyes are open in vain. O foul and insupportable + disgrace! + </p> + <p> + "There is but one path. I know you will disappear together. In thy ruin, + how will the felicity and honor of multitudes be involved! But it must + come. This scene shall not be blotted by his presence. No doubt thou wilt + shortly see thy detested paramour. This scene will be again polluted by a + midnight assignation. Inform him of his danger; tell him that his crimes + are known; let him fly far and instantly from this spot, if he desires to + avoid the fate which menaced him in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + "And wilt thou not stay behind?—But shame upon my weakness. I know + not what I would say.—I have done what I purposed. To stay longer, + to expostulate, to beseech, to enumerate the consequences of thy act—what + end can it serve but to blazon thy infamy and embitter our woes? And yet, + O think, think ere it be too late, on the distresses which thy flight will + entail upon us; on the base, grovelling, and atrocious character of the + wretch to whom thou hast sold thy honor. But what is this? Is not thy + effrontery impenetrable, and thy heart thoroughly cankered? O most + specious, and most profligate of women!" + </p> + <p> + Saying this, he rushed out of the house. I saw him in a few moments + hurrying along the path which led to my brother's. I had no power to + prevent his going, or to recall, or to follow him. The accents I had heard + were calculated to confound and bewilder. I looked around me to assure + myself that the scene was real. I moved that I might banish the doubt that + I was awake. Such enormous imputations from the mouth of Pleyel! To be + stigmatized with the names of wanton and profligate! To be charged with + the sacrifice of honor! with midnight meetings with a wretch known to be a + murderer and thief! with an intention to fly in his company! + </p> + <p> + What I had heard was surely the dictate of phrenzy, or it was built upon + some fatal, some incomprehensible mistake. After the horrors of the night; + after undergoing perils so imminent from this man, to be summoned to an + interview like this; to find Pleyel fraught with a belief that, instead of + having chosen death as a refuge from the violence of this man, I had + hugged his baseness to my heart, had sacrificed for him my purity, my + spotless name, my friendships, and my fortune! that even madness could + engender accusations like these was not to be believed. + </p> + <p> + What evidence could possibly suggest conceptions so wild? After the + unlooked-for interview with Carwin in my chamber, he retired. Could Pleyel + have observed his exit? It was not long after that Pleyel himself entered. + Did he build on this incident, his odious conclusions? Could the long + series of my actions and sentiments grant me no exemption from suspicions + so foul? Was it not more rational to infer that Carwin's designs had been + illicit; that my life had been endangered by the fury of one whom, by some + means, he had discovered to be an assassin and robber; that my honor had + been assailed, not by blandishments, but by violence? + </p> + <p> + He has judged me without hearing. He has drawn from dubious appearances, + conclusions the most improbable and unjust. He has loaded me with all + outrageous epithets. He has ranked me with prostitutes and thieves. I + cannot pardon thee, Pleyel, for this injustice. Thy understanding must be + hurt. If it be not, if thy conduct was sober and deliberate, I can never + forgive an outrage so unmanly, and so gross. + </p> + <p> + These thoughts gradually gave place to others. Pleyel was possessed by + some momentary phrenzy: appearances had led him into palpable errors. + Whence could his sagacity have contracted this blindness? Was it not love? + Previously assured of my affection for Carwin, distracted with grief and + jealousy, and impelled hither at that late hour by some unknown + instigation, his imagination transformed shadows into monsters, and + plunged him into these deplorable errors. + </p> + <p> + This idea was not unattended with consolation. My soul was divided between + indignation at his injustice, and delight on account of the source from + which I conceived it to spring. For a long time they would allow admission + to no other thoughts. Surprize is an emotion that enfeebles, not + invigorates. All my meditations were accompanied with wonder. I rambled + with vagueness, or clung to one image with an obstinacy which sufficiently + testified the maddening influence of late transactions. + </p> + <p> + Gradually I proceeded to reflect upon the consequences of Pleyel's + mistake, and on the measures I should take to guard myself against future + injury from Carwin. Should I suffer this mistake to be detected by time? + When his passion should subside, would he not perceive the flagrancy of + his injustice, and hasten to atone for it? Did it not become my character + to testify resentment for language and treatment so opprobrious? Wrapt up + in the consciousness of innocence, and confiding in the influence of time + and reflection to confute so groundless a charge, it was my province to be + passive and silent. + </p> + <p> + As to the violences meditated by Carwin, and the means of eluding them, + the path to be taken by me was obvious. I resolved to tell the tale to my + brother, and regulate myself by his advice. For this end, when the morning + was somewhat advanced, I took the way to his house. My sister was engaged + in her customary occupations. As soon as I appeared, she remarked a change + in my looks. I was not willing to alarm her by the information which I had + to communicate. Her health was in that condition which rendered a + disastrous tale particularly unsuitable. I forbore a direct answer to her + inquiries, and inquired, in my turn, for Wieland. + </p> + <p> + "Why," said she, "I suspect something mysterious and unpleasant has + happened this morning. Scarcely had we risen when Pleyel dropped among us. + What could have prompted him to make us so early and so unseasonable a + visit I cannot tell. To judge from the disorder of his dress, and his + countenance, something of an extraordinary nature has occurred. He + permitted me merely to know that he had slept none, nor even undressed, + during the past night. He took your brother to walk with him. Some topic + must have deeply engaged them, for Wieland did not return till the + breakfast hour was passed, and returned alone. His disturbance was + excessive; but he would not listen to my importunities, or tell me what + had happened. I gathered from hints which he let fall, that your situation + was, in some way, the cause: yet he assured me that you were at your own + house, alive, in good health, and in perfect safety. He scarcely ate a + morsel, and immediately after breakfast went out again. He would not + inform me whither he was going, but mentioned that he probably might not + return before night." + </p> + <p> + I was equally astonished and alarmed by this information. Pleyel had told + his tale to my brother, and had, by a plausible and exaggerated picture, + instilled into him unfavorable thoughts of me. Yet would not the more + correct judgment of Wieland perceive and expose the fallacy of his + conclusions? Perhaps his uneasiness might arise from some insight into the + character of Carwin, and from apprehensions for my safety. The appearances + by which Pleyel had been misled, might induce him likewise to believe that + I entertained an indiscreet, though not dishonorable affection for Carwin. + Such were the conjectures rapidly formed. I was inexpressibly anxious to + change them into certainty. For this end an interview with my brother was + desirable. He was gone, no one knew whither, and was not expected speedily + to return. I had no clue by which to trace his footsteps. + </p> + <p> + My anxieties could not be concealed from my sister. They heightened her + solicitude to be acquainted with the cause. There were many reasons + persuading me to silence: at least, till I had seen my brother, it would + be an act of inexcusable temerity to unfold what had lately passed. No + other expedient for eluding her importunities occurred to me, but that of + returning to my own house. I recollected my determination to become a + tenant of this roof. I mentioned it to her. She joyfully acceded to this + proposal, and suffered me, with less reluctance, to depart, when I told + her that it was with a view to collect and send to my new dwelling what + articles would be immediately useful to me. + </p> + <p> + Once more I returned to the house which had been the scene of so much + turbulence and danger. I was at no great distance from it when I observed + my brother coming out. On seeing me he stopped, and after ascertaining, as + it seemed, which way I was going, he returned into the house before me. I + sincerely rejoiced at this event, and I hastened to set things, if + possible, on their right footing. + </p> + <p> + His brow was by no means expressive of those vehement emotions with which + Pleyel had been agitated. I drew a favorable omen from this circumstance. + Without delay I began the conversation. + </p> + <p> + "I have been to look for you," said I, "but was told by Catharine that + Pleyel had engaged you on some important and disagreeable affair. Before + his interview with you he spent a few minutes with me. These minutes he + employed in upbraiding me for crimes and intentions with which I am by no + means chargeable. I believe him to have taken up his opinions on very + insufficient grounds. His behaviour was in the highest degree precipitate + and unjust, and, until I receive some atonement, I shall treat him, in my + turn, with that contempt which he justly merits: meanwhile I am fearful + that he has prejudiced my brother against me. That is an evil which I most + anxiously deprecate, and which I shall indeed exert myself to remove. Has + he made me the subject of this morning's conversation?" + </p> + <p> + My brother's countenance testified no surprize at my address. The + benignity of his looks were no wise diminished. + </p> + <p> + "It is true," said he, "your conduct was the subject of our discourse. I + am your friend, as well as your brother. There is no human being whom I + love with more tenderness, and whose welfare is nearer my heart. Judge + then with what emotions I listened to Pleyel's story. I expect and desire + you to vindicate yourself from aspersions so foul, if vindication be + possible." + </p> + <p> + The tone with which he uttered the last words affected me deeply. "If + vindication be possible!" repeated I. "From what you know, do you deem a + formal vindication necessary? Can you harbour for a moment the belief of + my guilt?" + </p> + <p> + He shook his head with an air of acute anguish. "I have struggled," said + he, "to dismiss that belief. You speak before a judge who will profit by + any pretence to acquit you: who is ready to question his own senses when + they plead against you." + </p> + <p> + These words incited a new set of thoughts in my mind. I began to suspect + that Pleyel had built his accusations on some foundation unknown to me. "I + may be a stranger to the grounds of your belief. Pleyel loaded me with + indecent and virulent invectives, but he withheld from me the facts that + generated his suspicions. Events took place last night of which some of + the circumstances were of an ambiguous nature. I conceived that these + might possibly have fallen under his cognizance, and that, viewed through + the mists of prejudice and passion, they supplied a pretence for his + conduct, but believed that your more unbiassed judgment would estimate + them at their just value. Perhaps his tale has been different from what I + suspect it to be. Listen then to my narrative. If there be any thing in + his story inconsistent with mine, his story is false." + </p> + <p> + I then proceeded to a circumstantial relation of the incidents of the last + night. Wieland listened with deep attention. Having finished, "This," + continued I, "is the truth; you see in what circumstances an interview + took place between Carwin and me. He remained for hours in my closet, and + for some minutes in my chamber. He departed without haste or interruption. + If Pleyel marked him as he left the house, and it is not impossible that + he did, inferences injurious to my character might suggest themselves to + him. In admitting them, he gave proofs of less discernment and less candor + than I once ascribed to him." + </p> + <p> + "His proofs," said Wieland, after a considerable pause, "are different. + That he should be deceived, is not possible. That he himself is not the + deceiver, could not be believed, if his testimony were not inconsistent + with yours; but the doubts which I entertained are now removed. Your tale, + some parts of it, is marvellous; the voice which exclaimed against your + rashness in approaching the closet, your persisting notwithstanding that + prohibition, your belief that I was the ruffian, and your subsequent + conduct, are believed by me, because I have known you from childhood, + because a thousand instances have attested your veracity, and because + nothing less than my own hearing and vision would convince me, in + opposition to her own assertions, that my sister had fallen into + wickedness like this." + </p> + <p> + I threw my arms around him, and bathed his cheek with my tears. "That," + said I, "is spoken like my brother. But what are the proofs?" + </p> + <p> + He replied—"Pleyel informed me that, in going to your house, his + attention was attracted by two voices. The persons speaking sat beneath + the bank out of sight. These persons, judging by their voices, were Carwin + and you. I will not repeat the dialogue. If my sister was the female, + Pleyel was justified in concluding you to be, indeed, one of the most + profligate of women. Hence, his accusations of you, and his efforts to + obtain my concurrence to a plan by which an eternal separation should be + brought about between my sister and this man." + </p> + <p> + I made Wieland repeat this recital. Here, indeed, was a tale to fill me + with terrible foreboding. I had vainly thought that my safety could be + sufficiently secured by doors and bars, but this is a foe from whose grasp + no power of divinity can save me! His artifices will ever lay my fame and + happiness at his mercy. How shall I counterwork his plots, or detect his + coadjutor? He has taught some vile and abandoned female to mimic my voice. + Pleyel's ears were the witnesses of my dishonor. This is the midnight + assignation to which he alluded. Thus is the silence he maintained when + attempting to open the door of my chamber, accounted for. He supposed me + absent, and meant, perhaps, had my apartment been accessible, to leave in + it some accusing memorial. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel was no longer equally culpable. The sincerity of his anguish, the + depth of his despair, I remembered with some tendencies to gratitude. Yet + was he not precipitate? Was the conjecture that my part was played by some + mimic so utterly untenable? Instances of this faculty are common. The + wickedness of Carwin must, in his opinion, have been adequate to such + contrivances, and yet the supposition of my guilt was adopted in + preference to that. + </p> + <p> + But how was this error to be unveiled? What but my own assertion had I to + throw in the balance against it? Would this be permitted to outweigh the + testimony of his senses? I had no witnesses to prove my existence in + another place. The real events of that night are marvellous. Few, to whom + they should be related, would scruple to discredit them. Pleyel is + sceptical in a transcendant degree. I cannot summon Carwin to my bar, and + make him the attestor of my innocence, and the accuser of himself. + </p> + <p> + My brother saw and comprehended my distress. He was unacquainted, however, + with the full extent of it. He knew not by how many motives I was incited + to retrieve the good opinion of Pleyel. He endeavored to console me. Some + new event, he said, would occur to disentangle the maze. He did not + question the influence of my eloquence, if I thought proper to exert it. + Why not seek an interview with Pleyel, and exact from him a minute + relation, in which something may be met with serving to destroy the + probability of the whole? + </p> + <p> + I caught, with eagerness, at this hope; but my alacrity was damped by new + reflections. Should I, perfect in this respect, and unblemished as I was, + thrust myself, uncalled, into his presence, and make my felicity depend + upon his arbitrary verdict? + </p> + <p> + "If you chuse to seek an interview," continued Wieland, "you must make + haste, for Pleyel informed me of his intention to set out this evening or + to-morrow on a long journey." + </p> + <p> + No intelligence was less expected or less welcome than this. I had thrown + myself in a window seat; but now, starting on my feet, I exclaimed, "Good + heavens! what is it you say? a journey? whither? when?" + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say whither. It is a sudden resolution I believe. I did not hear + of it till this morning. He promises to write to me as soon as he is + settled." + </p> + <p> + I needed no further information as to the cause and issue of this journey. + The scheme of happiness to which he had devoted his thoughts was blasted + by the discovery of last night. My preference of another, and my + unworthiness to be any longer the object of his adoration, were evinced by + the same act and in the same moment. The thought of utter desertion, a + desertion originating in such a cause, was the prelude to distraction. + That Pleyel should abandon me forever, because I was blind to his + excellence, because I coveted pollution, and wedded infamy, when, on the + contrary, my heart was the shrine of all purity, and beat only for his + sake, was a destiny which, as long as my life was in my own hands, I would + by no means consent to endure. + </p> + <p> + I remembered that this evil was still preventable; that this fatal journey + it was still in my power to procrastinate, or, perhaps, to occasion it to + be laid aside. There were no impediments to a visit: I only dreaded lest + the interview should be too long delayed. My brother befriended my + impatience, and readily consented to furnish me with a chaise and servant + to attend me. My purpose was to go immediately to Pleyel's farm, where his + engagements usually detained him during the day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XII + </h2> + <p> + My way lay through the city. I had scarcely entered it when I was seized + with a general sensation of sickness. Every object grew dim and swam + before my sight. It was with difficulty I prevented myself from sinking to + the bottom of the carriage. I ordered myself to be carried to Mrs. + Baynton's, in hope that an interval of repose would invigorate and refresh + me. My distracted thoughts would allow me but little rest. Growing + somewhat better in the afternoon, I resumed my journey. + </p> + <p> + My contemplations were limited to a few objects. I regarded my success, in + the purpose which I had in view, as considerably doubtful. I depended, in + some degree, on the suggestions of the moment, and on the materials which + Pleyel himself should furnish me. When I reflected on the nature of the + accusation, I burned with disdain. Would not truth, and the consciousness + of innocence, render me triumphant? Should I not cast from me, with + irresistible force, such atrocious imputations? + </p> + <p> + What an entire and mournful change has been effected in a few hours! The + gulf that separates man from insects is not wider than that which severs + the polluted from the chaste among women. Yesterday and to-day I am the + same. There is a degree of depravity to which it is impossible for me to + sink; yet, in the apprehension of another, my ancient and intimate + associate, the perpetual witness of my actions, and partaker of my + thoughts, I had ceased to be the same. My integrity was tarnished and + withered in his eyes. I was the colleague of a murderer, and the paramour + of a thief! + </p> + <p> + His opinion was not destitute of evidence: yet what proofs could + reasonably avail to establish an opinion like this? If the sentiments + corresponded not with the voice that was heard, the evidence was + deficient; but this want of correspondence would have been supposed by me + if I had been the auditor and Pleyel the criminal. But mimicry might still + more plausibly have been employed to explain the scene. Alas! it is the + fate of Clara Wieland to fall into the hands of a precipitate and + inexorable judge. + </p> + <p> + But what, O man of mischief! is the tendency of thy thoughts? Frustrated + in thy first design, thou wilt not forego the immolation of thy victim. To + exterminate my reputation was all that remained to thee, and this my + guardian has permitted. To dispossess Pleyel of this prejudice may be + impossible; but if that be effected, it cannot be supposed that thy wiles + are exhausted; thy cunning will discover innumerable avenues to the + accomplishment of thy malignant purpose. + </p> + <p> + Why should I enter the lists against thee? Would to heaven I could disarm + thy vengeance by my deprecations! When I think of all the resources with + which nature and education have supplied thee; that thy form is a + combination of steely fibres and organs of exquisite ductility and + boundless compass, actuated by an intelligence gifted with infinite + endowments, and comprehending all knowledge, I perceive that my doom is + fixed. What obstacle will be able to divert thy zeal or repel thy efforts? + That being who has hitherto protected me has borne testimony to the + formidableness of thy attempts, since nothing less than supernatural + interference could check thy career. + </p> + <p> + Musing on these thoughts, I arrived, towards the close of the day, at + Pleyel's house. A month before, I had traversed the same path; but how + different were my sensations! Now I was seeking the presence of one who + regarded me as the most degenerate of human kind. I was to plead the cause + of my innocence, against witnesses the most explicit and unerring, of + those which support the fabric of human knowledge. The nearer I approached + the crisis, the more did my confidence decay. When the chaise stopped at + the door, my strength refused to support me, and I threw myself into the + arms of an ancient female domestic. I had not courage to inquire whether + her master was at home. I was tormented with fears that the projected + journey was already undertaken. These fears were removed, by her asking me + whether she should call her young master, who had just gone into his own + room. I was somewhat revived by this intelligence, and resolved + immediately to seek him there. + </p> + <p> + In my confusion of mind, I neglected to knock at the door, but entered his + apartment without previous notice. This abruptness was altogether + involuntary. Absorbed in reflections of such unspeakable moment, I had no + leisure to heed the niceties of punctilio. I discovered him standing with + his back towards the entrance. A small trunk, with its lid raised, was + before him in which it seemed as if he had been busy in packing his + clothes. The moment of my entrance, he was employed in gazing at something + which he held in his hand. + </p> + <p> + I imagined that I fully comprehended this scene. The image which he held + before him, and by which his attention was so deeply engaged, I doubted + not to be my own. These preparations for his journey, the cause to which + it was to be imputed, the hopelessness of success in the undertaking on + which I had entered, rushed at once upon my feelings, and dissolved me + into a flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + Startled by this sound, he dropped the lid of the trunk and turned. The + solemn sadness that previously overspread his countenance, gave sudden way + to an attitude and look of the most vehement astonishment. Perceiving me + unable to uphold myself, he stepped towards me without speaking, and + supported me by his arm. The kindness of this action called forth a new + effusion from my eyes. Weeping was a solace to which, at that time, I had + not grown familiar, and which, therefore, was peculiarly delicious. + Indignation was no longer to be read in the features of my friend. They + were pregnant with a mixture of wonder and pity. Their expression was + easily interpreted. This visit, and these tears, were tokens of my + penitence. The wretch whom he had stigmatized as incurably and obdurately + wicked, now shewed herself susceptible of remorse, and had come to confess + her guilt. + </p> + <p> + This persuasion had no tendency to comfort me. It only shewed me, with new + evidence, the difficulty of the task which I had assigned myself. We were + mutually silent. I had less power and less inclination than ever to speak. + I extricated myself from his hold, and threw myself on a sofa. He placed + himself by my side, and appeared to wait with impatience and anxiety for + some beginning of the conversation. What could I say? If my mind had + suggested any thing suitable to the occasion, my utterance was suffocated + by tears. + </p> + <p> + Frequently he attempted to speak, but seemed deterred by some degree of + uncertainty as to the true nature of the scene. At length, in faltering + accents he spoke: + </p> + <p> + "My friend! would to heaven I were still permitted to call you by that + name. The image that I once adored existed only in my fancy; but though I + cannot hope to see it realized, you may not be totally insensible to the + horrors of that gulf into which you are about to plunge. What heart is + forever exempt from the goadings of compunction and the influx of laudable + propensities? + </p> + <p> + "I thought you accomplished and wise beyond the rest of women. Not a + sentiment you uttered, not a look you assumed, that were not, in my + apprehension, fraught with the sublimities of rectitude and the + illuminations of genius. Deceit has some bounds. Your education could not + be without influence. A vigorous understanding cannot be utterly devoid of + virtue; but you could not counterfeit the powers of invention and + reasoning. I was rash in my invectives. I will not, but with life, + relinquish all hopes of you. I will shut out every proof that would tell + me that your heart is incurably diseased. + </p> + <p> + "You come to restore me once more to happiness; to convince me that you + have torn her mask from vice, and feel nothing but abhorrence for the part + you have hitherto acted." + </p> + <p> + At these words my equanimity forsook me. For a moment I forgot the + evidence from which Pleyel's opinions were derived, the benevolence of his + remonstrances, and the grief which his accents bespoke; I was filled with + indignation and horror at charges so black; I shrunk back and darted at + him a look of disdain and anger. My passion supplied me with words. + </p> + <p> + "What detestable infatuation was it that led me hither! Why do I patiently + endure these horrible insults! My offences exist only in your own + distempered imagination: you are leagued with the traitor who assailed my + life: you have vowed the destruction of my peace and honor. I deserve + infamy for listening to calumnies so base!" + </p> + <p> + These words were heard by Pleyel without visible resentment. His + countenance relapsed into its former gloom; but he did not even look at + me. The ideas which had given place to my angry emotions returned, and + once more melted me into tears. "O!" I exclaimed, in a voice broken by + sobs, "what a task is mine! Compelled to hearken to charges which I feel + to be false, but which I know to be believed by him that utters them; + believed too not without evidence, which, though fallacious, is not + unplausible. + </p> + <p> + "I came hither not to confess, but to vindicate. I know the source of your + opinions. Wieland has informed me on what your suspicions are built. These + suspicions are fostered by you as certainties; the tenor of my life, of + all my conversations and letters, affords me no security; every sentiment + that my tongue and my pen have uttered, bear testimony to the rectitude of + my mind; but this testimony is rejected. I am condemned as brutally + profligate: I am classed with the stupidly and sordidly wicked. + </p> + <p> + "And where are the proofs that must justify so foul and so improbable an + accusation? You have overheard a midnight conference. Voices have saluted + your ear, in which you imagine yourself to have recognized mine, and that + of a detected villain. The sentiments expressed were not allowed to + outweigh the casual or concerted resemblance of voice. Sentiments the + reverse of all those whose influence my former life had attested, denoting + a mind polluted by grovelling vices, and entering into compact with that + of a thief and a murderer. The nature of these sentiments did not enable + you to detect the cheat, did not suggest to you the possibility that my + voice had been counterfeited by another. + </p> + <p> + "You were precipitate and prone to condemn. Instead of rushing on the + impostors, and comparing the evidence of sight with that of hearing, you + stood aloof, or you fled. My innocence would not now have stood in need of + vindication, if this conduct had been pursued. That you did not pursue it, + your present thoughts incontestibly prove. Yet this conduct might surely + have been expected from Pleyel. That he would not hastily impute the + blackest of crimes, that he would not couple my name with infamy, and + cover me with ruin for inadequate or slight reasons, might reasonably have + been expected." The sobs which convulsed my bosom would not suffer me to + proceed. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel was for a moment affected. He looked at me with some expression of + doubt; but this quickly gave place to a mournful solemnity. He fixed his + eyes on the floor as in reverie, and spoke: + </p> + <p> + "Two hours hence I am gone. Shall I carry away with me the sorrow that is + now my guest? or shall that sorrow be accumulated tenfold? What is she + that is now before me? Shall every hour supply me with new proofs of a + wickedness beyond example? Already I deem her the most abandoned and + detestable of human creatures. Her coming and her tears imparted a gleam + of hope, but that gleam has vanished." + </p> + <p> + He now fixed his eyes upon me, and every muscle in his face trembled. His + tone was hollow and terrible—"Thou knowest that I was a witness of + your interview, yet thou comest hither to upbraid me for injustice! Thou + canst look me in the face and say that I am deceived!—An inscrutable + providence has fashioned thee for some end. Thou wilt live, no doubt, to + fulfil the purposes of thy maker, if he repent not of his workmanship, and + send not his vengeance to exterminate thee, ere the measure of thy days be + full. Surely nothing in the shape of man can vie with thee! + </p> + <p> + "But I thought I had stifled this fury. I am not constituted thy judge. My + office is to pity and amend, and not to punish and revile. I deemed myself + exempt from all tempestuous passions. I had almost persuaded myself to + weep over thy fall; but I am frail as dust, and mutable as water; I am + calm, I am compassionate only in thy absence.—Make this house, this + room, thy abode as long as thou wilt, but forgive me if I prefer solitude + for the short time during which I shall stay." Saying this, he motioned as + if to leave the apartment. + </p> + <p> + The stormy passions of this man affected me by sympathy. I ceased to weep. + I was motionless and speechless with agony. I sat with my hands clasped, + mutely gazing after him as he withdrew. I desired to detain him, but was + unable to make any effort for that purpose, till he had passed out of the + room. I then uttered an involuntary and piercing cry—"Pleyel! Art + thou gone? Gone forever?" + </p> + <p> + At this summons he hastily returned. He beheld me wild, pale, gasping for + breath, and my head already sinking on my bosom. A painful dizziness + seized me, and I fainted away. + </p> + <p> + When I recovered, I found myself stretched on a bed in the outer + apartment, and Pleyel, with two female servants standing beside it. All + the fury and scorn which the countenance of the former lately expressed, + had now disappeared, and was succeeded by the most tender anxiety. As soon + as he perceived that my senses were returned to me, he clasped his hands, + and exclaimed, "God be thanked! you are once more alive. I had almost + despaired of your recovery. I fear I have been precipitate and unjust. My + senses must have been the victims of some inexplicable and momentary + phrenzy. Forgive me, I beseech you, forgive my reproaches. I would + purchase conviction of your purity, at the price of my existence here and + hereafter." + </p> + <p> + He once more, in a tone of the most fervent tenderness, besought me to be + composed, and then left me to the care of the women. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIII + </h2> + <p> + Here was wrought a surprizing change in my friend. What was it that had + shaken conviction so firm? Had any thing occurred during my fit, adequate + to produce so total an alteration? My attendants informed me that he had + not left my apartment; that the unusual duration of my fit, and the + failure, for a time, of all the means used for my recovery, had filled him + with grief and dismay. Did he regard the effect which his reproaches had + produced as a proof of my sincerity? + </p> + <p> + In this state of mind, I little regarded my languors of body. I rose and + requested an interview with him before my departure, on which I was + resolved, notwithstanding his earnest solicitation to spend the night at + his house. He complied with my request. The tenderness which he had lately + betrayed, had now disappeared, and he once more relapsed into a chilling + solemnity. + </p> + <p> + I told him that I was preparing to return to my brother's; that I had come + hither to vindicate my innocence from the foul aspersions which he had + cast upon it. My pride had not taken refuge in silence or distance. I had + not relied upon time, or the suggestion of his cooler thoughts, to confute + his charges. Conscious as I was that I was perfectly guiltless, and + entertaining some value for his good opinion, I could not prevail upon + myself to believe that my efforts to make my innocence manifest, would be + fruitless. Adverse appearances might be numerous and specious, but they + were unquestionably false. I was willing to believe him sincere, that he + made no charges which he himself did not believe; but these charges were + destitute of truth. The grounds of his opinion were fallacious; and I + desired an opportunity of detecting their fallacy. I entreated him to be + explicit, and to give me a detail of what he had heard, and what he had + seen. + </p> + <p> + At these words, my companion's countenance grew darker. He appeared to be + struggling with his rage. He opened his lips to speak, but his accents + died away ere they were formed. This conflict lasted for some minutes, but + his fortitude was finally successful. He spoke as follows: + </p> + <p> + "I would fain put an end to this hateful scene: what I shall say, will be + breath idly and unprofitably consumed. The clearest narrative will add + nothing to your present knowledge. You are acquainted with the grounds of + my opinion, and yet you avow yourself innocent: Why then should I rehearse + these grounds? You are apprized of the character of Carwin: Why then + should I enumerate the discoveries which I have made respecting him? Yet, + since it is your request; since, considering the limitedness of human + faculties, some error may possibly lurk in those appearances which I have + witnessed, I will briefly relate what I know. + </p> + <p> + "Need I dwell upon the impressions which your conversation and deportment + originally made upon me? We parted in childhood; but our intercourse, by + letter, was copious and uninterrupted. How fondly did I anticipate a + meeting with one whom her letters had previously taught me to consider as + the first of women, and how fully realized were the expectations that I + had formed! + </p> + <p> + "Here, said I, is a being, after whom sages may model their transcendent + intelligence, and painters, their ideal beauty. Here is exemplified, that + union between intellect and form, which has hitherto existed only in the + conceptions of the poet. I have watched your eyes; my attention has hung + upon your lips. I have questioned whether the enchantments of your voice + were more conspicuous in the intricacies of melody, or the emphasis of + rhetoric. I have marked the transitions of your discourse, the felicities + of your expression, your refined argumentation, and glowing imagery; and + been forced to acknowledge, that all delights were meagre and + contemptible, compared with those connected with the audience and sight of + you. I have contemplated your principles, and been astonished at the + solidity of their foundation, and the perfection of their structure. I + have traced you to your home. I have viewed you in relation to your + servants, to your family, to your neighbours, and to the world. I have + seen by what skilful arrangements you facilitate the performance of the + most arduous and complicated duties; what daily accessions of strength + your judicious discipline bestowed upon your memory; what correctness and + abundance of knowledge was daily experienced by your unwearied application + to books, and to writing. If she that possesses so much in the bloom of + youth, will go on accumulating her stores, what, said I, is the picture + she will display at a mature age? + </p> + <p> + "You know not the accuracy of my observation. I was desirous that others + should profit by an example so rare. I therefore noted down, in writing, + every particular of your conduct. I was anxious to benefit by an + opportunity so seldom afforded us. I laboured not to omit the slightest + shade, or the most petty line in your portrait. Here there was no other + task incumbent on me but to copy; there was no need to exaggerate or + overlook, in order to produce a more unexceptionable pattern. Here was a + combination of harmonies and graces, incapable of diminution or accession + without injury to its completeness. + </p> + <p> + "I found no end and no bounds to my task. No display of a scene like this + could be chargeable with redundancy or superfluity. Even the colour of a + shoe, the knot of a ribband, or your attitude in plucking a rose, were of + moment to be recorded. Even the arrangements of your breakfast-table and + your toilet have been amply displayed. + </p> + <p> + "I know that mankind are more easily enticed to virtue by example than by + precept. I know that the absoluteness of a model, when supplied by + invention, diminishes its salutary influence, since it is useless, we + think, to strive after that which we know to be beyond our reach. But the + picture which I drew was not a phantom; as a model, it was devoid of + imperfection; and to aspire to that height which had been really attained, + was by no means unreasonable. I had another and more interesting object in + view. One existed who claimed all my tenderness. Here, in all its parts, + was a model worthy of assiduous study, and indefatigable imitation. I + called upon her, as she wished to secure and enhance my esteem, to mould + her thoughts, her words, her countenance, her actions, by this pattern. + </p> + <p> + "The task was exuberant of pleasure, and I was deeply engaged in it, when + an imp of mischief was let loose in the form of Carwin. I admired his + powers and accomplishments. I did not wonder that they were admired by + you. On the rectitude of your judgement, however, I relied to keep this + admiration within discreet and scrupulous bounds. I assured myself, that + the strangeness of his deportment, and the obscurity of his life, would + teach you caution. Of all errors, my knowledge of your character informed + me that this was least likely to befall you. + </p> + <p> + "You were powerfully affected by his first appearance; you were bewitched + by his countenance and his tones; your description was ardent and + pathetic: I listened to you with some emotions of surprize. The portrait + you drew in his absence, and the intensity with which you mused upon it, + were new and unexpected incidents. They bespoke a sensibility somewhat too + vivid; but from which, while subjected to the guidance of an understanding + like yours, there was nothing to dread. + </p> + <p> + "A more direct intercourse took place between you. I need not apologize + for the solicitude which I entertained for your safety. He that gifted me + with perception of excellence, compelled me to love it. In the midst of + danger and pain, my contemplations have ever been cheered by your image. + Every object in competition with you, was worthless and trivial. No price + was too great by which your safety could be purchased. For that end, the + sacrifice of ease, of health, and even of life, would cheerfully have been + made by me. What wonder then, that I scrutinized the sentiments and + deportment of this man with ceaseless vigilance; that I watched your words + and your looks when he was present; and that I extracted cause for the + deepest inquietudes, from every token which you gave of having put your + happiness into this man's keeping? + </p> + <p> + "I was cautious in deciding. I recalled the various conversations in which + the topics of love and marriage had been discussed. As a woman, young, + beautiful, and independent, it behoved you to have fortified your mind + with just principles on this subject. Your principles were eminently just. + Had not their rectitude and their firmness been attested by your treatment + of that specious seducer Dashwood? These principles, I was prone to + believe, exempted you from danger in this new state of things. I was not + the last to pay my homage to the unrivalled capacity, insinuation, and + eloquence of this man. I have disguised, but could never stifle the + conviction, that his eyes and voice had a witchcraft in them, which + rendered him truly formidable: but I reflected on the ambiguous expression + of his countenance—an ambiguity which you were the first to remark; + on the cloud which obscured his character; and on the suspicious nature of + that concealment which he studied; and concluded you to be safe. I denied + the obvious construction to appearances. I referred your conduct to some + principle which had not been hitherto disclosed, but which was + reconcileable with those already known. + </p> + <p> + "I was not suffered to remain long in this suspence. One evening, you may + recollect, I came to your house, where it was my purpose, as usual, to + lodge, somewhat earlier than ordinary. I spied a light in your chamber as + I approached from the outside, and on inquiring of Judith, was informed + that you were writing. As your kinsman and friend, and fellow-lodger, I + thought I had a right to be familiar. You were in your chamber, but your + employment and the time were such as to make it no infraction of decorum + to follow you thither. The spirit of mischievous gaiety possessed me. I + proceeded on tiptoe. You did not perceive my entrance; and I advanced + softly till I was able to overlook your shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "I had gone thus far in error, and had no power to recede. How cautiously + should we guard against the first inroads of temptation! I knew that to + pry into your papers was criminal; but I reflected that no sentiment of + yours was of a nature which made it your interest to conceal it. You wrote + much more than you permitted your friends to peruse. My curiosity was + strong, and I had only to throw a glance upon the paper, to secure its + gratification. I should never have deliberately committed an act like + this. The slightest obstacle would have repelled me; but my eye glanced + almost spontaneously upon the paper. I caught only parts of sentences; but + my eyes comprehended more at a glance, because the characters were + short-hand. I lighted on the words SUMMER-HOUSE, MIDNIGHT, and made out a + passage which spoke of the propriety and of the effects to be expected + from ANOTHER interview. All this passed in less than a moment. I then + checked myself, and made myself known to you, by a tap upon your shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "I could pardon and account for some trifling alarm; but your trepidation + and blushes were excessive. You hurried the paper out of sight, and seemed + too anxious to discover whether I knew the contents to allow yourself to + make any inquiries. I wondered at these appearances of consternation, but + did not reason on them until I had retired. When alone, these incidents + suggested themselves to my reflections anew. + </p> + <p> + "To what scene, or what interview, I asked, did you allude? Your + disappearance on a former evening, my tracing you to the recess in the + bank, your silence on my first and second call, your vague answers and + invincible embarrassment, when you, at length, ascended the hill, I + recollected with new surprize. Could this be the summerhouse alluded to? A + certain timidity and consciousness had generally attended you, when this + incident and this recess had been the subjects of conversation. Nay, I + imagined that the last time that adventure was mentioned, which happened + in the presence of Carwin, the countenance of the latter betrayed some + emotion. Could the interview have been with him? + </p> + <p> + "This was an idea calculated to rouse every faculty to contemplation. An + interview at that hour, in this darksome retreat, with a man of this + mysterious but formidable character; a clandestine interview, and one + which you afterwards endeavoured with so much solicitude to conceal! It + was a fearful and portentous occurrence. I could not measure his power, or + fathom his designs. Had he rifled from you the secret of your love, and + reconciled you to concealment and noctural meetings? I scarcely ever spent + a night of more inquietude. + </p> + <p> + "I knew not how to act. The ascertainment of this man's character and + views seemed to be, in the first place, necessary. Had he openly preferred + his suit to you, we should have been impowered to make direct inquiries; + but since he had chosen this obscure path, it seemed reasonable to infer + that his character was exceptionable. It, at least, subjected us to the + necessity of resorting to other means of information. Yet the + improbability that you should commit a deed of such rashness, made me + reflect anew upon the insufficiency of those grounds on which my + suspicions had been built, and almost to condemn myself for harbouring + them. + </p> + <p> + "Though it was mere conjecture that the interview spoken of had taken + place with Carwin, yet two ideas occurred to involve me in the most + painful doubts. This man's reasonings might be so specious, and his + artifices so profound, that, aided by the passion which you had conceived + for him, he had finally succeeded; or his situation might be such as to + justify the secrecy which you maintained. In neither case did my wildest + reveries suggest to me, that your honor had been forfeited. + </p> + <p> + "I could not talk with you on this subject. If the imputation was false, + its atrociousness would have justly drawn upon me your resentment, and I + must have explained by what facts it had been suggested. If it were true, + no benefit would follow from the mention of it. You had chosen to conceal + it for some reasons, and whether these reasons were true or false, it was + proper to discover and remove them in the first place. Finally, I + acquiesced in the least painful supposition, trammelled as it was with + perplexities, that Carwin was upright, and that, if the reasons of your + silence were known, they would be found to be just." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIV + </h2> + <p> + "Three days have elapsed since this occurrence. I have been haunted by + perpetual inquietude. To bring myself to regard Carwin without terror, and + to acquiesce in the belief of your safety, was impossible. Yet to put an + end to my doubts, seemed to be impracticable. If some light could be + reflected on the actual situation of this man, a direct path would present + itself. If he were, contrary to the tenor of his conversation, cunning and + malignant, to apprize you of this, would be to place you in security. If + he were merely unfortunate and innocent, most readily would I espouse his + cause; and if his intentions were upright with regard to you, most eagerly + would I sanctify your choice by my approbation. + </p> + <p> + "It would be vain to call upon Carwin for an avowal of his deeds. It was + better to know nothing, than to be deceived by an artful tale. What he was + unwilling to communicate, and this unwillingness had been repeatedly + manifested, could never be extorted from him. Importunity might be + appeased, or imposture effected by fallacious representations. To the rest + of the world he was unknown. I had often made him the subject of + discourse; but a glimpse of his figure in the street was the sum of their + knowledge who knew most. None had ever seen him before, and received as + new, the information which my intercourse with him in Valencia, and my + present intercourse, enabled me to give. + </p> + <p> + "Wieland was your brother. If he had really made you the object of his + courtship, was not a brother authorized to interfere and demand from him + the confession of his views? Yet what were the grounds on which I had + reared this supposition? Would they justify a measure like this? Surely + not. + </p> + <p> + "In the course of my restless meditations, it occurred to me, at length, + that my duty required me to speak to you, to confess the indecorum of + which I had been guilty, and to state the reflections to which it had led + me. I was prompted by no mean or selfish views. The heart within my breast + was not more precious than your safety: most cheerfully would I have + interposed my life between you and danger. Would you cherish resentment at + my conduct? When acquainted with the motive which produced it, it would + not only exempt me from censure, but entitle me to gratitude. + </p> + <p> + "Yesterday had been selected for the rehearsal of the newly-imported + tragedy. I promised to be present. The state of my thoughts but little + qualified me for a performer or auditor in such a scene; but I reflected + that, after it was finished, I should return home with you, and should + then enjoy an opportunity of discoursing with you fully on this topic. My + resolution was not formed without a remnant of doubt, as to its propriety. + When I left this house to perform the visit I had promised, my mind was + full of apprehension and despondency. The dubiousness of the event of our + conversation, fear that my interference was too late to secure your peace, + and the uncertainty to which hope gave birth, whether I had not erred in + believing you devoted to this man, or, at least, in imagining that he had + obtained your consent to midnight conferences, distracted me with + contradictory opinions, and repugnant emotions. + </p> + <p> + "I can assign no reason for calling at Mrs. Baynton's. I had seen her in + the morning, and knew her to be well. The concerted hour had nearly + arrived, and yet I turned up the street which leads to her house, and + dismounted at her door. I entered the parlour and threw myself in a chair. + I saw and inquired for no one. My whole frame was overpowered by dreary + and comfortless sensations. One idea possessed me wholly; the + inexpressible importance of unveiling the designs and character of Carwin, + and the utter improbability that this ever would be effected. Some + instinct induced me to lay my hand upon a newspaper. I had perused all the + general intelligence it contained in the morning, and at the same spot. + The act was rather mechanical than voluntary. + </p> + <p> + "I threw a languid glance at the first column that presented itself. The + first words which I read, began with the offer of a reward of three + hundred guineas for the apprehension of a convict under sentence of death, + who had escaped from Newgate prison in Dublin. Good heaven! how every + fibre of my frame tingled when I proceeded to read that the name of the + criminal was Francis Carwin! + </p> + <p> + "The descriptions of his person and address were minute. His stature, + hair, complexion, the extraordinary position and arrangement of his + features, his aukward and disproportionate form, his gesture and gait, + corresponded perfectly with those of our mysterious visitant. He had been + found guilty in two indictments. One for the murder of the Lady Jane + Conway, and the other for a robbery committed on the person of the + honorable Mr. Ludloe. + </p> + <p> + "I repeatedly perused this passage. The ideas which flowed in upon my + mind, affected me like an instant transition from death to life. The + purpose dearest to my heart was thus effected, at a time and by means the + least of all others within the scope of my foresight. But what purpose? + Carwin was detected. Acts of the blackest and most sordid guilt had been + committed by him. Here was evidence which imparted to my understanding the + most luminous certainty. The name, visage, and deportment, were the same. + Between the time of his escape, and his appearance among us, there was a + sufficient agreement. Such was the man with whom I suspected you to + maintain a clandestine correspondence. Should I not haste to snatch you + from the talons of this vulture? Should I see you rushing to the verge of + a dizzy precipice, and not stretch forth a hand to pull you back? I had no + need to deliberate. I thrust the paper in my pocket, and resolved to + obtain an immediate conference with you. For a time, no other image made + its way to my understanding. At length, it occurred to me, that though the + information I possessed was, in one sense, sufficient, yet if more could + be obtained, more was desirable. This passage was copied from a British + paper; part of it only, perhaps, was transcribed. The printer was in + possession of the original. + </p> + <p> + "Towards his house I immediately turned my horse's head. He produced the + paper, but I found nothing more than had already been seen. While busy in + perusing it, the printer stood by my side. He noticed the object of which + I was in search. "Aye," said he, "that is a strange affair. I should never + have met with it, had not Mr. Hallet sent to me the paper, with a + particular request to republish that advertisement." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Hallet! What reasons could he have for making this request? Had the + paper sent to him been accompanied by any information respecting the + convict? Had he personal or extraordinary reasons for desiring its + republication? This was to be known only in one way. I speeded to his + house. In answer to my interrogations, he told me that Ludloe had formerly + been in America, and that during his residence in this city, considerable + intercourse had taken place between them. Hence a confidence arose, which + has since been kept alive by occasional letters. He had lately received a + letter from him, enclosing the newspaper from which this extract had been + made. He put it into my hands, and pointed out the passages which related + to Carwin. + </p> + <p> + "Ludloe confirms the facts of his conviction and escape; and adds, that he + had reason to believe him to have embarked for America. He describes him + in general terms, as the most incomprehensible and formidable among men; + as engaged in schemes, reasonably suspected to be, in the highest degree, + criminal, but such as no human intelligence is able to unravel: that his + ends are pursued by means which leave it in doubt whether he be not in + league with some infernal spirit: that his crimes have hitherto been + perpetrated with the aid of some unknown but desperate accomplices: that + he wages a perpetual war against the happiness of mankind, and sets his + engines of destruction at work against every object that presents itself. + </p> + <p> + "This is the substance of the letter. Hallet expressed some surprize at + the curiosity which was manifested by me on this occasion. I was too much + absorbed by the ideas suggested by this letter, to pay attention to his + remarks. I shuddered with the apprehension of the evil to which our + indiscreet familiarity with this man had probably exposed us. I burnt with + impatience to see you, and to do what in me lay to avert the calamity + which threatened us. It was already five o'clock. Night was hastening, and + there was no time to be lost. On leaving Mr. Hallet's house, who should + meet me in the street, but Bertrand, the servant whom I left in Germany. + His appearance and accoutrements bespoke him to have just alighted from a + toilsome and long journey. I was not wholly without expectation of seeing + him about this time, but no one was then more distant from my thoughts. + You know what reasons I have for anxiety respecting scenes with which this + man was conversant. Carwin was for a moment forgotten. In answer to my + vehement inquiries, Bertrand produced a copious packet. I shall not at + present mention its contents, nor the measures which they obliged me to + adopt. I bestowed a brief perusal on these papers, and having given some + directions to Bertrand, resumed my purpose with regard to you. My horse I + was obliged to resign to my servant, he being charged with a commission + that required speed. The clock had struck ten, and Mettingen was five + miles distant. I was to Journey thither on foot. These circumstances only + added to my expedition. + </p> + <p> + "As I passed swiftly along, I reviewed all the incidents accompanying the + appearance and deportment of that man among us. Late events have been + inexplicable and mysterious beyond any of which I have either read or + heard. These events were coeval with Carwin's introduction. I am unable to + explain their origin and mutual dependance; but I do not, on that account, + believe them to have a supernatural origin. Is not this man the agent? + Some of them seem to be propitious; but what should I think of those + threats of assassination with which you were lately alarmed? Bloodshed is + the trade, and horror is the element of this man. The process by which the + sympathies of nature are extinguished in our hearts, by which evil is made + our good, and by which we are made susceptible of no activity but in the + infliction, and no joy but in the spectacle of woes, is an obvious + process. As to an alliance with evil geniuses, the power and the malice of + daemons have been a thousand times exemplified in human beings. There are + no devils but those which are begotten upon selfishness, and reared by + cunning. + </p> + <p> + "Now, indeed, the scene was changed. It was not his secret poniard that I + dreaded. It was only the success of his efforts to make you a confederate + in your own destruction, to make your will the instrument by which he + might bereave you of liberty and honor. + </p> + <p> + "I took, as usual, the path through your brother's ground. I ranged with + celerity and silence along the bank. I approached the fence, which divides + Wieland's estate from yours. The recess in the bank being near this line, + it being necessary for me to pass near it, my mind being tainted with + inveterate suspicions concerning you; suspicions which were indebted for + their strength to incidents connected with this spot; what wonder that it + seized upon my thoughts! "I leaped on the fence; but before I descended on + the opposite side, I paused to survey the scene. Leaves dropping with dew, + and glistening in the moon's rays, with no moving object to molest the + deep repose, filled me with security and hope. I left the station at + length, and tended forward. You were probably at rest. How should I + communicate without alarming you, the intelligence of my arrival? An + immediate interview was to be procured. I could not bear to think that a + minute should be lost by remissness or hesitation. Should I knock at the + door? or should I stand under your chamber windows, which I perceived to + be open, and awaken you by my calls? + </p> + <p> + "These reflections employed me, as I passed opposite to the summer-house. + I had scarcely gone by, when my ear caught a sound unusual at this time + and place. It was almost too faint and too transient to allow me a + distinct perception of it. I stopped to listen; presently it was heard + again, and now it was somewhat in a louder key. It was laughter; and + unquestionably produced by a female voice. That voice was familiar to my + senses. It was yours. + </p> + <p> + "Whence it came, I was at first at a loss to conjecture; but this + uncertainty vanished when it was heard the third time. I threw back my + eyes towards the recess. Every other organ and limb was useless to me. I + did not reason on the subject. I did not, in a direct manner, draw my + conclusions from the hour, the place, the hilarity which this sound + betokened, and the circumstance of having a companion, which it no less + incontestably proved. In an instant, as it were, my heart was invaded with + cold, and the pulses of life at a stand. + </p> + <p> + "Why should I go further? Why should I return? Should I not hurry to a + distance from a sound, which, though formerly so sweet and delectable, was + now more hideous than the shrieks of owls? + </p> + <p> + "I had no time to yield to this impulse. The thought of approaching and + listening occurred to me. I had no doubt of which I was conscious. Yet my + certainty was capable of increase. I was likewise stimulated by a + sentiment that partook of rage. I was governed by an half-formed and + tempestuous resolution to break in upon your interview, and strike you + dead with my upbraiding. + </p> + <p> + "I approached with the utmost caution. When I reached the edge of the bank + immediately above the summer-house, I thought I heard voices from below, + as busy in conversation. The steps in the rock are clear of bushy + impediments. They allowed me to descend into a cavity beside the building + without being detected. Thus to lie in wait could only be justified by the + momentousness of the occasion." + </p> + <p> + Here Pleyel paused in his narrative, and fixed his eyes upon me. Situated + as I was, my horror and astonishment at this tale gave way to compassion + for the anguish which the countenance of my friend betrayed. I reflected + on his force of understanding. I reflected on the powers of my enemy. I + could easily divine the substance of the conversation that was overheard. + Carwin had constructed his plot in a manner suited to the characters of + those whom he had selected for his victims. I saw that the convictions of + Pleyel were immutable. I forbore to struggle against the storm, because I + saw that all struggles would be fruitless. I was calm; but my calmness was + the torpor of despair, and not the tranquillity of fortitude. It was + calmness invincible by any thing that his grief and his fury could suggest + to Pleyel. He resumed— + </p> + <p> + "Woman! wilt thou hear me further? Shall I go on to repeat the + conversation? Is it shame that makes thee tongue-tied? Shall I go on? or + art thou satisfied with what has been already said?" + </p> + <p> + I bowed my head. "Go on," said I. "I make not this request in the hope of + undeceiving you. I shall no longer contend with my own weakness. The storm + is let loose, and I shall peaceably submit to be driven by its fury. But + go on. This conference will end only with affording me a clearer foresight + of my destiny; but that will be some satisfaction, and I will not part + without it." + </p> + <p> + Why, on hearing these words, did Pleyel hesitate? Did some unlooked-for + doubt insinuate itself into his mind? Was his belief suddenly shaken by my + looks, or my words, or by some newly recollected circumstance? + Whencesoever it arose, it could not endure the test of deliberation. In a + few minutes the flame of resentment was again lighted up in his bosom. He + proceeded with his accustomed vehemence— + </p> + <p> + "I hate myself for this folly. I can find no apology for this tale. Yet I + am irresistibly impelled to relate it. She that hears me is apprized of + every particular. I have only to repeat to her her own words. She will + listen with a tranquil air, and the spectacle of her obduracy will drive + me to some desperate act. Why then should I persist! yet persist I must." + </p> + <p> + Again he paused. "No," said he, "it is impossible to repeat your avowals + of love, your appeals to former confessions of your tenderness, to former + deeds of dishonor, to the circumstances of the first interview that took + place between you. It was on that night when I traced you to this recess. + Thither had he enticed you, and there had you ratified an unhallowed + compact by admitting him— + </p> + <p> + "Great God! Thou witnessedst the agonies that tore my bosom at that + moment! Thou witnessedst my efforts to repel the testimony of my ears! It + was in vain that you dwelt upon the confusion which my unlooked-for + summons excited in you; the tardiness with which a suitable excuse + occurred to you; your resentment that my impertinent intrusion had put an + end to that charming interview: A disappointment for which you endeavoured + to compensate yourself, by the frequency and duration of subsequent + meetings. + </p> + <p> + "In vain you dwelt upon incidents of which you only could be conscious; + incidents that occurred on occasions on which none beside your own family + were witnesses. In vain was your discourse characterized by peculiarities + inimitable of sentiment and language. My conviction was effected only by + an accumulation of the same tokens. I yielded not but to evidence which + took away the power to withhold my faith. + </p> + <p> + "My sight was of no use to me. Beneath so thick an umbrage, the darkness + was intense. Hearing was the only avenue to information, which the + circumstances allowed to be open. I was couched within three feet of you. + Why should I approach nearer? I could not contend with your betrayer. What + could be the purpose of a contest? You stood in no need of a protector. + What could I do, but retire from the spot overwhelmed with confusion and + dismay? I sought my chamber, and endeavoured to regain my composure. The + door of the house, which I found open, your subsequent entrance, closing, + and fastening it, and going into your chamber, which had been thus long + deserted, were only confirmations of the truth. + </p> + <p> + "Why should I paint the tempestuous fluctuation of my thoughts between + grief and revenge, between rage and despair? Why should I repeat my vows + of eternal implacability and persecution, and the speedy recantation of + these vows? + </p> + <p> + "I have said enough. You have dismissed me from a place in your esteem. + What I think, and what I feel, is of no importance in your eyes. May the + duty which I owe myself enable me to forget your existence. In a few + minutes I go hence. Be the maker of your fortune, and may adversity + instruct you in that wisdom, which education was unable to impart to you." + </p> + <p> + Those were the last words which Pleyel uttered. He left the room, and my + new emotions enabled me to witness his departure without any apparent loss + of composure. As I sat alone, I ruminated on these incidents. Nothing was + more evident than that I had taken an eternal leave of happiness. Life was + a worthless thing, separate from that good which had now been wrested from + me; yet the sentiment that now possessed me had no tendency to palsy my + exertions, and overbear my strength. I noticed that the light was + declining, and perceived the propriety of leaving this house. I placed + myself again in the chaise, and returned slowly towards the city. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XV + </h2> + <p> + Before I reached the city it was dusk. It was my purpose to spend the + night at Mettingen. I was not solicitous, as long as I was attended by a + faithful servant, to be there at an early hour. My exhausted strength + required me to take some refreshment. With this view, and in order to pay + respect to one whose affection for me was truly maternal, I stopped at + Mrs. Baynton's. She was absent from home; but I had scarcely entered the + house when one of her domestics presented me a letter. I opened and read + as follows: + </p> + <p> + "To Clara Wieland, + </p> + <p> + "What shall I say to extenuate the misconduct of last night? It is my duty + to repair it to the utmost of my power, but the only way in which it can + be repaired, you will not, I fear, be prevailed on to adopt. It is by + granting me an interview, at your own house, at eleven o'clock this night. + I have no means of removing any fears that you may entertain of my + designs, but my simple and solemn declarations. These, after what has + passed between us, you may deem unworthy of confidence. I cannot help it. + My folly and rashness has left me no other resource. I will be at your + door by that hour. If you chuse to admit me to a conference, provided that + conference has no witnesses, I will disclose to you particulars, the + knowledge of which is of the utmost importance to your happiness. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + "CARWIN." + </p> + <p> + What a letter was this! A man known to be an assassin and robber; one + capable of plotting against my life and my fame; detected lurking in my + chamber, and avowing designs the most flagitious and dreadful, now + solicits me to grant him a midnight interview! To admit him alone into my + presence! Could he make this request with the expectation of my + compliance? What had he seen in me, that could justify him in admitting so + wild a belief? Yet this request is preferred with the utmost gravity. It + is not accompanied by an appearance of uncommon earnestness. Had the + misconduct to which he alludes been a slight incivility, and the interview + requested to take place in the midst of my friends, there would have been + no extravagance in the tenor of this letter; but, as it was, the writer + had surely been bereft of his reason. + </p> + <p> + I perused this epistle frequently. The request it contained might be + called audacious or stupid, if it had been made by a different person; but + from Carwin, who could not be unaware of the effect which it must + naturally produce, and of the manner in which it would unavoidably be + treated, it was perfectly inexplicable. He must have counted on the + success of some plot, in order to extort my assent. None of those motives + by which I am usually governed would ever have persuaded me to meet any + one of his sex, at the time and place which he had prescribed. Much less + would I consent to a meeting with a man, tainted with the most detestable + crimes, and by whose arts my own safety had been so imminently endangered, + and my happiness irretrievably destroyed. I shuddered at the idea that + such a meeting was possible. I felt some reluctance to approach a spot + which he still visited and haunted. + </p> + <p> + Such were the ideas which first suggested themselves on the perusal of the + letter. Meanwhile, I resumed my journey. My thoughts still dwelt upon the + same topic. Gradually from ruminating on this epistle, I reverted to my + interview with Pleyel. I recalled the particulars of the dialogue to which + he had been an auditor. My heart sunk anew on viewing the inextricable + complexity of this deception, and the inauspicious concurrence of events, + which tended to confirm him in his error. When he approached my chamber + door, my terror kept me mute. He put his ear, perhaps, to the crevice, but + it caught the sound of nothing human. Had I called, or made any token that + denoted some one to be within, words would have ensued; and as + omnipresence was impossible, this discovery, and the artless narrative of + what had just passed, would have saved me from his murderous invectives. + He went into his chamber, and after some interval, I stole across the + entry and down the stairs, with inaudible steps. Having secured the outer + doors, I returned with less circumspection. He heard me not when I + descended; but my returning steps were easily distinguished. Now he + thought was the guilty interview at an end. In what other way was it + possible for him to construe these signals? + </p> + <p> + How fallacious and precipitate was my decision! Carwin's plot owed its + success to a coincidence of events scarcely credible. The balance was + swayed from its equipoise by a hair. Had I even begun the conversation + with an account of what befel me in my chamber, my previous interview with + Wieland would have taught him to suspect me of imposture; yet, if I were + discoursing with this ruffian, when Pleyel touched the lock of my chamber + door, and when he shut his own door with so much violence, how, he might + ask, should I be able to relate these incidents? Perhaps he had withheld + the knowledge of these circumstances from my brother, from whom, + therefore, I could not obtain it, so that my innocence would have thus + been irresistibly demonstrated. + </p> + <p> + The first impulse which flowed from these ideas was to return upon my + steps, and demand once more an interview; but he was gone: his parting + declarations were remembered. + </p> + <p> + Pleyel, I exclaimed, thou art gone for ever! Are thy mistakes beyond the + reach of detection? Am I helpless in the midst of this snare? The plotter + is at hand. He even speaks in the style of penitence. He solicits an + interview which he promises shall end in the disclosure of something + momentous to my happiness. What can he say which will avail to turn aside + this evil? But why should his remorse be feigned? I have done him no + injury. His wickedness is fertile only of despair; and the billows of + remorse will some time overbear him. Why may not this event have already + taken place? Why should I refuse to see him? + </p> + <p> + This idea was present, as it were, for a moment. I suddenly recoiled from + it, confounded at that frenzy which could give even momentary harbour to + such a scheme; yet presently it returned. At length I even conceived it to + deserve deliberation. I questioned whether it was not proper to admit, at + a lonely spot, in a sacred hour, this man of tremendous and inscrutable + attributes, this performer of horrid deeds, and whose presence was + predicted to call down unheard-of and unutterable horrors. + </p> + <p> + What was it that swayed me? I felt myself divested of the power to will + contrary to the motives that determined me to seek his presence. My mind + seemed to be split into separate parts, and these parts to have entered + into furious and implacable contention. These tumults gradually subsided. + The reasons why I should confide in that interposition which had hitherto + defended me; in those tokens of compunction which this letter contained; + in the efficacy of this interview to restore its spotlessness to my + character, and banish all illusions from the mind of my friend, + continually acquired new evidence and new strength. + </p> + <p> + What should I fear in his presence? This was unlike an artifice intended + to betray me into his hands. If it were an artifice, what purpose would it + serve? The freedom of my mind was untouched, and that freedom would defy + the assaults of blandishments or magic. Force was I not able to repel. On + the former occasion my courage, it is true, had failed at the imminent + approach of danger; but then I had not enjoyed opportunities of + deliberation; I had foreseen nothing; I was sunk into imbecility by my + previous thoughts; I had been the victim of recent disappointments and + anticipated ills: Witness my infatuation in opening the closet in + opposition to divine injunctions. + </p> + <p> + Now, perhaps, my courage was the offspring of a no less erring principle. + Pleyel was for ever lost to me. I strove in vain to assume his person, and + suppress my resentment; I strove in vain to believe in the assuaging + influence of time, to look forward to the birth-day of new hopes, and the + re-exaltation of that luminary, of whose effulgencies I had so long and so + liberally partaken. + </p> + <p> + What had I to suffer worse than was already inflicted? + </p> + <p> + Was not Carwin my foe? I owed my untimely fate to his treason. Instead of + flying from his presence, ought I not to devote all my faculties to the + gaining of an interview, and compel him to repair the ills of which he has + been the author? Why should I suppose him impregnable to argument? Have I + not reason on my side, and the power of imparting conviction? Cannot he be + made to see the justice of unravelling the maze in which Pleyel is + bewildered? + </p> + <p> + He may, at least, be accessible to fear. Has he nothing to fear from the + rage of an injured woman? But suppose him inaccessible to such + inducements; suppose him to persist in all his flagitious purposes; are + not the means of defence and resistance in my power? + </p> + <p> + In the progress of such thoughts, was the resolution at last formed. I + hoped that the interview was sought by him for a laudable end; but, be + that as it would, I trusted that, by energy of reasoning or of action, I + should render it auspicious, or, at least, harmless. + </p> + <p> + Such a determination must unavoidably fluctuate. The poet's chaos was no + unapt emblem of the state of my mind. A torment was awakened in my bosom, + which I foresaw would end only when this interview was past, and its + consequences fully experienced. Hence my impatience for the arrival of the + hour which had been prescribed by Carwin. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, my meditations were tumultuously active. New impediments to the + execution of the scheme were speedily suggested. I had apprized Catharine + of my intention to spend this and many future nights with her. Her husband + was informed of this arrangement, and had zealously approved it. Eleven + o'clock exceeded their hour of retiring. What excuse should I form for + changing my plan? Should I shew this letter to Wieland, and submit myself + to his direction? But I knew in what way he would decide. He would + fervently dissuade me from going. Nay, would he not do more? He was + apprized of the offences of Carwin, and of the reward offered for his + apprehension. Would he not seize this opportunity of executing justice on + a criminal? + </p> + <p> + This idea was new. I was plunged once more into doubt. Did not equity + enjoin me thus to facilitate his arrest? No. I disdained the office of + betrayer. Carwin was unapprized of his danger, and his intentions were + possibly beneficent. Should I station guards about the house, and make an + act, intended perhaps for my benefit, instrumental to his own destruction? + Wieland might be justified in thus employing the knowledge which I should + impart, but I, by imparting it, should pollute myself with more hateful + crimes than those undeservedly imputed to me. This scheme, therefore, I + unhesitatingly rejected. The views with which I should return to my own + house, it would therefore be necessary to conceal. Yet some pretext must + be invented. I had never been initiated into the trade of lying. Yet what + but falshood was a deliberate suppression of the truth? To deceive by + silence or by words is the same. + </p> + <p> + Yet what would a lie avail me? What pretext would justify this change in + my plan? Would it not tend to confirm the imputations of Pleyel? That I + should voluntarily return to an house in which honor and life had so + lately been endangered, could be explained in no way favorable to my + integrity. + </p> + <p> + These reflections, if they did not change, at least suspended my decision. + In this state of uncertainty I alighted at the HUT. We gave this name to + the house tenanted by the farmer and his servants, and which was situated + on the verge of my brother's ground, and at a considerable distance from + the mansion. The path to the mansion was planted by a double row of + walnuts. Along this path I proceeded alone. I entered the parlour, in + which was a light just expiring in the socket. There was no one in the + room. I perceived by the clock that stood against the wall, that it was + near eleven. The lateness of the hour startled me. What had become of the + family? They were usually retired an hour before this; but the + unextinguished taper, and the unbarred door were indications that they had + not retired. I again returned to the hall, and passed from one room to + another, but still encountered not a human being. + </p> + <p> + I imagined that, perhaps, the lapse of a few minutes would explain these + appearances. Meanwhile I reflected that the preconcerted hour had arrived. + Carwin was perhaps waiting my approach. Should I immediately retire to my + own house, no one would be apprized of my proceeding. Nay, the interview + might pass, and I be enabled to return in half an hour. Hence no necessity + would arise for dissimulation. + </p> + <p> + I was so far influenced by these views that I rose to execute this design; + but again the unusual condition of the house occurred to me, and some + vague solicitude as to the condition of the family. I was nearly certain + that my brother had not retired; but by what motives he could be induced + to desert his house thus unseasonably I could by no means divine. Louisa + Conway, at least, was at home and had, probably, retired to her chamber; + perhaps she was able to impart the information I wanted. + </p> + <p> + I went to her chamber, and found her asleep. She was delighted and + surprized at my arrival, and told me with how much impatience and anxiety + my brother and his wife had waited my coming. They were fearful that some + mishap had befallen me, and had remained up longer than the usual period. + Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, Catharine would not resign the + hope of seeing me. Louisa said she had left them both in the parlour, and + she knew of no cause for their absence. + </p> + <p> + As yet I was not without solicitude on account of their personal safety. I + was far from being perfectly at ease on that head, but entertained no + distinct conception of the danger that impended over them. Perhaps to + beguile the moments of my long protracted stay, they had gone to walk upon + the bank. The atmosphere, though illuminated only by the star-light, was + remarkably serene. Meanwhile the desirableness of an interview with Carwin + again returned, and I finally resolved to seek it. + </p> + <p> + I passed with doubting and hasty steps along the path. My dwelling, seen + at a distance, was gloomy and desolate. It had no inhabitant, for my + servant, in consequence of my new arrangement, had gone to Mettingen. The + temerity of this attempt began to shew itself in more vivid colours to my + understanding. Whoever has pointed steel is not without arms; yet what + must have been the state of my mind when I could meditate, without + shuddering, on the use of a murderous weapon, and believe myself secure + merely because I was capable of being made so by the death of another? Yet + this was not my state. I felt as if I was rushing into deadly toils, + without the power of pausing or receding. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVI + </h2> + <p> + As soon as I arrived in sight of the front of the house, my attention was + excited by a light from the window of my own chamber. No appearance could + be less explicable. A meeting was expected with Carwin, but that he + pre-occupied my chamber, and had supplied himself with light, was not to + be believed. What motive could influence him to adopt this conduct? Could + I proceed until this was explained? Perhaps, if I should proceed to a + distance in front, some one would be visible. A sidelong but feeble beam + from the window, fell upon the piny copse which skirted the bank. As I + eyed it, it suddenly became mutable, and after flitting to and fro, for a + short time, it vanished. I turned my eye again toward the window, and + perceived that the light was still there; but the change which I had + noticed was occasioned by a change in the position of the lamp or candle + within. Hence, that some person was there was an unavoidable inference. + </p> + <p> + I paused to deliberate on the propriety of advancing. Might I not advance + cautiously, and, therefore, without danger? Might I not knock at the door, + or call, and be apprized of the nature of my visitant before I entered? I + approached and listened at the door, but could hear nothing. I knocked at + first timidly, but afterwards with loudness. My signals were unnoticed. I + stepped back and looked, but the light was no longer discernible. Was it + suddenly extinguished by a human agent? What purpose but concealment was + intended? Why was the illumination produced, to be thus suddenly brought + to an end? And why, since some one was there, had silence been observed? + </p> + <p> + These were questions, the solution of which may be readily supposed to be + entangled with danger. Would not this danger, when measured by a woman's + fears, expand into gigantic dimensions? Menaces of death; the stunning + exertions of a warning voice; the known and unknown attributes of Carwin; + our recent interview in this chamber; the pre-appointment of a meeting at + this place and hour, all thronged into my memory. What was to be done? + </p> + <p> + Courage is no definite or stedfast principle. Let that man who shall + purpose to assign motives to the actions of another, blush at his folly + and forbear. Not more presumptuous would it be to attempt the + classification of all nature, and the scanning of supreme intelligence. I + gazed for a minute at the window, and fixed my eyes, for a second minute, + on the ground. I drew forth from my pocket, and opened, a penknife. This, + said I, be my safe-guard and avenger. The assailant shall perish, or + myself shall fall. I had locked up the house in the morning, but had the + key of the kitchen door in my pocket. I, therefore, determined to gain + access behind. Thither I hastened, unlocked and entered. All was lonely, + darksome, and waste. Familiar as I was with every part of my dwelling, I + easily found my way to a closet, drew forth a taper, a flint, tinder, and + steel, and, in a moment as it were, gave myself the guidance and + protection of light. + </p> + <p> + What purpose did I meditate? Should I explore my way to my chamber, and + confront the being who had dared to intrude into this recess, and had + laboured for concealment? By putting out the light did he seek to hide + himself, or mean only to circumvent my incautious steps? Yet was it not + more probable that he desired my absence by thus encouraging the + supposition that the house was unoccupied? I would see this man in spite + of all impediments; ere I died, I would see his face, and summon him to + penitence and retribution; no matter at what cost an interview was + purchased. Reputation and life might be wrested from me by another, but my + rectitude and honor were in my own keeping, and were safe. + </p> + <p> + I proceeded to the foot of the stairs. At such a crisis my thoughts may be + supposed at no liberty to range; yet vague images rushed into my mind, of + the mysterious interposition which had been experienced on the last night. + My case, at present, was not dissimilar; and, if my angel were not weary + of fruitless exertions to save, might not a new warning be expected? Who + could say whether his silence were ascribable to the absence of danger, or + to his own absence? + </p> + <p> + In this state of mind, no wonder that a shivering cold crept through my + veins; that my pause was prolonged; and, that a fearful glance was thrown + backward. + </p> + <p> + Alas! my heart droops, and my fingers are enervated; my ideas are vivid, + but my language is faint: now know I what it is to entertain + incommunicable sentiments. The chain of subsequent incidents is drawn + through my mind, and being linked with those which forewent, by turns + rouse up agonies and sink me into hopelessness. + </p> + <p> + Yet I will persist to the end. My narrative may be invaded by inaccuracy + and confusion; but if I live no longer, I will, at least, live to complete + it. What but ambiguities, abruptnesses, and dark transitions, can be + expected from the historian who is, at the same time, the sufferer of + these disasters? + </p> + <p> + I have said that I cast a look behind. Some object was expected to be + seen, or why should I have gazed in that direction? Two senses were at + once assailed. The same piercing exclamation of HOLD! HOLD! was uttered + within the same distance of my ear. This it was that I heard. The airy + undulation, and the shock given to my nerves, were real. Whether the + spectacle which I beheld existed in my fancy or without, might be doubted. + I had not closed the door of the apartment I had just left. The + stair-case, at the foot of which I stood, was eight or ten feet from the + door, and attached to the wall through which the door led. My view, + therefore, was sidelong, and took in no part of the room. + </p> + <p> + Through this aperture was an head thrust and drawn back with so much + swiftness, that the immediate conviction was, that thus much of a form, + ordinarily invisible, had been unshrowded. The face was turned towards me. + Every muscle was tense; the forehead and brows were drawn into vehement + expression; the lips were stretched as in the act of shrieking, and the + eyes emitted sparks, which, no doubt, if I had been unattended by a light, + would have illuminated like the coruscations of a meteor. The sound and + the vision were present, and departed together at the same instant; but + the cry was blown into my ear, while the face was many paces distant. + </p> + <p> + This face was well suited to a being whose performances exceeded the + standard of humanity, and yet its features were akin to those I had before + seen. The image of Carwin was blended in a thousand ways with the stream + of my thoughts. This visage was, perhaps, pourtrayed by my fancy. If so, + it will excite no surprize that some of his lineaments were now + discovered. Yet affinities were few and unconspicuous, and were lost + amidst the blaze of opposite qualities. + </p> + <p> + What conclusion could I form? Be the face human or not, the intimation was + imparted from above. Experience had evinced the benignity of that being + who gave it. Once he had interposed to shield me from harm, and subsequent + events demonstrated the usefulness of that interposition. Now was I again + warned to forbear. I was hurrying to the verge of the same gulf, and the + same power was exerted to recall my steps. Was it possible for me not to + obey? Was I capable of holding on in the same perilous career? Yes. Even + of this I was capable! + </p> + <p> + The intimation was imperfect: it gave no form to my danger, and prescribed + no limits to my caution. I had formerly neglected it, and yet escaped. + Might I not trust to the same issue? This idea might possess, though + imperceptibly, some influence. I persisted; but it was not merely on this + account. I cannot delineate the motives that led me on. I now speak as if + no remnant of doubt existed in my mind as to the supernal origin of these + sounds; but this is owing to the imperfection of my language, for I only + mean that the belief was more permanent, and visited more frequently my + sober meditations than its opposite. The immediate effects served only to + undermine the foundations of my judgment and precipitate my resolutions. + </p> + <p> + I must either advance or return. I chose the former, and began to ascend + the stairs. The silence underwent no second interruption. My chamber door + was closed, but unlocked, and, aided by vehement efforts of my courage, I + opened and looked in. + </p> + <p> + No hideous or uncommon object was discernible. The danger, indeed, might + easily have lurked out of sight, have sprung upon me as I entered, and + have rent me with his iron talons; but I was blind to this fate, and + advanced, though cautiously, into the room. + </p> + <p> + Still every thing wore its accustomed aspect. Neither lamp nor candle was + to be found. Now, for the first time, suspicions were suggested as to the + nature of the light which I had seen. Was it possible to have been the + companion of that supernatural visage; a meteorous refulgence producible + at the will of him to whom that visage belonged, and partaking of the + nature of that which accompanied my father's death? + </p> + <p> + The closet was near, and I remembered the complicated horrors of which it + had been productive. Here, perhaps, was inclosed the source of my peril, + and the gratification of my curiosity. Should I adventure once more to + explore its recesses? This was a resolution not easily formed. I was + suspended in thought: when glancing my eye on a table, I perceived a + written paper. Carwin's hand was instantly recognized, and snatching up + the paper, I read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "There was folly in expecting your compliance with my invitation. Judge + how I was disappointed in finding another in your place. I have waited, + but to wait any longer would be perilous. I shall still seek an interview, + but it must be at a different time and place: meanwhile, I will write this—How + will you bear—How inexplicable will be this transaction!—An + event so unexpected—a sight so horrible!" + </p> + <p> + Such was this abrupt and unsatisfactory script. The ink was yet moist, the + hand was that of Carwin. Hence it was to be inferred that he had this + moment left the apartment, or was still in it. I looked back, on the + sudden expectation of seeing him behind me. + </p> + <p> + What other did he mean? What transaction had taken place adverse to my + expectations? What sight was about to be exhibited? I looked around me + once more, but saw nothing which indicated strangeness. Again I remembered + the closet, and was resolved to seek in that the solution of these + mysteries. Here, perhaps, was inclosed the scene destined to awaken my + horrors and baffle my foresight. + </p> + <p> + I have already said, that the entrance into this closet was beside my bed, + which, on two sides, was closely shrowded by curtains. On that side + nearest the closet, the curtain was raised. As I passed along I cast my + eye thither. I started, and looked again. I bore a light in my hand, and + brought it nearer my eyes, in order to dispel any illusive mists that + might have hovered before them. Once more I fixed my eyes upon the bed, in + hope that this more stedfast scrutiny would annihilate the object which + before seemed to be there. + </p> + <p> + This then was the sight which Carwin had predicted! This was the event + which my understanding was to find inexplicable! This was the fate which + had been reserved for me, but which, by some untoward chance, had befallen + on another! + </p> + <p> + I had not been terrified by empty menaces. Violation and death awaited my + entrance into this chamber. Some inscrutable chance had led HER hither + before me, and the merciless fangs of which I was designed to be the prey, + had mistaken their victim, and had fixed themselves in HER heart. But + where was my safety? Was the mischief exhausted or flown? The steps of the + assassin had just been here; they could not be far off; in a moment he + would rush into my presence, and I should perish under the same polluting + and suffocating grasp! + </p> + <p> + My frame shook, and my knees were unable to support me. I gazed + alternately at the closet door and at the door of my room. At one of these + avenues would enter the exterminator of my honor and my life. I was + prepared for defence; but now that danger was imminent, my means of + defence, and my power to use them were gone. I was not qualified, by + education and experience, to encounter perils like these: or, perhaps, I + was powerless because I was again assaulted by surprize, and had not + fortified my mind by foresight and previous reflection against a scene + like this. + </p> + <p> + Fears for my own safety again yielded place to reflections on the scene + before me. I fixed my eyes upon her countenance. My sister's well-known + and beloved features could not be concealed by convulsion or lividness. + What direful illusion led thee hither? Bereft of thee, what hold on + happiness remains to thy offspring and thy spouse? To lose thee by a + common fate would have been sufficiently hard; but thus suddenly to perish—to + become the prey of this ghastly death! How will a spectacle like this be + endured by Wieland? To die beneath his grasp would not satisfy thy enemy. + This was mercy to the evils which he previously made thee suffer! After + these evils death was a boon which thou besoughtest him to grant. He + entertained no enmity against thee: I was the object of his treason; but + by some tremendous mistake his fury was misplaced. But how comest thou + hither? and where was Wieland in thy hour of distress? + </p> + <p> + I approached the corpse: I lifted the still flexible hand, and kissed the + lips which were breathless. Her flowing drapery was discomposed. I + restored it to order, and seating myself on the bed, again fixed stedfast + eyes upon her countenance. I cannot distinctly recollect the ruminations + of that moment. I saw confusedly, but forcibly, that every hope was + extinguished with the life of CATHARINE. All happiness and dignity must + henceforth be banished from the house and name of Wieland: all that + remained was to linger out in agonies a short existence; and leave to the + world a monument of blasted hopes and changeable fortune. Pleyel was + already lost to me; yet, while Catharine lived life was not a detestable + possession: but now, severed from the companion of my infancy, the + partaker of all my thoughts, my cares, and my wishes, I was like one set + afloat upon a stormy sea, and hanging his safety upon a plank; night was + closing upon him, and an unexpected surge had torn him from his hold and + overwhelmed him forever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVII + </h2> + <p> + I had no inclination nor power to move from this spot. For more than an + hour, my faculties and limbs seemed to be deprived of all activity. The + door below creaked on its hinges, and steps ascended the stairs. My + wandering and confused thoughts were instantly recalled by these sounds, + and dropping the curtain of the bed, I moved to a part of the room where + any one who entered should be visible; such are the vibrations of + sentiment, that notwithstanding the seeming fulfilment of my fears, and + increase of my danger, I was conscious, on this occasion, to no turbulence + but that of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + At length he entered the apartment, and I recognized my brother. It was + the same Wieland whom I had ever seen. Yet his features were pervaded by a + new expression. I supposed him unacquainted with the fate of his wife, and + his appearance confirmed this persuasion. A brow expanding into exultation + I had hitherto never seen in him, yet such a brow did he now wear. Not + only was he unapprized of the disaster that had happened, but some joyous + occurrence had betided. What a reverse was preparing to annihilate his + transitory bliss! No husband ever doated more fondly, for no wife ever + claimed so boundless a devotion. I was not uncertain as to the effects to + flow from the discovery of her fate. I confided not at all in the efforts + of his reason or his piety. There were few evils which his modes of + thinking would not disarm of their sting; but here, all opiates to grief, + and all compellers of patience were vain. This spectacle would be + unavoidably followed by the outrages of desperation, and a rushing to + death. + </p> + <p> + For the present, I neglected to ask myself what motive brought him hither. + I was only fearful of the effects to flow from the sight of the dead. Yet + could it be long concealed from him? Some time and speedily he would + obtain this knowledge. No stratagems could considerably or usefully + prolong his ignorance. All that could be sought was to take away the + abruptness of the change, and shut out the confusion of despair, and the + inroads of madness: but I knew my brother, and knew that all exertions to + console him would be fruitless. + </p> + <p> + What could I say? I was mute, and poured forth those tears on his account, + which my own unhappiness had been unable to extort. In the midst of my + tears, I was not unobservant of his motions. These were of a nature to + rouse some other sentiment than grief or, at least, to mix with it a + portion of astonishment. + </p> + <p> + His countenance suddenly became troubled. His hands were clasped with a + force that left the print of his nails in his flesh. His eyes were fixed + on my feet. His brain seemed to swell beyond its continent. He did not + cease to breathe, but his breath was stifled into groans. I had never + witnessed the hurricane of human passions. My element had, till lately, + been all sunshine and calm. I was unconversant with the altitudes and + energies of sentiment, and was transfixed with inexplicable horror by the + symptoms which I now beheld. + </p> + <p> + After a silence and a conflict which I could not interpret, he lifted his + eyes to heaven, and in broken accents exclaimed, "This is too much! Any + victim but this, and thy will be done. Have I not sufficiently attested my + faith and my obedience? She that is gone, they that have perished, were + linked with my soul by ties which only thy command would have broken; but + here is sanctity and excellence surpassing human. This workmanship is + thine, and it cannot be thy will to heap it into ruins." + </p> + <p> + Here suddenly unclasping his hands, he struck one of them against his + forehead, and continued—"Wretch! who made thee quicksighted in the + councils of thy Maker? Deliverance from mortal fetters is awarded to this + being, and thou art the minister of this decree." + </p> + <p> + So saying, Wieland advanced towards me. His words and his motions were + without meaning, except on one supposition. The death of Catharine was + already known to him, and that knowledge, as might have been suspected, + had destroyed his reason. I had feared nothing less; but now that I beheld + the extinction of a mind the most luminous and penetrating that ever + dignified the human form, my sensations were fraught with new and + insupportable anguish. + </p> + <p> + I had not time to reflect in what way my own safety would be effected by + this revolution, or what I had to dread from the wild conceptions of a + madman. He advanced towards me. Some hollow noises were wafted by the + breeze. Confused clamours were succeeded by many feet traversing the + grass, and then crowding intO the piazza. + </p> + <p> + These sounds suspended my brother's purpose, and he stood to listen. The + signals multiplied and grew louder; perceiving this, he turned from me, + and hurried out of my sight. All about me was pregnant with motives to + astonishment. My sister's corpse, Wieland's frantic demeanour, and, at + length, this crowd of visitants so little accorded with my foresight, that + my mental progress was stopped. The impulse had ceased which was + accustomed to give motion and order to my thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Footsteps thronged upon the stairs, and presently many faces shewed + themselves within the door of my apartment. These looks were full of alarm + and watchfulness. They pryed into corners as if in search of some + fugitive; next their gaze was fixed upon me, and betokened all the + vehemence of terror and pity. For a time I questioned whether these were + not shapes and faces like that which I had seen at the bottom of the + stairs, creatures of my fancy or airy existences. My eye wandered from one + to another, till at length it fell on a countenance which I well knew. It + was that of Mr. Hallet. This man was a distant kinsman of my mother, + venerable for his age, his uprightness, and sagacity. He had long + discharged the functions of a magistrate and good citizen. If any terrors + remained, his presence was sufficient to dispel them. + </p> + <p> + He approached, took my hand with a compassionate air, and said in a low + voice, "Where, my dear Clara, are your brother and sister?" I made no + answer, but pointed to the bed. His attendants drew aside the curtain, and + while their eyes glared with horror at the spectacle which they beheld, + those of Mr. Hallet overflowed with tears. + </p> + <p> + After considerable pause, he once more turned to me. "My dear girl, this + sight is not for you. Can you confide in my care, and that of Mrs. + Baynton's? We will see performed all that circumstances require." + </p> + <p> + I made strenuous opposition to this request. I insisted on remaining near + her till she were interred. His remonstrances, however, and my own + feelings, shewed me the propriety of a temporary dereliction. Louisa stood + in need of a comforter, and my brother's children of a nurse. My unhappy + brother was himself an object of solicitude and care. At length, I + consented to relinquish the corpse, and go to my brother's, whose house, I + said, would need mistress, and his children a parent. + </p> + <p> + During this discourse, my venerable friend struggled with his tears, but + my last intimation called them forth with fresh violence. Meanwhile, his + attendants stood round in mournful silence, gazing on me and at each + other. I repeated my resolution, and rose to execute it; but he took my + hand to detain me. His countenance betrayed irresolution and reluctance. I + requested him to state the reason of his opposition to this measure. I + entreated him to be explicit. I told him that my brother had just been + there, and that I knew his condition. This misfortune had driven him to + madness, and his offspring must not want a protector. If he chose, I would + resign Wieland to his care; but his innocent and helpless babes stood in + instant need of nurse and mother, and these offices I would by no means + allow another to perform while I had life. + </p> + <p> + Every word that I uttered seemed to augment his perplexity and distress. + At last he said, "I think, Clara, I have entitled myself to some regard + from you. You have professed your willingness to oblige me. Now I call + upon you to confer upon me the highest obligation in your power. Permit + Mrs. Baynton to have the management of your brother's house for two or + three days; then it shall be yours to act in it as you please. No matter + what are my motives in making this request: perhaps I think your age, your + sex, or the distress which this disaster must occasion, incapacitates you + for the office. Surely you have no doubt of Mrs. Baynton's tenderness or + discretion." New ideas now rushed into my mind. I fixed my eyes stedfastly + on Mr. Hallet. "Are they well?" said I. "Is Louisa well? Are Benjamin, and + William, and Constantine, and Little Clara, are they safe? Tell me truly, + I beseech you!" + </p> + <p> + "They are well," he replied; "they are perfectly safe." + </p> + <p> + "Fear no effeminate weakness in me: I can bear to hear the truth. Tell me + truly, are they well?" + </p> + <p> + He again assured me that they were well. + </p> + <p> + "What then," resumed I, "do you fear? Is it possible for any calamity to + disqualify me for performing my duty to these helpless innocents? I am + willing to divide the care of them with Mrs. Baynton; I shall be grateful + for her sympathy and aid; but what should I be to desert them at an hour + like this!" + </p> + <p> + I will cut short this distressful dialogue. I still persisted in my + purpose, and he still persisted in his opposition. This excited my + suspicions anew; but these were removed by solemn declarations of their + safety. I could not explain this conduct in my friend; but at length + consented to go to the city, provided I should see them for a few minutes + at present, and should return on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Even this arrangement was objected to. At length he told me they were + removed to the city. Why were they removed, I asked, and whither? My + importunities would not now be eluded. My suspicions were roused, and no + evasion or artifice was sufficient to allay them. Many of the audience + began to give vent to their emotions in tears. Mr. Hallet himself seemed + as if the conflict were too hard to be longer sustained. Something + whispered to my heart that havoc had been wider than I now witnessed. I + suspected this concealment to arise from apprehensions of the effects + which a knowledge of the truth would produce in me. I once more entreated + him to inform me truly of their state. To enforce my entreaties, I put on + an air of insensibility. "I can guess," said I, "what has happened—They + are indeed beyond the reach of injury, for they are dead! Is it not so?" + My voice faltered in spite of my courageous efforts. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said he, "they are dead! Dead by the same fate, and by the same + hand, with their mother!" + </p> + <p> + "Dead!" replied I; "what, all?" + </p> + <p> + "All!" replied he: "he spared NOT ONE!" + </p> + <p> + Allow me, my friends, to close my eyes upon the after-scene. Why should I + protract a tale which I already begin to feel is too long? Over this scene + at least let me pass lightly. Here, indeed, my narrative would be + imperfect. All was tempestuous commotion in my heart and in my brain. I + have no memory for ought but unconscious transitions and rueful sights. I + was ingenious and indefatigable in the invention of torments. I would not + dispense with any spectacle adapted to exasperate my grief. Each pale and + mangled form I crushed to my bosom. Louisa, whom I loved with so ineffable + a passion, was denied to me at first, but my obstinacy conquered their + reluctance. + </p> + <p> + They led the way into a darkened hall. A lamp pendant from the ceiling was + uncovered, and they pointed to a table. The assassin had defrauded me of + my last and miserable consolation. I sought not in her visage, for the + tinge of the morning, and the lustre of heaven. These had vanished with + life; but I hoped for liberty to print a last kiss upon her lips. This was + denied me; for such had been the merciless blow that destroyed her, that + not a LINEAMENT REMAINED! + </p> + <p> + I was carried hence to the city. Mrs. Hallet was my companion and my + nurse. Why should I dwell upon the rage of fever, and the effusions of + delirium? Carwin was the phantom that pursued my dreams, the giant + oppressor under whose arm I was for ever on the point of being crushed. + Strenuous muscles were required to hinder my flight, and hearts of steel + to withstand the eloquence of my fears. In vain I called upon them to look + upward, to mark his sparkling rage and scowling contempt. All I sought was + to fly from the stroke that was lifted. Then I heaped upon my guards the + most vehement reproaches, or betook myself to wailings on the haplessness + of my condition. + </p> + <p> + This malady, at length, declined, and my weeping friends began to look for + my restoration. Slowly, and with intermitted beams, memory revisited me. + The scenes that I had witnessed were revived, became the theme of + deliberation and deduction, and called forth the effusions of more + rational sorrow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVIII + </h2> + <p> + I had imperfectly recovered my strength, when I was informed of the + arrival of my mother's brother, Thomas Cambridge. Ten years since, he went + to Europe, and was a surgeon in the British forces in Germany, during the + whole of the late war. After its conclusion, some connection that he had + formed with an Irish officer, made him retire into Ireland. Intercourse + had been punctually maintained by letters with his sister's children, and + hopes were given that he would shortly return to his native country, and + pass his old age in our society. He was now in an evil hour arrived. + </p> + <p> + I desired an interview with him for numerous and urgent reasons. With the + first returns of my understanding I had anxiously sought information of + the fate of my brother. During the course of my disease I had never seen + him; and vague and unsatisfactory answers were returned to all my + inquires. I had vehemently interrogated Mrs. Hallet and her husband, and + solicited an interview with this unfortunate man; but they mysteriously + insinuated that his reason was still unsettled, and that his circumstances + rendered an interview impossible. Their reserve on the particulars of this + destruction, and the author of it, was equally invincible. + </p> + <p> + For some time, finding all my efforts fruitless, I had desisted from + direct inquiries and solicitations, determined, as soon as my strength was + sufficiently renewed, to pursue other means of dispelling my uncertainty. + In this state of things my uncle's arrival and intention to visit me were + announced. I almost shuddered to behold the face of this man. When I + reflected on the disasters that had befallen us, I was half unwilling to + witness that dejection and grief which would be disclosed in his + countenance. But I believed that all transactions had been thoroughly + disclosed to him, and confided in my importunity to extort from him the + knowledge that I sought. + </p> + <p> + I had no doubt as to the person of our enemy; but the motives that urged + him to perpetrate these horrors, the means that he used, and his present + condition, were totally unknown. It was reasonable to expect some + information on this head, from my uncle. I therefore waited his coming + with impatience. At length, in the dusk of the evening, and in my solitary + chamber, this meeting took place. + </p> + <p> + This man was our nearest relation, and had ever treated us with the + affection of a parent. Our meeting, therefore, could not be without + overflowing tenderness and gloomy joy. He rather encouraged than + restrained the tears that I poured out in his arms, and took upon himself + the task of comforter. Allusions to recent disasters could not be long + omitted. One topic facilitated the admission of another. At length, I + mentioned and deplored the ignorance in which I had been kept respecting + my brother's destiny, and the circumstances of our misfortunes. I + entreated him to tell me what was Wieland's condition, and what progress + had been made in detecting or punishing the author of this unheard-of + devastation. + </p> + <p> + "The author!" said he; "Do you know the author?" + </p> + <p> + "Alas!" I answered, "I am too well acquainted with him. The story of the + grounds of my suspicions would be painful and too long. I am not apprized + of the extent of your present knowledge. There are none but Wieland, + Pleyel, and myself, who are able to relate certain facts." + </p> + <p> + "Spare yourself the pain," said he. "All that Wieland and Pleyel can + communicate, I know already. If any thing of moment has fallen within your + own exclusive knowledge, and the relation be not too arduous for your + present strength, I confess I am desirous of hearing it. Perhaps you + allude to one by the name of Carwin. I will anticipate your curiosity by + saying, that since these disasters, no one has seen or heard of him. His + agency is, therefore, a mystery still unsolved." + </p> + <p> + I readily complied with his request, and related as distinctly as I could, + though in general terms, the events transacted in the summer-house and my + chamber. He listened without apparent surprize to the tale of Pleyel's + errors and suspicions, and with augmented seriousness, to my narrative of + the warnings and inexplicable vision, and the letter found upon the table. + I waited for his comments. + </p> + <p> + "You gather from this," said he, "that Carwin is the author of all this + misery." + </p> + <p> + "Is it not," answered I, "an unavoidable inference? But what know you + respecting it? Was it possible to execute this mischief without witness or + coadjutor? I beseech you to relate to me, when and why Mr. Hallet was + summoned to the scene, and by whom this disaster was first suspected or + discovered. Surely, suspicion must have fallen upon some one, and pursuit + was made." + </p> + <p> + My uncle rose from his seat, and traversed the floor with hasty steps. His + eyes were fixed upon the ground, and he seemed buried in perplexity. At + length he paused, and said with an emphatic tone, "It is true; the + instrument is known. Carwin may have plotted, but the execution was + another's. That other is found, and his deed is ascertained." + </p> + <p> + "Good heaven!" I exclaimed, "what say you? Was not Carwin the assassin? + Could any hand but his have carried into act this dreadful purpose?" + </p> + <p> + "Have I not said," returned he, "that the performance was another's? + Carwin, perhaps, or heaven, or insanity, prompted the murderer; but Carwin + is unknown. The actual performer has, long since, been called to judgment + and convicted, and is, at this moment, at the bottom of a dungeon loaded + with chains." + </p> + <p> + I lifted my hands and eyes. "Who then is this assassin? By what means, and + whither was he traced? What is the testimony of his guilt?" + </p> + <p> + "His own, corroborated with that of a servant-maid who spied the murder of + the children from a closet where she was concealed. The magistrate + returned from your dwelling to your brother's. He was employed in hearing + and recording the testimony of the only witness, when the criminal + himself, unexpected, unsolicited, unsought, entered the hall, acknowledged + his guilt, and rendered himself up to justice. + </p> + <p> + "He has since been summoned to the bar. The audience was composed of + thousands whom rumours of this wonderful event had attracted from the + greatest distance. A long and impartial examination was made, and the + prisoner was called upon for his defence. In compliance with this call he + delivered an ample relation of his motives and actions." There he stopped. + </p> + <p> + I besought him to say who this criminal was, and what the instigations + that compelled him. My uncle was silent. I urged this inquiry with new + force. I reverted to my own knowledge, and sought in this some basis to + conjecture. I ran over the scanty catalogue of the men whom I knew; I + lighted on no one who was qualified for ministering to malice like this. + Again I resorted to importunity. Had I ever seen the criminal? Was it + sheer cruelty, or diabolical revenge that produced this overthrow? + </p> + <p> + He surveyed me, for a considerable time, and listened to my interrogations + in silence. At length he spoke: "Clara, I have known thee by report, and + in some degree by observation. Thou art a being of no vulgar sort. Thy + friends have hitherto treated thee as a child. They meant well, but, + perhaps, they were unacquainted with thy strength. I assure myself that + nothing will surpass thy fortitude. + </p> + <p> + "Thou art anxious to know the destroyer of thy family, his actions, and + his motives. Shall I call him to thy presence, and permit him to confess + before thee? Shall I make him the narrator of his own tale?" + </p> + <p> + I started on my feet, and looked round me with fearful glances, as if the + murderer was close at hand. "What do you mean?" said I; "put an end, I + beseech you, to this suspence." + </p> + <p> + "Be not alarmed; you will never more behold the face of this criminal, + unless he be gifted with supernatural strength, and sever like threads the + constraint of links and bolts. I have said that the assassin was arraigned + at the bar, and that the trial ended with a summons from the judge to + confess or to vindicate his actions. A reply was immediately made with + significance of gesture, and a tranquil majesty, which denoted less of + humanity than godhead. Judges, advocates and auditors were panic-struck + and breathless with attention. One of the hearers faithfully recorded the + speech. There it is," continued he, putting a roll of papers in my hand, + "you may read it at your leisure." + </p> + <p> + With these words my uncle left me alone. My curiosity refused me a + moment's delay. I opened the papers, and read as follows. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIX + </h2> + <p> + "Theodore Wieland, the prisoner at the bar, was now called upon for his + defence. He looked around him for some time in silence, and with a mild + countenance. At length he spoke: + </p> + <p> + "It is strange; I am known to my judges and my auditors. Who is there + present a stranger to the character of Wieland? who knows him not as an + husband—as a father—as a friend? yet here am I arraigned as + criminal. I am charged with diabolical malice; I am accused of the murder + of my wife and my children! + </p> + <p> + "It is true, they were slain by me; they all perished by my hand. The task + of vindication is ignoble. What is it that I am called to vindicate? and + before whom? + </p> + <p> + "You know that they are dead, and that they were killed by me. What more + would you have? Would you extort from me a statement of my motives? Have + you failed to discover them already? You charge me with malice; but your + eyes are not shut; your reason is still vigorous; your memory has not + forsaken you. You know whom it is that you thus charge. The habits of his + life are known to you; his treatment of his wife and his offspring is + known to you; the soundness of his integrity, and the unchangeableness of + his principles, are familiar to your apprehension; yet you persist in this + charge! You lead me hither manacled as a felon; you deem me worthy of a + vile and tormenting death! + </p> + <p> + "Who are they whom I have devoted to death? My wife—the little ones, + that drew their being from me—that creature who, as she surpassed + them in excellence, claimed a larger affection than those whom natural + affinities bound to my heart. Think ye that malice could have urged me to + this deed? Hide your audacious fronts from the scrutiny of heaven. Take + refuge in some cavern unvisited by human eyes. Ye may deplore your + wickedness or folly, but ye cannot expiate it. + </p> + <p> + "Think not that I speak for your sakes. Hug to your hearts this detestable + infatuation. Deem me still a murderer, and drag me to untimely death. I + make not an effort to dispel your illusion: I utter not a word to cure you + of your sanguinary folly: but there are probably some in this assembly who + have come from far: for their sakes, whose distance has disabled them from + knowing me, I will tell what I have done, and why. + </p> + <p> + "It is needless to say that God is the object of my supreme passion. I + have cherished, in his presence, a single and upright heart. I have + thirsted for the knowledge of his will. I have burnt with ardour to + approve my faith and my obedience. + </p> + <p> + "My days have been spent in searching for the revelation of that will; but + my days have been mournful, because my search failed. I solicited + direction: I turned on every side where glimmerings of light could be + discovered. I have not been wholly uninformed; but my knowledge has always + stopped short of certainty. Dissatisfaction has insinuated itself into all + my thoughts. My purposes have been pure; my wishes indefatigable; but not + till lately were these purposes thoroughly accomplished, and these wishes + fully gratified. + </p> + <p> + "I thank thee, my father, for thy bounty; that thou didst not ask a less + sacrifice than this; that thou placedst me in a condition to testify my + submission to thy will! What have I withheld which it was thy pleasure to + exact? Now may I, with dauntless and erect eye, claim my reward, since I + have given thee the treasure of my soul. + </p> + <p> + "I was at my own house: it was late in the evening: my sister had gone to + the city, but proposed to return. It was in expectation of her return that + my wife and I delayed going to bed beyond the usual hour; the rest of the + family, however, were retired. + </p> + <p> + "My mind was contemplative and calm; not wholly devoid of apprehension on + account of my sister's safety. Recent events, not easily explained, had + suggested the existence of some danger; but this danger was without a + distinct form in our imagination, and scarcely ruffled our tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + "Time passed, and my sister did not arrive; her house is at some distance + from mine, and though her arrangements had been made with a view to + residing with us, it was possible that, through forgetfulness, or the + occurrence of unforeseen emergencies, she had returned to her own + dwelling. + </p> + <p> + "Hence it was conceived proper that I should ascertain the truth by going + thither. I went. On my way my mind was full of these ideas which related + to my intellectual condition. In the torrent of fervid conceptions, I lost + sight of my purpose. Some times I stood still; some times I wandered from + my path, and experienced some difficulty, on recovering from my fit of + musing, to regain it. + </p> + <p> + "The series of my thoughts is easily traced. At first every vein beat with + raptures known only to the man whose parental and conjugal love is without + limits, and the cup of whose desires, immense as it is, overflows with + gratification. I know not why emotions that were perpetual visitants + should now have recurred with unusual energy. The transition was not new + from sensations of joy to a consciousness of gratitude. The author of my + being was likewise the dispenser of every gift with which that being was + embellished. The service to which a benefactor like this was entitled, + could not be circumscribed. My social sentiments were indebted to their + alliance with devotion for all their value. All passions are base, all + joys feeble, all energies malignant, which are not drawn from this source. + </p> + <p> + "For a time, my contemplations soared above earth and its inhabitants. I + stretched forth my hands; I lifted my eyes, and exclaimed, O! that I might + be admitted to thy presence; that mine were the supreme delight of knowing + thy will, and of performing it! The blissful privilege of direct + communication with thee, and of listening to the audible enunciation of + thy pleasure! + </p> + <p> + "What task would I not undertake, what privation would I not cheerfully + endure, to testify my love of thee? Alas! thou hidest thyself from my + view: glimpses only of thy excellence and beauty are afforded me. Would + that a momentary emanation from thy glory would visit me! that some + unambiguous token of thy presence would salute my senses! + </p> + <p> + "In this mood, I entered the house of my sister. It was vacant. Scarcely + had I regained recollection of the purpose that brought me hither. + Thoughts of a different tendency had such absolute possession of my mind, + that the relations of time and space were almost obliterated from my + understanding. These wanderings, however, were restrained, and I ascended + to her chamber. + </p> + <p> + "I had no light, and might have known by external observation, that the + house was without any inhabitant. With this, however, I was not satisfied. + I entered the room, and the object of my search not appearing, I prepared + to return. + </p> + <p> + "The darkness required some caution in descending the stair. I stretched + my hand to seize the balustrade by which I might regulate my steps. How + shall I describe the lustre, which, at that moment, burst upon my vision! + </p> + <p> + "I was dazzled. My organs were bereaved of their activity. My eye-lids + were half-closed, and my hands withdrawn from the balustrade. A nameless + fear chilled my veins, and I stood motionless. This irradiation did not + retire or lessen. It seemed as if some powerful effulgence covered me like + a mantle. + </p> + <p> + "I opened my eyes and found all about me luminous and glowing. It was the + element of heaven that flowed around. Nothing but a fiery stream was at + first visible; but, anon, a shrill voice from behind called upon me to + attend. + </p> + <p> + "I turned: It is forbidden to describe what I saw: Words, indeed, would be + wanting to the task. The lineaments of that being, whose veil was now + lifted, and whose visage beamed upon my sight, no hues of pencil or of + language can pourtray. + </p> + <p> + "As it spoke, the accents thrilled to my heart. "Thy prayers are heard. In + proof of thy faith, render me thy wife. This is the victim I chuse. Call + her hither, and here let her fall."—The sound, and visage, and light + vanished at once. + </p> + <p> + "What demand was this? The blood of Catharine was to be shed! My wife was + to perish by my hand! I sought opportunity to attest my virtue. Little did + I expect that a proof like this would have been demanded. + </p> + <p> + "My wife! I exclaimed: O God! substitute some other victim. Make me not + the butcher of my wife. My own blood is cheap. This will I pour out before + thee with a willing heart; but spare, I beseech thee, this precious life, + or commission some other than her husband to perform the bloody deed. + </p> + <p> + "In vain. The conditions were prescribed; the decree had gone forth, and + nothing remained but to execute it. I rushed out of the house and across + the intermediate fields, and stopped not till I entered my own parlour. + "My wife had remained here during my absence, in anxious expectation of my + return with some tidings of her sister. I had none to communicate. For a + time, I was breathless with my speed: This, and the tremors that shook my + frame, and the wildness of my looks, alarmed her. She immediately + suspected some disaster to have happened to her friend, and her own speech + was as much overpowered by emotion as mine. + </p> + <p> + "She was silent, but her looks manifested her impatience to hear what I + had to communicate. I spoke, but with so much precipitation as scarcely to + be understood; catching her, at the same time, by the arm, and forcibly + pulling her from her seat. + </p> + <p> + "Come along with me: fly: waste not a moment: time will be lost, and the + deed will be omitted. Tarry not; question not; but fly with me! + </p> + <p> + "This deportment added afresh to her alarms. Her eyes pursued mine, and + she said, "What is the matter? For God's sake what is the matter? Where + would you have me go?" + </p> + <p> + "My eyes were fixed upon her countenance while she spoke. I thought upon + her virtues; I viewed her as the mother of my babes: as my wife: I + recalled the purpose for which I thus urged her attendance. My heart + faltered, and I saw that I must rouse to this work all my faculties. The + danger of the least delay was imminent. + </p> + <p> + "I looked away from her, and again exerting my force, drew her towards the + door—'You must go with me—indeed you must.' + </p> + <p> + "In her fright she half-resisted my efforts, and again exclaimed, 'Good + heaven! what is it you mean? Where go? What has happened? Have you found + Clara?" + </p> + <p> + "Follow me, and you will see," I answered, still urging her reluctant + steps forward. + </p> + <p> + "What phrenzy has seized you? Something must needs have happened. Is she + sick? Have you found her?" + </p> + <p> + "Come and see. Follow me, and know for yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Still she expostulated and besought me to explain this mysterious + behaviour. I could not trust myself to answer her; to look at her; but + grasping her arm, I drew her after me. She hesitated, rather through + confusion of mind than from unwillingness to accompany me. This confusion + gradually abated, and she moved forward, but with irresolute footsteps, + and continual exclamations of wonder and terror. Her interrogations Of + "what was the matter?" and "whither was I going?" were ceaseless and + vehement. + </p> + <p> + "It was the scope of my efforts not to think; to keep up a conflict and + uproar in my mind in which all order and distinctness should be lost; to + escape from the sensations produced by her voice. I was, therefore, + silent. I strove to abridge this interval by my haste, and to waste all my + attention in furious gesticulations. + </p> + <p> + "In this state of mind we reached my sister's door. She looked at the + windows and saw that all was desolate—"Why come we here? There is no + body here. I will not go in." + </p> + <p> + "Still I was dumb; but opening the door, I drew her into the entry. This + was the allotted scene: here she was to fall. I let go her hand, and + pressing my palms against my forehead, made one mighty effort to work up + my soul to the deed. + </p> + <p> + "In vain; it would not be; my courage was appalled; my arms nerveless: I + muttered prayers that my strength might be aided from above. They availed + nothing. + </p> + <p> + "Horror diffused itself over me. This conviction of my cowardice, my + rebellion, fastened upon me, and I stood rigid and cold as marble. From + this state I was somewhat relieved by my wife's voice, who renewed her + supplications to be told why we came hither, and what was the fate of my + sister. + </p> + <p> + "What could I answer? My words were broken and inarticulate. Her fears + naturally acquired force from the observation of these symptoms; but these + fears were misplaced. The only inference she deduced from my conduct was, + that some terrible mishap had befallen Clara. + </p> + <p> + "She wrung her hands, and exclaimed in an agony, "O tell me, where is she? + What has become of her? Is she sick? Dead? Is she in her chamber? O let me + go thither and know the worst!" + </p> + <p> + "This proposal set my thoughts once more in motion. Perhaps what my + rebellious heart refused to perform here, I might obtain strength enough + to execute elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + "Come then," said I, "let us go." + </p> + <p> + "I will, but not in the dark. We must first procure a light." + </p> + <p> + "Fly then and procure it; but I charge you, linger not. I will await for + your return. + </p> + <p> + "While she was gone, I strode along the entry. The fellness of a gloomy + hurricane but faintly resembled the discord that reigned in my mind. To + omit this sacrifice must not be; yet my sinews had refused to perform it. + No alternative was offered. To rebel against the mandate was impossible; + but obedience would render me the executioner of my wife. My will was + strong, but my limbs refused their office. + </p> + <p> + "She returned with a light; I led the way to the chamber; she looked round + her; she lifted the curtain of the bed; she saw nothing. + </p> + <p> + "At length, she fixed inquiring eyes upon me. The light now enabled her to + discover in my visage what darkness had hitherto concealed. Her cares were + now transferred from my sister to myself, and she said in a tremulous + voice, "Wieland! you are not well: What ails you? Can I do nothing for + you?" + </p> + <p> + "That accents and looks so winning should disarm me of my resolution, was + to be expected. My thoughts were thrown anew into anarchy. I spread my + hand before my eyes that I might not see her, and answered only by groans. + She took my other hand between her's, and pressing it to her heart, spoke + with that voice which had ever swayed my will, and wafted away sorrow. + </p> + <p> + "My friend! my soul's friend! tell me thy cause of grief. Do I not merit + to partake with thee in thy cares? Am I not thy wife?" + </p> + <p> + "This was too much. I broke from her embrace, and retired to a corner of + the room. In this pause, courage was once more infused into me. I resolved + to execute my duty. She followed me, and renewed her passionate entreaties + to know the cause of my distress. + </p> + <p> + "I raised my head and regarded her with stedfast looks. I muttered + something about death, and the injunctions of my duty. At these words she + shrunk back, and looked at me with a new expression of anguish. After a + pause, she clasped her hands, and exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + "O Wieland! Wieland! God grant that I am mistaken; but surely something is + wrong. I see it: it is too plain: thou art undone—lost to me and to + thyself." At the same time she gazed on my features with intensest + anxiety, in hope that different symptoms would take place. I replied to + her with vehemence— + </p> + <p> + "Undone! No; my duty is known, and I thank my God that my cowardice is now + vanquished, and I have power to fulfil it. Catharine! I pity the weakness + of thy nature: I pity thee, but must not spare. Thy life is claimed from + my hands: thou must die!" + </p> + <p> + "Fear was now added to her grief. 'What mean you? Why talk you of death? + Bethink yourself, Wieland: bethink yourself, and this fit will pass. O why + came I hither! Why did you drag me hither?' + </p> + <p> + "I brought thee hither to fulfil a divine command. I am appointed thy + destroyer, and destroy thee I must." Saying this I seized her wrists. She + shrieked aloud, and endeavoured to free herself from my grasp; but her + efforts were vain. + </p> + <p> + "Surely, surely Wieland, thou dost not mean it. Am I not thy wife? and + wouldst thou kill me? Thou wilt not; and yet—I see—thou art + Wieland no longer! A fury resistless and horrible possesses thee—Spare + me—spare—help—help—" + </p> + <p> + "Till her breath was stopped she shrieked for help—for mercy. When + she could speak no longer, her gestures, her looks appealed to my + compassion. My accursed hand was irresolute and tremulous. I meant thy + death to be sudden, thy struggles to be brief. Alas! my heart was infirm; + my resolves mutable. Thrice I slackened my grasp, and life kept its hold, + though in the midst of pangs. Her eye-balls started from their sockets. + Grimness and distortion took place of all that used to bewitch me into + transport, and subdue me into reverence. + </p> + <p> + "I was commissioned to kill thee, but not to torment thee with the + foresight of thy death; not to multiply thy fears, and prolong thy + agonies. Haggard, and pale, and lifeless, at length thou ceasedst to + contend with thy destiny. + </p> + <p> + "This was a moment of triumph. Thus had I successfully subdued the + stubbornness of human passions: the victim which had been demanded was + given: the deed was done past recal. + </p> + <p> + "I lifted the corpse in my arms and laid it on the bed. I gazed upon it + with delight. Such was the elation of my thoughts, that I even broke into + laughter. I clapped my hands and exclaimed, 'It is done! My sacred duty is + fulfilled! To that I have sacrificed, O my God! thy last and best gift, my + wife!' + </p> + <p> + "For a while I thus soared above frailty. I imagined I had set myself + forever beyond the reach of selfishness; but my imaginations were false. + This rapture quickly subsided. I looked again at my wife. My joyous + ebullitions vanished, and I asked myself who it was whom I saw? Methought + it could not be Catharine. It could not be the woman who had lodged for + years in my heart; who had slept, nightly, in my bosom; who had borne in + her womb, who had fostered at her breast, the beings who called me father; + whom I had watched with delight, and cherished with a fondness ever new + and perpetually growing: it could not be the same. + </p> + <p> + "Where was her bloom! These deadly and blood-suffused orbs but ill + resemble the azure and exstatic tenderness of her eyes. The lucid stream + that meandered over that bosom, the glow of love that was wont to sit upon + that cheek, are much unlike these livid stains and this hideous deformity. + Alas! these were the traces of agony; the gripe of the assassin had been + here! + </p> + <p> + "I will not dwell upon my lapse into desperate and outrageous sorrow. The + breath of heaven that sustained me was withdrawn and I sunk into MERE MAN. + I leaped from the floor: I dashed my head against the wall: I uttered + screams of horror: I panted after torment and pain. Eternal fire, and the + bickerings of hell, compared with what I felt, were music and a bed of + roses. + </p> + <p> + "I thank my God that this degeneracy was transient, that he deigned once + more to raise me aloft. I thought upon what I had done as a sacrifice to + duty, and WAS CALM. My wife was dead; but I reflected, that though this + source of human consolation was closed, yet others were still open. If the + transports of an husband were no more, the feelings of a father had still + scope for exercise. When remembrance of their mother should excite too + keen a pang, I would look upon them, and BE COMFORTED. + </p> + <p> + "While I revolved these ideas, new warmth flowed in upon my heart—I + was wrong. These feelings were the growth of selfishness. Of this I was + not aware, and to dispel the mist that obscured my perceptions, a new + effulgence and a new mandate were necessary. + </p> + <p> + "From these thoughts I was recalled by a ray that was shot into the room. + A voice spake like that which I had before heard—'Thou hast done + well; but all is not done—the sacrifice is incomplete—thy + children must be offered—they must perish with their mother!—'" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XX + </h2> + <p> + Will you wonder that I read no farther? Will you not rather be astonished + that I read thus far? What power supported me through such a task I know + not. Perhaps the doubt from which I could not disengage my mind, that the + scene here depicted was a dream, contributed to my perseverance. In vain + the solemn introduction of my uncle, his appeals to my fortitude, and + allusions to something monstrous in the events he was about to disclose; + in vain the distressful perplexity, the mysterious silence and ambiguous + answers of my attendants, especially when the condition of my brother was + the theme of my inquiries, were remembered. I recalled the interview with + Wieland in my chamber, his preternatural tranquillity succeeded by bursts + of passion and menacing actions. All these coincided with the tenor of + this paper. + </p> + <p> + Catharine and her children, and Louisa were dead. The act that destroyed + them was, in the highest degree, inhuman. It was worthy of savages trained + to murder, and exulting in agonies. + </p> + <p> + Who was the performer of the deed? Wieland! My brother! The husband and + the father! That man of gentle virtues and invincible benignity! placable + and mild—an idolator of peace! Surely, said I, it is a dream. For + many days have I been vexed with frenzy. Its dominion is still felt; but + new forms are called up to diversify and augment my torments. + </p> + <p> + The paper dropped from my hand, and my eyes followed it. I shrunk back, as + if to avoid some petrifying influence that approached me. My tongue was + mute; all the functions of nature were at a stand, and I sunk upon the + floor lifeless. The noise of my fall, as I afterwards heard, alarmed my + uncle, who was in a lower apartment, and whose apprehensions had detained + him. He hastened to my chamber, and administered the assistance which my + condition required. When I opened my eyes I beheld him before me. His + skill as a reasoner as well as a physician, was exerted to obviate the + injurious effects of this disclosure; but he had wrongly estimated the + strength of my body or of my mind. This new shock brought me once more to + the brink of the grave, and my malady was much more difficult to subdue + than at first. + </p> + <p> + I will not dwell upon the long train of dreary sensations, and the hideous + confusion of my understanding. Time slowly restored its customary firmness + to my frame, and order to my thoughts. The images impressed upon my mind + by this fatal paper were somewhat effaced by my malady. They were obscure + and disjointed like the parts of a dream. I was desirous of freeing my + imagination from this chaos. For this end I questioned my uncle, who was + my constant companion. He was intimidated by the issue of his first + experiment, and took pains to elude or discourage my inquiry. My + impetuosity some times compelled him to have resort to misrepresentations + and untruths. + </p> + <p> + Time effected that end, perhaps, in a more beneficial manner. In the + course of my meditations the recollections of the past gradually became + more distinct. I revolved them, however, in silence, and being no longer + accompanied with surprize, they did not exercise a death-dealing power. I + had discontinued the perusal of the paper in the midst of the narrative; + but what I read, combined with information elsewhere obtained, threw, + perhaps, a sufficient light upon these detestable transactions; yet my + curiosity was not inactive. I desired to peruse the remainder. + </p> + <p> + My eagerness to know the particulars of this tale was mingled and abated + by my antipathy to the scene which would be disclosed. Hence I employed no + means to effect my purpose. I desired knowledge, and, at the same time, + shrunk back from receiving the boon. + </p> + <p> + One morning, being left alone, I rose from my bed, and went to a drawer + where my finer clothing used to be kept. I opened it, and this fatal paper + saluted my sight. I snatched it involuntarily, and withdrew to a chair. I + debated, for a few minutes, whether I should open and read. Now that my + fortitude was put to trial, it failed. I felt myself incapable of + deliberately surveying a scene of so much horror. I was prompted to return + it to its place, but this resolution gave way, and I determined to peruse + some part of it. I turned over the leaves till I came near the conclusion. + The narrative of the criminal was finished. The verdict of GUILTY + reluctantly pronounced by the jury, and the accused interrogated why + sentence of death should not pass. The answer was brief, solemn, and + emphatical. + </p> + <p> + "No. I have nothing to say. My tale has been told. My motives have been + truly stated. If my judges are unable to discern the purity of my + intentions, or to credit the statement of them, which I have just made; if + they see not that my deed was enjoined by heaven; that obedience was the + test of perfect virtue, and the extinction of selfishness and error, they + must pronounce me a murderer. + </p> + <p> + "They refuse to credit my tale; they impute my acts to the influence of + daemons; they account me an example of the highest wickedness of which + human nature is capable; they doom me to death and infamy. Have I power to + escape this evil? If I have, be sure I will exert it. I will not accept + evil at their hand, when I am entitled to good; I will suffer only when I + cannot elude suffering. + </p> + <p> + "You say that I am guilty. Impious and rash! thus to usurp the + prerogatives of your Maker! to set up your bounded views and halting + reason, as the measure of truth! + </p> + <p> + "Thou, Omnipotent and Holy! Thou knowest that my actions were conformable + to thy will. I know not what is crime; what actions are evil in their + ultimate and comprehensive tendency or what are good. Thy knowledge, as + thy power, is unlimited. I have taken thee for my guide, and cannot err. + To the arms of thy protection, I entrust my safety. In the awards of thy + justice, I confide for my recompense. + </p> + <p> + "Come death when it will, I am safe. Let calumny and abhorrence pursue me + among men; I shall not be defrauded of my dues. The peace of virtue, and + the glory of obedience, will be my portion hereafter." + </p> + <p> + Here ended the speaker. I withdrew my eyes from the page; but before I had + time to reflect on what I had read, Mr. Cambridge entered the room. He + quickly perceived how I had been employed, and betrayed some solicitude + respecting the condition of my mind. + </p> + <p> + His fears, however, were superfluous. What I had read, threw me into a + state not easily described. Anguish and fury, however, had no part in it. + My faculties were chained up in wonder and awe. Just then, I was unable to + speak. I looked at my friend with an air of inquisitiveness, and pointed + at the roll. He comprehended my inquiry, and answered me with looks of + gloomy acquiescence. After some time, my thoughts found their way to my + lips. + </p> + <p> + Such then were the acts of my brother. Such were his words. For this he + was condemned to die: To die upon the gallows! A fate, cruel and + unmerited! And is it so? continued I, struggling for utterance, which this + new idea made difficult; is he—dead! + </p> + <p> + "No. He is alive. There could be no doubt as to the cause of these + excesses. They originated in sudden madness; but that madness continues. + and he is condemned to perpetual imprisonment." + </p> + <p> + "Madness, say you? Are you sure? Were not these sights, and these sounds, + really seen and heard?" + </p> + <p> + My uncle was surprized at my question. He looked at me with apparent + inquietude. "Can you doubt," said he, "that these were illusions? Does + heaven, think you, interfere for such ends?" + </p> + <p> + "O no; I think it not. Heaven cannot stimulate to such unheard-of outrage. + The agent was not good, but evil." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my dear girl," said my friend, "lay aside these fancies. Neither + angel nor devil had any part in this affair." + </p> + <p> + "You misunderstand me," I answered; "I believe the agency to be external + and real, but not supernatural." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" said he, in an accent of surprize. "Whom do you then suppose to + be the agent?" + </p> + <p> + "I know not. All is wildering conjecture. I cannot forget Carwin. I cannot + banish the suspicion that he was the setter of these snares. But how can + we suppose it to be madness? Did insanity ever before assume this form?" + </p> + <p> + "Frequently. The illusion, in this case, was more dreadful in its + consequences, than any that has come to my knowledge; but, I repeat that + similar illusions are not rare. Did you never hear of an instance which + occurred in your mother's family?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I beseech you relate it. My grandfather's death I have understood to + have been extraordinary, but I know not in what respect. A brother, to + whom he was much attached, died in his youth, and this, as I have heard, + influenced, in some remarkable way, the fate of my grandfather; but I am + unacquainted with particulars." + </p> + <p> + "On the death of that brother," resumed my friend, "my father was seized + with dejection, which was found to flow from two sources. He not only + grieved for the loss of a friend, but entertained the belief that his own + death would be inevitably consequent on that of his brother. He waited + from day to day in expectation of the stroke which he predicted was + speedily to fall upon him. Gradually, however, he recovered his + cheerfulness and confidence. He married, and performed his part in the + world with spirit and activity. At the end of twenty-one years it happened + that he spent the summer with his family at an house which he possessed on + the sea coast in Cornwall. It was at no great distance from a cliff which + overhung the ocean, and rose into the air to a great height. The summit + was level and secure, and easily ascended on the land side. The company + frequently repaired hither in clear weather, invited by its pure airs and + extensive prospects. One evening in June my father, with his wife and some + friends, chanced to be on this spot. Every one was happy, and my father's + imagination seemed particularly alive to the grandeur of the scenery. + </p> + <p> + "Suddenly, however, his limbs trembled and his features betrayed alarm. He + threw himself into the attitude of one listening. He gazed earnestly in a + direction in which nothing was visible to his friends. This lasted for a + minute; then turning to his companions, he told them that his brother had + just delivered to him a summons, which must be instantly obeyed. He then + took an hasty and solemn leave of each person, and, before their surprize + would allow them to understand the scene, he rushed to the edge of the + cliff, threw himself headlong, and was seen no more. + </p> + <p> + "In the course of my practice in the German army, many cases, equally + remarkable, have occurred. Unquestionably the illusions were maniacal, + though the vulgar thought otherwise. They are all reducible to one class, + [*] and are not more difficult of explication and cure than most + affections of our frame." + </p> + <p> + This opinion my uncle endeavoured, by various means, to impress upon me. I + listened to his reasonings and illustrations with silent respect. My + astonishment was great on finding proofs of an influence of which I had + supposed there were no examples; but I was far from accounting for + appearances in my uncle's manner. Ideas thronged into my mind which I was + unable to disjoin or to regulate. I reflected that this madness, if + madness it were, had affected Pleyel and myself as well as Wieland. Pleyel + had heard a mysterious voice. I had seen and heard. A form had showed + itself to me as well as to Wieland. The disclosure had been made in the + same spot. The appearance was equally complete and equally prodigious in + both instances. Whatever supposition I should adopt, had I not equal + reason to tremble? What was my security against influences equally + terrific and equally irresistable? + </p> + <p> + It would be vain to attempt to describe the state of mind which this idea + produced. I wondered at the change which a moment had affected in my + brother's condition. Now was I stupified with tenfold wonder in + contemplating myself. Was I not likewise transformed from rational and + human into a creature of nameless and fearful attributes? Was I not + transported to the brink of the same abyss? Ere a new day should come, my + hands might be embrued in blood, and my remaining life be consigned to a + dungeon and chains. + </p> + <p> + With moral sensibility like mine, no wonder that this new dread was more + insupportable than the anguish I had lately endured. Grief carries its own + antidote along with it. When thought becomes merely a vehicle of pain, its + progress must be stopped. Death is a cure which nature or ourselves must + administer: To this cure I now looked forward with gloomy satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + My silence could not conceal from my uncle the state of my thoughts. He + made unwearied efforts to divert my attention from views so pregnant with + danger. His efforts, aided by time, were in some measure successful. + Confidence in the strength of my resolution, and in the healthful state of + my faculties, was once more revived. I was able to devote my thoughts to + my brother's state, and the causes of this disasterous proceeding. + </p> + <p> + My opinions were the sport of eternal change. Some times I conceived the + apparition to be more than human. I had no grounds on which to build a + disbelief. I could not deny faith to the evidence of my religion; the + testimony of men was loud and unanimous: both these concurred to persuade + me that evil spirits existed, and that their energy was frequently exerted + in the system of the world. + </p> + <p> + These ideas connected themselves with the image of Carwin. Where is the + proof, said I, that daemons may not be subjected to the controul of men? + This truth may be distorted and debased in the minds of the ignorant. The + dogmas of the vulgar, with regard to this subject, are glaringly absurd; + but though these may justly be neglected by the wise, we are scarcely + justified in totally rejecting the possibility that men may obtain + supernatural aid. + </p> + <p> + The dreams of superstition are worthy of contempt. Witchcraft, its + instruments and miracles, the compact ratified by a bloody signature, the + apparatus of sulpherous smells and thundering explosions, are monstrous + and chimerical. These have no part in the scene over which the genius of + Carwin presides. That conscious beings, dissimilar from human, but moral + and voluntary agents as we are, some where exist, can scarcely be denied. + That their aid may be employed to benign or malignant purposes, cannot be + disproved. + </p> + <p> + Darkness rests upon the designs of this man. The extent of his power is + unknown; but is there not evidence that it has been now exerted? + </p> + <p> + I recurred to my own experience. Here Carwin had actually appeared upon + the stage; but this was in a human character. A voice and a form were + discovered; but one was apparently exerted, and the other disclosed, not + to befriend, but to counteract Carwin's designs. There were tokens of + hostility, and not of alliance, between them. Carwin was the miscreant + whose projects were resisted by a minister of heaven. How can this be + reconciled to the stratagem which ruined my brother? There the agency was + at once preternatural and malignant. + </p> + <p> + The recollection of this fact led my thoughts into a new channel. The + malignity of that influence which governed my brother had hitherto been no + subject of doubt. His wife and children were destroyed; they had expired + in agony and fear; yet was it indisputably certain that their murderer was + criminal? He was acquitted at the tribunal of his own conscience; his + behaviour at his trial and since, was faithfully reported to me; + appearances were uniform; not for a moment did he lay aside the majesty of + virtue; he repelled all invectives by appealing to the deity, and to the + tenor of his past life; surely there was truth in this appeal: none but a + command from heaven could have swayed his will; and nothing but unerring + proof of divine approbation could sustain his mind in its present + elevation. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Mania Mutabilis. See Darwin's Zoonomia, vol. ii. Class III. + 1.2. where similar cases are stated. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXI + </h2> + <p> + Such, for some time, was the course of my meditations. My weakness, and my + aversion to be pointed at as an object of surprize or compassion, + prevented me from going into public. I studiously avoided the visits of + those who came to express their sympathy, or gratify their curiosity. My + uncle was my principal companion. Nothing more powerfully tended to + console me than his conversation. + </p> + <p> + With regard to Pleyel, my feelings seemed to have undergone a total + revolution. It often happens that one passion supplants another. Late + disasters had rent my heart, and now that the wound was in some degree + closed, the love which I had cherished for this man seemed likewise to + have vanished. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto, indeed, I had had no cause for despair. I was innocent of that + offence which had estranged him from my presence. I might reasonably + expect that my innocence would at some time be irresistably demonstrated, + and his affection for me be revived with his esteem. Now my aversion to be + thought culpable by him continued, but was unattended with the same + impatience. I desired the removal of his suspicions, not for the sake of + regaining his love, but because I delighted in the veneration of so + excellent a man, and because he himself would derive pleasure from + conviction of my integrity. + </p> + <p> + My uncle had early informed me that Pleyel and he had seen each other, + since the return of the latter from Europe. Amidst the topics of their + conversation, I discovered that Pleyel had carefully omitted the mention + of those events which had drawn upon me so much abhorrence. I could not + account for his silence on this subject. Perhaps time or some new + discovery had altered or shaken his opinion. Perhaps he was unwilling, + though I were guilty, to injure me in the opinion of my venerable kinsman. + I understood that he had frequently visited me during my disease, had + watched many successive nights by my bedside, and manifested the utmost + anxiety on my account. + </p> + <p> + The journey which he was preparing to take, at the termination of our last + interview, the catastrophe of the ensuing night induced him to delay. The + motives of this journey I had, till now, totally mistaken. They were + explained to me by my uncle, whose tale excited my astonishment without + awakening my regret. In a different state of mind, it would have added + unspeakably to my distress, but now it was more a source of pleasure than + pain. This, perhaps, is not the least extraordinary of the facts contained + in this narrative. It will excite less wonder when I add, that my + indifference was temporary, and that the lapse of a few days shewed me + that my feelings were deadened for a time, rather than finally + extinguished. + </p> + <p> + Theresa de Stolberg was alive. She had conceived the resolution of seeking + her lover in America. To conceal her flight, she had caused the report of + her death to be propagated. She put herself under the conduct of Bertrand, + the faithful servant of Pleyel. The pacquet which the latter received from + the hands of his servant, contained the tidings of her safe arrival at + Boston, and to meet her there was the purpose of his journey. + </p> + <p> + This discovery had set this man's character in a new light. I had mistaken + the heroism of friendship for the phrenzy of love. He who had gained my + affections, may be supposed to have previously entitled himself to my + reverence; but the levity which had formerly characterized the behaviour + of this man, tended to obscure the greatness of his sentiments. I did not + fail to remark, that since this lady was still alive, the voice in the + temple which asserted her death, must either have been intended to + deceive, or have been itself deceived. The latter supposition was + inconsistent with the notion of a spiritual, and the former with that of a + benevolent being. + </p> + <p> + When my disease abated, Pleyel had forborne his visits, and had lately set + out upon this journey. This amounted to a proof that my guilt was still + believed by him. I was grieved for his errors, but trusted that my + vindication would, sooner or later, be made. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, tumultuous thoughts were again set afloat by a proposal made to + me by my uncle. He imagined that new airs would restore my languishing + constitution, and a varied succession of objects tend to repair the shock + which my mind had received. For this end, he proposed to me to take up my + abode with him in France or Italy. + </p> + <p> + At a more prosperous period, this scheme would have pleased for its own + sake. Now my heart sickened at the prospect of nature. The world of man + was shrowded in misery and blood, and constituted a loathsome spectacle. I + willingly closed my eyes in sleep, and regretted that the respite it + afforded me was so short. I marked with satisfaction the progress of decay + in my frame, and consented to live, merely in the hope that the course of + nature would speedily relieve me from the burthen. Nevertheless, as he + persisted in his scheme, I concurred in it merely because he was entitled + to my gratitude, and because my refusal gave him pain. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was he informed of my consent, than he told me I must make + immediate preparation to embark, as the ship in which he had engaged a + passage would be ready to depart in three days. This expedition was + unexpected. There was an impatience in his manner when he urged the + necessity of dispatch that excited my surprize. When I questioned him as + to the cause of this haste, he generally stated reasons which, at that + time, I could not deny to be plausible; but which, on the review, appeared + insufficient. I suspected that the true motives were concealed, and + believed that these motives had some connection with my brother's destiny. + </p> + <p> + I now recollected that the information respecting Wieland which had, from + time to time, been imparted to me, was always accompanied with airs of + reserve and mysteriousness. What had appeared sufficiently explicit at the + time it was uttered, I now remembered to have been faltering and + ambiguous. I was resolved to remove my doubts, by visiting the unfortunate + man in his dungeon. + </p> + <p> + Heretofore the idea of this visit had occurred to me; but the horrors of + his dwelling-place, his wild yet placid physiognomy, his neglected locks, + the fetters which constrained his limbs, terrible as they were in + description, how could I endure to behold! + </p> + <p> + Now, however, that I was preparing to take an everlasting farewell of my + country, now that an ocean was henceforth to separate me from him, how + could I part without an interview? I would examine his situation with my + own eyes. I would know whether the representations which had been made to + me were true. Perhaps the sight of the sister whom he was wont to love + with a passion more than fraternal, might have an auspicious influence on + his malady. + </p> + <p> + Having formed this resolution, I waited to communicate it to Mr. + Cambridge. I was aware that, without his concurrence, I could not hope to + carry it into execution, and could discover no objection to which it was + liable. If I had not been deceived as to his condition, no inconvenience + could arise from this proceeding. His consent, therefore, would be the + test of his sincerity. + </p> + <p> + I seized this opportunity to state my wishes on this head. My suspicions + were confirmed by the manner in which my request affected him. After some + pause, in which his countenance betrayed every mark of perplexity, he said + to me, "Why would you pay this visit? What useful purpose can it serve?" + </p> + <p> + "We are preparing," said I, "to leave the country forever: What kind of + being should I be to leave behind me a brother in calamity without even a + parting interview? Indulge me for three minutes in the sight of him. My + heart will be much easier after I have looked at him, and shed a few tears + in his presence." + </p> + <p> + "I believe otherwise. The sight of him would only augment your distress, + without contributing, in any degree, to his benefit." + </p> + <p> + "I know not that," returned I. "Surely the sympathy of his sister, proofs + that her tenderness is as lively as ever, must be a source of satisfaction + to him. At present he must regard all mankind as his enemies and + calumniators. His sister he, probably, conceives to partake in the general + infatuation, and to join in the cry of abhorrence that is raised against + him. To be undeceived in this respect, to be assured that, however I may + impute his conduct to delusion, I still retain all my former affection for + his person, and veneration for the purity of his motives, cannot but + afford him pleasure. When he hears that I have left the country, without + even the ceremonious attention of a visit, what will he think of me? His + magnanimity may hinder him from repining, but he will surely consider my + behaviour as savage and unfeeling. Indeed, dear Sir, I must pay this + visit. To embark with you without paying it, will be impossible. It may be + of no service to him, but will enable me to acquit myself of what I cannot + but esteem a duty. Besides," continued I, "if it be a mere fit of insanity + that has seized him, may not my presence chance to have a salutary + influence? The mere sight of me, it is not impossible, may rectify his + perceptions." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said my uncle, with some eagerness; "it is by no means impossible + that your interview may have that effect; and for that reason, beyond all + others, would I dissuade you from it." + </p> + <p> + I expressed my surprize at this declaration. "Is it not to be desired that + an error so fatal as this should be rectified?" + </p> + <p> + "I wonder at your question. Reflect on the consequences of this error. Has + he not destroyed the wife whom he loved, the children whom he idolized? + What is it that enables him to bear the remembrance, but the belief that + he acted as his duty enjoined? Would you rashly bereave him of this + belief? Would you restore him to himself, and convince him that he was + instigated to this dreadful outrage by a perversion of his organs, or a + delusion from hell? + </p> + <p> + "Now his visions are joyous and elate. He conceives himself to have + reached a loftier degree of virtue, than any other human being. The merit + of his sacrifice is only enhanced in the eyes of superior beings, by the + detestation that pursues him here, and the sufferings to which he is + condemned. The belief that even his sister has deserted him, and gone over + to his enemies, adds to his sublimity of feelings, and his confidence in + divine approbation and future recompense. + </p> + <p> + "Let him be undeceived in this respect, and what floods of despair and of + horror will overwhelm him! Instead of glowing approbation and serene hope, + will he not hate and torture himself? Self-violence, or a phrenzy far more + savage and destructive than this, may be expected to succeed. I beseech + you, therefore, to relinquish this scheme. If you calmly reflect upon it, + you will discover that your duty lies in carefully shunning him." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cambridge's reasonings suggested views to my understanding, that had + not hitherto occurred. I could not but admit their validity, but they + shewed, in a new light, the depth of that misfortune in which my brother + was plunged. I was silent and irresolute. + </p> + <p> + Presently, I considered, that whether Wieland was a maniac, a faithful + servant of his God, the victim of hellish illusions, or the dupe of human + imposture, was by no means certain. In this state of my mind it became me + to be silent during the visit that I projected. This visit should be + brief: I should be satisfied merely to snatch a look at him. Admitting + that a change in his opinions were not to be desired, there was no danger + from the conduct which I should pursue, that this change should be + wrought. + </p> + <p> + But I could not conquer my uncle's aversion to this scheme. Yet I + persisted, and he found that to make me voluntarily relinquish it, it was + necessary to be more explicit than he had hitherto been. He took both my + hands, and anxiously examining my countenance as he spoke, "Clara," said + he, "this visit must not be paid. We must hasten with the utmost + expedition from this shore. It is folly to conceal the truth from you, + and, since it is only by disclosing the truth that you can be prevailed + upon to lay aside this project, the truth shall be told. + </p> + <p> + "O my dear girl!" continued he with increasing energy in his accent, "your + brother's phrenzy is, indeed, stupendous and frightful. The soul that + formerly actuated his frame has disappeared. The same form remains; but + the wise and benevolent Wieland is no more. A fury that is rapacious of + blood, that lifts his strength almost above that of mortals, that bends + all his energies to the destruction of whatever was once dear to him, + possesses him wholly. + </p> + <p> + "You must not enter his dungeon; his eyes will no sooner be fixed upon + you, than an exertion of his force will be made. He will shake off his + fetters in a moment, and rush upon you. No interposition will then be + strong or quick enough to save you. + </p> + <p> + "The phantom that has urged him to the murder of Catharine and her + children is not yet appeased. Your life, and that of Pleyel, are exacted + from him by this imaginary being. He is eager to comply with this demand. + Twice he has escaped from his prison. The first time, he no sooner found + himself at liberty, than he hasted to Pleyel's house. It being midnight, + the latter was in bed. Wieland penetrated unobserved to his chamber, and + opened his curtain. Happily, Pleyel awoke at the critical moment, and + escaped the fury of his kinsman, by leaping from his chamber-window into + the court. Happily, he reached the ground without injury. Alarms were + given, and after diligent search, your brother was found in a chamber of + your house, whither, no doubt, he had sought you. His chains, and the + watchfulness of his guards, were redoubled; but again, by some miracle, he + restored himself to liberty. He was now incautiously apprized of the place + of your abode: and had not information of his escape been instantly given, + your death would have been added to the number of his atrocious acts. + </p> + <p> + "You now see the danger of your project. You must not only forbear to + visit him, but if you would save him from the crime of embruing his hands + in your blood, you must leave the country. There is no hope that his + malady will end but with his life, and no precaution will ensure your + safety, but that of placing the ocean between you. + </p> + <p> + "I confess I came over with an intention to reside among you, but these + disasters have changed my views. Your own safety and my happiness require + that you should accompany me in my return, and I entreat you to give your + cheerful concurrence to this measure." + </p> + <p> + After these representations from my uncle, it was impossible to retain my + purpose. I readily consented to seclude myself from Wieland's presence. I + likewise acquiesced in the proposal to go to Europe; not that I ever + expected to arrive there, but because, since my principles forbad me to + assail my own life, change had some tendency to make supportable the few + days which disease should spare to me. + </p> + <p> + What a tale had thus been unfolded! I was hunted to death, not by one whom + my misconduct had exasperated, who was conscious of illicit motives, and + who sought his end by circumvention and surprize; but by one who deemed + himself commissioned for this act by heaven; who regarded this career of + horror as the last refinement of virtue; whose implacability was + proportioned to the reverence and love which he felt for me, and who was + inaccessible to the fear of punishment and ignominy! + </p> + <p> + In vain should I endeavour to stay his hand by urging the claims of a + sister or friend: these were his only reasons for pursuing my destruction. + Had I been a stranger to his blood; had I been the most worthless of human + kind; my safety had not been endangered. + </p> + <p> + Surely, said I, my fate is without example. The phrenzy which is charged + upon my brother, must belong to myself. My foe is manacled and guarded; + but I derive no security from these restraints. I live not in a community + of savages; yet, whether I sit or walk, go into crouds, or hide myself in + solitude, my life is marked for a prey to inhuman violence; I am in + perpetual danger of perishing; of perishing under the grasp of a brother! + </p> + <p> + I recollected the omens of this destiny; I remembered the gulf to which my + brother's invitation had conducted me; I remembered that, when on the + brink of danger, the author of my peril was depicted by my fears in his + form: Thus realized, were the creatures of prophetic sleep, and of wakeful + terror! + </p> + <p> + These images were unavoidably connected with that of Carwin. In this + paroxysm of distress, my attention fastened on him as the grand deceiver; + the author of this black conspiracy; the intelligence that governed in + this storm. + </p> + <p> + Some relief is afforded in the midst of suffering, when its author is + discovered or imagined; and an object found on which we may pour out our + indignation and our vengeance. I ran over the events that had taken place + since the origin of our intercourse with him, and reflected on the tenor + of that description which was received from Ludloe. Mixed up with notions + of supernatural agency, were the vehement suspicions which I entertained, + that Carwin was the enemy whose machinations had destroyed us. + </p> + <p> + I thirsted for knowledge and for vengeance. I regarded my hasty departure + with reluctance, since it would remove me from the means by which this + knowledge might be obtained, and this vengeance gratified. This departure + was to take place in two days. At the end of two days I was to bid an + eternal adieu to my native country. Should I not pay a parting visit to + the scene of these disasters? Should I not bedew with my tears the graves + of my sister and her children? Should I not explore their desolate + habitation, and gather from the sight of its walls and furniture food for + my eternal melancholy? + </p> + <p> + This suggestion was succeeded by a secret shuddering. Some disastrous + influence appeared to overhang the scene. How many memorials should I meet + with serving to recall the images of those I had lost! + </p> + <p> + I was tempted to relinquish my design, when it occurred to me that I had + left among my papers a journal of transactions in shorthand. I was + employed in this manuscript on that night when Pleyel's incautious + curiosity tempted him to look over my shoulder. I was then recording my + adventure in THE RECESS, an imperfect sight of which led him into such + fatal errors. + </p> + <p> + I had regulated the disposition of all my property. This manuscript, + however, which contained the most secret transactions of my life, I was + desirous of destroying. For this end I must return to my house, and this I + immediately determined to do. + </p> + <p> + I was not willing to expose myself to opposition from my friends, by + mentioning my design; I therefore bespoke the use of Mr. Hallet's chaise, + under pretence of enjoying an airing, as the day was remarkably bright. + </p> + <p> + This request was gladly complied with, and I directed the servant to + conduct me to Mettingen. I dismissed him at the gate, intending to use, in + returning, a carriage belonging to my brother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXII + </h2> + <p> + The inhabitants of the HUT received me with a mixture of joy and surprize. + Their homely welcome, and their artless sympathy, were grateful to my + feelings. In the midst of their inquiries, as to my health, they avoided + all allusions to the source of my malady. They were honest creatures, and + I loved them well. I participated in the tears which they shed when I + mentioned to them my speedy departure for Europe, and promised to acquaint + them with my welfare during my long absence. + </p> + <p> + They expressed great surprize when I informed them of my intention to + visit my cottage. Alarm and foreboding overspread their features, and they + attempted to dissuade me from visiting an house which they firmly believed + to be haunted by a thousand ghastly apparitions. + </p> + <p> + These apprehensions, however, had no power over my conduct. I took an + irregular path which led me to my own house. All was vacant and forlorn. A + small enclosure, near which the path led, was the burying-ground belonging + to the family. This I was obliged to pass. Once I had intended to enter + it, and ponder on the emblems and inscriptions which my uncle had caused + to be made on the tombs of Catharine and her children; but now my heart + faltered as I approached, and I hastened forward, that distance might + conceal it from my view. + </p> + <p> + When I approached the recess, my heart again sunk. I averted my eyes, and + left it behind me as quickly as possible. Silence reigned through my + habitation, and a darkness which closed doors and shutters produced. Every + object was connected with mine or my brother's history. I passed the + entry, mounted the stair, and unlocked the door of my chamber. It was with + difficulty that I curbed my fancy and smothered my fears. Slight movements + and casual sounds were transformed into beckoning shadows and calling + shapes. + </p> + <p> + I proceeded to the closet. I opened and looked round it with fearfulness. + All things were in their accustomed order. I sought and found the + manuscript where I was used to deposit it. This being secured, there was + nothing to detain me; yet I stood and contemplated awhile the furniture + and walls of my chamber. I remembered how long this apartment had been a + sweet and tranquil asylum; I compared its former state with its present + dreariness, and reflected that I now beheld it for the last time. + </p> + <p> + Here it was that the incomprehensible behaviour of Carwin was witnessed: + this the stage on which that enemy of man shewed himself for a moment + unmasked. Here the menaces of murder were wafted to my ear; and here these + menaces were executed. + </p> + <p> + These thoughts had a tendency to take from me my self-command. My feeble + limbs refused to support me, and I sunk upon a chair. Incoherent and + half-articulate exclamations escaped my lips. The name of Carwin was + uttered, and eternal woes, woes like that which his malice had entailed + upon us, were heaped upon him. I invoked all-seeing heaven to drag to + light and to punish this betrayer, and accused its providence for having + thus long delayed the retribution that was due to so enormous a guilt. + </p> + <p> + I have said that the window shutters were closed. A feeble light, however, + found entrance through the crevices. A small window illuminated the + closet, and the door being closed, a dim ray streamed through the + key-hole. A kind of twilight was thus created, sufficient for the purposes + of vision; but, at the same time, involving all minuter objects in + obscurity. + </p> + <p> + This darkness suited the colour of my thoughts. I sickened at the + remembrance of the past. The prospect of the future excited my loathing. I + muttered in a low voice, Why should I live longer? Why should I drag a + miserable being? All, for whom I ought to live, have perished. Am I not + myself hunted to death? + </p> + <p> + At that moment, my despair suddenly became vigorous. My nerves were no + longer unstrung. My powers, that had long been deadened, were revived. My + bosom swelled with a sudden energy, and the conviction darted through my + mind, that to end my torments was, at once, practicable and wise. + </p> + <p> + I knew how to find way to the recesses of life. I could use a lancet with + some skill, and could distinguish between vein and artery. By piercing + deep into the latter, I should shun the evils which the future had in + store for me, and take refuge from my woes in quiet death. + </p> + <p> + I started on my feet, for my feebleness was gone, and hasted to the + closet. A lancet and other small instruments were preserved in a case + which I had deposited here. Inattentive as I was to foreign + considerations, my ears were still open to any sound of mysterious import + that should occur. I thought I heard a step in the entry. My purpose was + suspended, and I cast an eager glance at my chamber door, which was open. + No one appeared, unless the shadow which I discerned upon the floor, was + the outline of a man. If it were, I was authorized to suspect that some + one was posted close to the entrance, who possibly had overheard my + exclamations. + </p> + <p> + My teeth chattered, and a wild confusion took place of my momentary calm. + Thus it was when a terrific visage had disclosed itself on a former night. + Thus it was when the evil destiny of Wieland assumed the lineaments of + something human. What horrid apparition was preparing to blast my sight? + </p> + <p> + Still I listened and gazed. Not long, for the shadow moved; a foot, + unshapely and huge, was thrust forward; a form advanced from its + concealment, and stalked into the room. It was Carwin! While I had breath + I shrieked. While I had power over my muscles, I motioned with my hand + that he should vanish. My exertions could not last long; I sunk into a + fit. + </p> + <p> + O that this grateful oblivion had lasted for ever! Too quickly I recovered + my senses. The power of distinct vision was no sooner restored to me, than + this hateful form again presented itself, and I once more relapsed. + </p> + <p> + A second time, untoward nature recalled me from the sleep of death. I + found myself stretched upon the bed. When I had power to look up, I + remembered only that I had cause to fear. My distempered fancy fashioned + to itself no distinguishable image. I threw a languid glance round me; + once more my eyes lighted upon Carwin. + </p> + <p> + He was seated on the floor, his back rested against the wall, his knees + were drawn up, and his face was buried in his hands. That his station was + at some distance, that his attitude was not menacing, that his ominous + visage was concealed, may account for my now escaping a shock, violent as + those which were past. I withdrew my eyes, but was not again deserted by + my senses. + </p> + <p> + On perceiving that I had recovered my sensibility, he lifted his head. + This motion attracted my attention. His countenance was mild, but sorrow + and astonishment sat upon his features. I averted my eyes and feebly + exclaimed—"O! fly—fly far and for ever!—I cannot behold + you and live!" + </p> + <p> + He did not rise upon his feet, but clasped his hands, and said in a tone + of deprecation—"I will fly. I am become a fiend, the sight of whom + destroys. Yet tell me my offence! You have linked curses with my name; you + ascribe to me a malice monstrous and infernal. I look around; all is + loneliness and desert! This house and your brother's are solitary and + dismantled! You die away at the sight of me! My fear whispers that some + deed of horror has been perpetrated; that I am the undesigning cause." + </p> + <p> + What language was this? Had he not avowed himself a ravisher? Had not this + chamber witnessed his atrocious purposes? I besought him with new + vehemence to go. + </p> + <p> + He lifted his eyes—"Great heaven! what have I done? I think I know + the extent of my offences. I have acted, but my actions have possibly + effected more than I designed. This fear has brought me back from my + retreat. I come to repair the evil of which my rashness was the cause, and + to prevent more evil. I come to confess my errors." + </p> + <p> + "Wretch!" I cried when my suffocating emotions would permit me to speak, + "the ghosts of my sister and her children, do they not rise to accuse + thee? Who was it that blasted the intellects of Wieland? Who was it that + urged him to fury, and guided him to murder? Who, but thou and the devil, + with whom thou art confederated?" + </p> + <p> + At these words a new spirit pervaded his countenance. His eyes once more + appealed to heaven. "If I have memory, if I have being, I am innocent. I + intended no ill; but my folly, indirectly and remotely, may have caused + it; but what words are these! Your brother lunatic! His children dead!" + </p> + <p> + What should I infer from this deportment? Was the ignorance which these + words implied real or pretended?—Yet how could I imagine a mere + human agency in these events? But if the influence was preternatural or + maniacal in my brother's case, they must be equally so in my own. Then I + remembered that the voice exerted, was to save me from Carwin's attempts. + These ideas tended to abate my abhorrence of this man, and to detect the + absurdity of my accusations. + </p> + <p> + "Alas!" said I, "I have no one to accuse. Leave me to my fate. Fly from a + scene stained with cruelty; devoted to despair." + </p> + <p> + Carwin stood for a time musing and mournful. At length he said, "What has + happened? I came to expiate my crimes: let me know them in their full + extent. I have horrible forebodings! What has happened?" + </p> + <p> + I was silent; but recollecting the intimation given by this man when he + was detected in my closet, which implied some knowledge of that power + which interfered in my favor, I eagerly inquired, "What was that voice + which called upon me to hold when I attempted to open the closet? What + face was that which I saw at the bottom of the stairs? Answer me truly." + </p> + <p> + "I came to confess the truth. Your allusions are horrible and strange. + Perhaps I have but faint conceptions of the evils which my infatuation has + produced; but what remains I will perform. It was my VOICE that you heard! + It was my FACE that you saw!" + </p> + <p> + For a moment I doubted whether my remembrance of events were not confused. + How could he be at once stationed at my shoulder and shut up in my closet? + How could he stand near me and yet be invisible? But if Carwin's were the + thrilling voice and the fiery visage which I had heard and seen, then was + he the prompter of my brother, and the author of these dismal outrages. + </p> + <p> + Once more I averted my eyes and struggled for speech. "Begone! thou man of + mischief! Remorseless and implacable miscreant! begone!" + </p> + <p> + "I will obey," said he in a disconsolate voice; "yet, wretch as I am, am I + unworthy to repair the evils that I have committed? I came as a repentant + criminal. It is you whom I have injured, and at your bar am I willing to + appear, and confess and expiate my crimes. I have deceived you: I have + sported with your terrors: I have plotted to destroy your reputation. I + come now to remove your errors; to set you beyond the reach of similar + fears; to rebuild your fame as far as I am able. + </p> + <p> + "This is the amount of my guilt, and this the fruit of my remorse. Will + you not hear me? Listen to my confession, and then denounce punishment. + All I ask is a patient audience." + </p> + <p> + "What!" I replied, "was not thine the voice that commanded my brother to + imbrue his hands in the blood of his children—to strangle that angel + of sweetness his wife? Has he not vowed my death, and the death of Pleyel, + at thy bidding? Hast thou not made him the butcher of his family; changed + him who was the glory of his species into worse than brute; robbed him of + reason, and consigned the rest of his days to fetters and stripes?" + </p> + <p> + Carwin's eyes glared, and his limbs were petrified at this intelligence. + No words were requisite to prove him guiltless of these enormities: at the + time, however, I was nearly insensible to these exculpatory tokens. He + walked to the farther end of the room, and having recovered some degree of + composure, he spoke— + </p> + <p> + "I am not this villain; I have slain no one; I have prompted none to slay; + I have handled a tool of wonderful efficacy without malignant intentions, + but without caution; ample will be the punishment of my temerity, if my + conduct has contributed to this evil." He paused.— + </p> + <p> + I likewise was silent. I struggled to command myself so far as to listen + to the tale which he should tell. Observing this, he continued— + </p> + <p> + "You are not apprized of the existence of a power which I possess. I know + not by what name to call it. [*] It enables me to mimic exactly the voice + of another, and to modify the sound so that it shall appear to come from + what quarter, and be uttered at what distance I please. + </p> + <p> + "I know not that every one possesses this power. Perhaps, though a casual + position of my organs in my youth shewed me that I possessed it, it is an + art which may be taught to all. Would to God I had died unknowing of the + secret! It has produced nothing but degradation and calamity. + </p> + <p> + "For a time the possession of so potent and stupendous an endowment elated + me with pride. Unfortified by principle, subjected to poverty, stimulated + by headlong passions, I made this powerful engine subservient to the + supply of my wants, and the gratification of my vanity. I shall not + mention how diligently I cultivated this gift, which seemed capable of + unlimited improvement; nor detail the various occasions on which it was + successfully exerted to lead superstition, conquer avarice, or excite awe. + </p> + <p> + "I left America, which is my native soil, in my youth. I have been engaged + in various scenes of life, in which my peculiar talent has been exercised + with more or less success. I was finally betrayed by one who called + himself my friend, into acts which cannot be justified, though they are + susceptible of apology. + </p> + <p> + "The perfidy of this man compelled me to withdraw from Europe. I returned + to my native country, uncertain whether silence and obscurity would save + me from his malice. I resided in the purlieus of the city. I put on the + garb and assumed the manners of a clown. + </p> + <p> + "My chief recreation was walking. My principal haunts were the lawns and + gardens of Mettingen. In this delightful region the luxuriances of nature + had been chastened by judicious art, and each successive contemplation + unfolded new enchantments. + </p> + <p> + "I was studious of seclusion: I was satiated with the intercourse of + mankind, and discretion required me to shun their intercourse. For these + reasons I long avoided the observation of your family, and chiefly visited + these precincts at night. + </p> + <p> + "I was never weary of admiring the position and ornaments of THE TEMPLE. + Many a night have I passed under its roof, revolving no pleasing + meditations. When, in my frequent rambles, I perceived this apartment was + occupied, I gave a different direction to my steps. One evening, when a + shower had just passed, judging by the silence that no one was within, I + ascended to this building. Glancing carelessly round, I perceived an open + letter on the pedestal. To read it was doubtless an offence against + politeness. Of this offence, however, I was guilty. + </p> + <p> + "Scarcely had I gone half through when I was alarmed by the approach of + your brother. To scramble down the cliff on the opposite side was + impracticable. I was unprepared to meet a stranger. Besides the + aukwardness attending such an interview in these circumstances, + concealment was necessary to my safety. A thousand times had I vowed never + again to employ the dangerous talent which I possessed; but such was the + force of habit and the influence of present convenience, that I used this + method of arresting his progress and leading him back to the house, with + his errand, whatever it was, unperformed. I had often caught parts, from + my station below, of your conversation in this place, and was well + acquainted with the voice of your sister. + </p> + <p> + "Some weeks after this I was again quietly seated in this recess. The + lateness of the hour secured me, as I thought, from all interruption. In + this, however, I was mistaken, for Wieland and Pleyel, as I judged by + their voices, earnest in dispute, ascended the hill. + </p> + <p> + "I was not sensible that any inconvenience could possibly have flowed from + my former exertion; yet it was followed with compunction, because it was a + deviation from a path which I had assigned to myself. Now my aversion to + this means of escape was enforced by an unauthorized curiosity, and by the + knowledge of a bushy hollow on the edge of the hill, where I should be + safe from discovery. Into this hollow I thrust myself. + </p> + <p> + "The propriety of removal to Europe was the question eagerly discussed. + Pleyel intimated that his anxiety to go was augmented by the silence of + Theresa de Stolberg. The temptation to interfere in this dispute was + irresistible. In vain I contended with inveterate habits. I disguised to + myself the impropriety of my conduct, by recollecting the benefits which + it might produce. Pleyel's proposal was unwise, yet it was enforced with + plausible arguments and indefatigable zeal. Your brother might be puzzled + and wearied, but could not be convinced. I conceived that to terminate the + controversy in favor of the latter was conferring a benefit on all + parties. For this end I profited by an opening in the conversation, and + assured them of Catharine's irreconcilable aversion to the scheme, and of + the death of the Saxon baroness. The latter event was merely a conjecture, + but rendered extremely probable by Pleyel's representations. My purpose, + you need not be told, was effected. + </p> + <p> + "My passion for mystery, and a species of imposture, which I deemed + harmless, was thus awakened afresh. This second lapse into error made my + recovery more difficult. I cannot convey to you an adequate idea of the + kind of gratification which I derived from these exploits; yet I meditated + nothing. My views were bounded to the passing moment, and commonly + suggested by the momentary exigence. + </p> + <p> + "I must not conceal any thing. Your principles teach you to abhor a + voluptuous temper; but, with whatever reluctance, I acknowledge this + temper to be mine. You imagine your servant Judith to be innocent as well + as beautiful; but you took her from a family where hypocrisy, as well as + licentiousness, was wrought into a system. My attention was captivated by + her charms, and her principles were easily seen to be flexible. + </p> + <p> + "Deem me not capable of the iniquity of seduction. Your servant is not + destitute of feminine and virtuous qualities; but she was taught that the + best use of her charms consists in the sale of them. My nocturnal visits + to Mettingen were now prompted by a double view, and my correspondence + with your servant gave me, at all times, access to your house. + </p> + <p> + "The second night after our interview, so brief and so little foreseen by + either of us, some daemon of mischief seized me. According to my + companion's report, your perfections were little less than divine. Her + uncouth but copious narratives converted you into an object of worship. + She chiefly dwelt upon your courage, because she herself was deficient in + that quality. You held apparitions and goblins in contempt. You took no + precautions against robbers. You were just as tranquil and secure in this + lonely dwelling, as if you were in the midst of a crowd. Hence a vague + project occurred to me, to put this courage to the test. A woman capable + of recollection in danger, of warding off groundless panics, of discerning + the true mode of proceeding, and profiting by her best resources, is a + prodigy. I was desirous of ascertaining whether you were such an one. + </p> + <p> + "My expedient was obvious and simple: I was to counterfeit a murderous + dialogue; but this was to be so conducted that another, and not yourself, + should appear to be the object. I was not aware of the possibility that + you should appropriate these menaces to yourself. Had you been still and + listened, you would have heard the struggles and prayers of the victim, + who would likewise have appeared to be shut up in the closet, and whose + voice would have been Judith's. This scene would have been an appeal to + your compassion; and the proof of cowardice or courage which I expected + from you, would have been your remaining inactive in your bed, or your + entering the closet with a view to assist the sufferer. Some instances + which Judith related of your fearlessness and promptitude made me adopt + the latter supposition with some degree of confidence. + </p> + <p> + "By the girl's direction I found a ladder, and mounted to your closet + window. This is scarcely large enough to admit the head, but it answered + my purpose too well. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot express my confusion and surprize at your abrupt and precipitate + flight. I hastily removed the ladder; and, after some pause, curiosity and + doubts of your safety induced me to follow you. I found you stretched on + the turf before your brother's door, without sense or motion. I felt the + deepest regret at this unlooked-for consequence of my scheme. I knew not + what to do to procure you relief. The idea of awakening the family + naturally presented itself. This emergency was critical, and there was no + time to deliberate. It was a sudden thought that occurred. I put my lips + to the key-hole, and sounded an alarm which effectually roused the + sleepers. My organs were naturally forcible, and had been improved by long + and assiduous exercise. + </p> + <p> + "Long and bitterly did I repent of my scheme. I was somewhat consoled by + reflecting that my purpose had not been evil, and renewed my fruitless + vows never to attempt such dangerous experiments. For some time I adhered, + with laudable forbearance, to this resolution. + </p> + <p> + "My life has been a life of hardship and exposure. In the summer I prefer + to make my bed of the smooth turf, or, at most, the shelter of a + summer-house suffices. In all my rambles I never found a spot in which so + many picturesque beauties and rural delights were assembled as at + Mettingen. No corner of your little domain unites fragrance and secrecy in + so perfect a degree as the recess in the bank. The odour of its leaves, + the coolness of its shade, and the music of its water-fall, had early + attracted my attention. Here my sadness was converted into peaceful + melancholy—here my slumbers were sound, and my pleasures enhanced. + </p> + <p> + "As most free from interruption, I chose this as the scene of my midnight + interviews with Judith. One evening, as the sun declined, I was seated + here, when I was alarmed by your approach. It was with difficulty that I + effected my escape unnoticed by you. + </p> + <p> + "At the customary hour, I returned to your habitation, and was made + acquainted by Judith, with your unusual absence. I half suspected the true + cause, and felt uneasiness at the danger there was that I should be + deprived of my retreat; or, at least, interrupted in the possession of it. + The girl, likewise, informed me, that among your other singularities, it + was not uncommon for you to leave your bed, and walk forth for the sake of + night-airs and starlight contemplations. + </p> + <p> + "I desired to prevent this inconvenience. I found you easily swayed by + fear. I was influenced, in my choice of means, by the facility and + certainty of that to which I had been accustomed. All that I forsaw was, + that, in future, this spot would be cautiously shunned by you. + </p> + <p> + "I entered the recess with the utmost caution, and discovered, by your + breathings, in what condition you were. The unexpected interpretation + which you placed upon my former proceeding, suggested my conduct on the + present occasion. The mode in which heaven is said by the poet, to + interfere for the prevention of crimes, [**] was somewhat analogous to my + province, and never failed to occur to me at seasons like this. It was + requisite to break your slumbers, and for this end I uttered the powerful + monosyllable, "hold! hold!" My purpose was not prescribed by duty, yet + surely it was far from being atrocious and inexpiable. To effect it, I + uttered what was false, but it was well suited to my purpose. Nothing less + was intended than to injure you. Nay, the evil resulting from my former + act, was partly removed by assuring you that in all places but this you + were safe. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * BILOQUIUM, or ventrilocution. Sound is varied according to + the variations of direction and distance. The art of the + ventriloquist consists in modifying his voice according to + all these variations, without changing his place. See the + work of the Abbe de la Chappelle, in which are accurately + recorded the performances of one of these artists, and some + ingenious, though unsatisfactory speculations are given on + the means by which the effects are produced. This power is, + perhaps, given by nature, but is doubtless improvable, if + not acquirable, by art. It may, possibly, consist in an + unusual flexibility or exertion of the bottom of the tongue + and the uvula. That speech is producible by these alone must + be granted, since anatomists mention two instances of + persons speaking without a tongue. In one case, the organ + was originally wanting, but its place was supplied by a + small tubercle, and the uvula was perfect. In the other, the + tongue was destroyed by disease, but probably a small part + of it remained. + + This power is difficult to explain, but the fact is + undeniable. Experience shews that the human voice can + imitate the voice of all men and of all inferior animals. + The sound of musical instruments, and even noises from the + contact of inanimate substances, have been accurately + imitated. The mimicry of animals is notorious; and Dr. + Burney (Musical Travels) mentions one who imitated a flute + and violin, so as to deceive even his ears. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + **—Peeps through the blanket of the dark, and cries Hold! + Hold!—SHAKESPEARE. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIII + </h2> + <p> + "My morals will appear to you far from rigid, yet my conduct will fall + short of your suspicions. I am now to confess actions less excusable, and + yet surely they will not entitle me to the name of a desperate or sordid + criminal. + </p> + <p> + "Your house was rendered, by your frequent and long absences, easily + accessible to my curiosity. My meeting with Pleyel was the prelude to + direct intercourse with you. I had seen much of the world, but your + character exhibited a specimen of human powers that was wholly new to me. + My intercourse with your servant furnished me with curious details of your + domestic management. I was of a different sex: I was not your husband; I + was not even your friend; yet my knowledge of you was of that kind, which + conjugal intimacies can give, and, in some respects, more accurate. The + observation of your domestic was guided by me. + </p> + <p> + "You will not be surprized that I should sometimes profit by your absence, + and adventure to examine with my own eyes, the interior of your chamber. + Upright and sincere, you used no watchfulness, and practised no + precautions. I scrutinized every thing, and pried every where. Your closet + was usually locked, but it was once my fortune to find the key on a + bureau. I opened and found new scope for my curiosity in your books. One + of these was manuscript, and written in characters which essentially + agreed with a short-hand system which I had learned from a Jesuit + missionary. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot justify my conduct, yet my only crime was curiosity. I perused + this volume with eagerness. The intellect which it unveiled, was brighter + than my limited and feeble organs could bear. I was naturally inquisitive + as to your ideas respecting my deportment, and the mysteries that had + lately occurred. + </p> + <p> + "You know what you have written. You know that in this volume the key to + your inmost soul was contained. If I had been a profound and malignant + impostor, what plenteous materials were thus furnished me of stratagems + and plots! + </p> + <p> + "The coincidence of your dream in the summer-house with my exclamation, + was truly wonderful. The voice which warned you to forbear was, doubtless, + mine; but mixed by a common process of the fancy, with the train of + visionary incidents. + </p> + <p> + "I saw in a stronger light than ever, the dangerousness of that instrument + which I employed, and renewed my resolutions to abstain from the use of it + in future; but I was destined perpetually to violate my resolutions. By + some perverse fate, I was led into circumstances in which the exertion of + my powers was the sole or the best means of escape. + </p> + <p> + "On that memorable night on which our last interview took place, I came as + usual to Mettingen. I was apprized of your engagement at your brother's, + from which you did not expect to return till late. Some incident suggested + the design of visiting your chamber. Among your books which I had not + examined, might be something tending to illustrate your character, or the + history of your family. Some intimation had been dropped by you in + discourse, respecting a performance of your father, in which some + important transaction in his life was recorded. + </p> + <p> + "I was desirous of seeing this book; and such was my habitual attachment + to mystery, that I preferred the clandestine perusal of it. Such were the + motives that induced me to make this attempt. Judith had disappeared, and + finding the house unoccupied, I supplied myself with a light, and + proceeded to your chamber. + </p> + <p> + "I found it easy, on experiment, to lock and unlock your closet door + without the aid of a key. I shut myself in this recess, and was busily + exploring your shelves, when I heard some one enter the room below. I was + at a loss who it could be, whether you or your servant. Doubtful, however, + as I was, I conceived it prudent to extinguish the light. Scarcely was + this done, when some one entered the chamber. The footsteps were easily + distinguished to be yours. + </p> + <p> + "My situation was now full of danger and perplexity. For some time, I + cherished the hope that you would leave the room so long as to afford me + an opportunity of escaping. As the hours passed, this hope gradually + deserted me. It was plain that you had retired for the night. + </p> + <p> + "I knew not how soon you might find occasion to enter the closet. I was + alive to all the horrors of detection, and ruminated without ceasing, on + the behaviour which it would be proper, in case of detection, to adopt. I + was unable to discover any consistent method of accounting for my being + thus immured. + </p> + <p> + "It occurred to me that I might withdraw you from your chamber for a few + minutes, by counterfeiting a voice from without. Some message from your + brother might be delivered, requiring your presence at his house. I was + deterred from this scheme by reflecting on the resolution I had formed, + and on the possible evils that might result from it. Besides, it was not + improbable that you would speedily retire to bed, and then, by the + exercise of sufficient caution, I might hope to escape unobserved. + </p> + <p> + "Meanwhile I listened with the deepest anxiety to every motion from + without. I discovered nothing which betokened preparation for sleep. + Instead of this I heard deep-drawn sighs, and occasionally an + half-expressed and mournful ejaculation. Hence I inferred that you were + unhappy. The true state of your mind with regard to Pleyel your own pen + had disclosed; but I supposed you to be framed of such materials, that, + though a momentary sadness might affect you, you were impregnable to any + permanent and heartfelt grief. Inquietude for my own safety was, for a + moment, suspended by sympathy with your distress. + </p> + <p> + "To the former consideration I was quickly recalled by a motion of yours + which indicated I knew not what. I fostered the persuasion that you would + now retire to bed; but presently you approached the closet, and detection + seemed to be inevitable. You put your hand upon the lock. I had formed no + plan to extricate myself from the dilemma in which the opening of the door + would involve me. I felt an irreconcilable aversion to detection. Thus + situated, I involuntarily seized the door with a resolution to resist your + efforts to open it. + </p> + <p> + "Suddenly you receded from the door. This deportment was inexplicable, but + the relief it afforded me was quickly gone. You returned, and I once more + was thrown into perplexity. The expedient that suggested itself was + precipitate and inartificial. I exerted my organs and called upon you TO + HOLD. + </p> + <p> + "That you should persist in spite of this admonition, was a subject of + astonishment. I again resisted your efforts; for the first expedient + having failed, I knew not what other to resort to. In this state, how was + my astonishment increased when I heard your exclamations! + </p> + <p> + "It was now plain that you knew me to be within. Further resistance was + unavailing and useless. The door opened, and I shrunk backward. Seldom + have I felt deeper mortification, and more painful perplexity. I did not + consider that the truth would be less injurious than any lie which I could + hastily frame. Conscious as I was of a certain degree of guilt, I + conceived that you would form the most odious suspicions. The truth would + be imperfect, unless I were likewise to explain the mysterious admonition + which had been given; but that explanation was of too great moment, and + involved too extensive consequences to make me suddenly resolve to give + it. I was aware that this discovery would associate itself in your mind, + with the dialogue formerly heard in this closet. Thence would your + suspicions be aggravated, and to escape from these suspicions would be + impossible. But the mere truth would be sufficiently opprobrious, and + deprive me for ever of your good opinion. + </p> + <p> + "Thus was I rendered desperate, and my mind rapidly passed to the + contemplation of the use that might be made of previous events. Some good + genius would appear to you to have interposed to save you from injury + intended by me. Why, I said, since I must sink in her opinion, should I + not cherish this belief? Why not personate an enemy, and pretend that + celestial interference has frustrated my schemes? I must fly, but let me + leave wonder and fear behind me. Elucidation of the mystery will always be + practicable. I shall do no injury, but merely talk of evil that was + designed, but is now past. + </p> + <p> + "Thus I extenuated my conduct to myself, but I scarcely expect that this + will be to you a sufficient explication of the scene that followed. Those + habits which I have imbibed, the rooted passion which possesses me for + scattering around me amazement and fear, you enjoy no opportunities of + knowing. That a man should wantonly impute to himself the most flagitious + designs, will hardly be credited, even though you reflect that my + reputation was already, by my own folly, irretrievably ruined; and that it + was always in my power to communicate the truth, and rectify the mistake. + </p> + <p> + "I left you to ponder on this scene. My mind was full of rapid and + incongruous ideas. Compunction, self-upbraiding, hopelesness, satisfaction + at the view of those effects likely to flow from my new scheme, misgivings + as to the beneficial result of this scheme took possession of my mind, and + seemed to struggle for the mastery. + </p> + <p> + "I had gone too far to recede. I had painted myself to you as an assassin + and ravisher, withheld from guilt only by a voice from heaven. I had thus + reverted into the path of error, and now, having gone thus far, my + progress seemed to be irrevocable. I said to myself, I must leave these + precincts for ever. My acts have blasted my fame in the eyes of the + Wielands. For the sake of creating a mysterious dread, I have made myself + a villain. I may complete this mysterious plan by some new imposture, but + I cannot aggravate my supposed guilt. + </p> + <p> + "My resolution was formed, and I was swiftly ruminating on the means for + executing it, when Pleyel appeared in sight. This incident decided my + conduct. It was plain that Pleyel was a devoted lover, but he was, at the + same time, a man of cold resolves and exquisite sagacity. To deceive him + would be the sweetest triumph I had ever enjoyed. The deception would be + momentary, but it would likewise be complete. That his delusion would so + soon be rectified, was a recommendation to my scheme, for I esteemed him + too much to desire to entail upon him lasting agonies. + </p> + <p> + "I had no time to reflect further, for he proceeded, with a quick step, + towards the house. I was hurried onward involuntarily and by a mechanical + impulse. I followed him as he passed the recess in the bank, and shrowding + myself in that spot, I counterfeited sounds which I knew would arrest his + steps. + </p> + <p> + "He stopped, turned, listened, approached, and overheard a dialogue whose + purpose was to vanquish his belief in a point where his belief was most + difficult to vanquish. I exerted all my powers to imitate your voice, your + general sentiments, and your language. Being master, by means of your + journal, of your personal history and most secret thoughts, my efforts + were the more successful. When I reviewed the tenor of this dialogue, I + cannot believe but that Pleyel was deluded. When I think of your + character, and of the inferences which this dialogue was intended to + suggest, it seems incredible that this delusion should be produced. + </p> + <p> + "I spared not myself. I called myself murderer, thief, guilty of + innumerable perjuries and misdeeds: that you had debased yourself to the + level of such an one, no evidence, methought, would suffice to convince + him who knew you so thoroughly as Pleyel; and yet the imposture amounted + to proof which the most jealous scrutiny would find to be unexceptionable. + </p> + <p> + "He left his station precipitately and resumed his way to the house. I saw + that the detection of his error would be instantaneous, since, not having + gone to bed, an immediate interview would take place between you. At first + this circumstance was considered with regret; but as time opened my eyes + to the possible consequences of this scene, I regarded it with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "In a short time the infatuation which had led me thus far began to + subside. The remembrance of former reasonings and transactions was + renewed. How often I had repented this kind of exertion; how many evils + were produced by it which I had not foreseen; what occasions for the + bitterest remorse it had administered, now passed through my mind. The + black catalogue of stratagems was now increased. I had inspired you with + the most vehement terrors: I had filled your mind with faith in shadows + and confidence in dreams: I had depraved the imagination of Pleyel: I had + exhibited you to his understanding as devoted to brutal gratifications and + consummate in hypocrisy. The evidence which accompanied this delusion + would be irresistible to one whose passion had perverted his judgment, + whose jealousy with regard to me had already been excited, and who, + therefore, would not fail to overrate the force of this evidence. What + fatal act of despair or of vengeance might not this error produce? + </p> + <p> + "With regard to myself, I had acted with a phrenzy that surpassed belief. + I had warred against my peace and my fame: I had banished myself from the + fellowship of vigorous and pure minds: I was self-expelled from a scene + which the munificence of nature had adorned with unrivalled beauties, and + from haunts in which all the muses and humanities had taken refuge. + </p> + <p> + "I was thus torn by conflicting fears and tumultuous regrets. The night + passed away in this state of confusion; and next morning in the gazette + left at my obscure lodging, I read a description and an offer of reward + for the apprehension of my person. I was said to have escaped from an + Irish prison, in which I was confined as an offender convicted of enormous + and complicated crimes. + </p> + <p> + "This was the work of an enemy, who, by falsehood and stratagem, had + procured my condemnation. I was, indeed, a prisoner, but escaped, by the + exertion of my powers, the fate to which I was doomed, but which I did not + deserve. I had hoped that the malice of my foe was exhausted; but I now + perceived that my precautions had been wise, for that the intervention of + an ocean was insufficient for my security. + </p> + <p> + "Let me not dwell on the sensations which this discovery produced. I need + not tell by what steps I was induced to seek an interview with you, for + the purpose of disclosing the truth, and repairing, as far as possible, + the effects of my misconduct. It was unavoidable that this gazette would + fall into your hands, and that it would tend to confirm every erroneous + impression. + </p> + <p> + "Having gained this interview, I purposed to seek some retreat in the + wilderness, inaccessible to your inquiry and to the malice of my foe, + where I might henceforth employ myself in composing a faithful narrative + of my actions. I designed it as my vindication from the aspersions that + had rested on my character, and as a lesson to mankind on the evils of + credulity on the one hand, and of imposture on the other. + </p> + <p> + "I wrote you a billet, which was left at the house of your friend, and + which I knew would, by some means, speedily come to your hands. I + entertained a faint hope that my invitation would be complied with. I knew + not what use you would make of the opportunity which this proposal + afforded you of procuring the seizure of my person; but this fate I was + determined to avoid, and I had no doubt but due circumspection, and the + exercise of the faculty which I possessed, would enable me to avoid it. + </p> + <p> + "I lurked, through the day, in the neighbourhood of Mettingen: I + approached your habitation at the appointed hour: I entered it in silence, + by a trap-door which led into the cellar. This had formerly been bolted on + the inside, but Judith had, at an early period in our intercourse, removed + this impediment. I ascended to the first floor, but met with no one, nor + any thing that indicated the presence of an human being. + </p> + <p> + "I crept softly up stairs, and at length perceived your chamber door to be + opened, and a light to be within. It was of moment to discover by whom + this light was accompanied. I was sensible of the inconveniencies to which + my being discovered at your chamber door by any one within would subject + me; I therefore called out in my own voice, but so modified that it should + appear to ascend from the court below, 'Who is in the chamber? Is it Miss + Wieland?" + </p> + <p> + "No answer was returned to this summons. I listened, but no motion could + be heard. After a pause I repeated my call, but no less ineffectually. + </p> + <p> + "I now approached nearer the door, and adventured to look in. A light + stood on the table, but nothing human was discernible. I entered + cautiously, but all was solitude and stillness. + </p> + <p> + "I knew not what to conclude. If the house were inhabited, my call would + have been noticed; yet some suspicion insinuated itself that silence was + studiously kept by persons who intended to surprize me. My approach had + been wary, and the silence that ensued my call had likewise preceded it; a + circumstance that tended to dissipate my fears. + </p> + <p> + "At length it occurred to me that Judith might possibly be in her own + room. I turned my steps thither; but she was not to be found. I passed + into other rooms, and was soon convinced that the house was totally + deserted. I returned to your chamber, agitated by vain surmises and + opposite conjectures. The appointed hour had passed, and I dismissed the + hope of an interview. + </p> + <p> + "In this state of things I determined to leave a few lines on your toilet, + and prosecute my journey to the mountains. Scarcely had I taken the pen + when I laid it aside, uncertain in what manner to address you. I rose from + the table and walked across the floor. A glance thrown upon the bed + acquainted me with a spectacle to which my conceptions of horror had not + yet reached. + </p> + <p> + "In the midst of shuddering and trepidation, the signal of your presence + in the court below recalled me to myself. The deed was newly done: I only + was in the house: what had lately happened justified any suspicions, + however enormous. It was plain that this catastrophe was unknown to you: I + thought upon the wild commotion which the discovery would awaken in your + breast: I found the confusion of my own thoughts unconquerable, and + perceived that the end for which I sought an interview was not now to be + accomplished. + </p> + <p> + "In this state of things it was likewise expedient to conceal my being + within. I put out the light and hurried down stairs. To my unspeakable + surprize, notwithstanding every motive to fear, you lighted a candle and + proceeded to your chamber. + </p> + <p> + "I retired to that room below from which a door leads into the cellar. + This door concealed me from your view as you passed. I thought upon the + spectacle which was about to present itself. In an exigence so abrupt and + so little foreseen, I was again subjected to the empire of mechanical and + habitual impulses. I dreaded the effects which this shocking exhibition, + bursting on your unprepared senses, might produce. + </p> + <p> + "Thus actuated, I stept swiftly to the door, and thrusting my head + forward, once more pronounced the mysterious interdiction. At that moment, + by some untoward fate, your eyes were cast back, and you saw me in the + very act of utterance. I fled through the darksome avenue at which I + entered, covered with the shame of this detection. + </p> + <p> + "With diligence, stimulated by a thousand ineffable emotions, I pursued my + intended journey. I have a brother whose farm is situated in the bosom of + a fertile desert, near the sources of the Leheigh, and thither I now + repaired." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIV + </h2> + <p> + "Deeply did I ruminate on the occurrences that had just passed. Nothing + excited my wonder so much as the means by which you discovered my being in + the closet. This discovery appeared to be made at the moment when you + attempted to open it. How could you have otherwise remained so long in the + chamber apparently fearless and tranquil? And yet, having made this + discovery, how could you persist in dragging me forth: persist in defiance + of an interdiction so emphatical and solemn? + </p> + <p> + "But your sister's death was an event detestable and ominous. She had been + the victim of the most dreadful species of assassination. How, in a state + like yours, the murderous intention could be generated, was wholly + inconceivable. + </p> + <p> + "I did not relinquish my design of confessing to you the part which I had + sustained in your family, but I was willing to defer it till the task + which I had set myself was finished. That being done, I resumed the + resolution. The motives to incite me to this continually acquired force. + The more I revolved the events happening at Mettingen, the more + insupportable and ominous my terrors became. My waking hours and my sleep + were vexed by dismal presages and frightful intimations. + </p> + <p> + "Catharine was dead by violence. Surely my malignant stars had not made me + the cause of her death; yet had I not rashly set in motion a machine, over + whose progress I had no controul, and which experience had shewn me was + infinite in power? Every day might add to the catalogue of horrors of + which this was the source, and a seasonable disclosure of the truth might + prevent numberless ills. + </p> + <p> + "Fraught with this conception, I have turned my steps hither. I find your + brother's house desolate: the furniture removed, and the walls stained + with damps. Your own is in the same situation. Your chamber is dismantled + and dark, and you exhibit an image of incurable grief, and of rapid decay. + </p> + <p> + "I have uttered the truth. This is the extent of my offences. You tell me + an horrid tale of Wieland being led to the destruction of his wife and + children, by some mysterious agent. You charge me with the guilt of this + agency; but I repeat that the amount of my guilt has been truly stated. + The perpetrator of Catharine's death was unknown to me till now; nay, it + is still unknown to me." + </p> + <p> + At that moment, the closing of a door in the kitchen was distinctly heard + by us. Carwin started and paused. "There is some one coming. I must not be + found here by my enemies, and need not, since my purpose is answered." + </p> + <p> + I had drunk in, with the most vehement attention, every word that he had + uttered. I had no breath to interrupt his tale by interrogations or + comments. The power that he spoke of was hitherto unknown to me: its + existence was incredible; it was susceptible of no direct proof. + </p> + <p> + He owns that his were the voice and face which I heard and saw. He + attempts to give an human explanation of these phantasms; but it is enough + that he owns himself to be the agent; his tale is a lie, and his nature + devilish. As he deceived me, he likewise deceived my brother, and now do I + behold the author of all our calamities! + </p> + <p> + Such were my thoughts when his pause allowed me to think. I should have + bad him begone if the silence had not been interrupted; but now I feared + no more for myself; and the milkiness of my nature was curdled into hatred + and rancour. Some one was near, and this enemy of God and man might + possibly be brought to justice. I reflected not that the preternatural + power which he had hitherto exerted, would avail to rescue him from any + toils in which his feet might be entangled. Meanwhile, looks, and not + words of menace and abhorrence, were all that I could bestow. + </p> + <p> + He did not depart. He seemed dubious, whether, by passing out of the + house, or by remaining somewhat longer where he was, he should most + endanger his safety. His confusion increased when steps of one barefoot + were heard upon the stairs. He threw anxious glances sometimes at the + closet, sometimes at the window, and sometimes at the chamber door, yet he + was detained by some inexplicable fascination. He stood as if rooted to + the spot. + </p> + <p> + As to me, my soul was bursting with detestation and revenge. I had no room + for surmises and fears respecting him that approached. It was doubtless a + human being, and would befriend me so far as to aid me in arresting this + offender. + </p> + <p> + The stranger quickly entered the room. My eyes and the eyes of Carwin + were, at the same moment, darted upon him. A second glance was not needed + to inform us who he was. His locks were tangled, and fell confusedly over + his forehead and ears. His shirt was of coarse stuff, and open at the neck + and breast. His coat was once of bright and fine texture, but now torn and + tarnished with dust. His feet, his legs, and his arms were bare. His + features were the seat of a wild and tranquil solemnity, but his eyes + bespoke inquietude and curiosity. + </p> + <p> + He advanced with firm step, and looking as in search of some one. He saw + me and stopped. He bent his sight on the floor, and clenching his hands, + appeared suddenly absorbed in meditation. Such were the figure and + deportment of Wieland! Such, in his fallen state, were the aspect and + guise of my brother! + </p> + <p> + Carwin did not fail to recognize the visitant. Care for his own safety was + apparently swallowed up in the amazement which this spectacle produced. + His station was conspicuous, and he could not have escaped the roving + glances of Wieland; yet the latter seemed totally unconscious of his + presence. + </p> + <p> + Grief at this scene of ruin and blast was at first the only sentiment of + which I was conscious. A fearful stillness ensued. At length Wieland, + lifting his hands, which were locked in each other, to his breast, + exclaimed, "Father! I thank thee. This is thy guidance. Hither thou hast + led me, that I might perform thy will: yet let me not err: let me hear + again thy messenger!" + </p> + <p> + He stood for a minute as if listening; but recovering from his attitude, + he continued—"It is not needed. Dastardly wretch! thus eternally + questioning the behests of thy Maker! weak in resolution! wayward in + faith!" + </p> + <p> + He advanced to me, and, after another pause, resumed: "Poor girl! a dismal + fate has set its mark upon thee. Thy life is demanded as a sacrifice. + Prepare thee to die. Make not my office difficult by fruitless opposition. + Thy prayers might subdue stones; but none but he who enjoined my purpose + can shake it." + </p> + <p> + These words were a sufficient explication of the scene. The nature of his + phrenzy, as described by my uncle, was remembered. I who had sought death, + was now thrilled with horror because it was near. Death in this form, + death from the hand of a brother, was thought upon with undescribable + repugnance. + </p> + <p> + In a state thus verging upon madness, my eye glanced upon Carwin. His + astonishment appeared to have struck him motionless and dumb. My life was + in danger, and my brother's hand was about to be embrued in my blood. I + firmly believed that Carwin's was the instigation. I could rescue me from + this abhorred fate; I could dissipate this tremendous illusion; I could + save my brother from the perpetration of new horrors, by pointing out the + devil who seduced him; to hesitate a moment was to perish. These thoughts + gave strength to my limbs, and energy to my accents: I started on my feet. + "O brother! spare me, spare thyself: There is thy betrayer. He + counterfeited the voice and face of an angel, for the purpose of + destroying thee and me. He has this moment confessed it. He is able to + speak where he is not. He is leagued with hell, but will not avow it; yet + he confesses that the agency was his." + </p> + <p> + My brother turned slowly his eyes, and fixed them upon Carwin. Every joint + in the frame of the latter trembled. His complexion was paler than a + ghost's. His eye dared not meet that of Wieland, but wandered with an air + of distraction from one space to another. + </p> + <p> + "Man," said my brother, in a voice totally unlike that which he had used + to me, "what art thou? The charge has been made. Answer it. The visage—the + voice—at the bottom of these stairs—at the hour of eleven—To + whom did they belong? To thee?" + </p> + <p> + Twice did Carwin attempt to speak, but his words died away upon his lips. + My brother resumed in a tone of greater vehemence— + </p> + <p> + "Thou falterest; faltering is ominous; say yes or no: one word will + suffice; but beware of falsehood. Was it a stratagem of hell to overthrow + my family? Wast thou the agent?" + </p> + <p> + I now saw that the wrath which had been prepared for me was to be heaped + upon another. The tale that I heard from him, and his present + trepidations, were abundant testimonies of his guilt. But what if Wieland + should be undeceived! What if he shall find his acts to have proceeded not + from an heavenly prompter, but from human treachery! Will not his rage + mount into whirlwind? Will not he tare limb from limb this devoted wretch? + </p> + <p> + Instinctively I recoiled from this image, but it gave place to another. + Carwin may be innocent, but the impetuosity of his judge may misconstrue + his answers into a confession of guilt. Wieland knows not that mysterious + voices and appearances were likewise witnessed by me. Carwin may be + ignorant of those which misled my brother. Thus may his answers unwarily + betray himself to ruin. + </p> + <p> + Such might be the consequences of my frantic precipitation, and these, it + was necessary, if possible, to prevent. I attempted to speak, but Wieland, + turning suddenly upon me, commanded silence, in a tone furious and + terrible. My lips closed, and my tongue refused its office. + </p> + <p> + "What art thou?" he resumed, addressing himself to Carwin. "Answer me; + whose form—whose voice—was it thy contrivance? Answer me." + </p> + <p> + The answer was now given, but confusedly and scarcely articulated. "I + meant nothing—I intended no ill—if I understand—if I do + not mistake you—it is too true—I did appear—in the entry—did + speak. The contrivance was mine, but—" + </p> + <p> + These words were no sooner uttered, than my brother ceased to wear the + same aspect. His eyes were downcast: he was motionless: his respiration + became hoarse, like that of a man in the agonies of death. Carwin seemed + unable to say more. He might have easily escaped, but the thought which + occupied him related to what was horrid and unintelligible in this scene, + and not to his own danger. + </p> + <p> + Presently the faculties of Wieland, which, for a time, were chained up, + were seized with restlessness and trembling. He broke silence. The + stoutest heart would have been appalled by the tone in which he spoke. He + addressed himself to Carwin. + </p> + <p> + "Why art thou here? Who detains thee? Go and learn better. I will meet + thee, but it must be at the bar of thy Maker. There shall I bear witness + against thee." + </p> + <p> + Perceiving that Carwin did not obey, he continued; "Dost thou wish me to + complete the catalogue by thy death? Thy life is a worthless thing. Tempt + me no more. I am but a man, and thy presence may awaken a fury which may + spurn my controul. Begone!" + </p> + <p> + Carwin, irresolute, striving in vain for utterance, his complexion pallid + as death, his knees beating one against another, slowly obeyed the mandate + and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXV + </h2> + <p> + A few words more and I lay aside the pen for ever. Yet why should I not + relinquish it now? All that I have said is preparatory to this scene, and + my fingers, tremulous and cold as my heart, refuse any further exertion. + This must not be. Let my last energies support me in the finishing of this + task. Then will I lay down my head in the lap of death. Hushed will be all + my murmurs in the sleep of the grave. + </p> + <p> + Every sentiment has perished in my bosom. Even friendship is extinct. Your + love for me has prompted me to this task; but I would not have complied if + it had not been a luxury thus to feast upon my woes. I have justly + calculated upon my remnant of strength. When I lay down the pen the taper + of life will expire: my existence will terminate with my tale. + </p> + <p> + Now that I was left alone with Wieland, the perils of my situation + presented themselves to my mind. That this paroxysm should terminate in + havock and rage it was reasonable to predict. The first suggestion of my + fears had been disproved by my experience. Carwin had acknowledged his + offences, and yet had escaped. The vengeance which I had harboured had not + been admitted by Wieland, and yet the evils which I had endured, compared + with those inflicted on my brother, were as nothing. I thirsted for his + blood, and was tormented with an insatiable appetite for his destruction; + yet my brother was unmoved, and had dismissed him in safety. Surely thou + wast more than man, while I am sunk below the beasts. + </p> + <p> + Did I place a right construction on the conduct of Wieland? Was the error + that misled him so easily rectified? Were views so vivid and faith so + strenuous thus liable to fading and to change? Was there not reason to + doubt the accuracy of my perceptions? With images like these was my mind + thronged, till the deportment of my brother called away my attention. + </p> + <p> + I saw his lips move and his eyes cast up to heaven. Then would he listen + and look back, as if in expectation of some one's appearance. Thrice he + repeated these gesticulations and this inaudible prayer. Each time the + mist of confusion and doubt seemed to grow darker and to settle on his + understanding. I guessed at the meaning of these tokens. The words of + Carwin had shaken his belief, and he was employed in summoning the + messenger who had formerly communed with him, to attest the value of those + new doubts. In vain the summons was repeated, for his eye met nothing but + vacancy, and not a sound saluted his ear. + </p> + <p> + He walked to the bed, gazed with eagerness at the pillow which had + sustained the head of the breathless Catharine, and then returned to the + place where I sat. I had no power to lift my eyes to his face: I was + dubious of his purpose: this purpose might aim at my life. + </p> + <p> + Alas! nothing but subjection to danger, and exposure to temptation, can + show us what we are. By this test was I now tried, and found to be + cowardly and rash. Men can deliberately untie the thread of life, and of + this I had deemed myself capable; yet now that I stood upon the brink of + fate, that the knife of the sacrificer was aimed at my heart, I shuddered + and betook myself to any means of escape, however monstrous. + </p> + <p> + Can I bear to think—can I endure to relate the outrage which my + heart meditated? Where were my means of safety? Resistance was vain. Not + even the energy of despair could set me on a level with that strength + which his terrific prompter had bestowed upon Wieland. Terror enables us + to perform incredible feats; but terror was not then the state of my mind: + where then were my hopes of rescue? + </p> + <p> + Methinks it is too much. I stand aside, as it were, from myself; I + estimate my own deservings; a hatred, immortal and inexorable, is my due. + I listen to my own pleas, and find them empty and false: yes, I + acknowledge that my guilt surpasses that of all mankind: I confess that + the curses of a world, and the frowns of a deity, are inadequate to my + demerits. Is there a thing in the world worthy of infinite abhorrence? It + is I. What shall I say! I was menaced, as I thought, with death, and, to + elude this evil, my hand was ready to inflict death upon the menacer. In + visiting my house, I had made provision against the machinations of + Carwin. In a fold of my dress an open penknife was concealed. This I now + seized and drew forth. It lurked out of view: but I now see that my state + of mind would have rendered the deed inevitable if my brother had lifted + his hand. This instrument of my preservation would have been plunged into + his heart. + </p> + <p> + O, insupportable remembrance! hide thee from my view for a time; hide it + from me that my heart was black enough to meditate the stabbing of a + brother! a brother thus supreme in misery; thus towering in virtue! + </p> + <p> + He was probably unconscious of my design, but presently drew back. This + interval was sufficient to restore me to myself. The madness, the iniquity + of that act which I had purposed rushed upon my apprehension. For a moment + I was breathless with agony. At the next moment I recovered my strength, + and threw the knife with violence on the floor. + </p> + <p> + The sound awoke my brother from his reverie. He gazed alternately at me + and at the weapon. With a movement equally solemn he stooped and took it + up. He placed the blade in different positions, scrutinizing it + accurately, and maintaining, at the same time, a profound silence. + </p> + <p> + Again he looked at me, but all that vehemence and loftiness of spirit + which had so lately characterized his features, were flown. Fallen + muscles, a forehead contracted into folds, eyes dim with unbidden drops, + and a ruefulness of aspect which no words can describe, were now visible. + </p> + <p> + His looks touched into energy the same sympathies in me, and I poured + forth a flood of tears. This passion was quickly checked by fear, which + had now, no longer, my own, but his safety for their object. I watched his + deportment in silence. At length he spoke: + </p> + <p> + "Sister," said he, in an accent mournful and mild, "I have acted poorly my + part in this world. What thinkest thou? Shall I not do better in the + next?" + </p> + <p> + I could make no answer. The mildness of his tone astonished and encouraged + me. I continued to regard him with wistful and anxious looks. + </p> + <p> + "I think," resumed he, "I will try. My wife and my babes have gone before. + Happy wretches! I have sent you to repose, and ought not to linger + behind." + </p> + <p> + These words had a meaning sufficiently intelligible. I looked at the open + knife in his hand and shuddered, but knew not how to prevent the deed + which I dreaded. He quickly noticed my fears, and comprehended them. + Stretching towards me his hand, with an air of increasing mildness: "Take + it," said he: "Fear not for thy own sake, nor for mine. The cup is gone + by, and its transient inebriation is succeeded by the soberness of truth. + </p> + <p> + "Thou angel whom I was wont to worship! fearest thou, my sister, for thy + life? Once it was the scope of my labours to destroy thee, but I was + prompted to the deed by heaven; such, at least, was my belief. Thinkest + thou that thy death was sought to gratify malevolence? No. I am pure from + all stain. I believed that my God was my mover! + </p> + <p> + "Neither thee nor myself have I cause to injure. I have done my duty, and + surely there is merit in having sacrificed to that, all that is dear to + the heart of man. If a devil has deceived me, he came in the habit of an + angel. If I erred, it was not my judgment that deceived me, but my senses. + In thy sight, being of beings! I am still pure. Still will I look for my + reward in thy justice!" + </p> + <p> + Did my ears truly report these sounds? If I did not err, my brother was + restored to just perceptions. He knew himself to have been betrayed to the + murder of his wife and children, to have been the victim of infernal + artifice; yet he found consolation in the rectitude of his motives. He was + not devoid of sorrow, for this was written on his countenance; but his + soul was tranquil and sublime. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps this was merely a transition of his former madness into a new + shape. Perhaps he had not yet awakened to the memory of the horrors which + he had perpetrated. Infatuated wretch that I was! To set myself up as a + model by which to judge of my heroic brother! My reason taught me that his + conclusions were right; but conscious of the impotence of reason over my + own conduct; conscious of my cowardly rashness and my criminal despair, I + doubted whether any one could be stedfast and wise. + </p> + <p> + Such was my weakness, that even in the midst of these thoughts, my mind + glided into abhorrence of Carwin, and I uttered in a low voice, O! Carwin! + Carwin! What hast thou to answer for? + </p> + <p> + My brother immediately noticed the involuntary exclamation: "Clara!" said + he, "be thyself. Equity used to be a theme for thy eloquence. Reduce its + lessons to practice, and be just to that unfortunate man. The instrument + has done its work, and I am satisfied. + </p> + <p> + "I thank thee, my God, for this last illumination! My enemy is thine also. + I deemed him to be man, the man with whom I have often communed; but now + thy goodness has unveiled to me his true nature. As the performer of thy + behests, he is my friend." + </p> + <p> + My heart began now to misgive me. His mournful aspect had gradually + yielded place to a serene brow. A new soul appeared to actuate his frame, + and his eyes to beam with preternatural lustre. These symptoms did not + abate, and he continued: + </p> + <p> + "Clara! I must not leave thee in doubt. I know not what brought about thy + interview with the being whom thou callest Carwin. For a time, I was + guilty of thy error, and deduced from his incoherent confessions that I + had been made the victim of human malice. He left us at my bidding, and I + put up a prayer that my doubts should be removed. Thy eyes were shut, and + thy ears sealed to the vision that answered my prayer. + </p> + <p> + "I was indeed deceived. The form thou hast seen was the incarnation of a + daemon. The visage and voice which urged me to the sacrifice of my family, + were his. Now he personates a human form: then he was invironed with the + lustre of heaven.— + </p> + <p> + "Clara," he continued, advancing closer to me, "thy death must come. This + minister is evil, but he from whom his commission was received is God. + Submit then with all thy wonted resignation to a decree that cannot be + reversed or resisted. Mark the clock. Three minutes are allowed to thee, + in which to call up thy fortitude, and prepare thee for thy doom." There + he stopped. + </p> + <p> + Even now, when this scene exists only in memory, when life and all its + functions have sunk into torpor, my pulse throbs, and my hairs uprise: my + brows are knit, as then; and I gaze around me in distraction. I was + unconquerably averse to death; but death, imminent and full of agony as + that which was threatened, was nothing. This was not the only or chief + inspirer of my fears. + </p> + <p> + For him, not for myself, was my soul tormented. I might die, and no crime, + surpassing the reach of mercy, would pursue me to the presence of my + Judge; but my assassin would survive to contemplate his deed, and that + assassin was Wieland! + </p> + <p> + Wings to bear me beyond his reach I had not. I could not vanish with a + thought. The door was open, but my murderer was interposed between that + and me. Of self-defence I was incapable. The phrenzy that lately prompted + me to blood was gone; my state was desperate; my rescue was impossible. + </p> + <p> + The weight of these accumulated thoughts could not be borne. My sight + became confused; my limbs were seized with convulsion; I spoke, but my + words were half-formed:— + </p> + <p> + "Spare me, my brother! Look down, righteous Judge! snatch me from this + fate! take away this fury from him, or turn it elsewhere!" + </p> + <p> + Such was the agony of my thoughts, that I noticed not steps entering my + apartment. Supplicating eyes were cast upward, but when my prayer was + breathed, I once more wildly gazed at the door. A form met my sight: I + shuddered as if the God whom I invoked were present. It was Carwin that + again intruded, and who stood before me, erect in attitude, and stedfast + in look! The sight of him awakened new and rapid thoughts. His recent tale + was remembered: his magical transitions and mysterious energy of voice: + Whether he were infernal or miraculous, or human, there was no power and + no need to decide. Whether the contriver or not of this spell, he was able + to unbind it, and to check the fury of my brother. He had ascribed to + himself intentions not malignant. Here now was afforded a test of his + truth. Let him interpose, as from above; revoke the savage decree which + the madness of Wieland has assigned to heaven, and extinguish for ever + this passion for blood! + </p> + <p> + My mind detected at a glance this avenue to safety. The recommendations it + possessed thronged as it were together, and made but one impression on my + intellect. Remoter effects and collateral dangers I saw not. Perhaps the + pause of an instant had sufficed to call them up. The improbability that + the influence which governed Wieland was external or human; the tendency + of this stratagem to sanction so fatal an error, or substitute a more + destructive rage in place of this; the sufficiency of Carwin's mere + muscular forces to counteract the efforts, and restrain the fury of + Wieland, might, at a second glance, have been discovered; but no second + glance was allowed. My first thought hurried me to action, and, fixing my + eyes upon Carwin I exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + "O wretch! once more hast thou come? Let it be to abjure thy malice; to + counterwork this hellish stratagem; to turn from me and from my brother, + this desolating rage! + </p> + <p> + "Testify thy innocence or thy remorse: exert the powers which pertain to + thee, whatever they be, to turn aside this ruin. Thou art the author of + these horrors! What have I done to deserve thus to die? How have I merited + this unrelenting persecution? I adjure thee, by that God whose voice thou + hast dared to counterfeit, to save my life! + </p> + <p> + "Wilt thou then go? leave me! Succourless!" + </p> + <p> + Carwin listened to my intreaties unmoved, and turned from me. He seemed to + hesitate a moment: then glided through the door. Rage and despair stifled + my utterance. The interval of respite was passed; the pangs reserved for + me by Wieland, were not to be endured; my thoughts rushed again into + anarchy. Having received the knife from his hand, I held it loosely and + without regard; but now it seized again my attention, and I grasped it + with force. + </p> + <p> + He seemed to notice not the entrance or exit of Carwin. My gesture and the + murderous weapon appeared to have escaped his notice. His silence was + unbroken; his eye, fixed upon the clock for a time, was now withdrawn; + fury kindled in every feature; all that was human in his face gave way to + an expression supernatural and tremendous. I felt my left arm within his + grasp.— + </p> + <p> + Even now I hesitated to strike. I shrunk from his assault, but in vain.— + </p> + <p> + Here let me desist. Why should I rescue this event from oblivion? Why + should I paint this detestable conflict? Why not terminate at once this + series of horrors?—Hurry to the verge of the precipice, and cast + myself for ever beyond remembrance and beyond hope? + </p> + <p> + Still I live: with this load upon my breast; with this phantom to pursue + my steps; with adders lodged in my bosom, and stinging me to madness: + still I consent to live! + </p> + <p> + Yes, I will rise above the sphere of mortal passions: I will spurn at the + cowardly remorse that bids me seek impunity in silence, or comfort in + forgetfulness. My nerves shall be new strung to the task. Have I not + resolved? I will die. The gulph before me is inevitable and near. I will + die, but then only when my tale is at an end. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVI + </h2> + <p> + My right hand, grasping the unseen knife, was still disengaged. It was + lifted to strike. All my strength was exhausted, but what was sufficient + to the performance of this deed. Already was the energy awakened, and the + impulse given, that should bear the fatal steel to his heart, when—Wieland + shrunk back: his hand was withdrawn. Breathless with affright and + desperation, I stood, freed from his grasp; unassailed; untouched. + </p> + <p> + Thus long had the power which controuled the scene forborne to interfere; + but now his might was irresistible, and Wieland in a moment was disarmed + of all his purposes. A voice, louder than human organs could produce, + shriller than language can depict, burst from the ceiling, and commanded + him—TO HOLD! + </p> + <p> + Trouble and dismay succeeded to the stedfastness that had lately been + displayed in the looks of Wieland. His eyes roved from one quarter to + another, with an expression of doubt. He seemed to wait for a further + intimation. + </p> + <p> + Carwin's agency was here easily recognized. I had besought him to + interpose in my defence. He had flown. I had imagined him deaf to my + prayer, and resolute to see me perish: yet he disappeared merely to devise + and execute the means of my relief. + </p> + <p> + Why did he not forbear when this end was accomplished? Why did his + misjudging zeal and accursed precipitation overpass that limit? Or meant + he thus to crown the scene, and conduct his inscrutable plots to this + consummation? + </p> + <p> + Such ideas were the fruit of subsequent contemplation. This moment was + pregnant with fate. I had no power to reason. In the career of my + tempestuous thoughts, rent into pieces, as my mind was, by accumulating + horrors, Carwin was unseen and unsuspected. I partook of Wieland's + credulity, shook with his amazement, and panted with his awe. + </p> + <p> + Silence took place for a moment; so much as allowed the attention to + recover its post. Then new sounds were uttered from above. + </p> + <p> + "Man of errors! cease to cherish thy delusion: not heaven or hell, but thy + senses have misled thee to commit these acts. Shake off thy phrenzy, and + ascend into rational and human. Be lunatic no longer." + </p> + <p> + My brother opened his lips to speak. His tone was terrific and faint. He + muttered an appeal to heaven. It was difficult to comprehend the theme of + his inquiries. They implied doubt as to the nature of the impulse that + hitherto had guided him, and questioned whether he had acted in + consequence of insane perceptions. + </p> + <p> + To these interrogatories the voice, which now seemed to hover at his + shoulder, loudly answered in the affirmative. Then uninterrupted silence + ensued. + </p> + <p> + Fallen from his lofty and heroic station; now finally restored to the + perception of truth; weighed to earth by the recollection of his own + deeds; consoled no longer by a consciousness of rectitude, for the loss of + offspring and wife—a loss for which he was indebted to his own + misguided hand; Wieland was transformed at once into the man OF SORROWS! + </p> + <p> + He reflected not that credit should be as reasonably denied to the last, + as to any former intimation; that one might as justly be ascribed to + erring or diseased senses as the other. He saw not that this discovery in + no degree affected the integrity of his conduct; that his motives had lost + none of their claims to the homage of mankind; that the preference of + supreme good, and the boundless energy of duty, were undiminished in his + bosom. + </p> + <p> + It is not for me to pursue him through the ghastly changes of his + countenance. Words he had none. Now he sat upon the floor, motionless in + all his limbs, with his eyes glazed and fixed; a monument of woe. + </p> + <p> + Anon a spirit of tempestuous but undesigning activity seized him. He rose + from his place and strode across the floor, tottering and at random. His + eyes were without moisture, and gleamed with the fire that consumed his + vitals. The muscles of his face were agitated by convulsion. His lips + moved, but no sound escaped him. + </p> + <p> + That nature should long sustain this conflict was not to be believed. My + state was little different from that of my brother. I entered, as it were, + into his thought. My heart was visited and rent by his pangs—Oh that + thy phrenzy had never been cured! that thy madness, with its blissful + visions, would return! or, if that must not be, that thy scene would + hasten to a close! that death would cover thee with his oblivion! + </p> + <p> + What can I wish for thee? Thou who hast vied with the great preacher of + thy faith in sanctity of motives, and in elevation above sensual and + selfish! Thou whom thy fate has changed into paricide and savage! Can I + wish for the continuance of thy being? No. + </p> + <p> + For a time his movements seemed destitute of purpose. If he walked; if he + turned; if his fingers were entwined with each other; if his hands were + pressed against opposite sides of his head with a force sufficient to + crush it into pieces; it was to tear his mind from self-contemplation; to + waste his thoughts on external objects. + </p> + <p> + Speedily this train was broken. A beam appeared to be darted into his + mind, which gave a purpose to his efforts. An avenue to escape presented + itself; and now he eagerly gazed about him: when my thoughts became + engaged by his demeanour, my fingers were stretched as by a mechanical + force, and the knife, no longer heeded or of use, escaped from my grasp, + and fell unperceived on the floor. His eye now lighted upon it; he seized + it with the quickness of thought. + </p> + <p> + I shrieked aloud, but it was too late. He plunged it to the hilt in his + neck; and his life instantly escaped with the stream that gushed from the + wound. He was stretched at my feet; and my hands were sprinkled with his + blood as he fell. + </p> + <p> + Such was thy last deed, my brother! For a spectacle like this was it my + fate to be reserved! Thy eyes were closed—thy face ghastly with + death—thy arms, and the spot where thou liedest, floated in thy + life's blood! These images have not, for a moment, forsaken me. Till I am + breathless and cold, they must continue to hover in my sight. + </p> + <p> + Carwin, as I said, had left the room, but he still lingered in the house. + My voice summoned him to my aid; but I scarcely noticed his re-entrance, + and now faintly recollect his terrified looks, his broken exclamations, + his vehement avowals of innocence, the effusions of his pity for me, and + his offers of assistance. + </p> + <p> + I did not listen—I answered him not—I ceased to upbraid or + accuse. His guilt was a point to which I was indifferent. Ruffian or + devil, black as hell or bright as angels, thenceforth he was nothing to + me. I was incapable of sparing a look or a thought from the ruin that was + spread at my feet. + </p> + <p> + When he left me, I was scarcely conscious of any variation in the scene. + He informed the inhabitants of the hut of what had passed, and they flew + to the spot. Careless of his own safety, he hasted to the city to inform + my friends of my condition. + </p> + <p> + My uncle speedily arrived at the house. The body of Wieland was removed + from my presence, and they supposed that I would follow it; but no, my + home is ascertained; here I have taken up my rest, and never will I go + hence, till, like Wieland, I am borne to my grave. + </p> + <p> + Importunity was tried in vain: they threatened to remove me by violence—nay, + violence was used; but my soul prizes too dearly this little roof to + endure to be bereaved of it. Force should not prevail when the hoary locks + and supplicating tears of my uncle were ineffectual. My repugnance to move + gave birth to ferociousness and phrenzy when force was employed, and they + were obliged to consent to my return. + </p> + <p> + They besought me—they remonstrated—they appealed to every duty + that connected me with him that made me, and with my fellow-men—in + vain. While I live I will not go hence. Have I not fulfilled my destiny? + </p> + <p> + Why will ye torment me with your reasonings and reproofs? Can ye restore + to me the hope of my better days? Can ye give me back Catharine and her + babes? Can ye recall to life him who died at my feet? + </p> + <p> + I will eat—I will drink—I will lie down and rise up at your + bidding—all I ask is the choice of my abode. What is there + unreasonable in this demand? Shortly will I be at peace. This is the spot + which I have chosen in which to breathe my last sigh. Deny me not, I + beseech you, so slight a boon. + </p> + <p> + Talk not to me, O my revered friend! of Carwin. He has told thee his tale, + and thou exculpatest him from all direct concern in the fate of Wieland. + This scene of havock was produced by an illusion of the senses. Be it so: + I care not from what source these disasters have flowed; it suffices that + they have swallowed up our hopes and our existence. + </p> + <p> + What his agency began, his agency conducted to a close. He intended, by + the final effort of his power, to rescue me and to banish his illusions + from my brother. Such is his tale, concerning the truth of which I care + not. Henceforth I foster but one wish—I ask only quick deliverance + from life and all the ills that attend it.— + </p> + <p> + Go wretch! torment me not with thy presence and thy prayers.—Forgive + thee? Will that avail thee when thy fateful hour shall arrive? Be thou + acquitted at thy own tribunal, and thou needest not fear the verdict of + others. If thy guilt be capable of blacker hues, if hitherto thy + conscience be without stain, thy crime will be made more flagrant by thus + violating my retreat. Take thyself away from my sight if thou wouldest not + behold my death! + </p> + <p> + Thou are gone! murmuring and reluctant! And now my repose is coming—my + work is done! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVII + </h2> + <p> + [Written three years after the foregoing, and dated at Montpellier.] + </p> + <p> + I imagined that I had forever laid aside the pen; and that I should take + up my abode in this part of the world, was of all events the least + probable. My destiny I believed to be accomplished, and I looked forward + to a speedy termination of my life with the fullest confidence. + </p> + <p> + Surely I had reason to be weary of existence, to be impatient of every tie + which held me from the grave. I experienced this impatience in its fullest + extent. I was not only enamoured of death, but conceived, from the + condition of my frame, that to shun it was impossible, even though I had + ardently desired it; yet here am I, a thousand leagues from my native + soil, in full possession of life and of health, and not destitute of + happiness. + </p> + <p> + Such is man. Time will obliterate the deepest impressions. Grief the most + vehement and hopeless, will gradually decay and wear itself out. Arguments + may be employed in vain: every moral prescription may be ineffectually + tried: remonstrances, however cogent or pathetic, shall have no power over + the attention, or shall be repelled with disdain; yet, as day follows day, + the turbulence of our emotions shall subside, and our fluctuations be + finally succeeded by a calm. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, however, the conquest of despair was chiefly owing to an accident + which rendered my continuance in my own house impossible. At the + conclusion of my long, and, as I then supposed, my last letter to you, I + mentioned my resolution to wait for death in the very spot which had been + the principal scene of my misfortunes. From this resolution my friends + exerted themselves with the utmost zeal and perseverance to make me + depart. They justly imagined that to be thus surrounded by memorials of + the fate of my family, would tend to foster my disease. A swift succession + of new objects, and the exclusion of every thing calculated to remind me + of my loss, was the only method of cure. + </p> + <p> + I refused to listen to their exhortations. Great as my calamity was, to be + torn from this asylum was regarded by me as an aggravation of it. By a + perverse constitution of mind, he was considered as my greatest enemy who + sought to withdraw me from a scene which supplied eternal food to my + melancholy, and kept my despair from languishing. + </p> + <p> + In relating the history of these disasters I derived a similar species of + gratification. My uncle earnestly dissuaded me from this task; but his + remonstrances were as fruitless on this head as they had been on others. + They would have withheld from me the implements of writing; but they + quickly perceived that to withstand would be more injurious than to comply + with my wishes. Having finished my tale, it seemed as if the scene were + closing. A fever lurked in my veins, and my strength was gone. Any + exertion, however slight, was attended with difficulty, and, at length, I + refused to rise from my bed. + </p> + <p> + I now see the infatuation and injustice of my conduct in its true colours. + I reflect upon the sensations and reasonings of that period with wonder + and humiliation. That I should be insensible to the claims and tears of my + friends; that I should overlook the suggestions of duty, and fly from that + post in which only I could be instrumental to the benefit of others; that + the exercise of the social and beneficent affections, the contemplation of + nature and the acquisition of wisdom should not be seen to be means of + happiness still within my reach, is, at this time, scarcely credible. + </p> + <p> + It is true that I am now changed; but I have not the consolation to + reflect that my change was owing to my fortitude or to my capacity for + instruction. Better thoughts grew up in my mind imperceptibly. I cannot + but congratulate myself on the change, though, perhaps, it merely argues a + fickleness of temper, and a defect of sensibility. + </p> + <p> + After my narrative was ended I betook myself to my bed, in the full belief + that my career in this world was on the point of finishing. My uncle took + up his abode with me, and performed for me every office of nurse, + physician and friend. One night, after some hours of restlessness and + pain, I sunk into deep sleep. Its tranquillity, however, was of no long + duration. My fancy became suddenly distempered, and my brain was turned + into a theatre of uproar and confusion. It would not be easy to describe + the wild and phantastical incongruities that pestered me. My uncle, + Wieland, Pleyel and Carwin were successively and momently discerned amidst + the storm. Sometimes I was swallowed up by whirlpools, or caught up in the + air by half-seen and gigantic forms, and thrown upon pointed rocks, or + cast among the billows. Sometimes gleams of light were shot into a dark + abyss, on the verge of which I was standing, and enabled me to discover, + for a moment, its enormous depth and hideous precipices. Anon, I was + transported to some ridge of AEtna, and made a terrified spectator of its + fiery torrents and its pillars of smoke. + </p> + <p> + However strange it may seem, I was conscious, even during my dream, of my + real situation. I knew myself to be asleep, and struggled to break the + spell, by muscular exertions. These did not avail, and I continued to + suffer these abortive creations till a loud voice, at my bed side, and + some one shaking me with violence, put an end to my reverie. My eyes were + unsealed, and I started from my pillow. + </p> + <p> + My chamber was filled with smoke, which, though in some degree luminous, + would permit me to see nothing, and by which I was nearly suffocated. The + crackling of flames, and the deafening clamour of voices without, burst + upon my ears. Stunned as I was by this hubbub, scorched with heat, and + nearly choaked by the accumulating vapours, I was unable to think or act + for my own preservation; I was incapable, indeed, of comprehending my + danger. + </p> + <p> + I was caught up, in an instant, by a pair of sinewy arms, borne to the + window, and carried down a ladder which had been placed there. My uncle + stood at the bottom and received me. I was not fully aware of my situation + till I found myself sheltered in the HUT, and surrounded by its + inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + By neglect of the servant, some unextinguished embers had been placed in a + barrel in the cellar of the building. The barrel had caught fire; this was + communicated to the beams of the lower floor, and thence to the upper part + of the structure. It was first discovered by some persons at a distance, + who hastened to the spot and alarmed my uncle and the servants. The flames + had already made considerable progress, and my condition was overlooked + till my escape was rendered nearly impossible. + </p> + <p> + My danger being known, and a ladder quickly procured, one of the + spectators ascended to my chamber, and effected my deliverance in the + manner before related. + </p> + <p> + This incident, disastrous as it may at first seem, had, in reality, a + beneficial effect upon my feelings. I was, in some degree, roused from the + stupor which had seized my faculties. The monotonous and gloomy series of + my thoughts was broken. My habitation was levelled with the ground, and I + was obliged to seek a new one. A new train of images, disconnected with + the fate of my family, forced itself on my attention, and a belief + insensibly sprung up, that tranquillity, if not happiness, was still + within my reach. Notwithstanding the shocks which my frame had endured, + the anguish of my thoughts no sooner abated than I recovered my health. + </p> + <p> + I now willingly listened to my uncle's solicitations to be the companion + of his voyage. Preparations were easily made, and after a tedious passage, + we set our feet on the shore of the ancient world. The memory of the past + did not forsake me; but the melancholy which it generated, and the tears + with which it filled my eyes, were not unprofitable. My curiosity was + revived, and I contemplated, with ardour, the spectacle of living manners + and the monuments of past ages. + </p> + <p> + In proportion as my heart was reinstated in the possession of its ancient + tranquillity, the sentiment which I had cherished with regard to Pleyel + returned. In a short time he was united to the Saxon woman, and made his + residence in the neighbourhood of Boston. I was glad that circumstances + would not permit an interview to take place between us. I could not desire + their misery; but I reaped no pleasure from reflecting on their happiness. + Time, and the exertions of my fortitude, cured me, in some degree, of this + folly. I continued to love him, but my passion was disguised to myself; I + considered it merely as a more tender species of friendship, and cherished + it without compunction. + </p> + <p> + Through my uncle's exertions a meeting was brought about between Carwin + and Pleyel, and explanations took place which restored me at once to the + good opinion of the latter. Though separated so widely our correspondence + was punctual and frequent, and paved the way for that union which can only + end with the death of one of us. + </p> + <p> + In my letters to him I made no secret of my former sentiments. This was a + theme on which I could talk without painful, though not without delicate + emotions. That knowledge which I should never have imparted to a lover, I + felt little scruple to communicate to a friend. + </p> + <p> + A year and an half elapsed when Theresa was snatched from him by death, in + the hour in which she gave him the first pledge of their mutual affection. + This event was borne by him with his customary fortitude. It induced him, + however, to make a change in his plans. He disposed of his property in + America, and joined my uncle and me, who had terminated the wanderings of + two years at Montpellier, which will henceforth, I believe, be our + permanent abode. + </p> + <p> + If you reflect upon that entire confidence which had subsisted from our + infancy between Pleyel and myself; on the passion that I had contracted, + and which was merely smothered for a time; and on the esteem which was + mutual, you will not, perhaps, be surprized that the renovation of our + intercourse should give birth to that union which at present subsists. + When the period had elapsed necessary to weaken the remembrance of + Theresa, to whom he had been bound by ties more of honor than of love, he + tendered his affections to me. I need not add that the tender was eagerly + accepted. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps you are somewhat interested in the fate of Carwin. He saw, when + too late, the danger of imposture. So much affected was he by the + catastrophe to which he was a witness, that he laid aside all regard to + his own safety. He sought my uncle, and confided to him the tale which he + had just related to me. He found a more impartial and indulgent auditor in + Mr. Cambridge, who imputed to maniacal illusion the conduct of Wieland, + though he conceived the previous and unseen agency of Carwin, to have + indirectly but powerfully predisposed to this deplorable perversion of + mind. + </p> + <p> + It was easy for Carwin to elude the persecutions of Ludloe. It was merely + requisite to hide himself in a remote district of Pennsylvania. This, when + he parted from us, he determined to do. He is now probably engaged in the + harmless pursuits of agriculture, and may come to think, without + insupportable remorse, on the evils to which his fatal talents have given + birth. The innocence and usefulness of his future life may, in some + degree, atone for the miseries so rashly or so thoughtlessly inflicted. + </p> + <p> + More urgent considerations hindered me from mentioning, in the course of + my former mournful recital, any particulars respecting the unfortunate + father of Louisa Conway. That man surely was reserved to be a monument of + capricious fortune. His southern journies being finished, he returned to + Philadelphia. Before he reached the city he left the highway, and alighted + at my brother's door. Contrary to his expectation, no one came forth to + welcome him, or hail his approach. He attempted to enter the house, but + bolted doors, barred windows, and a silence broken only by unanswered + calls, shewed him that the mansion was deserted. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded thence to my habitation, which he found, in like manner, + gloomy and tenantless. His surprize may be easily conceived. The rustics + who occupied the hut told him an imperfect and incredible tale. He hasted + to the city, and extorted from Mrs. Baynton a full disclosure of late + disasters. + </p> + <p> + He was inured to adversity, and recovered, after no long time, from the + shocks produced by this disappointment of his darling scheme. Our + intercourse did not terminate with his departure from America. We have + since met with him in France, and light has at length been thrown upon the + motives which occasioned the disappearance of his wife, in the manner + which I formerly related to you. + </p> + <p> + I have dwelt upon the ardour of their conjugal attachment, and mentioned + that no suspicion had ever glanced upon her purity. This, though the + belief was long cherished, recent discoveries have shewn to be + questionable. No doubt her integrity would have survived to the present + moment, if an extraordinary fate had not befallen her. + </p> + <p> + Major Stuart had been engaged, while in Germany, in a contest of honor + with an Aid de Camp of the Marquis of Granby. His adversary had propagated + a rumour injurious to his character. A challenge was sent; a meeting + ensued; and Stuart wounded and disarmed the calumniator. The offence was + atoned for, and his life secured by suitable concessions. + </p> + <p> + Maxwell, that was his name, shortly after, in consequence of succeeding to + a rich inheritance, sold his commission and returned to London. His + fortune was speedily augmented by an opulent marriage. Interest was his + sole inducement to this marriage, though the lady had been swayed by a + credulous affection. The true state of his heart was quickly discovered, + and a separation, by mutual consent, took place. The lady withdrew to an + estate in a distant county, and Maxwell continued to consume his time and + fortune in the dissipation of the capital. + </p> + <p> + Maxwell, though deceitful and sensual, possessed great force of mind and + specious accomplishments. He contrived to mislead the generous mind of + Stuart, and to regain the esteem which his misconduct, for a time, had + forfeited. He was recommended by her husband to the confidence of Mrs. + Stuart. Maxwell was stimulated by revenge, and by a lawless passion, to + convert this confidence into a source of guilt. + </p> + <p> + The education and capacity of this woman, the worth of her husband, the + pledge of their alliance which time had produced, her maturity in age and + knowledge of the world—all combined to render this attempt hopeless. + Maxwell, however, was not easily discouraged. The most perfect being, he + believed, must owe his exemption from vice to the absence of temptation. + The impulses of love are so subtile, and the influence of false reasoning, + when enforced by eloquence and passion, so unbounded, that no human virtue + is secure from degeneracy. All arts being tried, every temptation being + summoned to his aid, dissimulation being carried to its utmost bound, + Maxwell, at length, nearly accomplished his purpose. The lady's affections + were withdrawn from her husband and transferred to him. She could not, as + yet, be reconciled to dishonor. All efforts to induce her to elope with + him were ineffectual. She permitted herself to love, and to avow her love; + but at this limit she stopped, and was immoveable. + </p> + <p> + Hence this revolution in her sentiments was productive only of despair. + Her rectitude of principle preserved her from actual guilt, but could not + restore to her her ancient affection, or save her from being the prey of + remorseful and impracticable wishes. Her husband's absence produced a + state of suspense. This, however, approached to a period, and she received + tidings of his intended return. Maxwell, being likewise apprized of this + event, and having made a last and unsuccessful effort to conquer her + reluctance to accompany him in a journey to Italy, whither he pretended an + invincible necessity of going, left her to pursue the measures which + despair might suggest. At the same time she received a letter from the + wife of Maxwell, unveiling the true character of this man, and revealing + facts which the artifices of her seducer had hitherto concealed from her. + Mrs. Maxwell had been prompted to this disclosure by a knowledge of her + husband's practices, with which his own impetuosity had made her + acquainted. + </p> + <p> + This discovery, joined to the delicacy of her scruples and the anguish of + remorse, induced her to abscond. This scheme was adopted in haste, but + effected with consummate prudence. She fled, on the eve of her husband's + arrival, in the disguise of a boy, and embarked at Falmouth in a packet + bound for America. + </p> + <p> + The history of her disastrous intercourse with Maxwell, the motives + inducing her to forsake her country, and the measures she had taken to + effect her design, were related to Mrs. Maxwell, in reply to her + communication. Between these women an ancient intimacy and considerable + similitude of character subsisted. This disclosure was accompanied with + solemn injunctions of secrecy, and these injunctions were, for a long + time, faithfully observed. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Maxwell's abode was situated on the banks of the Wey. Stuart was her + kinsman; their youth had been spent together; and Maxwell was in some + degree indebted to the man whom he betrayed, for his alliance with this + unfortunate lady. Her esteem for the character of Stuart had never been + diminished. A meeting between them was occasioned by a tour which the + latter had undertaken, in the year after his return from America, to Wales + and the western counties. This interview produced pleasure and regret in + each. Their own transactions naturally became the topics of their + conversation; and the untimely fate of his wife and daughter were related + by the guest. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Maxwell's regard for her friend, as well as for the safety of her + husband, persuaded her to concealment; but the former being dead, and the + latter being out of the kingdom, she ventured to produce Mrs. Stuart's + letter, and to communicate her own knowledge of the treachery of Maxwell. + She had previously extorted from her guest a promise not to pursue any + scheme of vengeance; but this promise was made while ignorant of the full + extent of Maxwell's depravity, and his passion refused to adhere to it. + </p> + <p> + At this time my uncle and I resided at Avignon. Among the English resident + there, and with whom we maintained a social intercourse, was Maxwell. This + man's talents and address rendered him a favorite both with my uncle and + myself. He had even tendered me his hand in marriage; but this being + refused, he had sought and obtained permission to continue with us the + intercourse of friendship. Since a legal marriage was impossible, no + doubt, his views were flagitious. Whether he had relinquished these views + I was unable to judge. + </p> + <p> + He was one in a large circle at a villa in the environs, to which I had + likewise been invited, when Stuart abruptly entered the apartment. He was + recognized with genuine satisfaction by me, and with seeming pleasure by + Maxwell. In a short time, some affair of moment being pleaded, which + required an immediate and exclusive interview, Maxwell and he withdrew + together. Stuart and my uncle had been known to each other in the German + army; and the purpose contemplated by the former in this long and hasty + journey, was confided to his old friend. + </p> + <p> + A defiance was given and received, and the banks of a rivulet, about a + league from the city, was selected as the scene of this contest. My uncle, + having exerted himself in vain to prevent an hostile meeting, consented to + attend them as a surgeon.—Next morning, at sun-rise, was the time + chosen. + </p> + <p> + I returned early in the evening to my lodgings. Preliminaries being + settled between the combatants, Stuart had consented to spend the evening + with us, and did not retire till late. On the way to his hotel he was + exposed to no molestation, but just as he stepped within the portico, a + swarthy and malignant figure started from behind a column. and plunged a + stiletto into his body. + </p> + <p> + The author of this treason could not certainly be discovered; but the + details communicated by Stuart, respecting the history of Maxwell, + naturally pointed him out as an object of suspicion. No one expressed more + concern, on account of this disaster, than he; and he pretended an ardent + zeal to vindicate his character from the aspersions that were cast upon + it. Thenceforth, however, I denied myself to his visits; and shortly after + he disappeared from this scene. + </p> + <p> + Few possessed more estimable qualities, and a better title to happiness + and the tranquil honors of long life, than the mother and father of Louisa + Conway: yet they were cut off in the bloom of their days; and their + destiny was thus accomplished by the same hand. Maxwell was the instrument + of their destruction, though the instrument was applied to this end in so + different a manner. + </p> + <p> + I leave you to moralize on this tale. That virtue should become the victim + of treachery is, no doubt, a mournful consideration; but it will not + escape your notice, that the evils of which Carwin and Maxwell were the + authors, owed their existence to the errors of the sufferers. All efforts + would have been ineffectual to subvert the happiness or shorten the + existence of the Stuarts, if their own frailty had not seconded these + efforts. If the lady had crushed her disastrous passion in the bud, and + driven the seducer from her presence, when the tendency of his artifices + was seen; if Stuart had not admitted the spirit of absurd revenge, we + should not have had to deplore this catastrophe. If Wieland had framed + juster notions of moral duty, and of the divine attributes; or if I had + been gifted with ordinary equanimity or foresight, the double-tongued + deceiver would have been baffled and repelled. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wieland; or The Transformation, by +Charles Brockden Brown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WIELAND; OR THE TRANSFORMATION *** + +***** This file should be named 792-h.htm or 792-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/9/792/ + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Wieland; or The Transformation + An American Tale + +Author: Charles Brockden Brown + +Posting Date: August 7, 2008 [EBook #792] +Release Date: January, 1997 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WIELAND; OR THE TRANSFORMATION *** + + + + + + + + + + +WIELAND; OR THE TRANSFORMATION + +An American Tale + +by Charles Brockden Brown + + + + + From Virtue's blissful paths away + The double-tongued are sure to stray; + Good is a forth-right journey still, + And mazy paths but lead to ill. + + +Advertisement. + +The following Work is delivered to the world as the first of a series +of performances, which the favorable reception of this will induce the +Writer to publish. His purpose is neither selfish nor temporary, +but aims at the illustration of some important branches of the moral +constitution of man. Whether this tale will be classed with the ordinary +or frivolous sources of amusement, or be ranked with the few productions +whose usefulness secures to them a lasting reputation, the reader must +be permitted to decide. + +The incidents related are extraordinary and rare. Some of them, perhaps, +approach as nearly to the nature of miracles as can be done by that +which is not truly miraculous. It is hoped that intelligent readers will +not disapprove of the manner in which appearances are solved, but that +the solution will be found to correspond with the known principles of +human nature. The power which the principal person is said to possess +can scarcely be denied to be real. It must be acknowledged to be +extremely rare; but no fact, equally uncommon, is supported by the same +strength of historical evidence. + +Some readers may think the conduct of the younger Wieland impossible. In +support of its possibility the Writer must appeal to Physicians and to +men conversant with the latent springs and occasional perversions of +the human mind. It will not be objected that the instances of similar +delusion are rare, because it is the business of moral painters to +exhibit their subject in its most instructive and memorable forms. If +history furnishes one parallel fact, it is a sufficient vindication of +the Writer; but most readers will probably recollect an authentic case, +remarkably similar to that of Wieland. + +It will be necessary to add, that this narrative is addressed, in an +epistolary form, by the Lady whose story it contains, to a small +number of friends, whose curiosity, with regard to it, had been greatly +awakened. It may likewise be mentioned, that these events took +place between the conclusion of the French and the beginning of the +revolutionary war. The memoirs of Carwin, alluded to at the conclusion +of the work, will be published or suppressed according to the reception +which is given to the present attempt. + +C. B. B. September 3, 1798. + + + +Chapter I + + +I feel little reluctance in complying with your request. You know not +fully the cause of my sorrows. You are a stranger to the depth of my +distresses. Hence your efforts at consolation must necessarily fail. Yet +the tale that I am going to tell is not intended as a claim upon your +sympathy. In the midst of my despair, I do not disdain to contribute +what little I can to the benefit of mankind. I acknowledge your right to +be informed of the events that have lately happened in my family. Make +what use of the tale you shall think proper. If it be communicated +to the world, it will inculcate the duty of avoiding deceit. It will +exemplify the force of early impressions, and show the immeasurable +evils that flow from an erroneous or imperfect discipline. + +My state is not destitute of tranquillity. The sentiment that dictates +my feelings is not hope. Futurity has no power over my thoughts. To all +that is to come I am perfectly indifferent. With regard to myself, I +have nothing more to fear. Fate has done its worst. Henceforth, I am +callous to misfortune. + +I address no supplication to the Deity. The power that governs the +course of human affairs has chosen his path. The decree that ascertained +the condition of my life, admits of no recal. No doubt it squares with +the maxims of eternal equity. That is neither to be questioned nor +denied by me. It suffices that the past is exempt from mutation. The +storm that tore up our happiness, and changed into dreariness and desert +the blooming scene of our existence, is lulled into grim repose; but +not until the victim was transfixed and mangled; till every obstacle was +dissipated by its rage; till every remnant of good was wrested from our +grasp and exterminated. + +How will your wonder, and that of your companions, be excited by my +story! Every sentiment will yield to your amazement. If my testimony +were without corroborations, you would reject it as incredible. The +experience of no human being can furnish a parallel: That I, beyond the +rest of mankind, should be reserved for a destiny without alleviation, +and without example! Listen to my narrative, and then say what it is +that has made me deserve to be placed on this dreadful eminence, if, +indeed, every faculty be not suspended in wonder that I am still alive, +and am able to relate it. My father's ancestry was noble on the paternal +side; but his mother was the daughter of a merchant. My grand-father was +a younger brother, and a native of Saxony. He was placed, when he had +reached the suitable age, at a German college. During the vacations, +he employed himself in traversing the neighbouring territory. On one +occasion it was his fortune to visit Hamburg. He formed an acquaintance +with Leonard Weise, a merchant of that city, and was a frequent guest +at his house. The merchant had an only daughter, for whom his guest +speedily contracted an affection; and, in spite of parental menaces and +prohibitions, he, in due season, became her husband. + +By this act he mortally offended his relations. Thenceforward he was +entirely disowned and rejected by them. They refused to contribute any +thing to his support. All intercourse ceased, and he received from them +merely that treatment to which an absolute stranger, or detested enemy, +would be entitled. + +He found an asylum in the house of his new father, whose temper was +kind, and whose pride was flattered by this alliance. The nobility of +his birth was put in the balance against his poverty. Weise conceived +himself, on the whole, to have acted with the highest discretion, in +thus disposing of his child. My grand-father found it incumbent on him +to search out some mode of independent subsistence. His youth had +been eagerly devoted to literature and music. These had hitherto been +cultivated merely as sources of amusement. They were now converted into +the means of gain. At this period there were few works of taste in +the Saxon dialect. My ancestor may be considered as the founder of the +German Theatre. The modern poet of the same name is sprung from the same +family, and, perhaps, surpasses but little, in the fruitfulness of his +invention, or the soundness of his taste, the elder Wieland. His life +was spent in the composition of sonatas and dramatic pieces. They were +not unpopular, but merely afforded him a scanty subsistence. He died +in the bloom of his life, and was quickly followed to the grave by his +wife. Their only child was taken under the protection of the merchant. +At an early age he was apprenticed to a London trader, and passed seven +years of mercantile servitude. + +My father was not fortunate in the character of him under whose care +he was now placed. He was treated with rigor, and full employment was +provided for every hour of his time. His duties were laborious and +mechanical. He had been educated with a view to this profession, and, +therefore, was not tormented with unsatisfied desires. He did not hold +his present occupations in abhorrence, because they withheld him from +paths more flowery and more smooth, but he found in unintermitted +labour, and in the sternness of his master, sufficient occasions for +discontent. No opportunities of recreation were allowed him. He spent +all his time pent up in a gloomy apartment, or traversing narrow and +crowded streets. His food was coarse, and his lodging humble. His heart +gradually contracted a habit of morose and gloomy reflection. He could +not accurately define what was wanting to his happiness. He was not +tortured by comparisons drawn between his own situation and that +of others. His state was such as suited his age and his views as to +fortune. He did not imagine himself treated with extraordinary or +unjustifiable rigor. In this respect he supposed the condition of +others, bound like himself to mercantile service, to resemble his own; +yet every engagement was irksome, and every hour tedious in its lapse. + +In this state of mind he chanced to light upon a book written by one of +the teachers of the Albigenses, or French Protestants. He entertained no +relish for books, and was wholly unconscious of any power they possessed +to delight or instruct. This volume had lain for years in a corner of +his garret, half buried in dust and rubbish. He had marked it as it lay; +had thrown it, as his occasions required, from one spot to another; but +had felt no inclination to examine its contents, or even to inquire what +was the subject of which it treated. + +One Sunday afternoon, being induced to retire for a few minutes to his +garret, his eye was attracted by a page of this book, which, by some +accident, had been opened and placed full in his view. He was seated on +the edge of his bed, and was employed in repairing a rent in some part +of his clothes. His eyes were not confined to his work, but occasionally +wandering, lighted at length upon the page. The words "Seek and ye +shall find," were those that first offered themselves to his notice. +His curiosity was roused by these so far as to prompt him to proceed. +As soon as he finished his work, he took up the book and turned to +the first page. The further he read, the more inducement he found to +continue, and he regretted the decline of the light which obliged him +for the present to close it. + +The book contained an exposition of the doctrine of the sect of +Camissards, and an historical account of its origin. His mind was in a +state peculiarly fitted for the reception of devotional sentiments. The +craving which had haunted him was now supplied with an object. His mind +was at no loss for a theme of meditation. On days of business, he rose +at the dawn, and retired to his chamber not till late at night. He now +supplied himself with candles, and employed his nocturnal and Sunday +hours in studying this book. It, of course, abounded with allusions to +the Bible. All its conclusions were deduced from the sacred text. This +was the fountain, beyond which it was unnecessary to trace the stream of +religious truth; but it was his duty to trace it thus far. + +A Bible was easily procured, and he ardently entered on the study of it. +His understanding had received a particular direction. All his reveries +were fashioned in the same mould. His progress towards the formation of +his creed was rapid. Every fact and sentiment in this book were viewed +through a medium which the writings of the Camissard apostle had +suggested. His constructions of the text were hasty, and formed on a +narrow scale. Every thing was viewed in a disconnected position. One +action and one precept were not employed to illustrate and restrict +the meaning of another. Hence arose a thousand scruples to which he had +hitherto been a stranger. He was alternately agitated by fear and by +ecstacy. He imagined himself beset by the snares of a spiritual foe, and +that his security lay in ceaseless watchfulness and prayer. + +His morals, which had never been loose, were now modelled by a stricter +standard. The empire of religious duty extended itself to his looks, +gestures, and phrases. All levities of speech, and negligences of +behaviour, were proscribed. His air was mournful and contemplative. +He laboured to keep alive a sentiment of fear, and a belief of +the awe-creating presence of the Deity. Ideas foreign to this were +sedulously excluded. To suffer their intrusion was a crime against the +Divine Majesty inexpiable but by days and weeks of the keenest agonies. + +No material variation had occurred in the lapse of two years. Every day +confirmed him in his present modes of thinking and acting. It was to +be expected that the tide of his emotions would sometimes recede, that +intervals of despondency and doubt would occur; but these gradually were +more rare, and of shorter duration; and he, at last, arrived at a state +considerably uniform in this respect. + +His apprenticeship was now almost expired. On his arrival of age he +became entitled, by the will of my grand-father, to a small sum. This +sum would hardly suffice to set him afloat as a trader in his present +situation, and he had nothing to expect from the generosity of his +master. Residence in England had, besides, become almost impossible, +on account of his religious tenets. In addition to these motives for +seeking a new habitation, there was another of the most imperious and +irresistable necessity. He had imbibed an opinion that it was his duty +to disseminate the truths of the gospel among the unbelieving nations. +He was terrified at first by the perils and hardships to which the life +of a missionary is exposed. This cowardice made him diligent in the +invention of objections and excuses; but he found it impossible wholly +to shake off the belief that such was the injunction of his duty. +The belief, after every new conflict with his passions, acquired new +strength; and, at length, he formed a resolution of complying with what +he deemed the will of heaven. + +The North-American Indians naturally presented themselves as the first +objects for this species of benevolence. As soon as his servitude +expired, he converted his little fortune into money, and embarked for +Philadelphia. Here his fears were revived, and a nearer survey of savage +manners once more shook his resolution. For a while he relinquished his +purpose, and purchasing a farm on Schuylkill, within a few miles of the +city, set himself down to the cultivation of it. The cheapness of land, +and the service of African slaves, which were then in general use, +gave him who was poor in Europe all the advantages of wealth. He passed +fourteen years in a thrifty and laborious manner. In this time new +objects, new employments, and new associates appeared to have nearly +obliterated the devout impressions of his youth. He now became +acquainted with a woman of a meek and quiet disposition, and of slender +acquirements like himself. He proffered his hand and was accepted. + +His previous industry had now enabled him to dispense with personal +labour, and direct attention to his own concerns. He enjoyed leisure, +and was visited afresh by devotional contemplation. The reading of the +scriptures, and other religious books, became once more his favorite +employment. His ancient belief relative to the conversion of the savage +tribes, was revived with uncommon energy. To the former obstacles were +now added the pleadings of parental and conjugal love. The struggle +was long and vehement; but his sense of duty would not be stifled or +enfeebled, and finally triumphed over every impediment. + +His efforts were attended with no permanent success. His exhortations +had sometimes a temporary power, but more frequently were repelled with +insult and derision. In pursuit of this object he encountered the most +imminent perils, and underwent incredible fatigues, hunger, sickness, +and solitude. The licence of savage passion, and the artifices of his +depraved countrymen, all opposed themselves to his progress. His courage +did not forsake him till there appeared no reasonable ground to hope for +success. He desisted not till his heart was relieved from the supposed +obligation to persevere. With his constitution somewhat decayed, he at +length returned to his family. An interval of tranquillity succeeded. He +was frugal, regular, and strict in the performance of domestic duties. +He allied himself with no sect, because he perfectly agreed with none. +Social worship is that by which they are all distinguished; but this +article found no place in his creed. He rigidly interpreted that precept +which enjoins us, when we worship, to retire into solitude, and shut +out every species of society. According to him devotion was not only a +silent office, but must be performed alone. An hour at noon, and an hour +at midnight were thus appropriated. + +At the distance of three hundred yards from his house, on the top of a +rock whose sides were steep, rugged, and encumbered with dwarf cedars +and stony asperities, he built what to a common eye would have seemed a +summer-house. The eastern verge of this precipice was sixty feet above +the river which flowed at its foot. The view before it consisted of a +transparent current, fluctuating and rippling in a rocky channel, and +bounded by a rising scene of cornfields and orchards. The edifice was +slight and airy. It was no more than a circular area, twelve feet in +diameter, whose flooring was the rock, cleared of moss and shrubs, and +exactly levelled, edged by twelve Tuscan columns, and covered by an +undulating dome. My father furnished the dimensions and outlines, but +allowed the artist whom he employed to complete the structure on his own +plan. It was without seat, table, or ornament of any kind. + +This was the temple of his Deity. Twice in twenty-four hours he repaired +hither, unaccompanied by any human being. Nothing but physical inability +to move was allowed to obstruct or postpone this visit. He did not exact +from his family compliance with his example. Few men, equally sincere +in their faith, were as sparing in their censures and restrictions, +with respect to the conduct of others, as my father. The character of +my mother was no less devout; but her education had habituated her to +a different mode of worship. The loneliness of their dwelling prevented +her from joining any established congregation; but she was punctual in +the offices of prayer, and in the performance of hymns to her Saviour, +after the manner of the disciples of Zinzendorf. My father refused +to interfere in her arrangements. His own system was embraced not, +accurately speaking, because it was the best, but because it had been +expressly prescribed to him. Other modes, if practised by other persons, +might be equally acceptable. + +His deportment to others was full of charity and mildness. A sadness +perpetually overspread his features, but was unmingled with sternness or +discontent. The tones of his voice, his gestures, his steps were all in +tranquil unison. His conduct was characterised by a certain forbearance +and humility, which secured the esteem of those to whom his tenets were +most obnoxious. They might call him a fanatic and a dreamer, but they +could not deny their veneration to his invincible candour and invariable +integrity. His own belief of rectitude was the foundation of his +happiness. This, however, was destined to find an end. + +Suddenly the sadness that constantly attended him was deepened. Sighs, +and even tears, sometimes escaped him. To the expostulations of his wife +he seldom answered any thing. When he designed to be communicative, he +hinted that his peace of mind was flown, in consequence of deviation +from his duty. A command had been laid upon him, which he had delayed to +perform. He felt as if a certain period of hesitation and reluctance +had been allowed him, but that this period was passed. He was no +longer permitted to obey. The duty assigned to him was transferred, in +consequence of his disobedience, to another, and all that remained was +to endure the penalty. + +He did not describe this penalty. It appeared to be nothing more for +some time than a sense of wrong. This was sufficiently acute, and was +aggravated by the belief that his offence was incapable of expiation. No +one could contemplate the agonies which he seemed to suffer without the +deepest compassion. Time, instead of lightening the burthen, appeared to +add to it. At length he hinted to his wife, that his end was near. His +imagination did not prefigure the mode or the time of his decease, but +was fraught with an incurable persuasion that his death was at hand. He +was likewise haunted by the belief that the kind of death that awaited +him was strange and terrible. His anticipations were thus far vague and +indefinite; but they sufficed to poison every moment of his being, and +devote him to ceaseless anguish. + + + +Chapter II + + +Early in the morning of a sultry day in August, he left Mettingen, to go +to the city. He had seldom passed a day from home since his return from +the shores of the Ohio. Some urgent engagements at this time existed, +which would not admit of further delay. He returned in the evening, but +appeared to be greatly oppressed with fatigue. His silence and dejection +were likewise in a more than ordinary degree conspicuous. My mother's +brother, whose profession was that of a surgeon, chanced to spend this +night at our house. It was from him that I have frequently received an +exact account of the mournful catastrophe that followed. + +As the evening advanced, my father's inquietudes increased. He sat with +his family as usual, but took no part in their conversation. He appeared +fully engrossed by his own reflections. Occasionally his countenance +exhibited tokens of alarm; he gazed stedfastly and wildly at the +ceiling; and the exertions of his companions were scarcely sufficient +to interrupt his reverie. On recovering from these fits, he expressed no +surprize; but pressing his hand to his head, complained, in a tremulous +and terrified tone, that his brain was scorched to cinders. He would +then betray marks of insupportable anxiety. + +My uncle perceived, by his pulse, that he was indisposed, but in no +alarming degree, and ascribed appearances chiefly to the workings of his +mind. He exhorted him to recollection and composure, but in vain. At the +hour of repose he readily retired to his chamber. At the persuasion of +my mother he even undressed and went to bed. Nothing could abate his +restlessness. He checked her tender expostulations with some sternness. +"Be silent," said he, "for that which I feel there is but one cure, +and that will shortly come. You can help me nothing. Look to your own +condition, and pray to God to strengthen you under the calamities that +await you." "What am I to fear?" she answered. "What terrible disaster +is it that you think of?" "Peace--as yet I know it not myself, but come +it will, and shortly." She repeated her inquiries and doubts; but he +suddenly put an end to the discourse, by a stern command to be silent. + +She had never before known him in this mood. Hitherto all was benign in +his deportment. Her heart was pierced with sorrow at the contemplation +of this change. She was utterly unable to account for it, or to figure +to herself the species of disaster that was menaced. + +Contrary to custom, the lamp, instead of being placed on the hearth, was +left upon the table. Over it against the wall there hung a small clock, +so contrived as to strike a very hard stroke at the end of every sixth +hour. That which was now approaching was the signal for retiring to the +fane at which he addressed his devotions. Long habit had occasioned him +to be always awake at this hour, and the toll was instantly obeyed. + +Now frequent and anxious glances were cast at the clock. Not a single +movement of the index appeared to escape his notice. As the hour verged +towards twelve his anxiety visibly augmented. The trepidations of my +mother kept pace with those of her husband; but she was intimidated +into silence. All that was left to her was to watch every change of his +features, and give vent to her sympathy in tears. + +At length the hour was spent, and the clock tolled. The sound appeared +to communicate a shock to every part of my father's frame. He rose +immediately, and threw over himself a loose gown. Even this office +was performed with difficulty, for his joints trembled, and his teeth +chattered with dismay. At this hour his duty called him to the rock, and +my mother naturally concluded that it was thither he intended to repair. +Yet these incidents were so uncommon, as to fill her with astonishment +and foreboding. She saw him leave the room, and heard his steps as they +hastily descended the stairs. She half resolved to rise and pursue him, +but the wildness of the scheme quickly suggested itself. He was going +to a place whither no power on earth could induce him to suffer an +attendant. + +The window of her chamber looked toward the rock. The atmosphere was +clear and calm, but the edifice could not be discovered at that distance +through the dusk. My mother's anxiety would not allow her to remain +where she was. She rose, and seated herself at the window. She strained +her sight to get a view of the dome, and of the path that led to it. The +first painted itself with sufficient distinctness on her fancy, but +was undistinguishable by the eye from the rocky mass on which it was +erected. The second could be imperfectly seen; but her husband had +already passed, or had taken a different direction. + +What was it that she feared? Some disaster impended over her husband or +herself. He had predicted evils, but professed himself ignorant of what +nature they were. When were they to come? Was this night, or this hour +to witness the accomplishment? She was tortured with impatience, and +uncertainty. All her fears were at present linked to his person, and she +gazed at the clock, with nearly as much eagerness as my father had done, +in expectation of the next hour. + +An half hour passed away in this state of suspence. Her eyes were fixed +upon the rock; suddenly it was illuminated. A light proceeding from the +edifice, made every part of the scene visible. A gleam diffused itself +over the intermediate space, and instantly a loud report, like the +explosion of a mine, followed. She uttered an involuntary shriek, but +the new sounds that greeted her ear, quickly conquered her surprise. +They were piercing shrieks, and uttered without intermission. The gleams +which had diffused themselves far and wide were in a moment withdrawn, +but the interior of the edifice was filled with rays. + +The first suggestion was that a pistol was discharged, and that the +structure was on fire. She did not allow herself time to meditate a +second thought, but rushed into the entry and knocked loudly at the door +of her brother's chamber. My uncle had been previously roused by the +noise, and instantly flew to the window. He also imagined what he saw +to be fire. The loud and vehement shrieks which succeeded the first +explosion, seemed to be an invocation of succour. The incident was +inexplicable; but he could not fail to perceive the propriety of +hastening to the spot. He was unbolting the door, when his sister's +voice was heard on the outside conjuring him to come forth. + +He obeyed the summons with all the speed in his power. He stopped not +to question her, but hurried down stairs and across the meadow which lay +between the house and the rock. The shrieks were no longer to be heard; +but a blazing light was clearly discernible between the columns of the +temple. Irregular steps, hewn in the stone, led him to the summit. On +three sides, this edifice touched the very verge of the cliff. On the +fourth side, which might be regarded as the front, there was an area +of small extent, to which the rude staircase conducted you. My uncle +speedily gained this spot. His strength was for a moment exhausted +by his haste. He paused to rest himself. Meanwhile he bent the most +vigilant attention towards the object before him. + +Within the columns he beheld what he could no better describe, than +by saying that it resembled a cloud impregnated with light. It had +the brightness of flame, but was without its upward motion. It did not +occupy the whole area, and rose but a few feet above the floor. No +part of the building was on fire. This appearance was astonishing. He +approached the temple. As he went forward the light retired, and, when +he put his feet within the apartment, utterly vanished. The suddenness +of this transition increased the darkness that succeeded in a tenfold +degree. Fear and wonder rendered him powerless. An occurrence like this, +in a place assigned to devotion, was adapted to intimidate the stoutest +heart. + +His wandering thoughts were recalled by the groans of one near him. +His sight gradually recovered its power, and he was able to discern my +father stretched on the floor. At that moment, my mother and servants +arrived with a lanthorn, and enabled my uncle to examine more closely +this scene. My father, when he left the house, besides a loose upper +vest and slippers, wore a shirt and drawers. Now he was naked, his skin +throughout the greater part of his body was scorched and bruised. His +right arm exhibited marks as of having been struck by some heavy body. +His clothes had been removed, and it was not immediately perceived that +they were reduced to ashes. His slippers and his hair were untouched. + +He was removed to his chamber, and the requisite attention paid to his +wounds, which gradually became more painful. A mortification speedily +shewed itself in the arm, which had been most hurt. Soon after, the +other wounded parts exhibited the like appearance. + +Immediately subsequent to this disaster, my father seemed nearly in +a state of insensibility. He was passive under every operation. He +scarcely opened his eyes, and was with difficulty prevailed upon to +answer the questions that were put to him. By his imperfect account, it +appeared, that while engaged in silent orisons, with thoughts full +of confusion and anxiety, a faint gleam suddenly shot athwart the +apartment. His fancy immediately pictured to itself, a person bearing +a lamp. It seemed to come from behind. He was in the act of turning to +examine the visitant, when his right arm received a blow from a heavy +club. At the same instant, a very bright spark was seen to light upon +his clothes. In a moment, the whole was reduced to ashes. This was the +sum of the information which he chose to give. There was somewhat in +his manner that indicated an imperfect tale. My uncle was inclined to +believe that half the truth had been suppressed. + +Meanwhile, the disease thus wonderfully generated, betrayed more +terrible symptoms. Fever and delirium terminated in lethargic slumber, +which, in the course of two hours, gave place to death. Yet not till +insupportable exhalations and crawling putrefaction had driven from his +chamber and the house every one whom their duty did not detain. + +Such was the end of my father. None surely was ever more mysterious. +When we recollect his gloomy anticipations and unconquerable anxiety; +the security from human malice which his character, the place, and the +condition of the times, might be supposed to confer; the purity and +cloudlessness of the atmosphere, which rendered it impossible that +lightning was the cause; what are the conclusions that we must form? + +The prelusive gleam, the blow upon his arm, the fatal spark, the +explosion heard so far, the fiery cloud that environed him, without +detriment to the structure, though composed of combustible materials, +the sudden vanishing of this cloud at my uncle's approach--what is the +inference to be drawn from these facts? Their truth cannot be doubted. +My uncle's testimony is peculiarly worthy of credit, because no man's +temper is more sceptical, and his belief is unalterably attached to +natural causes. + +I was at this time a child of six years of age. The impressions that +were then made upon me, can never be effaced. I was ill qualified to +judge respecting what was then passing; but as I advanced in age, and +became more fully acquainted with these facts, they oftener became the +subject of my thoughts. Their resemblance to recent events revived them +with new force in my memory, and made me more anxious to explain them. +Was this the penalty of disobedience? this the stroke of a vindictive +and invisible hand? Is it a fresh proof that the Divine Ruler interferes +in human affairs, meditates an end, selects, and commissions his agents, +and enforces, by unequivocal sanctions, submission to his will? Or, was +it merely the irregular expansion of the fluid that imparts warmth to +our heart and our blood, caused by the fatigue of the preceding day, or +flowing, by established laws, from the condition of his thoughts? [*] + + + * A case, in its symptoms exactly parallel to this, is + published in one of the Journals of Florence. See, likewise, + similar cases reported by Messrs. Merille and Muraire, in + the "Journal de Medicine," for February and May, 1783. The + researches of Maffei and Fontana have thrown some light upon + this subject. + + + +Chapter III + + +The shock which this disastrous occurrence occasioned to my mother, was +the foundation of a disease which carried her, in a few months, to the +grave. My brother and myself were children at this time, and were now +reduced to the condition of orphans. The property which our parents left +was by no means inconsiderable. It was entrusted to faithful hands, +till we should arrive at a suitable age. Meanwhile, our education was +assigned to a maiden aunt who resided in the city, and whose tenderness +made us in a short time cease to regret that we had lost a mother. + +The years that succeeded were tranquil and happy. Our lives were +molested by few of those cares that are incident to childhood. By +accident more than design, the indulgence and yielding temper of our +aunt was mingled with resolution and stedfastness. She seldom deviated +into either extreme of rigour or lenity. Our social pleasures were +subject to no unreasonable restraints. We were instructed in most +branches of useful knowledge, and were saved from the corruption and +tyranny of colleges and boarding-schools. + +Our companions were chiefly selected from the children of our +neighbours. Between one of these and my brother, there quickly grew the +most affectionate intimacy. Her name was Catharine Pleyel. She was rich, +beautiful, and contrived to blend the most bewitching softness with +the most exuberant vivacity. The tie by which my brother and she were +united, seemed to add force to the love which I bore her, and which +was amply returned. Between her and myself there was every circumstance +tending to produce and foster friendship. Our sex and age were the same. +We lived within sight of each other's abode. Our tempers were remarkably +congenial, and the superintendants of our education not only prescribed +to us the same pursuits, but allowed us to cultivate them together. + +Every day added strength to the triple bonds that united us. We +gradually withdrew ourselves from the society of others, and found every +moment irksome that was not devoted to each other. My brother's advance +in age made no change in our situation. It was determined that his +profession should be agriculture. His fortune exempted him from the +necessity of personal labour. The task to be performed by him was +nothing more than superintendance. The skill that was demanded by this +was merely theoretical, and was furnished by casual inspection, or +by closet study. The attention that was paid to this subject did not +seclude him for any long time from us, on whom time had no other effect +than to augment our impatience in the absence of each other and of +him. Our tasks, our walks, our music, were seldom performed but in each +other's company. + +It was easy to see that Catharine and my brother were born for each +other. The passion which they mutually entertained quickly broke those +bounds which extreme youth had set to it; confessions were made or +extorted, and their union was postponed only till my brother had +passed his minority. The previous lapse of two years was constantly and +usefully employed. + +O my brother! But the task I have set myself let me perform with +steadiness. The felicity of that period was marred by no gloomy +anticipations. The future, like the present, was serene. Time was +supposed to have only new delights in store. I mean not to dwell on +previous incidents longer than is necessary to illustrate or explain +the great events that have since happened. The nuptial day at length +arrived. My brother took possession of the house in which he was born, +and here the long protracted marriage was solemnized. + +My father's property was equally divided between us. A neat dwelling, +situated on the bank of the river, three quarters of a mile from my +brother's, was now occupied by me. These domains were called, from the +name of the first possessor, Mettingen. I can scarcely account for my +refusing to take up my abode with him, unless it were from a disposition +to be an economist of pleasure. Self-denial, seasonably exercised, is +one means of enhancing our gratifications. I was, beside, desirous of +administering a fund, and regulating an household, of my own. The short +distance allowed us to exchange visits as often as we pleased. The +walk from one mansion to the other was no undelightful prelude to our +interviews. I was sometimes their visitant, and they, as frequently, +were my guests. + +Our education had been modelled by no religious standard. We were left +to the guidance of our own understanding, and the casual impressions +which society might make upon us. My friend's temper, as well as my own, +exempted us from much anxiety on this account. It must not be supposed +that we were without religion, but with us it was the product of +lively feelings, excited by reflection on our own happiness, and by the +grandeur of external nature. We sought not a basis for our faith, in +the weighing of proofs, and the dissection of creeds. Our devotion was +a mixed and casual sentiment, seldom verbally expressed, or solicitously +sought, or carefully retained. In the midst of present enjoyment, +no thought was bestowed on the future. As a consolation in calamity +religion is dear. But calamity was yet at a distance, and its only +tendency was to heighten enjoyments which needed not this addition to +satisfy every craving. + +My brother's situation was somewhat different. His deportment was grave, +considerate, and thoughtful. I will not say whether he was indebted to +sublimer views for this disposition. Human life, in his opinion, was +made up of changeable elements, and the principles of duty were not +easily unfolded. The future, either as anterior, or subsequent to death, +was a scene that required some preparation and provision to be made for +it. These positions we could not deny, but what distinguished him was a +propensity to ruminate on these truths. The images that visited us were +blithsome and gay, but those with which he was most familiar were of +an opposite hue. They did not generate affliction and fear, but they +diffused over his behaviour a certain air of forethought and sobriety. +The principal effect of this temper was visible in his features and +tones. These, in general, bespoke a sort of thrilling melancholy. I +scarcely ever knew him to laugh. He never accompanied the lawless mirth +of his companions with more than a smile, but his conduct was the same +as ours. + +He partook of our occupations and amusements with a zeal not less than +ours, but of a different kind. The diversity in our temper was never +the parent of discord, and was scarcely a topic of regret. The scene +was variegated, but not tarnished or disordered by it. It hindered the +element in which we moved from stagnating. Some agitation and concussion +is requisite to the due exercise of human understanding. In his studies, +he pursued an austerer and more arduous path. He was much conversant +with the history of religious opinions, and took pains to ascertain +their validity. He deemed it indispensable to examine the ground of +his belief, to settle the relation between motives and actions, the +criterion of merit, and the kinds and properties of evidence. + +There was an obvious resemblance between him and my father, in their +conceptions of the importance of certain topics, and in the light in +which the vicissitudes of human life were accustomed to be viewed. +Their characters were similar, but the mind of the son was enriched by +science, and embellished with literature. + +The temple was no longer assigned to its ancient use. From an Italian +adventurer, who erroneously imagined that he could find employment +for his skill, and sale for his sculptures in America, my brother had +purchased a bust of Cicero. He professed to have copied this piece from +an antique dug up with his own hands in the environs of Modena. Of the +truth of his assertions we were not qualified to judge; but the marble +was pure and polished, and we were contented to admire the performance, +without waiting for the sanction of connoisseurs. We hired the same +artist to hew a suitable pedestal from a neighbouring quarry. This was +placed in the temple, and the bust rested upon it. Opposite to this was +a harpsichord, sheltered by a temporary roof from the weather. This was +the place of resort in the evenings of summer. Here we sung, and talked, +and read, and occasionally banqueted. Every joyous and tender scene most +dear to my memory, is connected with this edifice. Here the performances +of our musical and poetical ancestor were rehearsed. Here my brother's +children received the rudiments of their education; here a thousand +conversations, pregnant with delight and improvement, took place; and +here the social affections were accustomed to expand, and the tear of +delicious sympathy to be shed. + +My brother was an indefatigable student. The authors whom he read were +numerous, but the chief object of his veneration was Cicero. He was +never tired of conning and rehearsing his productions. To understand +them was not sufficient. He was anxious to discover the gestures and +cadences with which they ought to be delivered. He was very scrupulous +in selecting a true scheme of pronunciation for the Latin tongue, and in +adapting it to the words of his darling writer. His favorite occupation +consisted in embellishing his rhetoric with all the proprieties of +gesticulation and utterance. + +Not contented with this, he was diligent in settling and restoring the +purity of the text. For this end, he collected all the editions and +commentaries that could be procured, and employed months of severe study +in exploring and comparing them. He never betrayed more satisfaction +than when he made a discovery of this kind. + +It was not till the addition of Henry Pleyel, my friend's only brother, +to our society, that his passion for Roman eloquence was countenanced +and fostered by a sympathy of tastes. This young man had been some years +in Europe. We had separated at a very early age, and he was now returned +to spend the remainder of his days among us. + +Our circle was greatly enlivened by the accession of a new member. His +conversation abounded with novelty. His gaiety was almost boisterous, +but was capable of yielding to a grave deportment when the occasion +required it. His discernment was acute, but he was prone to view every +object merely as supplying materials for mirth. His conceptions +were ardent but ludicrous, and his memory, aided, as he honestly +acknowledged, by his invention, was an inexhaustible fund of +entertainment. + +His residence was at the same distance below the city as ours was above, +but there seldom passed a day without our being favoured with a visit. +My brother and he were endowed with the same attachment to the Latin +writers; and Pleyel was not behind his friend in his knowledge of the +history and metaphysics of religion. Their creeds, however, were in many +respects opposite. Where one discovered only confirmations of his faith, +the other could find nothing but reasons for doubt. Moral necessity, +and calvinistic inspiration, were the props on which my brother thought +proper to repose. Pleyel was the champion of intellectual liberty, and +rejected all guidance but that of his reason. Their discussions were +frequent, but, being managed with candour as well as with skill, they +were always listened to by us with avidity and benefit. + +Pleyel, like his new friends, was fond of music and poetry. Henceforth +our concerts consisted of two violins, an harpsichord, and three voices. +We were frequently reminded how much happiness depends upon society. +This new friend, though, before his arrival, we were sensible of no +vacuity, could not now be spared. His departure would occasion a void +which nothing could fill, and which would produce insupportable regret. +Even my brother, though his opinions were hourly assailed, and even the +divinity of Cicero contested, was captivated with his friend, and laid +aside some part of his ancient gravity at Pleyel's approach. + + + +Chapter IV + + +Six years of uninterrupted happiness had rolled away, since my brother's +marriage. The sound of war had been heard, but it was at such a distance +as to enhance our enjoyment by affording objects of comparison. The +Indians were repulsed on the one side, and Canada was conquered on the +other. Revolutions and battles, however calamitous to those who occupied +the scene, contributed in some sort to our happiness, by agitating our +minds with curiosity, and furnishing causes of patriotic exultation. +Four children, three of whom were of an age to compensate, by their +personal and mental progress, the cares of which they had been, at a +more helpless age, the objects, exercised my brother's tenderness. The +fourth was a charming babe that promised to display the image of her +mother, and enjoyed perfect health. To these were added a sweet girl +fourteen years old, who was loved by all of us, with an affection more +than parental. + +Her mother's story was a mournful one. She had come hither from England +when this child was an infant, alone, without friends, and without +money. She appeared to have embarked in a hasty and clandestine +manner. She passed three years of solitude and anguish under my aunt's +protection, and died a martyr to woe; the source of which she could, by +no importunities, be prevailed upon to unfold. Her education and manners +bespoke her to be of no mean birth. Her last moments were rendered +serene, by the assurances she received from my aunt, that her daughter +should experience the same protection that had been extended to herself. + +On my brother's marriage, it was agreed that she should make a part of +his family. I cannot do justice to the attractions of this girl. Perhaps +the tenderness she excited might partly originate in her personal +resemblance to her mother, whose character and misfortunes were +still fresh in our remembrance. She was habitually pensive, and this +circumstance tended to remind the spectator of her friendless condition; +and yet that epithet was surely misapplied in this case. This being was +cherished by those with whom she now resided, with unspeakable fondness. +Every exertion was made to enlarge and improve her mind. Her safety +was the object of a solicitude that almost exceeded the bounds of +discretion. Our affection indeed could scarcely transcend her merits. +She never met my eye, or occurred to my reflections, without exciting +a kind of enthusiasm. Her softness, her intelligence, her equanimity, +never shall I see surpassed. I have often shed tears of pleasure at her +approach, and pressed her to my bosom in an agony of fondness. + +While every day was adding to the charms of her person, and the stores +of her mind, there occurred an event which threatened to deprive us +of her. An officer of some rank, who had been disabled by a wound +at Quebec, had employed himself, since the ratification of peace, in +travelling through the colonies. He remained a considerable period at +Philadelphia, but was at last preparing for his departure. No one had +been more frequently honoured with his visits than Mrs. Baynton, a +worthy lady with whom our family were intimate. He went to her house +with a view to perform a farewell visit, and was on the point of taking +his leave, when I and my young friend entered the apartment. It is +impossible to describe the emotions of the stranger, when he fixed his +eyes upon my companion. He was motionless with surprise. He was unable +to conceal his feelings, but sat silently gazing at the spectacle before +him. At length he turned to Mrs. Baynton, and more by his looks and +gestures than by words, besought her for an explanation of the scene. +He seized the hand of the girl, who, in her turn, was surprised by his +behaviour, and drawing her forward, said in an eager and faultering +tone, Who is she? whence does she come? what is her name? + +The answers that were given only increased the confusion of his +thoughts. He was successively told, that she was the daughter of one +whose name was Louisa Conway, who arrived among us at such a time, who +sedulously concealed her parentage, and the motives of her flight, whose +incurable griefs had finally destroyed her, and who had left this child +under the protection of her friends. Having heard the tale, he melted +into tears, eagerly clasped the young lady in his arms, and called +himself her father. When the tumults excited in his breast by this +unlooked-for meeting were somewhat subsided, he gratified our curiosity +by relating the following incidents. + +"Miss Conway was the only daughter of a banker in London, who discharged +towards her every duty of an affectionate father. He had chanced to fall +into her company, had been subdued by her attractions, had tendered her +his hand, and been joyfully accepted both by parent and child. His wife +had given him every proof of the fondest attachment. Her father, who +possessed immense wealth, treated him with distinguished respect, +liberally supplied his wants, and had made one condition of his consent +to their union, a resolution to take up their abode with him. + +"They had passed three years of conjugal felicity, which had been +augmented by the birth of this child; when his professional duty called +him into Germany. It was not without an arduous struggle, that she was +persuaded to relinquish the design of accompanying him through all the +toils and perils of war. No parting was ever more distressful. They +strove to alleviate, by frequent letters, the evils of their lot. Those +of his wife, breathed nothing but anxiety for his safety, and impatience +of his absence. At length, a new arrangement was made, and he was +obliged to repair from Westphalia to Canada. One advantage attended this +change. It afforded him an opportunity of meeting his family. His +wife anticipated this interview, with no less rapture than himself. He +hurried to London, and the moment he alighted from the stage-coach, ran +with all speed to Mr. Conway's house. + +"It was an house of mourning. His father was overwhelmed with grief, and +incapable of answering his inquiries. The servants, sorrowful and mute, +were equally refractory. He explored the house, and called on the names +of his wife and daughter, but his summons was fruitless. At length, +this new disaster was explained. Two days before his arrival, his wife's +chamber was found empty. No search, however diligent and anxious, could +trace her steps. No cause could be assigned for her disappearance. The +mother and child had fled away together. + +"New exertions were made, her chamber and cabinets were ransacked, but +no vestige was found serving to inform them as to the motives of her +flight, whether it had been voluntary or otherwise, and in what corner +of the kingdom or of the world she was concealed. Who shall describe the +sorrow and amazement of the husband? His restlessness, his vicissitudes +of hope and fear, and his ultimate despair? His duty called him to +America. He had been in this city, and had frequently passed the door of +the house in which his wife, at that moment, resided. Her father had not +remitted his exertions to elucidate this painful mystery, but they had +failed. This disappointment hastened his death; in consequence of which, +Louisa's father became possessor of his immense property." + +This tale was a copious theme of speculation. A thousand questions were +started and discussed in our domestic circle, respecting the motives +that influenced Mrs. Stuart to abandon her country. It did not appear +that her proceeding was involuntary. We recalled and reviewed every +particular that had fallen under our own observation. By none of these +were we furnished with a clue. Her conduct, after the most rigorous +scrutiny, still remained an impenetrable secret. On a nearer view, Major +Stuart proved himself a man of most amiable character. His attachment +to Louisa appeared hourly to increase. She was no stranger to the +sentiments suitable to her new character. She could not but readily +embrace the scheme which was proposed to her, to return with her father +to England. This scheme his regard for her induced him, however, to +postpone. Some time was necessary to prepare her for so great a change +and enable her to think without agony of her separation from us. + +I was not without hopes of prevailing on her father entirely to +relinquish this unwelcome design. Meanwhile, he pursued his travels +through the southern colonies, and his daughter continued with us. +Louisa and my brother frequently received letters from him, which +indicated a mind of no common order. They were filled with amusing +details, and profound reflections. While here, he often partook of +our evening conversations at the temple; and since his departure, his +correspondence had frequently supplied us with topics of discourse. + +One afternoon in May, the blandness of the air, and brightness of the +verdure, induced us to assemble, earlier than usual, in the temple. +We females were busy at the needle, while my brother and Pleyel were +bandying quotations and syllogisms. The point discussed was the merit of +the oration for Cluentius, as descriptive, first, of the genius of the +speaker; and, secondly, of the manners of the times. Pleyel laboured to +extenuate both these species of merit, and tasked his ingenuity, to shew +that the orator had embraced a bad cause; or, at least, a doubtful one. +He urged, that to rely on the exaggerations of an advocate, or to +make the picture of a single family a model from which to sketch the +condition of a nation, was absurd. The controversy was suddenly diverted +into a new channel, by a misquotation. Pleyel accused his companion of +saying "polliciatur" when he should have said "polliceretur." Nothing +would decide the contest, but an appeal to the volume. My brother was +returning to the house for this purpose, when a servant met him with +a letter from Major Stuart. He immediately returned to read it in our +company. + +Besides affectionate compliments to us, and paternal benedictions +on Louisa, his letter contained a description of a waterfall on the +Monongahela. A sudden gust of rain falling, we were compelled to remove +to the house. The storm passed away, and a radiant moon-light succeeded. +There was no motion to resume our seats in the temple. We therefore +remained where we were, and engaged in sprightly conversation. The +letter lately received naturally suggested the topic. A parallel was +drawn between the cataract there described, and one which Pleyel had +discovered among the Alps of Glarus. In the state of the former, some +particular was mentioned, the truth of which was questionable. To settle +the dispute which thence arose, it was proposed to have recourse to the +letter. My brother searched for it in his pocket. It was no where to be +found. At length, he remembered to have left it in the temple, and he +determined to go in search of it. His wife, Pleyel, Louisa, and myself, +remained where we were. + +In a few minutes he returned. I was somewhat interested in the dispute, +and was therefore impatient for his return; yet, as I heard him +ascending the stairs, I could not but remark, that he had executed his +intention with remarkable dispatch. My eyes were fixed upon him on his +entrance. Methought he brought with him looks considerably different +from those with which he departed. Wonder, and a slight portion of +anxiety were mingled in them. His eyes seemed to be in search of some +object. They passed quickly from one person to another, till they rested +on his wife. She was seated in a careless attitude on the sofa, in the +same spot as before. She had the same muslin in her hand, by which her +attention was chiefly engrossed. + +The moment he saw her, his perplexity visibly increased. He quietly +seated himself, and fixing his eyes on the floor, appeared to be +absorbed in meditation. These singularities suspended the inquiry which +I was preparing to make respecting the letter. In a short time, the +company relinquished the subject which engaged them, and directed their +attention to Wieland. They thought that he only waited for a pause in +the discourse, to produce the letter. The pause was uninterrupted by +him. At length Pleyel said, "Well, I suppose you have found the letter." + +"No," said he, without any abatement of his gravity, and looking +stedfastly at his wife, "I did not mount the hill."--"Why +not?"--"Catharine, have you not moved from that spot since I left the +room?"--She was affected with the solemnity of his manner, and laying +down her work, answered in a tone of surprise, "No; Why do you ask that +question?"--His eyes were again fixed upon the floor, and he did not +immediately answer. At length, he said, looking round upon us, "Is it +true that Catharine did not follow me to the hill? That she did not just +now enter the room?"--We assured him, with one voice, that she had not +been absent for a moment, and inquired into the motive of his questions. + +"Your assurances," said he, "are solemn and unanimous; and yet I must +deny credit to your assertions, or disbelieve the testimony of my +senses, which informed me, when I was half way up the hill, that +Catharine was at the bottom." + +We were confounded at this declaration. Pleyel rallied him with great +levity on his behaviour. He listened to his friend with calmness, but +without any relaxation of features. + +"One thing," said he with emphasis, "is true; either I heard my +wife's voice at the bottom of the hill, or I do not hear your voice at +present." + +"Truly," returned Pleyel, "it is a sad dilemma to which you have reduced +yourself. Certain it is, if our eyes can give us certainty that your +wife has been sitting in that spot during every moment of your absence. +You have heard her voice, you say, upon the hill. In general, her voice, +like her temper, is all softness. To be heard across the room, she is +obliged to exert herself. While you were gone, if I mistake not, she did +not utter a word. Clara and I had all the talk to ourselves. Still it +may be that she held a whispering conference with you on the hill; but +tell us the particulars." + +"The conference," said he, "was short; and far from being carried on in +a whisper. You know with what intention I left the house. Half way to +the rock, the moon was for a moment hidden from us by a cloud. I never +knew the air to be more bland and more calm. In this interval I glanced +at the temple, and thought I saw a glimmering between the columns. It +was so faint, that it would not perhaps have been visible, if the moon +had not been shrowded. I looked again, but saw nothing. I never visit +this building alone, or at night, without being reminded of the fate +of my father. There was nothing wonderful in this appearance; yet it +suggested something more than mere solitude and darkness in the same +place would have done. + +"I kept on my way. The images that haunted me were solemn; and I +entertained an imperfect curiosity, but no fear, as to the nature of +this object. I had ascended the hill little more than half way, when a +voice called me from behind. The accents were clear, distinct, powerful, +and were uttered, as I fully believed, by my wife. Her voice is +not commonly so loud. She has seldom occasion to exert it, but, +nevertheless, I have sometimes heard her call with force and eagerness. +If my ear was not deceived, it was her voice which I heard. + +"Stop, go no further. There is danger in your path." The suddenness +and unexpectedness of this warning, the tone of alarm with which it was +given, and, above all, the persuasion that it was my wife who spoke, +were enough to disconcert and make me pause. I turned and listened to +assure myself that I was not mistaken. The deepest silence succeeded. At +length, I spoke in my turn. Who calls? is it you, Catharine? I stopped +and presently received an answer. "Yes, it is I; go not up; return +instantly; you are wanted at the house." Still the voice was +Catharine's, and still it proceeded from the foot of the stairs. + +"What could I do? The warning was mysterious. To be uttered by Catharine +at a place, and on an occasion like these, enhanced the mystery. I could +do nothing but obey. Accordingly, I trod back my steps, expecting that +she waited for me at the bottom of the hill. When I reached the +bottom, no one was visible. The moon-light was once more universal and +brilliant, and yet, as far as I could see no human or moving figure +was discernible. If she had returned to the house, she must have used +wondrous expedition to have passed already beyond the reach of my eye. +I exerted my voice, but in vain. To my repeated exclamations, no answer +was returned. + +"Ruminating on these incidents, I returned hither. There was no room +to doubt that I had heard my wife's voice; attending incidents were not +easily explained; but you now assure me that nothing extraordinary has +happened to urge my return, and that my wife has not moved from her +seat." + +Such was my brother's narrative. It was heard by us with different +emotions. Pleyel did not scruple to regard the whole as a deception of +the senses. Perhaps a voice had been heard; but Wieland's imagination +had misled him in supposing a resemblance to that of his wife, and +giving such a signification to the sounds. According to his custom +he spoke what he thought. Sometimes, he made it the theme of grave +discussion, but more frequently treated it with ridicule. He did not +believe that sober reasoning would convince his friend, and gaiety, he +thought, was useful to take away the solemnities which, in a mind like +Wieland's, an accident of this kind was calculated to produce. + +Pleyel proposed to go in search of the letter. He went and speedily +returned, bearing it in his hand. He had found it open on the pedestal; +and neither voice nor visage had risen to impede his design. + +Catharine was endowed with an uncommon portion of good sense; but her +mind was accessible, on this quarter, to wonder and panic. That her +voice should be thus inexplicably and unwarrantably assumed, was a +source of no small disquietude. She admitted the plausibility of the +arguments by which Pleyel endeavoured to prove, that this was no more +than an auricular deception; but this conviction was sure to be shaken, +when she turned her eyes upon her husband, and perceived that Pleyel's +logic was far from having produced the same effect upon him. + +As to myself, my attention was engaged by this occurrence. I could not +fail to perceive a shadowy resemblance between it and my father's death. +On the latter event, I had frequently reflected; my reflections never +conducted me to certainty, but the doubts that existed were not of a +tormenting kind. I could not deny that the event was miraculous, and +yet I was invincibly averse to that method of solution. My wonder was +excited by the inscrutableness of the cause, but my wonder was unmixed +with sorrow or fear. It begat in me a thrilling, and not unpleasing +solemnity. Similar to these were the sensations produced by the recent +adventure. + +But its effect upon my brother's imagination was of chief moment. +All that was desirable was, that it should be regarded by him with +indifference. The worst effect that could flow, was not indeed very +formidable. Yet I could not bear to think that his senses should be the +victims of such delusion. It argued a diseased condition of his frame, +which might show itself hereafter in more dangerous symptoms. The will +is the tool of the understanding, which must fashion its conclusions +on the notices of sense. If the senses be depraved, it is impossible to +calculate the evils that may flow from the consequent deductions of the +understanding. + +I said, this man is of an ardent and melancholy character. Those ideas +which, in others, are casual or obscure, which are entertained in +moments of abstraction and solitude, and easily escape when the scene is +changed, have obtained an immoveable hold upon his mind. The conclusions +which long habit has rendered familiar, and, in some sort, palpable to +his intellect, are drawn from the deepest sources. All his actions and +practical sentiments are linked with long and abstruse deductions +from the system of divine government and the laws of our intellectual +constitution. He is, in some respects, an enthusiast, but is fortified +in his belief by innumerable arguments and subtilties. + +His father's death was always regarded by him as flowing from a direct +and supernatural decree. It visited his meditations oftener than it did +mine. The traces which it left were more gloomy and permanent. This new +incident had a visible effect in augmenting his gravity. He was less +disposed than formerly to converse and reading. When we sifted his +thoughts, they were generally found to have a relation, more or less +direct, with this incident. It was difficult to ascertain the exact +species of impression which it made upon him. He never introduced the +subject into conversation, and listened with a silent and half-serious +smile to the satirical effusions of Pleyel. + +One evening we chanced to be alone together in the temple. I seized that +opportunity of investigating the state of his thoughts. After a pause, +which he seemed in no wise inclined to interrupt, I spoke to him--"How +almost palpable is this dark; yet a ray from above would dispel it." +"Ay," said Wieland, with fervor, "not only the physical, but moral night +would be dispelled." "But why," said I, "must the Divine Will address +its precepts to the eye?" He smiled significantly. "True," said he, "the +understanding has other avenues." "You have never," said I, approaching +nearer to the point--"you have never told me in what way you considered +the late extraordinary incident." "There is no determinate way in which +the subject can be viewed. Here is an effect, but the cause is utterly +inscrutable. To suppose a deception will not do. Such is possible, but +there are twenty other suppositions more probable. They must all be set +aside before we reach that point." "What are these twenty suppositions?" +"It is needless to mention them. They are only less improbable than +Pleyel's. Time may convert one of them into certainty. Till then it is +useless to expatiate on them." + + + +Chapter V + + +Some time had elapsed when there happened another occurrence, still more +remarkable. Pleyel, on his return from Europe, brought information of +considerable importance to my brother. My ancestors were noble Saxons, +and possessed large domains in Lusatia. The Prussian wars had destroyed +those persons whose right to these estates precluded my brother's. +Pleyel had been exact in his inquiries, and had discovered that, by the +law of male-primogeniture, my brother's claims were superior to those +of any other person now living. Nothing was wanting but his presence in +that country, and a legal application to establish this claim. + +Pleyel strenuously recommended this measure. The advantages he thought +attending it were numerous, and it would argue the utmost folly to +neglect them. Contrary to his expectation he found my brother averse +to the scheme. Slight efforts, he, at first, thought would subdue his +reluctance; but he found this aversion by no means slight. The interest +that he took in the happiness of his friend and his sister, and his own +partiality to the Saxon soil, from which he had likewise sprung, and +where he had spent several years of his youth, made him redouble his +exertions to win Wieland's consent. For this end he employed every +argument that his invention could suggest. He painted, in attractive +colours, the state of manners and government in that country, the +security of civil rights, and the freedom of religious sentiments. He +dwelt on the privileges of wealth and rank, and drew from the servile +condition of one class, an argument in favor of his scheme, since the +revenue and power annexed to a German principality afford so large a +field for benevolence. The evil flowing from this power, in malignant +hands, was proportioned to the good that would arise from the virtuous +use of it. Hence, Wieland, in forbearing to claim his own, withheld all +the positive felicity that would accrue to his vassals from his success, +and hazarded all the misery that would redound from a less enlightened +proprietor. + +It was easy for my brother to repel these arguments, and to shew that no +spot on the globe enjoyed equal security and liberty to that which he +at present inhabited. That if the Saxons had nothing to fear from +mis-government, the external causes of havoc and alarm were numerous and +manifest. The recent devastations committed by the Prussians furnished +a specimen of these. The horrors of war would always impend over them, +till Germany were seized and divided by Austrian and Prussian tyrants; +an event which he strongly suspected was at no great distance. But +setting these considerations aside, was it laudable to grasp at wealth +and power even when they were within our reach? Were not these the two +great sources of depravity? What security had he, that in this change +of place and condition, he should not degenerate into a tyrant and +voluptuary? Power and riches were chiefly to be dreaded on account of +their tendency to deprave the possessor. He held them in abhorrence, not +only as instruments of misery to others, but to him on whom they +were conferred. Besides, riches were comparative, and was he not rich +already? He lived at present in the bosom of security and luxury. All +the instruments of pleasure, on which his reason or imagination set any +value, were within his reach. But these he must forego, for the sake of +advantages which, whatever were their value, were as yet uncertain. In +pursuit of an imaginary addition to his wealth, he must reduce himself +to poverty, he must exchange present certainties for what was distant +and contingent; for who knows not that the law is a system of expence, +delay and uncertainty? If he should embrace this scheme, it would lay +him under the necessity of making a voyage to Europe, and remaining for +a certain period, separate from his family. He must undergo the perils +and discomforts of the ocean; he must divest himself of all domestic +pleasures; he must deprive his wife of her companion, and his children +of a father and instructor, and all for what? For the ambiguous +advantages which overgrown wealth and flagitious tyranny have to bestow? +For a precarious possession in a land of turbulence and war? Advantages, +which will not certainly be gained, and of which the acquisition, if it +were sure, is necessarily distant. + +Pleyel was enamoured of his scheme on account of its intrinsic benefits, +but, likewise, for other reasons. His abode at Leipsig made that country +appear to him like home. He was connected with this place by many social +ties. While there he had not escaped the amorous contagion. But the +lady, though her heart was impressed in his favor, was compelled to +bestow her hand upon another. Death had removed this impediment, and +he was now invited by the lady herself to return. This he was of course +determined to do, but was anxious to obtain the company of Wieland; +he could not bear to think of an eternal separation from his present +associates. Their interest, he thought, would be no less promoted by the +change than his own. Hence he was importunate and indefatigable in his +arguments and solicitations. + +He knew that he could not hope for mine or his sister's ready +concurrence in this scheme. Should the subject be mentioned to us, we +should league our efforts against him, and strengthen that reluctance +in Wieland which already was sufficiently difficult to conquer. He, +therefore, anxiously concealed from us his purpose. If Wieland were +previously enlisted in his cause, he would find it a less difficult task +to overcome our aversion. My brother was silent on this subject, because +he believed himself in no danger of changing his opinion, and he was +willing to save us from any uneasiness. The mere mention of such +a scheme, and the possibility of his embracing it, he knew, would +considerably impair our tranquillity. + +One day, about three weeks subsequent to the mysterious call, it was +agreed that the family should be my guests. Seldom had a day been passed +by us, of more serene enjoyment. Pleyel had promised us his company, but +we did not see him till the sun had nearly declined. He brought with +him a countenance that betokened disappointment and vexation. He did not +wait for our inquiries, but immediately explained the cause. Two days +before a packet had arrived from Hamburgh, by which he had flattered +himself with the expectation of receiving letters, but no letters had +arrived. I never saw him so much subdued by an untoward event. His +thoughts were employed in accounting for the silence of his friends. +He was seized with the torments of jealousy, and suspected nothing less +than the infidelity of her to whom he had devoted his heart. The silence +must have been concerted. Her sickness, or absence, or death, would have +increased the certainty of some one's having written. No supposition +could be formed but that his mistress had grown indifferent, or that she +had transferred her affections to another. The miscarriage of a letter +was hardly within the reach of possibility. From Leipsig to Hamburgh, +and from Hamburgh hither, the conveyance was exposed to no hazard. + +He had been so long detained in America chiefly in consequence of +Wieland's aversion to the scheme which he proposed. He now became more +impatient than ever to return to Europe. When he reflected that, by his +delays, he had probably forfeited the affections of his mistress, his +sensations amounted to agony. It only remained, by his speedy departure, +to repair, if possible, or prevent so intolerable an evil. Already he +had half resolved to embark in this very ship which, he was informed, +would set out in a few weeks on her return. + +Meanwhile he determined to make a new attempt to shake the resolution of +Wieland. The evening was somewhat advanced when he invited the latter +to walk abroad with him. The invitation was accepted, and they left +Catharine, Louisa and me, to amuse ourselves by the best means in our +power. During this walk, Pleyel renewed the subject that was nearest +his heart. He re-urged all his former arguments, and placed them in more +forcible lights. + +They promised to return shortly; but hour after hour passed, and they +made not their appearance. Engaged in sprightly conversation, it was not +till the clock struck twelve that we were reminded of the lapse of time. +The absence of our friends excited some uneasy apprehensions. We were +expressing our fears, and comparing our conjectures as to what might be +the cause, when they entered together. There were indications in their +countenances that struck me mute. These were unnoticed by Catharine, who +was eager to express her surprize and curiosity at the length of their +walk. As they listened to her, I remarked that their surprize was not +less than ours. They gazed in silence on each other, and on her. I +watched their looks, but could not understand the emotions that were +written in them. + +These appearances diverted Catharine's inquiries into a new channel. +What did they mean, she asked, by their silence, and by their thus +gazing wildly at each other, and at her? Pleyel profited by this hint, +and assuming an air of indifference, framed some trifling excuse, at the +same time darting significant glances at Wieland, as if to caution him +against disclosing the truth. My brother said nothing, but delivered +himself up to meditation. I likewise was silent, but burned with +impatience to fathom this mystery. Presently my brother and his wife, +and Louisa, returned home. Pleyel proposed, of his own accord, to be +my guest for the night. This circumstance, in addition to those which +preceded, gave new edge to my wonder. + +As soon as we were left alone, Pleyel's countenance assumed an air of +seriousness, and even consternation, which I had never before beheld in +him. The steps with which he measured the floor betokened the trouble of +his thoughts. My inquiries were suspended by the hope that he would give +me the information that I wanted without the importunity of questions. +I waited some time, but the confusion of his thoughts appeared in no +degree to abate. At length I mentioned the apprehensions which their +unusual absence had occasioned, and which were increased by their +behaviour since their return, and solicited an explanation. He stopped +when I began to speak, and looked stedfastly at me. When I had done, +he said, to me, in a tone which faultered through the vehemence of his +emotions, "How were you employed during our absence?" "In turning over +the Della Crusca dictionary, and talking on different subjects; but +just before your entrance, we were tormenting ourselves with omens and +prognosticks relative to your absence." "Catherine was with you the +whole time?" "Yes." "But are you sure?" "Most sure. She was not absent a +moment." He stood, for a time, as if to assure himself of my sincerity. +Then, clinching his hands, and wildly lifting them above his head, "Lo," +cried he, "I have news to tell you. The Baroness de Stolberg is dead?" + +This was her whom he loved. I was not surprised at the agitations which +he betrayed. "But how was the information procured? How was the truth +of this news connected with the circumstance of Catharine's remaining in +our company?" He was for some time inattentive to my questions. When he +spoke, it seemed merely a continuation of the reverie into which he had +been plunged. + +"And yet it might be a mere deception. But could both of us in that +case have been deceived? A rare and prodigious coincidence! Barely not +impossible. And yet, if the accent be oracular--Theresa is dead. No, +no," continued he, covering his face with his hands, and in a tone half +broken into sobs, "I cannot believe it. She has not written, but if +she were dead, the faithful Bertrand would have given me the earliest +information. And yet if he knew his master, he must have easily guessed +at the effect of such tidings. In pity to me he was silent." + +"Clara, forgive me; to you, this behaviour is mysterious. I will explain +as well as I am able. But say not a word to Catharine. Her strength of +mind is inferior to your's. She will, besides, have more reason to be +startled. She is Wieland's angel." + +Pleyel proceeded to inform me, for the first time, of the scheme which +he had pressed, with so much earnestness, on my brother. He enumerated +the objections which had been made, and the industry with which he +had endeavoured to confute them. He mentioned the effect upon his +resolutions produced by the failure of a letter. "During our late walk," +continued he, "I introduced the subject that was nearest my heart. +I re-urged all my former arguments, and placed them in more forcible +lights. Wieland was still refractory. He expatiated on the perils of +wealth and power, on the sacredness of conjugal and parental duties, and +the happiness of mediocrity. + +"No wonder that the time passed, unperceived, away. Our whole souls were +engaged in this cause. Several times we came to the foot of the rock; +as soon as we perceived it, we changed our course, but never failed to +terminate our circuitous and devious ramble at this spot. At length your +brother observed, 'We seem to be led hither by a kind of fatality. Since +we are so near, let us ascend and rest ourselves a while. If you are not +weary of this argument we will resume it there.' + +"I tacitly consented. We mounted the stairs, and drawing the sofa in +front of the river, we seated ourselves upon it. I took up the thread of +our discourse where we had dropped it. I ridiculed his dread of the sea, +and his attachment to home. I kept on in this strain, so congenial with +my disposition, for some time, uninterrupted by him. At length, he said +to me, "Suppose now that I, whom argument has not convinced, should +yield to ridicule, and should agree that your scheme is eligible; what +will you have gained? Nothing. You have other enemies beside myself to +encounter. When you have vanquished me, your toil has scarcely begun. +There are my sister and wife, with whom it will remain for you to +maintain the contest. And trust me, they are adversaries whom all your +force and stratagem will never subdue." I insinuated that they would +model themselves by his will: that Catharine would think obedience her +duty. He answered, with some quickness, "You mistake. Their concurrence +is indispensable. It is not my custom to exact sacrifices of this kind. +I live to be their protector and friend, and not their tyrant and foe. +If my wife shall deem her happiness, and that of her children, most +consulted by remaining where she is, here she shall remain." "But," said +I, "when she knows your pleasure, will she not conform to it?" Before +my friend had time to answer this question, a negative was clearly and +distinctly uttered from another quarter. It did not come from one side +or the other, from before us or behind. Whence then did it come? By +whose organs was it fashioned? + +"If any uncertainty had existed with regard to these particulars, it +would have been removed by a deliberate and equally distinct repetition +of the same monosyllable, "No." The voice was my sister's. It appeared +to come from the roof. I started from my seat. Catharine, exclaimed I, +where are you? No answer was returned. I searched the room, and the +area before it, but in vain. Your brother was motionless in his seat. +I returned to him, and placed myself again by his side. My astonishment +was not less than his." + +"Well," said he, at length, "What think you of this? This is the +self-same voice which I formerly heard; you are now convinced that my +ears were well informed." + +"Yes," said I, "this, it is plain, is no fiction of the fancy." We again +sunk into mutual and thoughtful silence. A recollection of the hour, and +of the length of our absence, made me at last propose to return. We +rose up for this purpose. In doing this, my mind reverted to the +contemplation of my own condition. "Yes," said I aloud, but without +particularly addressing myself to Wieland, "my resolution is taken. I +cannot hope to prevail with my friends to accompany me. They may doze +away their days on the banks of Schuylkill, but as to me, I go in the +next vessel; I will fly to her presence, and demand the reason of this +extraordinary silence." + +"I had scarcely finished the sentence, when the same mysterious voice +exclaimed, "You shall not go. The seal of death is on her lips. Her +silence is the silence of the tomb." Think of the effects which accents +like these must have had upon me. I shuddered as I listened. As soon as +I recovered from my first amazement, "Who is it that speaks?" said I, +"whence did you procure these dismal tidings?" I did not wait long for +an answer. "From a source that cannot fail. Be satisfied. She is dead." +You may justly be surprised, that, in the circumstances in which I heard +the tidings, and notwithstanding the mystery which environed him by whom +they were imparted, I could give an undivided attention to the facts, +which were the subject of our dialogue. I eagerly inquired, when and +where did she die? What was the cause of her death? Was her death +absolutely certain? An answer was returned only to the last of these +questions. "Yes," was pronounced by the same voice; but it now sounded +from a greater distance, and the deepest silence was all the return made +to my subsequent interrogatories. + +"It was my sister's voice; but it could not be uttered by her; and yet, +if not by her, by whom was it uttered? When we returned hither, and +discovered you together, the doubt that had previously existed was +removed. It was manifest that the intimation came not from her. Yet if +not from her, from whom could it come? Are the circumstances attending +the imparting of this news proof that the tidings are true? God forbid +that they should be true." + +Here Pleyel sunk into anxious silence, and gave me leisure to ruminate +on this inexplicable event. I am at a loss to describe the sensations +that affected me. I am not fearful of shadows. The tales of apparitions +and enchantments did not possess that power over my belief which could +even render them interesting. I saw nothing in them but ignorance and +folly, and was a stranger even to that terror which is pleasing. But +this incident was different from any that I had ever before known. Here +were proofs of a sensible and intelligent existence, which could not +be denied. Here was information obtained and imparted by means +unquestionably super-human. + +That there are conscious beings, beside ourselves, in existence, whose +modes of activity and information surpass our own, can scarcely be +denied. Is there a glimpse afforded us into a world of these superior +beings? My heart was scarcely large enough to give admittance to +so swelling a thought. An awe, the sweetest and most solemn that +imagination can conceive, pervaded my whole frame. It forsook me not +when I parted from Pleyel and retired to my chamber. An impulse was +given to my spirits utterly incompatible with sleep. I passed the night +wakeful and full of meditation. I was impressed with the belief of +mysterious, but not of malignant agency. Hitherto nothing had occurred +to persuade me that this airy minister was busy to evil rather than to +good purposes. On the contrary, the idea of superior virtue had always +been associated in my mind with that of superior power. The warnings +that had thus been heard appeared to have been prompted by beneficent +intentions. My brother had been hindered by this voice from ascending +the hill. He was told that danger lurked in his path, and his obedience +to the intimation had perhaps saved him from a destiny similar to that +of my father. + +Pleyel had been rescued from tormenting uncertainty, and from the +hazards and fatigues of a fruitless voyage, by the same interposition. +It had assured him of the death of his Theresa. + +This woman was then dead. A confirmation of the tidings, if true, would +speedily arrive. Was this confirmation to be deprecated or desired? +By her death, the tie that attached him to Europe, was taken away. +Henceforward every motive would combine to retain him in his native +country, and we were rescued from the deep regrets that would accompany +his hopeless absence from us. Propitious was the spirit that imparted +these tidings. Propitious he would perhaps have been, if he had been +instrumental in producing, as well as in communicating the tidings of +her death. Propitious to us, the friends of Pleyel, to whom has thereby +been secured the enjoyment of his society; and not unpropitious to +himself; for though this object of his love be snatched away, is there +not another who is able and willing to console him for her loss? + +Twenty days after this, another vessel arrived from the same port. In +this interval, Pleyel, for the most part, estranged himself from his old +companions. He was become the prey of a gloomy and unsociable grief. +His walks were limited to the bank of the Delaware. This bank is an +artificial one. Reeds and the river are on one side, and a watery marsh +on the other, in that part which bounded his lands, and which extended +from the mouth of Hollander's creek to that of Schuylkill. No scene can +be imagined less enticing to a lover of the picturesque than this. The +shore is deformed with mud, and incumbered with a forest of reeds. The +fields, in most seasons, are mire; but when they afford a firm footing, +the ditches by which they are bounded and intersected, are mantled with +stagnating green, and emit the most noxious exhalations. Health is no +less a stranger to those seats than pleasure. Spring and autumn are sure +to be accompanied with agues and bilious remittents. + +The scenes which environed our dwellings at Mettingen constituted the +reverse of this. Schuylkill was here a pure and translucid current, +broken into wild and ceaseless music by rocky points, murmuring on a +sandy margin, and reflecting on its surface, banks of all varieties of +height and degrees of declivity. These banks were chequered by patches +of dark verdure and shapeless masses of white marble, and crowned by +copses of cedar, or by the regular magnificence of orchards, which, at +this season, were in blossom, and were prodigal of odours. The ground +which receded from the river was scooped into valleys and dales. Its +beauties were enhanced by the horticultural skill of my brother, who +bedecked this exquisite assemblage of slopes and risings with every +species of vegetable ornament, from the giant arms of the oak to the +clustering tendrils of the honey-suckle. + +To screen him from the unwholesome airs of his own residence, it had +been proposed to Pleyel to spend the months of spring with us. He had +apparently acquiesced in this proposal; but the late event induced him +to change his purpose. He was only to be seen by visiting him in his +retirements. His gaiety had flown, and every passion was absorbed in +eagerness to procure tidings from Saxony. I have mentioned the arrival +of another vessel from the Elbe. He descried her early one morning as +he was passing along the skirt of the river. She was easily recognized, +being the ship in which he had performed his first voyage to Germany. +He immediately went on board, but found no letters directed to him. +This omission was, in some degree, compensated by meeting with an old +acquaintance among the passengers, who had till lately been a resident +in Leipsig. This person put an end to all suspense respecting the fate +of Theresa, by relating the particulars of her death and funeral. + +Thus was the truth of the former intimation attested. No longer devoured +by suspense, the grief of Pleyel was not long in yielding to the +influence of society. He gave himself up once more to our company. His +vivacity had indeed been damped; but even in this respect he was a more +acceptable companion than formerly, since his seriousness was neither +incommunicative nor sullen. + +These incidents, for a time, occupied all our thoughts. In me they +produced a sentiment not unallied to pleasure, and more speedily than in +the case of my friends were intermixed with other topics. My brother was +particularly affected by them. It was easy to perceive that most of his +meditations were tinctured from this source. To this was to be ascribed +a design in which his pen was, at this period, engaged, of collecting +and investigating the facts which relate to that mysterious personage, +the Daemon of Socrates. + +My brother's skill in Greek and Roman learning was exceeded by that of +few, and no doubt the world would have accepted a treatise upon this +subject from his hand with avidity; but alas! this and every other +scheme of felicity and honor, were doomed to sudden blast and hopeless +extermination. + + + +Chapter VI + + +I now come to the mention of a person with whose name the most turbulent +sensations are connected. It is with a shuddering reluctance that I +enter on the province of describing him. Now it is that I begin to +perceive the difficulty of the task which I have undertaken; but it +would be weakness to shrink from it. My blood is congealed: and my +fingers are palsied when I call up his image. Shame upon my cowardly and +infirm heart! Hitherto I have proceeded with some degree of composure, +but now I must pause. I mean not that dire remembrance shall subdue my +courage or baffle my design, but this weakness cannot be immediately +conquered. I must desist for a little while. + +I have taken a few turns in my chamber, and have gathered strength +enough to proceed. Yet have I not projected a task beyond my power to +execute? If thus, on the very threshold of the scene, my knees faulter +and I sink, how shall I support myself, when I rush into the midst of +horrors such as no heart has hitherto conceived, nor tongue related? I +sicken and recoil at the prospect, and yet my irresolution is momentary. +I have not formed this design upon slight grounds, and though I may at +times pause and hesitate, I will not be finally diverted from it. + +And thou, O most fatal and potent of mankind, in what terms shall I +describe thee? What words are adequate to the just delineation of thy +character? How shall I detail the means which rendered the secrecy of +thy purposes unfathomable? But I will not anticipate. Let me recover +if possible, a sober strain. Let me keep down the flood of passion that +would render me precipitate or powerless. Let me stifle the agonies that +are awakened by thy name. Let me, for a time, regard thee as a being +of no terrible attributes. Let me tear myself from contemplation of +the evils of which it is but too certain that thou wast the author, and +limit my view to those harmless appearances which attended thy entrance +on the stage. + +One sunny afternoon, I was standing in the door of my house, when I +marked a person passing close to the edge of the bank that was in +front. His pace was a careless and lingering one, and had none of that +gracefulness and ease which distinguish a person with certain advantages +of education from a clown. His gait was rustic and aukward. His form was +ungainly and disproportioned. Shoulders broad and square, breast sunken, +his head drooping, his body of uniform breadth, supported by long and +lank legs, were the ingredients of his frame. His garb was not ill +adapted to such a figure. A slouched hat, tarnished by the weather, a +coat of thick grey cloth, cut and wrought, as it seemed, by a country +tailor, blue worsted stockings, and shoes fastened by thongs, and deeply +discoloured by dust, which brush had never disturbed, constituted his +dress. + +There was nothing remarkable in these appearances; they were frequently +to be met with on the road, and in the harvest field. I cannot tell why +I gazed upon them, on this occasion, with more than ordinary attention, +unless it were that such figures were seldom seen by me, except on the +road or field. This lawn was only traversed by men whose views were +directed to the pleasures of the walk, or the grandeur of the scenery. + +He passed slowly along, frequently pausing, as if to examine the +prospect more deliberately, but never turning his eye towards the house, +so as to allow me a view of his countenance. Presently, he entered a +copse at a small distance, and disappeared. My eye followed him while +he remained in sight. If his image remained for any duration in my fancy +after his departure, it was because no other object occurred sufficient +to expel it. + +I continued in the same spot for half an hour, vaguely, and by fits, +contemplating the image of this wanderer, and drawing, from outward +appearances, those inferences with respect to the intellectual history +of this person, which experience affords us. I reflected on the +alliance which commonly subsists between ignorance and the practice +of agriculture, and indulged myself in airy speculations as to the +influence of progressive knowledge in dissolving this alliance, and +embodying the dreams of the poets. I asked why the plough and the hoe +might not become the trade of every human being, and how this +trade might be made conducive to, or, at least, consistent with the +acquisition of wisdom and eloquence. + +Weary with these reflections, I returned to the kitchen to perform some +household office. I had usually but one servant, and she was a girl +about my own age. I was busy near the chimney, and she was employed near +the door of the apartment, when some one knocked. The door was opened by +her, and she was immediately addressed with "Pry'thee, good girl, canst +thou supply a thirsty man with a glass of buttermilk?" She answered +that there was none in the house. "Aye, but there is some in the dairy +yonder. Thou knowest as well as I, though Hermes never taught thee, that +though every dairy be an house, every house is not a dairy." To +this speech, though she understood only a part of it, she replied +by repeating her assurances, that she had none to give. "Well then," +rejoined the stranger, "for charity's sweet sake, hand me forth a cup +of cold water." The girl said she would go to the spring and fetch it. +"Nay, give me the cup, and suffer me to help myself. Neither manacled +nor lame, I should merit burial in the maw of carrion crows, if I laid +this task upon thee." She gave him the cup, and he turned to go to the +spring. + +I listened to this dialogue in silence. The words uttered by the person +without, affected me as somewhat singular, but what chiefly rendered +them remarkable, was the tone that accompanied them. It was wholly new. +My brother's voice and Pleyel's were musical and energetic. I had fondly +imagined, that, in this respect, they were surpassed by none. Now my +mistake was detected. I cannot pretend to communicate the impression +that was made upon me by these accents, or to depict the degree in which +force and sweetness were blended in them. They were articulated with a +distinctness that was unexampled in my experience. But this was not all. +The voice was not only mellifluent and clear, but the emphasis was so +just, and the modulation so impassioned, that it seemed as if an heart +of stone could not fail of being moved by it. It imparted to me an +emotion altogether involuntary and incontroulable. When he uttered the +words "for charity's sweet sake," I dropped the cloth that I held in +my hand, my heart overflowed with sympathy, and my eyes with unbidden +tears. + +This description will appear to you trifling or incredible. The +importance of these circumstances will be manifested in the sequel. +The manner in which I was affected on this occasion, was, to my own +apprehension, a subject of astonishment. The tones were indeed such as +I never heard before; but that they should, in an instant, as it were, +dissolve me in tears, will not easily be believed by others, and can +scarcely be comprehended by myself. + +It will be readily supposed that I was somewhat inquisitive as to the +person and demeanour of our visitant. After a moment's pause, I stepped +to the door and looked after him. Judge my surprize, when I beheld the +self-same figure that had appeared an half hour before upon the bank. My +fancy had conjured up a very different image. A form, and attitude, and +garb, were instantly created worthy to accompany such elocution; but +this person was, in all visible respects, the reverse of this phantom. +Strange as it may seem, I could not speedily reconcile myself to this +disappointment. Instead of returning to my employment, I threw myself +in a chair that was placed opposite the door, and sunk into a fit of +musing. + +My attention was, in a few minutes, recalled by the stranger, who +returned with the empty cup in his hand. I had not thought of the +circumstance, or should certainly have chosen a different seat. He no +sooner shewed himself, than a confused sense of impropriety, added to +the suddenness of the interview, for which, not having foreseen it, +I had made no preparation, threw me into a state of the most painful +embarrassment. He brought with him a placid brow; but no sooner had he +cast his eyes upon me, than his face was as glowingly suffused as +my own. He placed the cup upon the bench, stammered out thanks, and +retired. + +It was some time before I could recover my wonted composure. I had +snatched a view of the stranger's countenance. The impression that it +made was vivid and indelible. His cheeks were pallid and lank, his eyes +sunken, his forehead overshadowed by coarse straggling hairs, his teeth +large and irregular, though sound and brilliantly white, and his chin +discoloured by a tetter. His skin was of coarse grain, and sallow hue. +Every feature was wide of beauty, and the outline of his face reminded +you of an inverted cone. + +And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, +his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, +a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of +his features, which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to +betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the +portrait. This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count +among the most extraordinary incidents of my life. This face, seen for +a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of +almost every other image. I had purposed to spend the evening with my +brother, but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch +upon paper of this memorable visage. Whether my hand was aided by any +peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this +portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own +taste. + +I placed it at all distances, and in all lights; my eyes were rivetted +upon it. Half the night passed away in wakefulness and in contemplation +of this picture. So flexible, and yet so stubborn, is the human mind. +So obedient to impulses the most transient and brief, and yet so +unalterably observant of the direction which is given to it! How little +did I then foresee the termination of that chain, of which this may be +regarded as the first link? + +Next day arose in darkness and storm. Torrents of rain fell during +the whole day, attended with incessant thunder, which reverberated in +stunning echoes from the opposite declivity. The inclemency of the air +would not allow me to walk-out. I had, indeed, no inclination to leave +my apartment. I betook myself to the contemplation of this portrait, +whose attractions time had rather enhanced than diminished. I laid aside +my usual occupations, and seating myself at a window, consumed the day +in alternately looking out upon the storm, and gazing at the picture +which lay upon a table before me. You will, perhaps, deem this conduct +somewhat singular, and ascribe it to certain peculiarities of temper. I +am not aware of any such peculiarities. I can account for my devotion to +this image no otherwise, than by supposing that its properties were +rare and prodigious. Perhaps you will suspect that such were the +first inroads of a passion incident to every female heart, and +which frequently gains a footing by means even more slight, and more +improbable than these. I shall not controvert the reasonableness of the +suspicion, but leave you at liberty to draw, from my narrative, what +conclusions you please. + +Night at length returned, and the storm ceased. The air was once more +clear and calm, and bore an affecting contrast to that uproar of the +elements by which it had been preceded. I spent the darksome hours, as +I spent the day, contemplative and seated at the window. Why was my mind +absorbed in thoughts ominous and dreary? Why did my bosom heave with +sighs, and my eyes overflow with tears? Was the tempest that had just +past a signal of the ruin which impended over me? My soul fondly dwelt +upon the images of my brother and his children, yet they only increased +the mournfulness of my contemplations. The smiles of the charming babes +were as bland as formerly. The same dignity sat on the brow of their +father, and yet I thought of them with anguish. Something whispered +that the happiness we at present enjoyed was set on mutable foundations. +Death must happen to all. Whether our felicity was to be subverted by it +to-morrow, or whether it was ordained that we should lay down our heads +full of years and of honor, was a question that no human being could +solve. At other times, these ideas seldom intruded. I either forbore to +reflect upon the destiny that is reserved for all men, or the reflection +was mixed up with images that disrobed it of terror; but now the +uncertainty of life occurred to me without any of its usual and +alleviating accompaniments. I said to myself, we must die. Sooner or +later, we must disappear for ever from the face of the earth. Whatever +be the links that hold us to life, they must be broken. This scene +of existence is, in all its parts, calamitous. The greater number is +oppressed with immediate evils, and those, the tide of whose fortunes is +full, how small is their portion of enjoyment, since they know that it +will terminate. + +For some time I indulged myself, without reluctance, in these gloomy +thoughts; but at length, the dejection which they produced became +insupportably painful. I endeavoured to dissipate it with music. I had +all my grand-father's melody as well as poetry by rote. I now lighted +by chance on a ballad, which commemorated the fate of a German Cavalier, +who fell at the siege of Nice under Godfrey of Bouillon. My choice was +unfortunate, for the scenes of violence and carnage which were here +wildly but forcibly pourtrayed, only suggested to my thoughts a new +topic in the horrors of war. + +I sought refuge, but ineffectually, in sleep. My mind was thronged by +vivid, but confused images, and no effort that I made was sufficient to +drive them away. In this situation I heard the clock, which hung in +the room, give the signal for twelve. It was the same instrument which +formerly hung in my father's chamber, and which, on account of its +being his workmanship, was regarded, by every one of our family, with +veneration. It had fallen to me, in the division of his property, and +was placed in this asylum. The sound awakened a series of reflections, +respecting his death. I was not allowed to pursue them; for scarcely +had the vibrations ceased, when my attention was attracted by a whisper, +which, at first, appeared to proceed from lips that were laid close to +my ear. + +No wonder that a circumstance like this startled me. In the first +impulse of my terror, I uttered a slight scream, and shrunk to the +opposite side of the bed. In a moment, however, I recovered from my +trepidation. I was habitually indifferent to all the causes of fear, +by which the majority are afflicted. I entertained no apprehension +of either ghosts or robbers. Our security had never been molested by +either, and I made use of no means to prevent or counterwork their +machinations. My tranquillity, on this occasion, was quickly retrieved. +The whisper evidently proceeded from one who was posted at my bed-side. +The first idea that suggested itself was, that it was uttered by the +girl who lived with me as a servant. Perhaps, somewhat had alarmed her, +or she was sick, and had come to request my assistance. By whispering in +my ear, she intended to rouse without alarming me. + +Full of this persuasion, I called; "Judith," said I, "is it you? What +do you want? Is there any thing the matter with you?" No answer was +returned. I repeated my inquiry, but equally in vain. Cloudy as was the +atmosphere, and curtained as my bed was, nothing was visible. I withdrew +the curtain, and leaning my head on my elbow, I listened with the +deepest attention to catch some new sound. Meanwhile, I ran over in my +thoughts, every circumstance that could assist my conjectures. + +My habitation was a wooden edifice, consisting of two stories. In each +story were two rooms, separated by an entry, or middle passage, with +which they communicated by opposite doors. The passage, on the lower +story, had doors at the two ends, and a stair-case. Windows answered to +the doors on the upper story. Annexed to this, on the eastern side, were +wings, divided, in like manner, into an upper and lower room; one of +them comprized a kitchen, and chamber above it for the servant, and +communicated, on both stories, with the parlour adjoining it below, +and the chamber adjoining it above. The opposite wing is of smaller +dimensions, the rooms not being above eight feet square. The lower of +these was used as a depository of household implements, the upper was a +closet in which I deposited my books and papers. They had but one inlet, +which was from the room adjoining. There was no window in the lower one, +and in the upper, a small aperture which communicated light and air, but +would scarcely admit the body. The door which led into this, was close +to my bed-head, and was always locked, but when I myself was within. The +avenues below were accustomed to be closed and bolted at nights. + +The maid was my only companion, and she could not reach my chamber +without previously passing through the opposite chamber, and the middle +passage, of which, however, the doors were usually unfastened. If she +had occasioned this noise, she would have answered my repeated calls. +No other conclusion, therefore, was left me, but that I had mistaken the +sounds, and that my imagination had transformed some casual noise into +the voice of a human creature. Satisfied with this solution, I was +preparing to relinquish my listening attitude, when my ear was again +saluted with a new and yet louder whispering. It appeared, as before, +to issue from lips that touched my pillow. A second effort of attention, +however, clearly shewed me, that the sounds issued from within the +closet, the door of which was not more than eight inches from my pillow. + +This second interruption occasioned a shock less vehement than the +former. I started, but gave no audible token of alarm. I was so much +mistress of my feelings, as to continue listening to what should be +said. The whisper was distinct, hoarse, and uttered so as to shew that +the speaker was desirous of being heard by some one near, but, at the +same time, studious to avoid being overheard by any other. + +"Stop, stop, I say; madman as you are! there are better means than that. +Curse upon your rashness! There is no need to shoot." + +Such were the words uttered in a tone of eagerness and anger, within so +small a distance of my pillow. What construction could I put upon +them? My heart began to palpitate with dread of some unknown danger. +Presently, another voice, but equally near me, was heard whispering in +answer. "Why not? I will draw a trigger in this business, but perdition +be my lot if I do more." To this, the first voice returned, in a tone +which rage had heightened in a small degree above a whisper, "Coward! +stand aside, and see me do it. I will grasp her throat; I will do her +business in an instant; she shall not have time so much as to groan." +What wonder that I was petrified by sounds so dreadful! Murderers +lurked in my closet. They were planning the means of my destruction. One +resolved to shoot, and the other menaced suffocation. Their means being +chosen, they would forthwith break the door. Flight instantly suggested +itself as most eligible in circumstances so perilous. I deliberated not +a moment; but, fear adding wings to my speed, I leaped out of bed, and +scantily robed as I was, rushed out of the chamber, down stairs, and +into the open air. I can hardly recollect the process of turning +keys, and withdrawing bolts. My terrors urged me forward with almost a +mechanical impulse. I stopped not till I reached my brother's door. +I had not gained the threshold, when, exhausted by the violence of my +emotions, and by my speed, I sunk down in a fit. + +How long I remained in this situation I know not. When I recovered, I +found myself stretched on a bed, surrounded by my sister and her +female servants. I was astonished at the scene before me, but gradually +recovered the recollection of what had happened. I answered their +importunate inquiries as well as I was able. My brother and Pleyel, +whom the storm of the preceding day chanced to detain here, informing +themselves of every particular, proceeded with lights and weapons to my +deserted habitation. They entered my chamber and my closet, and found +every thing in its proper place and customary order. The door of the +closet was locked, and appeared not to have been opened in my absence. +They went to Judith's apartment. They found her asleep and in safety. +Pleyel's caution induced him to forbear alarming the girl; and finding +her wholly ignorant of what had passed, they directed her to return to +her chamber. They then fastened the doors, and returned. + +My friends were disposed to regard this transaction as a dream. That +persons should be actually immured in this closet, to which, in the +circumstances of the time, access from without or within was apparently +impossible, they could not seriously believe. That any human beings +had intended murder, unless it were to cover a scheme of pillage, was +incredible; but that no such design had been formed, was evident +from the security in which the furniture of the house and the closet +remained. + +I revolved every incident and expression that had occurred. My +senses assured me of the truth of them, and yet their abruptness and +improbability made me, in my turn, somewhat incredulous. The adventure +had made a deep impression on my fancy, and it was not till after a +week's abode at my brother's, that I resolved to resume the possession +of my own dwelling. There was another circumstance that enhanced the +mysteriousness of this event. After my recovery it was obvious to +inquire by what means the attention of the family had been drawn to my +situation. I had fallen before I had reached the threshold, or was able +to give any signal. My brother related, that while this was transacting +in my chamber, he himself was awake, in consequence of some slight +indisposition, and lay, according to his custom, musing on some favorite +topic. Suddenly the silence, which was remarkably profound, was broken +by a voice of most piercing shrillness, that seemed to be uttered by one +in the hall below his chamber. "Awake! arise!" it exclaimed: "hasten to +succour one that is dying at your door." + +This summons was effectual. There was no one in the house who was not +roused by it. Pleyel was the first to obey, and my brother overtook him +before he reached the hall. What was the general astonishment when your +friend was discovered stretched upon the grass before the door, pale, +ghastly, and with every mark of death! + +This was the third instance of a voice, exerted for the benefit of this +little community. The agent was no less inscrutable in this, than in the +former case. When I ruminated upon these events, my soul was suspended +in wonder and awe. Was I really deceived in imagining that I heard the +closet conversation? I was no longer at liberty to question the reality +of those accents which had formerly recalled my brother from the hill; +which had imparted tidings of the death of the German lady to Pleyel; +and which had lately summoned them to my assistance. + +But how was I to regard this midnight conversation? Hoarse and manlike +voices conferring on the means of death, so near my bed, and at such +an hour! How had my ancient security vanished! That dwelling, which had +hitherto been an inviolate asylum, was now beset with danger to my +life. That solitude, formerly so dear to me, could no longer be endured. +Pleyel, who had consented to reside with us during the months of spring, +lodged in the vacant chamber, in order to quiet my alarms. He treated +my fears with ridicule, and in a short time very slight traces of them +remained: but as it was wholly indifferent to him whether his nights +were passed at my house or at my brother's, this arrangement gave +general satisfaction. + + + +Chapter VII + + +I will not enumerate the various inquiries and conjectures which these +incidents occasioned. After all our efforts, we came no nearer to +dispelling the mist in which they were involved; and time, instead of +facilitating a solution, only accumulated our doubts. In the midst of +thoughts excited by these events, I was not unmindful of my interview +with the stranger. I related the particulars, and shewed the portrait to +my friends. Pleyel recollected to have met with a figure resembling +my description in the city; but neither his face or garb made the same +impression upon him that it made upon me. It was a hint to rally me upon +my prepossessions, and to amuse us with a thousand ludicrous anecdotes +which he had collected in his travels. He made no scruple to charge me +with being in love; and threatened to inform the swain, when he met him, +of his good fortune. + +Pleyel's temper made him susceptible of no durable impressions. His +conversation was occasionally visited by gleams of his ancient vivacity; +but, though his impetuosity was sometimes inconvenient, there was +nothing to dread from his malice. I had no fear that my character or +dignity would suffer in his hands, and was not heartily displeased when +he declared his intention of profiting by his first meeting with the +stranger to introduce him to our acquaintance. + +Some weeks after this I had spent a toilsome day, and, as the sun +declined, found myself disposed to seek relief in a walk. The river +bank is, at this part of it, and for some considerable space upward, +so rugged and steep as not to be easily descended. In a recess of this +declivity, near the southern verge of my little demesne, was placed a +slight building, with seats and lattices. From a crevice of the rock, +to which this edifice was attached, there burst forth a stream of the +purest water, which, leaping from ledge to ledge, for the space of sixty +feet, produced a freshness in the air, and a murmur, the most delicious +and soothing imaginable. These, added to the odours of the cedars +which embowered it, and of the honey-suckle which clustered among the +lattices, rendered this my favorite retreat in summer. + +On this occasion I repaired hither. My spirits drooped through the +fatigue of long attention, and I threw myself upon a bench, in a state, +both mentally and personally, of the utmost supineness. The lulling +sounds of the waterfall, the fragrance and the dusk combined to becalm +my spirits, and, in a short time, to sink me into sleep. Either the +uneasiness of my posture, or some slight indisposition molested my +repose with dreams of no cheerful hue. After various incoherences +had taken their turn to occupy my fancy, I at length imagined myself +walking, in the evening twilight, to my brother's habitation. A pit, +methought, had been dug in the path I had taken, of which I was not +aware. As I carelessly pursued my walk, I thought I saw my brother, +standing at some distance before me, beckoning and calling me to make +haste. He stood on the opposite edge of the gulph. I mended my pace, and +one step more would have plunged me into this abyss, had not some +one from behind caught suddenly my arm, and exclaimed, in a voice of +eagerness and terror, "Hold! hold!" + +The sound broke my sleep, and I found myself, at the next moment, +standing on my feet, and surrounded by the deepest darkness. Images +so terrific and forcible disabled me, for a time, from distinguishing +between sleep and wakefulness, and withheld from me the knowledge of my +actual condition. My first panics were succeeded by the perturbations of +surprize, to find myself alone in the open air, and immersed in so deep +a gloom. I slowly recollected the incidents of the afternoon, and how +I came hither. I could not estimate the time, but saw the propriety of +returning with speed to the house. My faculties were still too confused, +and the darkness too intense, to allow me immediately to find my way up +the steep. I sat down, therefore, to recover myself, and to reflect upon +my situation. + +This was no sooner done, than a low voice was heard from behind the +lattice, on the side where I sat. Between the rock and the lattice was a +chasm not wide enough to admit a human body; yet, in this chasm he that +spoke appeared to be stationed. "Attend! attend! but be not terrified." + +I started and exclaimed, "Good heavens! what is that? Who are you?" + +"A friend; one come, not to injure, but to save you; fear nothing." + +This voice was immediately recognized to be the same with one of +those which I had heard in the closet; it was the voice of him who had +proposed to shoot, rather than to strangle, his victim. My terror made +me, at once, mute and motionless. He continued, "I leagued to murder +you. I repent. Mark my bidding, and be safe. Avoid this spot. The snares +of death encompass it. Elsewhere danger will be distant; but this spot, +shun it as you value your life. Mark me further; profit by this warning, +but divulge it not. If a syllable of what has passed escape you, your +doom is sealed. Remember your father, and be faithful." + +Here the accents ceased, and left me overwhelmed with dismay. I was +fraught with the persuasion, that during every moment I remained here, +my life was endangered; but I could not take a step without hazard of +falling to the bottom of the precipice. The path, leading to the summit, +was short, but rugged and intricate. Even star-light was excluded by the +umbrage, and not the faintest gleam was afforded to guide my steps. What +should I do? To depart or remain was equally and eminently perilous. + +In this state of uncertainty, I perceived a ray flit across the gloom +and disappear. Another succeeded, which was stronger, and remained for +a passing moment. It glittered on the shrubs that were scattered at the +entrance, and gleam continued to succeed gleam for a few seconds, till +they, finally, gave place to unintermitted darkness. + +The first visitings of this light called up a train of horrors in my +mind; destruction impended over this spot; the voice which I had lately +heard had warned me to retire, and had menaced me with the fate of my +father if I refused. I was desirous, but unable, to obey; these gleams +were such as preluded the stroke by which he fell; the hour, perhaps, +was the same--I shuddered as if I had beheld, suspended over me, the +exterminating sword. + +Presently a new and stronger illumination burst through the lattice +on the right hand, and a voice, from the edge of the precipice above, +called out my name. It was Pleyel. Joyfully did I recognize his accents; +but such was the tumult of my thoughts that I had not power to answer +him till he had frequently repeated his summons. I hurried, at length, +from the fatal spot, and, directed by the lanthorn which he bore, +ascended the hill. + +Pale and breathless, it was with difficulty I could support myself. He +anxiously inquired into the cause of my affright, and the motive of my +unusual absence. He had returned from my brother's at a late hour, and +was informed by Judith, that I had walked out before sun-set, and had +not yet returned. This intelligence was somewhat alarming. He waited +some time; but, my absence continuing, he had set out in search of me. +He had explored the neighbourhood with the utmost care, but, receiving +no tidings of me, he was preparing to acquaint my brother with this +circumstance, when he recollected the summer-house on the bank, and +conceived it possible that some accident had detained me there. He again +inquired into the cause of this detention, and of that confusion and +dismay which my looks testified. + +I told him that I had strolled hither in the afternoon, that sleep had +overtaken me as I sat, and that I had awakened a few minutes before +his arrival. I could tell him no more. In the present impetuosity of my +thoughts, I was almost dubious, whether the pit, into which my brother +had endeavoured to entice me, and the voice that talked through the +lattice, were not parts of the same dream. I remembered, likewise, the +charge of secrecy, and the penalty denounced, if I should rashly divulge +what I had heard. For these reasons, I was silent on that subject, and +shutting myself in my chamber, delivered myself up to contemplation. + +What I have related will, no doubt, appear to you a fable. You will +believe that calamity has subverted my reason, and that I am amusing +you with the chimeras of my brain, instead of facts that have really +happened. I shall not be surprized or offended, if these be your +suspicions. I know not, indeed, how you can deny them admission. For, if +to me, the immediate witness, they were fertile of perplexity and doubt, +how must they affect another to whom they are recommended only by +my testimony? It was only by subsequent events, that I was fully and +incontestibly assured of the veracity of my senses. + +Meanwhile what was I to think? I had been assured that a design had been +formed against my life. The ruffians had leagued to murder me. Whom had +I offended? Who was there with whom I had ever maintained intercourse, +who was capable of harbouring such atrocious purposes? + +My temper was the reverse of cruel and imperious. My heart was touched +with sympathy for the children of misfortune. But this sympathy was not +a barren sentiment. My purse, scanty as it was, was ever open, and my +hands ever active, to relieve distress. Many were the wretches whom +my personal exertions had extricated from want and disease, and who +rewarded me with their gratitude. There was no face which lowered at my +approach, and no lips which uttered imprecations in my hearing. On the +contrary, there was none, over whose fate I had exerted any influence, +or to whom I was known by reputation, who did not greet me with smiles, +and dismiss me with proofs of veneration; yet did not my senses assure +me that a plot was laid against my life? + +I am not destitute of courage. I have shewn myself deliberative and calm +in the midst of peril. I have hazarded my own life, for the preservation +of another, but now was I confused and panic struck. I have not lived +so as to fear death, yet to perish by an unseen and secret stroke, to be +mangled by the knife of an assassin was a thought at which I shuddered; +what had I done to deserve to be made the victim of malignant passions? + +But soft! was I not assured, that my life was safe in all places but +one? And why was the treason limited to take effect in this spot? I +was every where equally defenceless. My house and chamber were, at all +times, accessible. Danger still impended over me; the bloody purpose was +still entertained, but the hand that was to execute it, was powerless in +all places but one! + +Here I had remained for the last four or five hours, without the means +of resistance or defence, yet I had not been attacked. A human being was +at hand, who was conscious of my presence, and warned me hereafter to +avoid this retreat. His voice was not absolutely new, but had I never +heard it but once before? But why did he prohibit me from relating +this incident to others, and what species of death will be awarded if I +disobey? + +He talked of my father. He intimated, that disclosure would pull upon my +head, the same destruction. Was then the death of my father, portentous +and inexplicable as it was, the consequence of human machinations? It +should seem, that this being is apprised of the true nature of this +event, and is conscious of the means that led to it. Whether it shall +likewise fall upon me, depends upon the observance of silence. Was it +the infraction of a similar command, that brought so horrible a penalty +upon my father? + +Such were the reflections that haunted me during the night, and which +effectually deprived me of sleep. Next morning, at breakfast, Pleyel +related an event which my disappearance had hindered him from mentioning +the night before. Early the preceding morning, his occasions called him +to the city; he had stepped into a coffee-house to while away an hour; +here he had met a person whose appearance instantly bespoke him to be +the same whose hasty visit I have mentioned, and whose extraordinary +visage and tones had so powerfully affected me. On an attentive survey, +however, he proved, likewise, to be one with whom my friend had had some +intercourse in Europe. This authorised the liberty of accosting him, and +after some conversation, mindful, as Pleyel said, of the footing which +this stranger had gained in my heart, he had ventured to invite him +to Mettingen. The invitation had been cheerfully accepted, and a visit +promised on the afternoon of the next day. + +This information excited no sober emotions in my breast. I was, of +course, eager to be informed as to the circumstances of their ancient +intercourse. When, and where had they met? What knew he of the life and +character of this man? + +In answer to my inquiries, he informed me that, three years before, +he was a traveller in Spain. He had made an excursion from Valencia to +Murviedro, with a view to inspect the remains of Roman magnificence, +scattered in the environs of that town. While traversing the scite +of the theatre of old Saguntum, he lighted upon this man, seated on a +stone, and deeply engaged in perusing the work of the deacon Marti. A +short conversation ensued, which proved the stranger to be English. They +returned to Valencia together. + +His garb, aspect, and deportment, were wholly Spanish. A residence of +three years in the country, indefatigable attention to the language, +and a studious conformity with the customs of the people, had made him +indistinguishable from a native, when he chose to assume that character. +Pleyel found him to be connected, on the footing of friendship and +respect, with many eminent merchants in that city. He had embraced the +catholic religion, and adopted a Spanish name instead of his own, which +was CARWIN, and devoted himself to the literature and religion of his +new country. He pursued no profession, but subsisted on remittances from +England. + +While Pleyel remained in Valencia, Carwin betrayed no aversion to +intercourse, and the former found no small attractions in the society of +this new acquaintance. On general topics he was highly intelligent and +communicative. He had visited every corner of Spain, and could furnish +the most accurate details respecting its ancient and present state. +On topics of religion and of his own history, previous to his +TRANSFORMATION into a Spaniard, he was invariably silent. You could +merely gather from his discourse that he was English, and that he was +well acquainted with the neighbouring countries. + +His character excited considerable curiosity in this observer. It was +not easy to reconcile his conversion to the Romish faith, with those +proofs of knowledge and capacity that were exhibited by him on different +occasions. A suspicion was, sometimes, admitted, that his belief was +counterfeited for some political purpose. The most careful observation, +however, produced no discovery. His manners were, at all times, harmless +and inartificial, and his habits those of a lover of contemplation and +seclusion. He appeared to have contracted an affection for Pleyel, who +was not slow to return it. + +My friend, after a month's residence in this city, returned into France, +and, since that period, had heard nothing concerning Carwin till his +appearance at Mettingen. + +On this occasion Carwin had received Pleyel's greeting with a certain +distance and solemnity to which the latter had not been accustomed. He +had waved noticing the inquiries of Pleyel respecting his desertion +of Spain, in which he had formerly declared that it was his purpose to +spend his life. He had assiduously diverted the attention of the latter +to indifferent topics, but was still, on every theme, as eloquent and +judicious as formerly. Why he had assumed the garb of a rustic, Pleyel +was unable to conjecture. Perhaps it might be poverty, perhaps he was +swayed by motives which it was his interest to conceal, but which were +connected with consequences of the utmost moment. + +Such was the sum of my friend's information. I was not sorry to be left +alone during the greater part of this day. Every employment was irksome +which did not leave me at liberty to meditate. I had now a new subject +on which to exercise my thoughts. Before evening I should be ushered +into his presence, and listen to those tones whose magical and thrilling +power I had already experienced. But with what new images would he then +be accompanied? + +Carwin was an adherent to the Romish faith, yet was an Englishman by +birth, and, perhaps, a protestant by education. He had adopted Spain for +his country, and had intimated a design to spend his days there, yet now +was an inhabitant of this district, and disguised by the habiliments of +a clown! What could have obliterated the impressions of his youth, and +made him abjure his religion and his country? What subsequent events had +introduced so total a change in his plans? In withdrawing from Spain, +had he reverted to the religion of his ancestors; or was it true, that +his former conversion was deceitful, and that his conduct had been +swayed by motives which it was prudent to conceal? + +Hours were consumed in revolving these ideas. My meditations were +intense; and, when the series was broken, I began to reflect with +astonishment on my situation. From the death of my parents, till the +commencement of this year, my life had been serene and blissful, beyond +the ordinary portion of humanity; but, now, my bosom was corroded by +anxiety. I was visited by dread of unknown dangers, and the future was +a scene over which clouds rolled, and thunders muttered. I compared the +cause with the effect, and they seemed disproportioned to each other. +All unaware, and in a manner which I had no power to explain, I was +pushed from my immoveable and lofty station, and cast upon a sea of +troubles. + +I determined to be my brother's visitant on this evening, yet my +resolves were not unattended with wavering and reluctance. Pleyel's +insinuations that I was in love, affected, in no degree, my belief, yet +the consciousness that this was the opinion of one who would, probably, +be present at our introduction to each other, would excite all that +confusion which the passion itself is apt to produce. This would confirm +him in his error, and call forth new railleries. His mirth, when exerted +upon this topic, was the source of the bitterest vexation. Had he been +aware of its influence upon my happiness, his temper would not have +allowed him to persist; but this influence, it was my chief endeavour +to conceal. That the belief of my having bestowed my heart upon another, +produced in my friend none but ludicrous sensations, was the true cause +of my distress; but if this had been discovered by him, my distress +would have been unspeakably aggravated. + + + +Chapter VIII + + +As soon as evening arrived, I performed my visit. Carwin made one of the +company, into which I was ushered. Appearances were the same as when I +before beheld him. His garb was equally negligent and rustic. I gazed +upon his countenance with new curiosity. My situation was such as to +enable me to bestow upon it a deliberate examination. Viewed at more +leisure, it lost none of its wonderful properties. I could not deny my +homage to the intelligence expressed in it, but was wholly uncertain, +whether he were an object to be dreaded or adored, and whether his +powers had been exerted to evil or to good. + +He was sparing in discourse; but whatever he said was pregnant with +meaning, and uttered with rectitude of articulation, and force of +emphasis, of which I had entertained no conception previously to my +knowledge of him. Notwithstanding the uncouthness of his garb, his +manners were not unpolished. All topics were handled by him with skill, +and without pedantry or affectation. He uttered no sentiment calculated +to produce a disadvantageous impression: on the contrary, his +observations denoted a mind alive to every generous and heroic feeling. +They were introduced without parade, and accompanied with that degree of +earnestness which indicates sincerity. + +He parted from us not till late, refusing an invitation to spend the +night here, but readily consented to repeat his visit. His visits +were frequently repeated. Each day introduced us to a more intimate +acquaintance with his sentiments, but left us wholly in the dark, +concerning that about which we were most inquisitive. He studiously +avoided all mention of his past or present situation. Even the place of +his abode in the city he concealed from us. + +Our sphere, in this respect, being somewhat limited, and the +intellectual endowments of this man being indisputably great, his +deportment was more diligently marked, and copiously commented on by +us, than you, perhaps, will think the circumstances warranted. Not a +gesture, or glance, or accent, that was not, in our private assemblies, +discussed, and inferences deduced from it. It may well be thought that +he modelled his behaviour by an uncommon standard, when, with all our +opportunities and accuracy of observation, we were able, for a long +time, to gather no satisfactory information. He afforded us no ground on +which to build even a plausible conjecture. + +There is a degree of familiarity which takes place between constant +associates, that justifies the negligence of many rules of which, in +an earlier period of their intercourse, politeness requires the exact +observance. Inquiries into our condition are allowable when they are +prompted by a disinterested concern for our welfare; and this solicitude +is not only pardonable, but may justly be demanded from those who chuse +us for their companions. This state of things was more slow to arrive +on this occasion than on most others, on account of the gravity and +loftiness of this man's behaviour. + +Pleyel, however, began, at length, to employ regular means for this end. +He occasionally alluded to the circumstances in which they had formerly +met, and remarked the incongruousness between the religion and habits +of a Spaniard, with those of a native of Britain. He expressed +his astonishment at meeting our guest in this corner of the globe, +especially as, when they parted in Spain, he was taught to believe that +Carwin should never leave that country. He insinuated, that a change +so great must have been prompted by motives of a singular and momentous +kind. + +No answer, or an answer wide of the purpose, was generally made to these +insinuations. Britons and Spaniards, he said, are votaries of the same +Deity, and square their faith by the same precepts; their ideas are +drawn from the same fountains of literature, and they speak dialects of +the same tongue; their government and laws have more resemblances than +differences; they were formerly provinces of the same civil, and till +lately, of the same religious, Empire. + +As to the motives which induce men to change the place of their abode, +these must unavoidably be fleeting and mutable. If not bound to one spot +by conjugal or parental ties, or by the nature of that employment to +which we are indebted for subsistence, the inducements to change are far +more numerous and powerful, than opposite inducements. + +He spoke as if desirous of shewing that he was not aware of the tendency +of Pleyel's remarks; yet, certain tokens were apparent, that proved him +by no means wanting in penetration. These tokens were to be read in his +countenance, and not in his words. When any thing was said, indicating +curiosity in us, the gloom of his countenance was deepened, his eyes +sunk to the ground, and his wonted air was not resumed without visible +struggle. Hence, it was obvious to infer, that some incidents of +his life were reflected on by him with regret; and that, since these +incidents were carefully concealed, and even that regret which flowed +from them laboriously stifled, they had not been merely disastrous. The +secrecy that was observed appeared not designed to provoke or baffle the +inquisitive, but was prompted by the shame, or by the prudence of guilt. + +These ideas, which were adopted by Pleyel and my brother, as well as +myself, hindered us from employing more direct means for accomplishing +our wishes. Questions might have been put in such terms, that no room +should be left for the pretence of misapprehension, and if modesty +merely had been the obstacle, such questions would not have been +wanting; but we considered, that, if the disclosure were productive of +pain or disgrace, it was inhuman to extort it. + +Amidst the various topics that were discussed in his presence, allusions +were, of course, made to the inexplicable events that had lately +happened. At those times, the words and looks of this man were objects +of my particular attention. The subject was extraordinary; and any +one whose experience or reflections could throw any light upon it, was +entitled to my gratitude. As this man was enlightened by reading and +travel, I listened with eagerness to the remarks which he should make. + +At first, I entertained a kind of apprehension, that the tale would be +heard by him with incredulity and secret ridicule. I had formerly heard +stories that resembled this in some of their mysterious circumstances, +but they were, commonly, heard by me with contempt. I was doubtful, +whether the same impression would not now be made on the mind of our +guest; but I was mistaken in my fears. + +He heard them with seriousness, and without any marks either of +surprize or incredulity. He pursued, with visible pleasure, that kind +of disquisition which was naturally suggested by them. His fancy was +eminently vigorous and prolific, and if he did not persuade us, that +human beings are, sometimes, admitted to a sensible intercourse with the +author of nature, he, at least, won over our inclination to the cause. +He merely deduced, from his own reasonings, that such intercourse +was probable; but confessed that, though he was acquainted with many +instances somewhat similar to those which had been related by us, none +of them were perfectly exempted from the suspicion of human agency. + +On being requested to relate these instances, he amused us with many +curious details. His narratives were constructed with so much skill, +and rehearsed with so much energy, that all the effects of a dramatic +exhibition were frequently produced by them. Those that were most +coherent and most minute, and, of consequence, least entitled to credit, +were yet rendered probable by the exquisite art of this rhetorician. For +every difficulty that was suggested, a ready and plausible solution +was furnished. Mysterious voices had always a share in producing +the catastrophe, but they were always to be explained on some known +principles, either as reflected into a focus, or communicated through +a tube. I could not but remark that his narratives, however complex or +marvellous, contained no instance sufficiently parallel to those that +had befallen ourselves, and in which the solution was applicable to our +own case. + +My brother was a much more sanguine reasoner than our guest. Even +in some of the facts which were related by Carwin, he maintained the +probability of celestial interference, when the latter was disposed to +deny it, and had found, as he imagined, footsteps of an human agent. +Pleyel was by no means equally credulous. He scrupled not to deny faith +to any testimony but that of his senses, and allowed the facts which had +lately been supported by this testimony, not to mould his belief, but +merely to give birth to doubts. + +It was soon observed that Carwin adopted, in some degree, a similar +distinction. A tale of this kind, related by others, he would believe, +provided it was explicable upon known principles; but that such notices +were actually communicated by beings of an higher order, he would +believe only when his own ears were assailed in a manner which could not +be otherwise accounted for. Civility forbad him to contradict my brother +or myself, but his understanding refused to acquiesce in our testimony. +Besides, he was disposed to question whether the voices heard in the +temple, at the foot of the hill, and in my closet, were not really +uttered by human organs. On this supposition he was desired to explain +how the effect was produced. + +He answered, that the power of mimickry was very common. Catharine's +voice might easily be imitated by one at the foot of the hill, who would +find no difficulty in eluding, by flight, the search of Wieland. The +tidings of the death of the Saxon lady were uttered by one near at hand, +who overheard the conversation, who conjectured her death, and whose +conjecture happened to accord with the truth. That the voice appeared to +come from the cieling was to be considered as an illusion of the fancy. +The cry for help, heard in the hall on the night of my adventure, was to +be ascribed to an human creature, who actually stood in the hall when he +uttered it. It was of no moment, he said, that we could not explain by +what motives he that made the signal was led hither. How imperfectly +acquainted were we with the condition and designs of the beings that +surrounded us? The city was near at hand, and thousands might there +exist whose powers and purposes might easily explain whatever was +mysterious in this transaction. As to the closet dialogue, he was +obliged to adopt one of two suppositions, and affirm either that it was +fashioned in my own fancy, or that it actually took place between two +persons in the closet. + +Such was Carwin's mode of explaining these appearances. It is such, +perhaps, as would commend itself as most plausible to the most sagacious +minds, but it was insufficient to impart conviction to us. As to the +treason that was meditated against me, it was doubtless just to conclude +that it was either real or imaginary; but that it was real was attested +by the mysterious warning in the summer-house, the secret of which I had +hitherto locked up in my own breast. + +A month passed away in this kind of intercourse. As to Carwin, our +ignorance was in no degree enlightened respecting his genuine character +and views. Appearances were uniform. No man possessed a larger store of +knowledge, or a greater degree of skill in the communication of it to +others; Hence he was regarded as an inestimable addition to our society. +Considering the distance of my brother's house from the city, he was +frequently prevailed upon to pass the night where he spent the evening. +Two days seldom elapsed without a visit from him; hence he was regarded +as a kind of inmate of the house. He entered and departed without +ceremony. When he arrived he received an unaffected welcome, and when he +chose to retire, no importunities were used to induce him to remain. + +The temple was the principal scene of our social enjoyments; yet the +felicity that we tasted when assembled in this asylum, was but the +gleam of a former sun-shine. Carwin never parted with his gravity. +The inscrutableness of his character, and the uncertainty whether his +fellowship tended to good or to evil, were seldom absent from our minds. +This circumstance powerfully contributed to sadden us. + +My heart was the seat of growing disquietudes. This change in one who +had formerly been characterized by all the exuberances of soul, could +not fail to be remarked by my friends. My brother was always a pattern +of solemnity. My sister was clay, moulded by the circumstances in which +she happened to be placed. There was but one whose deportment remains +to be described as being of importance to our happiness. Had Pleyel +likewise dismissed his vivacity? + +He was as whimsical and jestful as ever, but he was not happy. The +truth, in this respect, was of too much importance to me not to make me +a vigilant observer. His mirth was easily perceived to be the fruit +of exertion. When his thoughts wandered from the company, an air of +dissatisfaction and impatience stole across his features. Even the +punctuality and frequency of his visits were somewhat lessened. It may +be supposed that my own uneasiness was heightened by these tokens; but, +strange as it may seem, I found, in the present state of my mind, no +relief but in the persuasion that Pleyel was unhappy. + +That unhappiness, indeed, depended, for its value in my eyes, on the +cause that produced it. It did not arise from the death of the Saxon +lady: it was not a contagious emanation from the countenances of Wieland +or Carwin. There was but one other source whence it could flow. A +nameless ecstacy thrilled through my frame when any new proof occurred +that the ambiguousness of my behaviour was the cause. + + + +Chapter IX + + +My brother had received a new book from Germany. It was a tragedy, and +the first attempt of a Saxon poet, of whom my brother had been taught to +entertain the highest expectations. The exploits of Zisca, the Bohemian +hero, were woven into a dramatic series and connection. According to +German custom, it was minute and diffuse, and dictated by an adventurous +and lawless fancy. It was a chain of audacious acts, and unheard-of +disasters. The moated fortress, and the thicket; the ambush and the +battle; and the conflict of headlong passions, were pourtrayed in +wild numbers, and with terrific energy. An afternoon was set apart to +rehearse this performance. The language was familiar to all of us but +Carwin, whose company, therefore, was tacitly dispensed with. + +The morning previous to this intended rehearsal, I spent at home. My +mind was occupied with reflections relative to my own situation. The +sentiment which lived with chief energy in my heart, was connected +with the image of Pleyel. In the midst of my anguish, I had not been +destitute of consolation. His late deportment had given spring to my +hopes. Was not the hour at hand, which should render me the happiest +of human creatures? He suspected that I looked with favorable eyes upon +Carwin. Hence arose disquietudes, which he struggled in vain to conceal. +He loved me, but was hopeless that his love would be compensated. Is it +not time, said I, to rectify this error? But by what means is this to be +effected? It can only be done by a change of deportment in me; but how +must I demean myself for this purpose? + +I must not speak. Neither eyes, nor lips, must impart the information. +He must not be assured that my heart is his, previous to the tender of +his own; but he must be convinced that it has not been given to another; +he must be supplied with space whereon to build a doubt as to the true +state of my affections; he must be prompted to avow himself. The line +of delicate propriety; how hard it is, not to fall short, and not to +overleap it! + +This afternoon we shall meet at the temple. We shall not separate till +late. It will be his province to accompany me home. The airy expanse is +without a speck. This breeze is usually stedfast, and its promise of +a bland and cloudless evening, may be trusted. The moon will rise at +eleven, and at that hour, we shall wind along this bank. Possibly that +hour may decide my fate. If suitable encouragement be given, Pleyel will +reveal his soul to me; and I, ere I reach this threshold, will be made +the happiest of beings. And is this good to be mine? Add wings to thy +speed, sweet evening; and thou, moon, I charge thee, shroud thy beams at +the moment when my Pleyel whispers love. I would not for the world, that +the burning blushes, and the mounting raptures of that moment, should be +visible. + +But what encouragement is wanting? I must be regardful of insurmountable +limits. Yet when minds are imbued with a genuine sympathy, are not words +and looks superfluous? Are not motion and touch sufficient to impart +feelings such as mine? Has he not eyed me at moments, when the pressure +of his hand has thrown me into tumults, and was it possible that he +mistook the impetuosities of love, for the eloquence of indignation? + +But the hastening evening will decide. Would it were come! And yet I +shudder at its near approach. An interview that must thus terminate, is +surely to be wished for by me; and yet it is not without its terrors. +Would to heaven it were come and gone! + +I feel no reluctance, my friends to be thus explicit. Time was, when +these emotions would be hidden with immeasurable solicitude, from every +human eye. Alas! these airy and fleeting impulses of shame are gone. My +scruples were preposterous and criminal. They are bred in all hearts, by +a perverse and vicious education, and they would still have maintained +their place in my heart, had not my portion been set in misery. My +errors have taught me thus much wisdom; that those sentiments which we +ought not to disclose, it is criminal to harbour. + +It was proposed to begin the rehearsal at four o'clock; I counted the +minutes as they passed; their flight was at once too rapid and too slow; +my sensations were of an excruciating kind; I could taste no food, nor +apply to any task, nor enjoy a moment's repose: when the hour arrived, I +hastened to my brother's. + +Pleyel was not there. He had not yet come. On ordinary occasions, he was +eminent for punctuality. He had testified great eagerness to share +in the pleasures of this rehearsal. He was to divide the task with my +brother, and, in tasks like these, he always engaged with peculiar +zeal. His elocution was less sweet than sonorous; and, therefore, +better adapted than the mellifluences of his friend, to the outrageous +vehemence of this drama. + +What could detain him? Perhaps he lingered through forgetfulness. Yet +this was incredible. Never had his memory been known to fail upon even +more trivial occasions. Not less impossible was it, that the scheme had +lost its attractions, and that he staid, because his coming would afford +him no gratification. But why should we expect him to adhere to the +minute? + +An half hour elapsed, but Pleyel was still at a distance. Perhaps he had +misunderstood the hour which had been proposed. Perhaps he had conceived +that to-morrow, and not to-day, had been selected for this purpose: +but no. A review of preceding circumstances demonstrated that such +misapprehension was impossible; for he had himself proposed this day, +and this hour. This day, his attention would not otherwise be occupied; +but to-morrow, an indispensible engagement was foreseen, by which all +his time would be engrossed: his detention, therefore, must be owing +to some unforeseen and extraordinary event. Our conjectures were vague, +tumultuous, and sometimes fearful. His sickness and his death might +possibly have detained him. + +Tortured with suspense, we sat gazing at each other, and at the path +which led from the road. Every horseman that passed was, for a moment, +imagined to be him. Hour succeeded hour, and the sun, gradually +declining, at length, disappeared. Every signal of his coming proved +fallacious, and our hopes were at length dismissed. His absence affected +my friends in no insupportable degree. They should be obliged, they +said, to defer this undertaking till the morrow; and, perhaps, their +impatient curiosity would compel them to dispense entirely with his +presence. No doubt, some harmless occurrence had diverted him from +his purpose; and they trusted that they should receive a satisfactory +account of him in the morning. + +It may be supposed that this disappointment affected me in a very +different manner. I turned aside my head to conceal my tears. I fled +into solitude, to give vent to my reproaches, without interruption +or restraint. My heart was ready to burst with indignation and grief. +Pleyel was not the only object of my keen but unjust upbraiding. Deeply +did I execrate my own folly. Thus fallen into ruins was the gay fabric +which I had reared! Thus had my golden vision melted into air! + +How fondly did I dream that Pleyel was a lover! If he were, would he +have suffered any obstacle to hinder his coming? Blind and infatuated +man! I exclaimed. Thou sportest with happiness. The good that is +offered thee, thou hast the insolence and folly to refuse. Well, I will +henceforth intrust my felicity to no one's keeping but my own. + +The first agonies of this disappointment would not allow me to be +reasonable or just. Every ground on which I had built the persuasion +that Pleyel was not unimpressed in my favor, appeared to vanish. It +seemed as if I had been misled into this opinion, by the most palpable +illusions. + +I made some trifling excuse, and returned, much earlier than I expected, +to my own house. I retired early to my chamber, without designing to +sleep. I placed myself at a window, and gave the reins to reflection. + +The hateful and degrading impulses which had lately controuled me were, +in some degree, removed. New dejection succeeded, but was now produced +by contemplating my late behaviour. Surely that passion is worthy to +be abhorred which obscures our understanding, and urges us to the +commission of injustice. What right had I to expect his attendance? +Had I not demeaned myself like one indifferent to his happiness, and as +having bestowed my regards upon another? His absence might be prompted +by the love which I considered his absence as a proof that he wanted. +He came not because the sight of me, the spectacle of my coldness or +aversion, contributed to his despair. Why should I prolong, by hypocrisy +or silence, his misery as well as my own? Why not deal with him +explicitly, and assure him of the truth? + +You will hardly believe that, in obedience to this suggestion, I rose +for the purpose of ordering a light, that I might instantly make this +confession in a letter. A second thought shewed me the rashness of this +scheme, and I wondered by what infirmity of mind I could be betrayed +into a momentary approbation of it. I saw with the utmost clearness that +a confession like that would be the most remediless and unpardonable +outrage upon the dignity of my sex, and utterly unworthy of that passion +which controuled me. + +I resumed my seat and my musing. To account for the absence of Pleyel +became once more the scope of my conjectures. How many incidents might +occur to raise an insuperable impediment in his way? When I was a child, +a scheme of pleasure, in which he and his sister were parties, had been, +in like manner, frustrated by his absence; but his absence, in that +instance, had been occasioned by his falling from a boat into the river, +in consequence of which he had run the most imminent hazard of being +drowned. Here was a second disappointment endured by the same persons, +and produced by his failure. Might it not originate in the same cause? +Had he not designed to cross the river that morning to make some +necessary purchases in Jersey? He had preconcerted to return to his +own house to dinner; but, perhaps, some disaster had befallen him. +Experience had taught me the insecurity of a canoe, and that was the +only kind of boat which Pleyel used: I was, likewise, actuated by +an hereditary dread of water. These circumstances combined to bestow +considerable plausibility on this conjecture; but the consternation +with which I began to be seized was allayed by reflecting, that if +this disaster had happened my brother would have received the speediest +information of it. The consolation which this idea imparted was ravished +from me by a new thought. This disaster might have happened, and his +family not be apprized of it. The first intelligence of his fate may +be communicated by the livid corpse which the tide may cast, many days +hence, upon the shore. + +Thus was I distressed by opposite conjectures: thus was I tormented by +phantoms of my own creation. It was not always thus. I can ascertain the +date when my mind became the victim of this imbecility; perhaps it was +coeval with the inroad of a fatal passion; a passion that will never +rank me in the number of its eulogists; it was alone sufficient to the +extermination of my peace: it was itself a plenteous source of +calamity, and needed not the concurrence of other evils to take away the +attractions of existence, and dig for me an untimely grave. + +The state of my mind naturally introduced a train of reflections upon +the dangers and cares which inevitably beset an human being. By no +violent transition was I led to ponder on the turbulent life and +mysterious end of my father. I cherished, with the utmost veneration, +the memory of this man, and every relique connected with his fate was +preserved with the most scrupulous care. Among these was to be numbered +a manuscript, containing memoirs of his own life. The narrative was by +no means recommended by its eloquence; but neither did all its value +flow from my relationship to the author. Its stile had an unaffected and +picturesque simplicity. The great variety and circumstantial display of +the incidents, together with their intrinsic importance, as descriptive +of human manners and passions, made it the most useful book in my +collection. It was late; but being sensible of no inclination to sleep, +I resolved to betake myself to the perusal of it. + +To do this it was requisite to procure a light. The girl had long since +retired to her chamber: it was therefore proper to wait upon myself. +A lamp, and the means of lighting it, were only to be found in the +kitchen. Thither I resolved forthwith to repair; but the light was of +use merely to enable me to read the book. I knew the shelf and the spot +where it stood. Whether I took down the book, or prepared the lamp in +the first place, appeared to be a matter of no moment. The latter was +preferred, and, leaving my seat, I approached the closet in which, as I +mentioned formerly, my books and papers were deposited. + +Suddenly the remembrance of what had lately passed in this closet +occurred. Whether midnight was approaching, or had passed, I knew not. I +was, as then, alone, and defenceless. The wind was in that direction +in which, aided by the deathlike repose of nature, it brought to me +the murmur of the water-fall. This was mingled with that solemn and +enchanting sound, which a breeze produces among the leaves of pines. The +words of that mysterious dialogue, their fearful import, and the wild +excess to which I was transported by my terrors, filled my imagination +anew. My steps faultered, and I stood a moment to recover myself. + +I prevailed on myself at length to move towards the closet. I touched +the lock, but my fingers were powerless; I was visited afresh by +unconquerable apprehensions. A sort of belief darted into my mind, that +some being was concealed within, whose purposes were evil. I began to +contend with those fears, when it occurred to me that I might, without +impropriety, go for a lamp previously to opening the closet. I receded +a few steps; but before I reached my chamber door my thoughts took a new +direction. Motion seemed to produce a mechanical influence upon me. I +was ashamed of my weakness. Besides, what aid could be afforded me by a +lamp? + +My fears had pictured to themselves no precise object. It would be +difficult to depict, in words, the ingredients and hues of that phantom +which haunted me. An hand invisible and of preternatural strength, +lifted by human passions, and selecting my life for its aim, were parts +of this terrific image. All places were alike accessible to this foe, or +if his empire were restricted by local bounds, those bounds were utterly +inscrutable by me. But had I not been told by some one in league with +this enemy, that every place but the recess in the bank was exempt from +danger? I returned to the closet, and once more put my hand upon the +lock. O! may my ears lose their sensibility, ere they be again assailed +by a shriek so terrible! Not merely my understanding was subdued by the +sound: it acted on my nerves like an edge of steel. It appeared to cut +asunder the fibres of my brain, and rack every joint with agony. + +The cry, loud and piercing as it was, was nevertheless human. No +articulation was ever more distinct. The breath which accompanied it did +not fan my hair, yet did every circumstance combine to persuade me that +the lips which uttered it touched my very shoulder. + +"Hold! Hold!" were the words of this tremendous prohibition, in whose +tone the whole soul seemed to be wrapped up, and every energy converted +into eagerness and terror. + +Shuddering, I dashed myself against the wall, and by the same +involuntary impulse, turned my face backward to examine the mysterious +monitor. The moon-light streamed into each window, and every corner of +the room was conspicuous, and yet I beheld nothing! + +The interval was too brief to be artificially measured, between the +utterance of these words, and my scrutiny directed to the quarter whence +they came. Yet if a human being had been there, could he fail to have +been visible? Which of my senses was the prey of a fatal illusion? The +shock which the sound produced was still felt in every part of my frame. +The sound, therefore, could not but be a genuine commotion. But that I +had heard it, was not more true than that the being who uttered it was +stationed at my right ear; yet my attendant was invisible. + +I cannot describe the state of my thoughts at that moment. Surprize +had mastered my faculties. My frame shook, and the vital current was +congealed. I was conscious only to the vehemence of my sensations. This +condition could not be lasting. Like a tide, which suddenly mounts to +an overwhelming height, and then gradually subsides, my confusion slowly +gave place to order, and my tumults to a calm. I was able to deliberate +and move. I resumed my feet, and advanced into the midst of the room. +Upward, and behind, and on each side, I threw penetrating glances. I was +not satisfied with one examination. He that hitherto refused to be +seen, might change his purpose, and on the next survey be clearly +distinguishable. + +Solitude imposes least restraint upon the fancy. Dark is less fertile +of images than the feeble lustre of the moon. I was alone, and the walls +were chequered by shadowy forms. As the moon passed behind a cloud and +emerged, these shadows seemed to be endowed with life, and to move. The +apartment was open to the breeze, and the curtain was occasionally +blown from its ordinary position. This motion was not unaccompanied with +sound. I failed not to snatch a look, and to listen when this motion +and this sound occurred. My belief that my monitor was posted near, +was strong, and instantly converted these appearances to tokens of his +presence, and yet I could discern nothing. + +When my thoughts were at length permitted to revert to the past, the +first idea that occurred was the resemblance between the words of the +voice which I had just heard, and those which had terminated my dream in +the summer-house. There are means by which we are able to distinguish a +substance from a shadow, a reality from the phantom of a dream. The pit, +my brother beckoning me forward, the seizure of my arm, and the voice +behind, were surely imaginary. That these incidents were fashioned in my +sleep, is supported by the same indubitable evidence that compels me to +believe myself awake at present; yet the words and the voice were the +same. Then, by some inexplicable contrivance, I was aware of the danger, +while my actions and sensations were those of one wholly unacquainted +with it. Now, was it not equally true that my actions and persuasions +were at war? Had not the belief, that evil lurked in the closet, gained +admittance, and had not my actions betokened an unwarrantable security? +To obviate the effects of my infatuation, the same means had been used. + +In my dream, he that tempted me to my destruction, was my brother. Death +was ambushed in my path. From what evil was I now rescued? What minister +or implement of ill was shut up in this recess? Who was it whose +suffocating grasp I was to feel, should I dare to enter it? What +monstrous conception is this? my brother! + +No; protection, and not injury is his province. Strange and terrible +chimera! Yet it would not be suddenly dismissed. It was surely no vulgar +agency that gave this form to my fears. He to whom all parts of time are +equally present, whom no contingency approaches, was the author of that +spell which now seized upon me. Life was dear to me. No consideration +was present that enjoined me to relinquish it. Sacred duty combined +with every spontaneous sentiment to endear to me my being. Should I not +shudder when my being was endangered? But what emotion should possess me +when the arm lifted aginst me was Wieland's? + +Ideas exist in our minds that can be accounted for by no established +laws. Why did I dream that my brother was my foe? Why but because an +omen of my fate was ordained to be communicated? Yet what salutary end +did it serve? Did it arm me with caution to elude, or fortitude to bear +the evils to which I was reserved? My present thoughts were, no +doubt, indebted for their hue to the similitude existing between these +incidents and those of my dream. Surely it was phrenzy that dictated my +deed. That a ruffian was hidden in the closet, was an idea, the genuine +tendency of which was to urge me to flight. Such had been the effect +formerly produced. Had my mind been simply occupied with this thought at +present, no doubt, the same impulse would have been experienced; but +now it was my brother whom I was irresistably persuaded to regard as the +contriver of that ill of which I had been forewarned. This persuasion +did not extenuate my fears or my danger. Why then did I again approach +the closet and withdraw the bolt? My resolution was instantly conceived, +and executed without faultering. + +The door was formed of light materials. The lock, of simple structure, +easily forewent its hold. It opened into the room, and commonly moved +upon its hinges, after being unfastened, without any effort of mine. +This effort, however, was bestowed upon the present occasion. It was +my purpose to open it with quickness, but the exertion which I made was +ineffectual. It refused to open. + +At another time, this circumstance would not have looked with a face of +mystery. I should have supposed some casual obstruction, and repeated my +efforts to surmount it. But now my mind was accessible to no conjecture +but one. The door was hindered from opening by human force. Surely, here +was new cause for affright. This was confirmation proper to decide my +conduct. Now was all ground of hesitation taken away. What could be +supposed but that I deserted the chamber and the house? that I at least +endeavoured no longer to withdraw the door? + +Have I not said that my actions were dictated by phrenzy? My reason had +forborne, for a time, to suggest or to sway my resolves. I reiterated +my endeavours. I exerted all my force to overcome the obstacle, but in +vain. The strength that was exerted to keep it shut, was superior to +mine. + +A casual observer might, perhaps, applaud the audaciousness of this +conduct. Whence, but from an habitual defiance of danger, could my +perseverance arise? I have already assigned, as distinctly as I am able, +the cause of it. The frantic conception that my brother was within, that +the resistance made to my design was exerted by him, had rooted itself +in my mind. You will comprehend the height of this infatuation, when +I tell you, that, finding all my exertions vain, I betook myself to +exclamations. Surely I was utterly bereft of understanding. + +Now had I arrived at the crisis of my fate. "O! hinder not the door to +open," I exclaimed, in a tone that had less of fear than of grief in +it. "I know you well. Come forth, but harm me not. I beseech you come +forth." + +I had taken my hand from the lock, and removed to a small distance from +the door. I had scarcely uttered these words, when the door swung upon +its hinges, and displayed to my view the interior of the closet. Whoever +was within, was shrouded in darkness. A few seconds passed without +interruption of the silence. I knew not what to expect or to fear. My +eyes would not stray from the recess. Presently, a deep sigh was heard. +The quarter from which it came heightened the eagerness of my gaze. Some +one approached from the farther end. I quickly perceived the outlines +of a human figure. Its steps were irresolute and slow. I recoiled as it +advanced. + +By coming at length within the verge of the room, his form was clearly +distinguishable. I had prefigured to myself a very different personage. +The face that presented itself was the last that I should desire to meet +at an hour, and in a place like this. My wonder was stifled by my fears. +Assassins had lurked in this recess. Some divine voice warned me of +danger, that at this moment awaited me. I had spurned the intimation, +and challenged my adversary. + +I recalled the mysterious countenance and dubious character of Carwin. +What motive but atrocious ones could guide his steps hither? I was +alone. My habit suited the hour, and the place, and the warmth of the +season. All succour was remote. He had placed himself between me and the +door. My frame shook with the vehemence of my apprehensions. + +Yet I was not wholly lost to myself: I vigilantly marked his demeanour. +His looks were grave, but not without perturbation. What species of +inquietude it betrayed, the light was not strong enough to enable me +to discover. He stood still; but his eyes wandered from one object to +another. When these powerful organs were fixed upon me, I shrunk into +myself. At length, he broke silence. Earnestness, and not embarrassment, +was in his tone. He advanced close to me while he spoke. + +"What voice was that which lately addressed you?" + +He paused for an answer; but observing my trepidation, he resumed, with +undiminished solemnity: "Be not terrified. Whoever he was, he hast done +you an important service. I need not ask you if it were the voice of +a companion. That sound was beyond the compass of human organs. The +knowledge that enabled him to tell you who was in the closet, was +obtained by incomprehensible means. + +"You knew that Carwin was there. Were you not apprized of his intents? +The same power could impart the one as well as the other. Yet, knowing +these, you persisted. Audacious girl! but, perhaps, you confided in his +guardianship. Your confidence was just. With succour like this at hand +you may safely defy me. + +"He is my eternal foe; the baffler of my best concerted schemes. Twice +have you been saved by his accursed interposition. But for him I should +long ere now have borne away the spoils of your honor." + +He looked at me with greater stedfastness than before. I became every +moment more anxious for my safety. It was with difficulty I stammered +out an entreaty that he would instantly depart, or suffer me to do so. +He paid no regard to my request, but proceeded in a more impassioned +manner. + +"What is it you fear? Have I not told you, you are safe? Has not one +in whom you more reasonably place trust assured you of it? Even if I +execute my purpose, what injury is done? Your prejudices will call it +by that name, but it merits it not. I was impelled by a sentiment that +does you honor; a sentiment, that would sanctify my deed; but, whatever +it be, you are safe. Be this chimera still worshipped; I will do nothing +to pollute it." There he stopped. + +The accents and gestures of this man left me drained of all courage. +Surely, on no other occasion should I have been thus pusillanimous. My +state I regarded as a hopeless one. I was wholly at the mercy of this +being. Whichever way I turned my eyes, I saw no avenue by which I might +escape. The resources of my personal strength, my ingenuity, and my +eloquence, I estimated at nothing. The dignity of virtue, and the force +of truth, I had been accustomed to celebrate; and had frequently vaunted +of the conquests which I should make with their assistance. + +I used to suppose that certain evils could never befall a being in +possession of a sound mind; that true virtue supplies us with energy +which vice can never resist; that it was always in our power to +obstruct, by his own death, the designs of an enemy who aimed at less +than our life. How was it that a sentiment like despair had now invaded +me, and that I trusted to the protection of chance, or to the pity of my +persecutor? + +His words imparted some notion of the injury which he had meditated. He +talked of obstacles that had risen in his way. He had relinquished his +design. These sources supplied me with slender consolation. There was no +security but in his absence. When I looked at myself, when I reflected +on the hour and the place, I was overpowered by horror and dejection. + +He was silent, museful, and inattentive to my situation, yet made no +motion to depart. I was silent in my turn. What could I say? I was +confident that reason in this contest would be impotent. I must owe my +safety to his own suggestions. Whatever purpose brought him hither, he +had changed it. Why then did he remain? His resolutions might fluctuate, +and the pause of a few minutes restore to him his first resolutions. + +Yet was not this the man whom we had treated with unwearied kindness? +Whose society was endeared to us by his intellectual elevation and +accomplishments? Who had a thousand times expatiated on the usefulness +and beauty of virtue? Why should such a one be dreaded? If I could have +forgotten the circumstances in which our interview had taken place, I +might have treated his words as jests. Presently, he resumed: + +"Fear me not: the space that severs us is small, and all visible succour +is distant. You believe yourself completely in my power; that you stand +upon the brink of ruin. Such are your groundless fears. I cannot lift +a finger to hurt you. Easier it would be to stop the moon in her course +than to injure you. The power that protects you would crumble my sinews, +and reduce me to a heap of ashes in a moment, if I were to harbour a +thought hostile to your safety. Thus are appearances at length solved. +Little did I expect that they originated hence. What a portion is +assigned to you? Scanned by the eyes of this intelligence, your path +will be without pits to swallow, or snares to entangle you. Environed by +the arms of this protection, all artifices will be frustrated, and all +malice repelled." + +Here succeeded a new pause. I was still observant of every gesture and +look. The tranquil solemnity that had lately possessed his countenance +gave way to a new expression. All now was trepidation and anxiety. + +"I must be gone," said he in a faltering accent. "Why do I linger here? +I will not ask your forgiveness. I see that your terrors are invincible. +Your pardon will be extorted by fear, and not dictated by compassion. I +must fly from you forever. He that could plot against your honor, must +expect from you and your friends persecution and death. I must doom +myself to endless exile." + +Saying this, he hastily left the room. I listened while he descended the +stairs, and, unbolting the outer door, went forth. I did not follow him +with my eyes, as the moon-light would have enabled me to do. Relieved by +his absence, and exhausted by the conflict of my fears, I threw myself +on a chair, and resigned myself to those bewildering ideas which +incidents like these could not fail to produce. + + + +Chapter X + + +Order could not readily be introduced into my thoughts. The voice still +rung in my ears. Every accent that was uttered by Carwin was fresh in my +remembrance. His unwelcome approach, the recognition of his person, his +hasty departure, produced a complex impression on my mind which no words +can delineate. I strove to give a slower motion to my thoughts, and to +regulate a confusion which became painful; but my efforts were nugatory. +I covered my eyes with my hand, and sat, I know not how long, without +power to arrange or utter my conceptions. + +I had remained for hours, as I believed, in absolute solitude. No +thought of personal danger had molested my tranquillity. I had made +no preparation for defence. What was it that suggested the design of +perusing my father's manuscript? If, instead of this, I had retired +to bed, and to sleep, to what fate might I not have been reserved? The +ruffian, who must almost have suppressed his breathing to screen himself +from discovery, would have noticed this signal, and I should have +awakened only to perish with affright, and to abhor myself. Could I have +remained unconscious of my danger? Could I have tranquilly slept in the +midst of so deadly a snare? + +And who was he that threatened to destroy me? By what means could he +hide himself in this closet? Surely he is gifted with supernatural +power. Such is the enemy of whose attempts I was forewarned. Daily I had +seen him and conversed with him. Nothing could be discerned through the +impenetrable veil of his duplicity. When busied in conjectures, as to +the author of the evil that was threatened, my mind did not light, for +a moment, upon his image. Yet has he not avowed himself my enemy? Why +should he be here if he had not meditated evil? + +He confesses that this has been his second attempt. What was the scene +of his former conspiracy? Was it not he whose whispers betrayed him? Am +I deceived; or was there not a faint resemblance between the voice of +this man and that which talked of grasping my throat, and extinguishing +my life in a moment? Then he had a colleague in his crime; now he +is alone. Then death was the scope of his thoughts; now an injury +unspeakably more dreadful. How thankful should I be to the power that +has interposed to save me! + +That power is invisible. It is subject to the cognizance of one of my +senses. What are the means that will inform me of what nature it is? +He has set himself to counterwork the machinations of this man, who had +menaced destruction to all that is dear to me, and whose cunning had +surmounted every human impediment. There was none to rescue me from +his grasp. My rashness even hastened the completion of his scheme, and +precluded him from the benefits of deliberation. I had robbed him of the +power to repent and forbear. Had I been apprized of the danger, I should +have regarded my conduct as the means of rendering my escape from it +impossible. Such, likewise, seem to have been the fears of my invisible +protector. Else why that startling intreaty to refrain from opening the +closet? By what inexplicable infatuation was I compelled to proceed? + +Yet my conduct was wise. Carwin, unable to comprehend my folly, ascribed +my behaviour to my knowledge. He conceived himself previously detected, +and such detection being possible to flow only from MY heavenly friend, +and HIS enemy, his fears acquired additional strength. + +He is apprized of the nature and intentions of this being. Perhaps he +is a human agent. Yet, on that supposition his atchievements are +incredible. Why should I be selected as the object of his care; or, if +a mere mortal, should I not recognize some one, whom, benefits imparted +and received had prompted to love me? What were the limits and duration +of his guardianship? Was the genius of my birth entrusted by divine +benignity with this province? Are human faculties adequate to +receive stronger proofs of the existence of unfettered and beneficent +intelligences than I have received? + +But who was this man's coadjutor? The voice that acknowledged an +alliance in treachery with Carwin warned me to avoid the summer-house. +He assured me that there only my safety was endangered. His assurance, +as it now appears, was fallacious. Was there not deceit in his +admonition? Was his compact really annulled? Some purpose was, perhaps, +to be accomplished by preventing my future visits to that spot. Why was +I enjoined silence to others, on the subject of this admonition, unless +it were for some unauthorized and guilty purpose? + +No one but myself was accustomed to visit it. Backward, it was hidden +from distant view by the rock, and in front, it was screened from all +examination, by creeping plants, and the branches of cedars. What +recess could be more propitious to secrecy? The spirit which haunted it +formerly was pure and rapturous. It was a fane sacred to the memory +of infantile days, and to blissful imaginations of the future! What a +gloomy reverse had succeeded since the ominous arrival of this stranger! +Now, perhaps, it is the scene of his meditations. Purposes fraught with +horror, that shun the light, and contemplate the pollution of innocence, +are here engendered, and fostered, and reared to maturity. + +Such were the ideas that, during the night, were tumultuously revolved +by me. I reviewed every conversation in which Carwin had borne a part. +I studied to discover the true inferences deducible from his deportment +and words with regard to his former adventures and actual views. I +pondered on the comments which he made on the relation which I had given +of the closet dialogue. No new ideas suggested themselves in the course +of this review. My expectation had, from the first, been disappointed +on the small degree of surprize which this narrative excited in him. He +never explicitly declared his opinion as to the nature of those voices, +or decided whether they were real or visionary. He recommended no +measures of caution or prevention. + +But what measures were now to be taken? Was the danger which threatened +me at an end? Had I nothing more to fear? I was lonely, and without +means of defence. I could not calculate the motives and regulate the +footsteps of this person. What certainty was there, that he would not +re-assume his purposes, and swiftly return to the execution of them? + +This idea covered me once more with dismay. How deeply did I regret the +solitude in which I was placed, and how ardently did I desire the return +of day! But neither of these inconveniencies were susceptible of remedy. +At first, it occurred to me to summon my servant, and make her spend the +night in my chamber; but the inefficacy of this expedient to enhance my +safety was easily seen. Once I resolved to leave the house, and retire +to my brother's, but was deterred by reflecting on the unseasonableness +of the hour, on the alarm which my arrival, and the account which I +should be obliged to give, might occasion, and on the danger to which I +might expose myself in the way thither. I began, likewise, to consider +Carwin's return to molest me as exceedingly improbable. He had +relinquished, of his own accord, his design, and departed without +compulsion. "Surely," said I, "there is omnipotence in the cause that +changed the views of a man like Carwin. The divinity that shielded me +from his attempts will take suitable care of my future safety. Thus to +yield to my fears is to deserve that they should be real." + +Scarcely had I uttered these words, when my attention was startled by +the sound of footsteps. They denoted some one stepping into the piazza +in front of my house. My new-born confidence was extinguished in a +moment. Carwin, I thought, had repented his departure, and was hastily +returning. The possibility that his return was prompted by intentions +consistent with my safety, found no place in my mind. Images of +violation and murder assailed me anew, and the terrors which succeeded +almost incapacitated me from taking any measures for my defence. It was +an impulse of which I was scarcely conscious, that made me fasten the +lock and draw the bolts of my chamber door. Having done this, I threw +myself on a seat; for I trembled to a degree which disabled me from +standing, and my soul was so perfectly absorbed in the act of listening, +that almost the vital motions were stopped. + +The door below creaked on its hinges. It was not again thrust to, but +appeared to remain open. Footsteps entered, traversed the entry, and +began to mount the stairs. How I detested the folly of not pursuing the +man when he withdrew, and bolting after him the outer door! Might he not +conceive this omission to be a proof that my angel had deserted me, and +be thereby fortified in guilt? + +Every step on the stairs, which brought him nearer to my chamber, added +vigor to my desperation. The evil with which I was menaced was to be at +any rate eluded. How little did I preconceive the conduct which, in an +exigence like this, I should be prone to adopt. You will suppose that +deliberation and despair would have suggested the same course of action, +and that I should have, unhesitatingly, resorted to the best means of +personal defence within my power. A penknife lay open upon my table. I +remembered that it was there, and seized it. For what purpose you will +scarcely inquire. It will be immediately supposed that I meant it for my +last refuge, and that if all other means should fail, I should plunge it +into the heart of my ravisher. + +I have lost all faith in the stedfastness of human resolves. It was thus +that in periods of calm I had determined to act. No cowardice had been +held by me in greater abhorrence than that which prompted an injured +female to destroy, not her injurer ere the injury was perpetrated, but +herself when it was without remedy. Yet now this penknife appeared to +me of no other use than to baffle my assailant, and prevent the crime +by destroying myself. To deliberate at such a time was impossible; but +among the tumultuous suggestions of the moment, I do not recollect that +it once occurred to me to use it as an instrument of direct defence. The +steps had now reached the second floor. Every footfall accelerated the +completion, without augmenting, the certainty of evil. The consciousness +that the door was fast, now that nothing but that was interposed between +me and danger, was a source of some consolation. I cast my eye towards +the window. This, likewise, was a new suggestion. If the door should +give way, it was my sudden resolution to throw myself from the window. +Its height from the ground, which was covered beneath by a brick +pavement, would insure my destruction; but I thought not of that. + +When opposite to my door the footsteps ceased. Was he listening whether +my fears were allayed, and my caution were asleep? Did he hope to take +me by surprize? Yet, if so, why did he allow so many noisy signals to +betray his approach? Presently the steps were again heard to approach +the door. An hand was laid upon the lock, and the latch pulled back. Did +he imagine it possible that I should fail to secure the door? A slight +effort was made to push it open, as if all bolts being withdrawn, a +slight effort only was required. + +I no sooner perceived this, than I moved swiftly towards the window. +Carwin's frame might be said to be all muscle. His strength and activity +had appeared, in various instances, to be prodigious. A slight exertion +of his force would demolish the door. Would not that exertion be made? +Too surely it would; but, at the same moment that this obstacle should +yield, and he should enter the apartment, my determination was formed to +leap from the window. My senses were still bound to this object. I gazed +at the door in momentary expectation that the assault would be made. The +pause continued. The person without was irresolute and motionless. + +Suddenly, it occurred to me that Carwin might conceive me to have fled. +That I had not betaken myself to flight was, indeed, the least probable +of all conclusions. In this persuasion he must have been confirmed on +finding the lower door unfastened, and the chamber door locked. Was +it not wise to foster this persuasion? Should I maintain deep silence, +this, in addition to other circumstances, might encourage the belief, +and he would once more depart. Every new reflection added plausibility +to this reasoning. It was presently more strongly enforced, when I +noticed footsteps withdrawing from the door. The blood once more flowed +back to my heart, and a dawn of exultation began to rise: but my joy was +short lived. Instead of descending the stairs, he passed to the door of +the opposite chamber, opened it, and having entered, shut it after him +with a violence that shook the house. + +How was I to interpret this circumstance? For what end could he have +entered this chamber? Did the violence with which he closed the door +testify the depth of his vexation? This room was usually occupied by +Pleyel. Was Carwin aware of his absence on this night? Could he be +suspected of a design so sordid as pillage? If this were his view there +were no means in my power to frustrate it. It behoved me to seize the +first opportunity to escape; but if my escape were supposed by my +enemy to have been already effected, no asylum was more secure than the +present. How could my passage from the house be accomplished without +noises that might incite him to pursue me? + +Utterly at a loss to account for his going into Pleyel's chamber, I +waited in instant expectation of hearing him come forth. All, however, +was profoundly still. I listened in vain for a considerable period, to +catch the sound of the door when it should again be opened. There was +no other avenue by which he could escape, but a door which led into the +girl's chamber. Would any evil from this quarter befall the girl? + +Hence arose a new train of apprehensions. They merely added to the +turbulence and agony of my reflections. Whatever evil impended over her, +I had no power to avert it. Seclusion and silence were the only means of +saving myself from the perils of this fatal night. What solemn vows did +I put up, that if I should once more behold the light of day, I would +never trust myself again within the threshold of this dwelling! + +Minute lingered after minute, but no token was given that Carwin had +returned to the passage. What, I again asked, could detain him in this +room? Was it possible that he had returned, and glided, unperceived, +away? I was speedily aware of the difficulty that attended an enterprize +like this; and yet, as if by that means I were capable of gaining any +information on that head, I cast anxious looks from the window. + +The object that first attracted my attention was an human figure +standing on the edge of the bank. Perhaps my penetration was assisted +by my hopes. Be that as it will, the figure of Carwin was clearly +distinguishable. From the obscurity of my station, it was impossible +that I should be discerned by him, and yet he scarcely suffered me to +catch a glimpse of him. He turned and went down the steep, which, in +this part, was not difficult to be scaled. + +My conjecture then had been right. Carwin has softly opened the door, +descended the stairs, and issued forth. That I should not have overheard +his steps, was only less incredible than that my eyes had deceived me. +But what was now to be done? The house was at length delivered from this +detested inmate. By one avenue might he again re-enter. Was it not wise +to bar the lower door? Perhaps he had gone out by the kitchen door. For +this end, he must have passed through Judith's chamber. These entrances +being closed and bolted, as great security was gained as was compatible +with my lonely condition. + +The propriety of these measures was too manifest not to make me struggle +successfully with my fears. Yet I opened my own door with the utmost +caution, and descended as if I were afraid that Carwin had been still +immured in Pleyel's chamber. The outer door was a-jar. I shut, with +trembling eagerness, and drew every bolt that appended to it. I then +passed with light and less cautious steps through the parlour, but was +surprized to discover that the kitchen door was secure. I was compelled +to acquiesce in the first conjecture that Carwin had escaped through the +entry. + +My heart was now somewhat eased of the load of apprehension. I returned +once more to my chamber, the door of which I was careful to lock. It was +no time to think of repose. The moon-light began already to fade before +the light of the day. The approach of morning was betokened by the usual +signals. I mused upon the events of this night, and determined to take +up my abode henceforth at my brother's. Whether I should inform him +of what had happened was a question which seemed to demand some +consideration. My safety unquestionably required that I should abandon +my present habitation. + +As my thoughts began to flow with fewer impediments, the image of +Pleyel, and the dubiousness of his condition, again recurred to me. I +again ran over the possible causes of his absence on the preceding day. +My mind was attuned to melancholy. I dwelt, with an obstinacy for which +I could not account, on the idea of his death. I painted to myself his +struggles with the billows, and his last appearance. I imagined myself +a midnight wanderer on the shore, and to have stumbled on his corpse, +which the tide had cast up. These dreary images affected me even to +tears. I endeavoured not to restrain them. They imparted a relief which +I had not anticipated. The more copiously they flowed, the more did +my general sensations appear to subside into calm, and a certain +restlessness give way to repose. + +Perhaps, relieved by this effusion, the slumber so much wanted might +have stolen on my senses, had there been no new cause of alarm. + + + +Chapter XI + + +I was aroused from this stupor by sounds that evidently arose in the +next chamber. Was it possible that I had been mistaken in the figure +which I had seen on the bank? or had Carwin, by some inscrutable means, +penetrated once more into this chamber? The opposite door opened; +footsteps came forth, and the person, advancing to mine, knocked. + +So unexpected an incident robbed me of all presence of mind, and, +starting up, I involuntarily exclaimed, "Who is there?" An answer was +immediately given. The voice, to my inexpressible astonishment, was +Pleyel's. + +"It is I. Have you risen? If you have not, make haste; I want three +minutes conversation with you in the parlour--I will wait for you +there." Saying this he retired from the door. + +Should I confide in the testimony of my ears? If that were true, it was +Pleyel that had been hitherto immured in the opposite chamber: he whom +my rueful fancy had depicted in so many ruinous and ghastly shapes: he +whose footsteps had been listened to with such inquietude! What is man, +that knowledge is so sparingly conferred upon him! that his heart should +be wrung with distress, and his frame be exanimated with fear, though +his safety be encompassed with impregnable walls! What are the bounds +of human imbecility! He that warned me of the presence of my foe refused +the intimation by which so many racking fears would have been precluded. + +Yet who would have imagined the arrival of Pleyel at such an hour? His +tone was desponding and anxious. Why this unseasonable summons? and why +this hasty departure? Some tidings he, perhaps, bears of mysterious and +unwelcome import. + +My impatience would not allow me to consume much time in deliberation: I +hastened down. Pleyel I found standing at a window, with eyes cast +down as in meditation, and arms folded on his breast. Every line in +his countenance was pregnant with sorrow. To this was added a certain +wanness and air of fatigue. The last time I had seen him appearances +had been the reverse of these. I was startled at the change. The first +impulse was to question him as to the cause. This impulse was supplanted +by some degree of confusion, flowing from a consciousness that love had +too large, and, as it might prove, a perceptible share in creating this +impulse. I was silent. + +Presently he raised his eyes and fixed them upon me. I read in them an +anguish altogether ineffable. Never had I witnessed a like demeanour +in Pleyel. Never, indeed, had I observed an human countenance in which +grief was more legibly inscribed. He seemed struggling for utterance; +but his struggles being fruitless, he shook his head and turned away +from me. + +My impatience would not allow me to be longer silent: "What," said I, +"for heaven's sake, my friend, what is the matter?" + +He started at the sound of my voice. His looks, for a moment, became +convulsed with an emotion very different from grief. His accents were +broken with rage. + +"The matter--O wretch!--thus exquisitely fashioned--on whom nature +seemed to have exhausted all her graces; with charms so awful and +so pure! how art thou fallen! From what height fallen! A ruin so +complete--so unheard of!" + +His words were again choaked by emotion. Grief and pity were again +mingled in his features. He resumed, in a tone half suffocated by sobs: + +"But why should I upbraid thee? Could I restore to thee what thou hast +lost; efface this cursed stain; snatch thee from the jaws of this fiend; +I would do it. Yet what will avail my efforts? I have not arms with +which to contend with so consummate, so frightful a depravity. + +"Evidence less than this would only have excited resentment and scorn. +The wretch who should have breathed a suspicion injurious to thy honor, +would have been regarded without anger; not hatred or envy could have +prompted him; it would merely be an argument of madness. That my eyes, +that my ears, should bear witness to thy fall! By no other way could +detestible conviction be imparted. + +"Why do I summon thee to this conference? Why expose myself to thy +derision? Here admonition and entreaty are vain. Thou knowest him +already, for a murderer and thief. I had thought to have been the first +to disclose to thee his infamy; to have warned thee of the pit to +which thou art hastening; but thy eyes are open in vain. O foul and +insupportable disgrace! + +"There is but one path. I know you will disappear together. In thy ruin, +how will the felicity and honor of multitudes be involved! But it must +come. This scene shall not be blotted by his presence. No doubt thou +wilt shortly see thy detested paramour. This scene will be again +polluted by a midnight assignation. Inform him of his danger; tell him +that his crimes are known; let him fly far and instantly from this spot, +if he desires to avoid the fate which menaced him in Ireland. + +"And wilt thou not stay behind?--But shame upon my weakness. I know +not what I would say.--I have done what I purposed. To stay longer, to +expostulate, to beseech, to enumerate the consequences of thy act--what +end can it serve but to blazon thy infamy and embitter our woes? And +yet, O think, think ere it be too late, on the distresses which thy +flight will entail upon us; on the base, grovelling, and atrocious +character of the wretch to whom thou hast sold thy honor. But what +is this? Is not thy effrontery impenetrable, and thy heart thoroughly +cankered? O most specious, and most profligate of women!" + +Saying this, he rushed out of the house. I saw him in a few moments +hurrying along the path which led to my brother's. I had no power to +prevent his going, or to recall, or to follow him. The accents I had +heard were calculated to confound and bewilder. I looked around me to +assure myself that the scene was real. I moved that I might banish the +doubt that I was awake. Such enormous imputations from the mouth of +Pleyel! To be stigmatized with the names of wanton and profligate! To +be charged with the sacrifice of honor! with midnight meetings with a +wretch known to be a murderer and thief! with an intention to fly in his +company! + +What I had heard was surely the dictate of phrenzy, or it was built +upon some fatal, some incomprehensible mistake. After the horrors of the +night; after undergoing perils so imminent from this man, to be summoned +to an interview like this; to find Pleyel fraught with a belief that, +instead of having chosen death as a refuge from the violence of this +man, I had hugged his baseness to my heart, had sacrificed for him my +purity, my spotless name, my friendships, and my fortune! that even +madness could engender accusations like these was not to be believed. + +What evidence could possibly suggest conceptions so wild? After the +unlooked-for interview with Carwin in my chamber, he retired. Could +Pleyel have observed his exit? It was not long after that Pleyel himself +entered. Did he build on this incident, his odious conclusions? Could +the long series of my actions and sentiments grant me no exemption from +suspicions so foul? Was it not more rational to infer that Carwin's +designs had been illicit; that my life had been endangered by the fury +of one whom, by some means, he had discovered to be an assassin and +robber; that my honor had been assailed, not by blandishments, but by +violence? + +He has judged me without hearing. He has drawn from dubious appearances, +conclusions the most improbable and unjust. He has loaded me with all +outrageous epithets. He has ranked me with prostitutes and thieves. I +cannot pardon thee, Pleyel, for this injustice. Thy understanding must +be hurt. If it be not, if thy conduct was sober and deliberate, I can +never forgive an outrage so unmanly, and so gross. + +These thoughts gradually gave place to others. Pleyel was possessed by +some momentary phrenzy: appearances had led him into palpable errors. +Whence could his sagacity have contracted this blindness? Was it not +love? Previously assured of my affection for Carwin, distracted with +grief and jealousy, and impelled hither at that late hour by some +unknown instigation, his imagination transformed shadows into monsters, +and plunged him into these deplorable errors. + +This idea was not unattended with consolation. My soul was divided +between indignation at his injustice, and delight on account of the +source from which I conceived it to spring. For a long time they would +allow admission to no other thoughts. Surprize is an emotion that +enfeebles, not invigorates. All my meditations were accompanied +with wonder. I rambled with vagueness, or clung to one image with an +obstinacy which sufficiently testified the maddening influence of late +transactions. + +Gradually I proceeded to reflect upon the consequences of Pleyel's +mistake, and on the measures I should take to guard myself against +future injury from Carwin. Should I suffer this mistake to be detected +by time? When his passion should subside, would he not perceive the +flagrancy of his injustice, and hasten to atone for it? Did it not +become my character to testify resentment for language and treatment so +opprobrious? Wrapt up in the consciousness of innocence, and confiding +in the influence of time and reflection to confute so groundless a +charge, it was my province to be passive and silent. + +As to the violences meditated by Carwin, and the means of eluding them, +the path to be taken by me was obvious. I resolved to tell the tale to +my brother, and regulate myself by his advice. For this end, when the +morning was somewhat advanced, I took the way to his house. My sister +was engaged in her customary occupations. As soon as I appeared, she +remarked a change in my looks. I was not willing to alarm her by the +information which I had to communicate. Her health was in that condition +which rendered a disastrous tale particularly unsuitable. I forbore a +direct answer to her inquiries, and inquired, in my turn, for Wieland. + +"Why," said she, "I suspect something mysterious and unpleasant has +happened this morning. Scarcely had we risen when Pleyel dropped among +us. What could have prompted him to make us so early and so unseasonable +a visit I cannot tell. To judge from the disorder of his dress, and +his countenance, something of an extraordinary nature has occurred. He +permitted me merely to know that he had slept none, nor even undressed, +during the past night. He took your brother to walk with him. Some +topic must have deeply engaged them, for Wieland did not return till +the breakfast hour was passed, and returned alone. His disturbance was +excessive; but he would not listen to my importunities, or tell me +what had happened. I gathered from hints which he let fall, that your +situation was, in some way, the cause: yet he assured me that you were +at your own house, alive, in good health, and in perfect safety. He +scarcely ate a morsel, and immediately after breakfast went out again. +He would not inform me whither he was going, but mentioned that he +probably might not return before night." + +I was equally astonished and alarmed by this information. Pleyel had +told his tale to my brother, and had, by a plausible and exaggerated +picture, instilled into him unfavorable thoughts of me. Yet would not +the more correct judgment of Wieland perceive and expose the fallacy of +his conclusions? Perhaps his uneasiness might arise from some insight +into the character of Carwin, and from apprehensions for my safety. The +appearances by which Pleyel had been misled, might induce him likewise +to believe that I entertained an indiscreet, though not dishonorable +affection for Carwin. Such were the conjectures rapidly formed. I was +inexpressibly anxious to change them into certainty. For this end +an interview with my brother was desirable. He was gone, no one knew +whither, and was not expected speedily to return. I had no clue by which +to trace his footsteps. + +My anxieties could not be concealed from my sister. They heightened +her solicitude to be acquainted with the cause. There were many reasons +persuading me to silence: at least, till I had seen my brother, it would +be an act of inexcusable temerity to unfold what had lately passed. No +other expedient for eluding her importunities occurred to me, but that +of returning to my own house. I recollected my determination to become a +tenant of this roof. I mentioned it to her. She joyfully acceded to this +proposal, and suffered me, with less reluctance, to depart, when I told +her that it was with a view to collect and send to my new dwelling what +articles would be immediately useful to me. + +Once more I returned to the house which had been the scene of so +much turbulence and danger. I was at no great distance from it when +I observed my brother coming out. On seeing me he stopped, and after +ascertaining, as it seemed, which way I was going, he returned into the +house before me. I sincerely rejoiced at this event, and I hastened to +set things, if possible, on their right footing. + +His brow was by no means expressive of those vehement emotions with +which Pleyel had been agitated. I drew a favorable omen from this +circumstance. Without delay I began the conversation. + +"I have been to look for you," said I, "but was told by Catharine that +Pleyel had engaged you on some important and disagreeable affair. Before +his interview with you he spent a few minutes with me. These minutes he +employed in upbraiding me for crimes and intentions with which I am by +no means chargeable. I believe him to have taken up his opinions on +very insufficient grounds. His behaviour was in the highest degree +precipitate and unjust, and, until I receive some atonement, I shall +treat him, in my turn, with that contempt which he justly merits: +meanwhile I am fearful that he has prejudiced my brother against me. +That is an evil which I most anxiously deprecate, and which I shall +indeed exert myself to remove. Has he made me the subject of this +morning's conversation?" + +My brother's countenance testified no surprize at my address. The +benignity of his looks were no wise diminished. + +"It is true," said he, "your conduct was the subject of our discourse. I +am your friend, as well as your brother. There is no human being whom I +love with more tenderness, and whose welfare is nearer my heart. Judge +then with what emotions I listened to Pleyel's story. I expect and +desire you to vindicate yourself from aspersions so foul, if vindication +be possible." + +The tone with which he uttered the last words affected me deeply. "If +vindication be possible!" repeated I. "From what you know, do you deem a +formal vindication necessary? Can you harbour for a moment the belief of +my guilt?" + +He shook his head with an air of acute anguish. "I have struggled," said +he, "to dismiss that belief. You speak before a judge who will profit by +any pretence to acquit you: who is ready to question his own senses when +they plead against you." + +These words incited a new set of thoughts in my mind. I began to suspect +that Pleyel had built his accusations on some foundation unknown to me. +"I may be a stranger to the grounds of your belief. Pleyel loaded me +with indecent and virulent invectives, but he withheld from me the facts +that generated his suspicions. Events took place last night of which +some of the circumstances were of an ambiguous nature. I conceived that +these might possibly have fallen under his cognizance, and that, viewed +through the mists of prejudice and passion, they supplied a pretence +for his conduct, but believed that your more unbiassed judgment would +estimate them at their just value. Perhaps his tale has been different +from what I suspect it to be. Listen then to my narrative. If there be +any thing in his story inconsistent with mine, his story is false." + +I then proceeded to a circumstantial relation of the incidents of the +last night. Wieland listened with deep attention. Having finished, +"This," continued I, "is the truth; you see in what circumstances an +interview took place between Carwin and me. He remained for hours in my +closet, and for some minutes in my chamber. He departed without haste or +interruption. If Pleyel marked him as he left the house, and it is +not impossible that he did, inferences injurious to my character might +suggest themselves to him. In admitting them, he gave proofs of less +discernment and less candor than I once ascribed to him." + +"His proofs," said Wieland, after a considerable pause, "are different. +That he should be deceived, is not possible. That he himself is not the +deceiver, could not be believed, if his testimony were not inconsistent +with yours; but the doubts which I entertained are now removed. Your +tale, some parts of it, is marvellous; the voice which exclaimed against +your rashness in approaching the closet, your persisting notwithstanding +that prohibition, your belief that I was the ruffian, and your +subsequent conduct, are believed by me, because I have known you from +childhood, because a thousand instances have attested your veracity, and +because nothing less than my own hearing and vision would convince me, +in opposition to her own assertions, that my sister had fallen into +wickedness like this." + +I threw my arms around him, and bathed his cheek with my tears. "That," +said I, "is spoken like my brother. But what are the proofs?" + +He replied--"Pleyel informed me that, in going to your house, his +attention was attracted by two voices. The persons speaking sat beneath +the bank out of sight. These persons, judging by their voices, were +Carwin and you. I will not repeat the dialogue. If my sister was the +female, Pleyel was justified in concluding you to be, indeed, one of the +most profligate of women. Hence, his accusations of you, and his efforts +to obtain my concurrence to a plan by which an eternal separation should +be brought about between my sister and this man." + +I made Wieland repeat this recital. Here, indeed, was a tale to fill me +with terrible foreboding. I had vainly thought that my safety could be +sufficiently secured by doors and bars, but this is a foe from whose +grasp no power of divinity can save me! His artifices will ever lay my +fame and happiness at his mercy. How shall I counterwork his plots, or +detect his coadjutor? He has taught some vile and abandoned female to +mimic my voice. Pleyel's ears were the witnesses of my dishonor. This +is the midnight assignation to which he alluded. Thus is the silence +he maintained when attempting to open the door of my chamber, accounted +for. He supposed me absent, and meant, perhaps, had my apartment been +accessible, to leave in it some accusing memorial. + +Pleyel was no longer equally culpable. The sincerity of his anguish, the +depth of his despair, I remembered with some tendencies to gratitude. +Yet was he not precipitate? Was the conjecture that my part was played +by some mimic so utterly untenable? Instances of this faculty are +common. The wickedness of Carwin must, in his opinion, have been +adequate to such contrivances, and yet the supposition of my guilt was +adopted in preference to that. + +But how was this error to be unveiled? What but my own assertion had I +to throw in the balance against it? Would this be permitted to outweigh +the testimony of his senses? I had no witnesses to prove my existence +in another place. The real events of that night are marvellous. Few, to +whom they should be related, would scruple to discredit them. Pleyel is +sceptical in a transcendant degree. I cannot summon Carwin to my bar, +and make him the attestor of my innocence, and the accuser of himself. + +My brother saw and comprehended my distress. He was unacquainted, +however, with the full extent of it. He knew not by how many motives +I was incited to retrieve the good opinion of Pleyel. He endeavored +to console me. Some new event, he said, would occur to disentangle the +maze. He did not question the influence of my eloquence, if I thought +proper to exert it. Why not seek an interview with Pleyel, and exact +from him a minute relation, in which something may be met with serving +to destroy the probability of the whole? + +I caught, with eagerness, at this hope; but my alacrity was damped by +new reflections. Should I, perfect in this respect, and unblemished as +I was, thrust myself, uncalled, into his presence, and make my felicity +depend upon his arbitrary verdict? + +"If you chuse to seek an interview," continued Wieland, "you must make +haste, for Pleyel informed me of his intention to set out this evening +or to-morrow on a long journey." + +No intelligence was less expected or less welcome than this. I had +thrown myself in a window seat; but now, starting on my feet, I +exclaimed, "Good heavens! what is it you say? a journey? whither? when?" + +"I cannot say whither. It is a sudden resolution I believe. I did not +hear of it till this morning. He promises to write to me as soon as he +is settled." + +I needed no further information as to the cause and issue of this +journey. The scheme of happiness to which he had devoted his thoughts +was blasted by the discovery of last night. My preference of another, +and my unworthiness to be any longer the object of his adoration, were +evinced by the same act and in the same moment. The thought of utter +desertion, a desertion originating in such a cause, was the prelude to +distraction. That Pleyel should abandon me forever, because I was blind +to his excellence, because I coveted pollution, and wedded infamy, when, +on the contrary, my heart was the shrine of all purity, and beat only +for his sake, was a destiny which, as long as my life was in my own +hands, I would by no means consent to endure. + +I remembered that this evil was still preventable; that this fatal +journey it was still in my power to procrastinate, or, perhaps, to +occasion it to be laid aside. There were no impediments to a visit: I +only dreaded lest the interview should be too long delayed. My brother +befriended my impatience, and readily consented to furnish me with a +chaise and servant to attend me. My purpose was to go immediately to +Pleyel's farm, where his engagements usually detained him during the +day. + + + +Chapter XII + + +My way lay through the city. I had scarcely entered it when I was seized +with a general sensation of sickness. Every object grew dim and swam +before my sight. It was with difficulty I prevented myself from sinking +to the bottom of the carriage. I ordered myself to be carried to Mrs. +Baynton's, in hope that an interval of repose would invigorate and +refresh me. My distracted thoughts would allow me but little rest. +Growing somewhat better in the afternoon, I resumed my journey. + +My contemplations were limited to a few objects. I regarded my success, +in the purpose which I had in view, as considerably doubtful. I +depended, in some degree, on the suggestions of the moment, and on the +materials which Pleyel himself should furnish me. When I reflected on +the nature of the accusation, I burned with disdain. Would not truth, +and the consciousness of innocence, render me triumphant? Should I not +cast from me, with irresistible force, such atrocious imputations? + +What an entire and mournful change has been effected in a few hours! The +gulf that separates man from insects is not wider than that which severs +the polluted from the chaste among women. Yesterday and to-day I am the +same. There is a degree of depravity to which it is impossible for me +to sink; yet, in the apprehension of another, my ancient and intimate +associate, the perpetual witness of my actions, and partaker of my +thoughts, I had ceased to be the same. My integrity was tarnished +and withered in his eyes. I was the colleague of a murderer, and the +paramour of a thief! + +His opinion was not destitute of evidence: yet what proofs could +reasonably avail to establish an opinion like this? If the sentiments +corresponded not with the voice that was heard, the evidence was +deficient; but this want of correspondence would have been supposed by +me if I had been the auditor and Pleyel the criminal. But mimicry might +still more plausibly have been employed to explain the scene. Alas! it +is the fate of Clara Wieland to fall into the hands of a precipitate and +inexorable judge. + +But what, O man of mischief! is the tendency of thy thoughts? Frustrated +in thy first design, thou wilt not forego the immolation of thy victim. +To exterminate my reputation was all that remained to thee, and this my +guardian has permitted. To dispossess Pleyel of this prejudice may be +impossible; but if that be effected, it cannot be supposed that thy +wiles are exhausted; thy cunning will discover innumerable avenues to +the accomplishment of thy malignant purpose. + +Why should I enter the lists against thee? Would to heaven I could +disarm thy vengeance by my deprecations! When I think of all the +resources with which nature and education have supplied thee; that thy +form is a combination of steely fibres and organs of exquisite ductility +and boundless compass, actuated by an intelligence gifted with infinite +endowments, and comprehending all knowledge, I perceive that my doom +is fixed. What obstacle will be able to divert thy zeal or repel thy +efforts? That being who has hitherto protected me has borne testimony to +the formidableness of thy attempts, since nothing less than supernatural +interference could check thy career. + +Musing on these thoughts, I arrived, towards the close of the day, at +Pleyel's house. A month before, I had traversed the same path; but how +different were my sensations! Now I was seeking the presence of one who +regarded me as the most degenerate of human kind. I was to plead the +cause of my innocence, against witnesses the most explicit and unerring, +of those which support the fabric of human knowledge. The nearer I +approached the crisis, the more did my confidence decay. When the chaise +stopped at the door, my strength refused to support me, and I threw +myself into the arms of an ancient female domestic. I had not courage to +inquire whether her master was at home. I was tormented with fears that +the projected journey was already undertaken. These fears were removed, +by her asking me whether she should call her young master, who had just +gone into his own room. I was somewhat revived by this intelligence, and +resolved immediately to seek him there. + +In my confusion of mind, I neglected to knock at the door, but entered +his apartment without previous notice. This abruptness was altogether +involuntary. Absorbed in reflections of such unspeakable moment, I had +no leisure to heed the niceties of punctilio. I discovered him standing +with his back towards the entrance. A small trunk, with its lid raised, +was before him in which it seemed as if he had been busy in packing +his clothes. The moment of my entrance, he was employed in gazing at +something which he held in his hand. + +I imagined that I fully comprehended this scene. The image which he held +before him, and by which his attention was so deeply engaged, I doubted +not to be my own. These preparations for his journey, the cause to which +it was to be imputed, the hopelessness of success in the undertaking on +which I had entered, rushed at once upon my feelings, and dissolved me +into a flood of tears. + +Startled by this sound, he dropped the lid of the trunk and turned. The +solemn sadness that previously overspread his countenance, gave +sudden way to an attitude and look of the most vehement astonishment. +Perceiving me unable to uphold myself, he stepped towards me without +speaking, and supported me by his arm. The kindness of this action +called forth a new effusion from my eyes. Weeping was a solace to +which, at that time, I had not grown familiar, and which, therefore, +was peculiarly delicious. Indignation was no longer to be read in the +features of my friend. They were pregnant with a mixture of wonder and +pity. Their expression was easily interpreted. This visit, and these +tears, were tokens of my penitence. The wretch whom he had stigmatized +as incurably and obdurately wicked, now shewed herself susceptible of +remorse, and had come to confess her guilt. + +This persuasion had no tendency to comfort me. It only shewed me, with +new evidence, the difficulty of the task which I had assigned myself. We +were mutually silent. I had less power and less inclination than ever to +speak. I extricated myself from his hold, and threw myself on a sofa. +He placed himself by my side, and appeared to wait with impatience and +anxiety for some beginning of the conversation. What could I say? If my +mind had suggested any thing suitable to the occasion, my utterance was +suffocated by tears. + +Frequently he attempted to speak, but seemed deterred by some degree of +uncertainty as to the true nature of the scene. At length, in faltering +accents he spoke: + +"My friend! would to heaven I were still permitted to call you by that +name. The image that I once adored existed only in my fancy; but though +I cannot hope to see it realized, you may not be totally insensible to +the horrors of that gulf into which you are about to plunge. What heart +is forever exempt from the goadings of compunction and the influx of +laudable propensities? + +"I thought you accomplished and wise beyond the rest of women. Not a +sentiment you uttered, not a look you assumed, that were not, in +my apprehension, fraught with the sublimities of rectitude and the +illuminations of genius. Deceit has some bounds. Your education could +not be without influence. A vigorous understanding cannot be utterly +devoid of virtue; but you could not counterfeit the powers of invention +and reasoning. I was rash in my invectives. I will not, but with life, +relinquish all hopes of you. I will shut out every proof that would tell +me that your heart is incurably diseased. + +"You come to restore me once more to happiness; to convince me that you +have torn her mask from vice, and feel nothing but abhorrence for the +part you have hitherto acted." + +At these words my equanimity forsook me. For a moment I forgot the +evidence from which Pleyel's opinions were derived, the benevolence of +his remonstrances, and the grief which his accents bespoke; I was filled +with indignation and horror at charges so black; I shrunk back and +darted at him a look of disdain and anger. My passion supplied me with +words. + +"What detestable infatuation was it that led me hither! Why do I +patiently endure these horrible insults! My offences exist only in +your own distempered imagination: you are leagued with the traitor who +assailed my life: you have vowed the destruction of my peace and honor. +I deserve infamy for listening to calumnies so base!" + +These words were heard by Pleyel without visible resentment. His +countenance relapsed into its former gloom; but he did not even look at +me. The ideas which had given place to my angry emotions returned, and +once more melted me into tears. "O!" I exclaimed, in a voice broken by +sobs, "what a task is mine! Compelled to hearken to charges which I feel +to be false, but which I know to be believed by him that utters them; +believed too not without evidence, which, though fallacious, is not +unplausible. + +"I came hither not to confess, but to vindicate. I know the source +of your opinions. Wieland has informed me on what your suspicions are +built. These suspicions are fostered by you as certainties; the tenor +of my life, of all my conversations and letters, affords me no security; +every sentiment that my tongue and my pen have uttered, bear testimony +to the rectitude of my mind; but this testimony is rejected. I am +condemned as brutally profligate: I am classed with the stupidly and +sordidly wicked. + +"And where are the proofs that must justify so foul and so improbable +an accusation? You have overheard a midnight conference. Voices have +saluted your ear, in which you imagine yourself to have recognized +mine, and that of a detected villain. The sentiments expressed were +not allowed to outweigh the casual or concerted resemblance of voice. +Sentiments the reverse of all those whose influence my former life had +attested, denoting a mind polluted by grovelling vices, and entering +into compact with that of a thief and a murderer. The nature of these +sentiments did not enable you to detect the cheat, did not suggest to +you the possibility that my voice had been counterfeited by another. + +"You were precipitate and prone to condemn. Instead of rushing on the +impostors, and comparing the evidence of sight with that of hearing, you +stood aloof, or you fled. My innocence would not now have stood in +need of vindication, if this conduct had been pursued. That you did not +pursue it, your present thoughts incontestibly prove. Yet this conduct +might surely have been expected from Pleyel. That he would not hastily +impute the blackest of crimes, that he would not couple my name with +infamy, and cover me with ruin for inadequate or slight reasons, might +reasonably have been expected." The sobs which convulsed my bosom would +not suffer me to proceed. + +Pleyel was for a moment affected. He looked at me with some expression +of doubt; but this quickly gave place to a mournful solemnity. He fixed +his eyes on the floor as in reverie, and spoke: + +"Two hours hence I am gone. Shall I carry away with me the sorrow that +is now my guest? or shall that sorrow be accumulated tenfold? What is +she that is now before me? Shall every hour supply me with new proofs of +a wickedness beyond example? Already I deem her the most abandoned and +detestable of human creatures. Her coming and her tears imparted a gleam +of hope, but that gleam has vanished." + +He now fixed his eyes upon me, and every muscle in his face trembled. +His tone was hollow and terrible--"Thou knowest that I was a witness of +your interview, yet thou comest hither to upbraid me for injustice! Thou +canst look me in the face and say that I am deceived!--An inscrutable +providence has fashioned thee for some end. Thou wilt live, no doubt, to +fulfil the purposes of thy maker, if he repent not of his workmanship, +and send not his vengeance to exterminate thee, ere the measure of thy +days be full. Surely nothing in the shape of man can vie with thee! + +"But I thought I had stifled this fury. I am not constituted thy judge. +My office is to pity and amend, and not to punish and revile. I deemed +myself exempt from all tempestuous passions. I had almost persuaded +myself to weep over thy fall; but I am frail as dust, and mutable as +water; I am calm, I am compassionate only in thy absence.--Make this +house, this room, thy abode as long as thou wilt, but forgive me if I +prefer solitude for the short time during which I shall stay." Saying +this, he motioned as if to leave the apartment. + +The stormy passions of this man affected me by sympathy. I ceased to +weep. I was motionless and speechless with agony. I sat with my hands +clasped, mutely gazing after him as he withdrew. I desired to detain +him, but was unable to make any effort for that purpose, till he had +passed out of the room. I then uttered an involuntary and piercing +cry--"Pleyel! Art thou gone? Gone forever?" + +At this summons he hastily returned. He beheld me wild, pale, gasping +for breath, and my head already sinking on my bosom. A painful dizziness +seized me, and I fainted away. + +When I recovered, I found myself stretched on a bed in the outer +apartment, and Pleyel, with two female servants standing beside it. All +the fury and scorn which the countenance of the former lately expressed, +had now disappeared, and was succeeded by the most tender anxiety. As +soon as he perceived that my senses were returned to me, he clasped his +hands, and exclaimed, "God be thanked! you are once more alive. I had +almost despaired of your recovery. I fear I have been precipitate and +unjust. My senses must have been the victims of some inexplicable and +momentary phrenzy. Forgive me, I beseech you, forgive my reproaches. I +would purchase conviction of your purity, at the price of my existence +here and hereafter." + +He once more, in a tone of the most fervent tenderness, besought me to +be composed, and then left me to the care of the women. + + + +Chapter XIII + + +Here was wrought a surprizing change in my friend. What was it that +had shaken conviction so firm? Had any thing occurred during my fit, +adequate to produce so total an alteration? My attendants informed me +that he had not left my apartment; that the unusual duration of my fit, +and the failure, for a time, of all the means used for my recovery, had +filled him with grief and dismay. Did he regard the effect which his +reproaches had produced as a proof of my sincerity? + +In this state of mind, I little regarded my languors of body. I rose +and requested an interview with him before my departure, on which I was +resolved, notwithstanding his earnest solicitation to spend the night +at his house. He complied with my request. The tenderness which he had +lately betrayed, had now disappeared, and he once more relapsed into a +chilling solemnity. + +I told him that I was preparing to return to my brother's; that I had +come hither to vindicate my innocence from the foul aspersions which he +had cast upon it. My pride had not taken refuge in silence or distance. +I had not relied upon time, or the suggestion of his cooler thoughts, to +confute his charges. Conscious as I was that I was perfectly guiltless, +and entertaining some value for his good opinion, I could not prevail +upon myself to believe that my efforts to make my innocence manifest, +would be fruitless. Adverse appearances might be numerous and specious, +but they were unquestionably false. I was willing to believe him +sincere, that he made no charges which he himself did not believe; but +these charges were destitute of truth. The grounds of his opinion were +fallacious; and I desired an opportunity of detecting their fallacy. +I entreated him to be explicit, and to give me a detail of what he had +heard, and what he had seen. + +At these words, my companion's countenance grew darker. He appeared +to be struggling with his rage. He opened his lips to speak, but his +accents died away ere they were formed. This conflict lasted for some +minutes, but his fortitude was finally successful. He spoke as follows: + +"I would fain put an end to this hateful scene: what I shall say, will +be breath idly and unprofitably consumed. The clearest narrative will +add nothing to your present knowledge. You are acquainted with the +grounds of my opinion, and yet you avow yourself innocent: Why then +should I rehearse these grounds? You are apprized of the character of +Carwin: Why then should I enumerate the discoveries which I have made +respecting him? Yet, since it is your request; since, considering the +limitedness of human faculties, some error may possibly lurk in those +appearances which I have witnessed, I will briefly relate what I know. + +"Need I dwell upon the impressions which your conversation and +deportment originally made upon me? We parted in childhood; but our +intercourse, by letter, was copious and uninterrupted. How fondly did I +anticipate a meeting with one whom her letters had previously taught +me to consider as the first of women, and how fully realized were the +expectations that I had formed! + +"Here, said I, is a being, after whom sages may model their transcendent +intelligence, and painters, their ideal beauty. Here is exemplified, +that union between intellect and form, which has hitherto existed only +in the conceptions of the poet. I have watched your eyes; my attention +has hung upon your lips. I have questioned whether the enchantments of +your voice were more conspicuous in the intricacies of melody, or the +emphasis of rhetoric. I have marked the transitions of your discourse, +the felicities of your expression, your refined argumentation, and +glowing imagery; and been forced to acknowledge, that all delights were +meagre and contemptible, compared with those connected with the +audience and sight of you. I have contemplated your principles, and been +astonished at the solidity of their foundation, and the perfection of +their structure. I have traced you to your home. I have viewed you in +relation to your servants, to your family, to your neighbours, and to +the world. I have seen by what skilful arrangements you facilitate +the performance of the most arduous and complicated duties; what daily +accessions of strength your judicious discipline bestowed upon +your memory; what correctness and abundance of knowledge was daily +experienced by your unwearied application to books, and to writing. +If she that possesses so much in the bloom of youth, will go on +accumulating her stores, what, said I, is the picture she will display +at a mature age? + +"You know not the accuracy of my observation. I was desirous that others +should profit by an example so rare. I therefore noted down, in writing, +every particular of your conduct. I was anxious to benefit by an +opportunity so seldom afforded us. I laboured not to omit the slightest +shade, or the most petty line in your portrait. Here there was no other +task incumbent on me but to copy; there was no need to exaggerate or +overlook, in order to produce a more unexceptionable pattern. Here was +a combination of harmonies and graces, incapable of diminution or +accession without injury to its completeness. + +"I found no end and no bounds to my task. No display of a scene like +this could be chargeable with redundancy or superfluity. Even the colour +of a shoe, the knot of a ribband, or your attitude in plucking a +rose, were of moment to be recorded. Even the arrangements of your +breakfast-table and your toilet have been amply displayed. + +"I know that mankind are more easily enticed to virtue by example than +by precept. I know that the absoluteness of a model, when supplied by +invention, diminishes its salutary influence, since it is useless, we +think, to strive after that which we know to be beyond our reach. But +the picture which I drew was not a phantom; as a model, it was devoid +of imperfection; and to aspire to that height which had been really +attained, was by no means unreasonable. I had another and more +interesting object in view. One existed who claimed all my tenderness. +Here, in all its parts, was a model worthy of assiduous study, and +indefatigable imitation. I called upon her, as she wished to secure and +enhance my esteem, to mould her thoughts, her words, her countenance, +her actions, by this pattern. + +"The task was exuberant of pleasure, and I was deeply engaged in it, +when an imp of mischief was let loose in the form of Carwin. I admired +his powers and accomplishments. I did not wonder that they were admired +by you. On the rectitude of your judgement, however, I relied to keep +this admiration within discreet and scrupulous bounds. I assured myself, +that the strangeness of his deportment, and the obscurity of his life, +would teach you caution. Of all errors, my knowledge of your character +informed me that this was least likely to befall you. + +"You were powerfully affected by his first appearance; you were +bewitched by his countenance and his tones; your description was ardent +and pathetic: I listened to you with some emotions of surprize. The +portrait you drew in his absence, and the intensity with which you mused +upon it, were new and unexpected incidents. They bespoke a sensibility +somewhat too vivid; but from which, while subjected to the guidance of +an understanding like yours, there was nothing to dread. + +"A more direct intercourse took place between you. I need not apologize +for the solicitude which I entertained for your safety. He that gifted +me with perception of excellence, compelled me to love it. In the midst +of danger and pain, my contemplations have ever been cheered by your +image. Every object in competition with you, was worthless and trivial. +No price was too great by which your safety could be purchased. For +that end, the sacrifice of ease, of health, and even of life, would +cheerfully have been made by me. What wonder then, that I scrutinized +the sentiments and deportment of this man with ceaseless vigilance; +that I watched your words and your looks when he was present; and that I +extracted cause for the deepest inquietudes, from every token which you +gave of having put your happiness into this man's keeping? + +"I was cautious in deciding. I recalled the various conversations in +which the topics of love and marriage had been discussed. As a woman, +young, beautiful, and independent, it behoved you to have fortified +your mind with just principles on this subject. Your principles were +eminently just. Had not their rectitude and their firmness been attested +by your treatment of that specious seducer Dashwood? These principles, +I was prone to believe, exempted you from danger in this new state of +things. I was not the last to pay my homage to the unrivalled capacity, +insinuation, and eloquence of this man. I have disguised, but could +never stifle the conviction, that his eyes and voice had a witchcraft +in them, which rendered him truly formidable: but I reflected on the +ambiguous expression of his countenance--an ambiguity which you were the +first to remark; on the cloud which obscured his character; and on the +suspicious nature of that concealment which he studied; and concluded +you to be safe. I denied the obvious construction to appearances. I +referred your conduct to some principle which had not been hitherto +disclosed, but which was reconcileable with those already known. + +"I was not suffered to remain long in this suspence. One evening, you +may recollect, I came to your house, where it was my purpose, as usual, +to lodge, somewhat earlier than ordinary. I spied a light in your +chamber as I approached from the outside, and on inquiring of Judith, +was informed that you were writing. As your kinsman and friend, and +fellow-lodger, I thought I had a right to be familiar. You were in your +chamber, but your employment and the time were such as to make it no +infraction of decorum to follow you thither. The spirit of mischievous +gaiety possessed me. I proceeded on tiptoe. You did not perceive +my entrance; and I advanced softly till I was able to overlook your +shoulder. + +"I had gone thus far in error, and had no power to recede. How +cautiously should we guard against the first inroads of temptation! I +knew that to pry into your papers was criminal; but I reflected that +no sentiment of yours was of a nature which made it your interest to +conceal it. You wrote much more than you permitted your friends to +peruse. My curiosity was strong, and I had only to throw a glance upon +the paper, to secure its gratification. I should never have deliberately +committed an act like this. The slightest obstacle would have repelled +me; but my eye glanced almost spontaneously upon the paper. I caught +only parts of sentences; but my eyes comprehended more at a glance, +because the characters were short-hand. I lighted on the words +SUMMER-HOUSE, MIDNIGHT, and made out a passage which spoke of the +propriety and of the effects to be expected from ANOTHER interview. +All this passed in less than a moment. I then checked myself, and made +myself known to you, by a tap upon your shoulder. + +"I could pardon and account for some trifling alarm; but your +trepidation and blushes were excessive. You hurried the paper out of +sight, and seemed too anxious to discover whether I knew the contents to +allow yourself to make any inquiries. I wondered at these appearances +of consternation, but did not reason on them until I had retired. When +alone, these incidents suggested themselves to my reflections anew. + +"To what scene, or what interview, I asked, did you allude? Your +disappearance on a former evening, my tracing you to the recess in the +bank, your silence on my first and second call, your vague answers and +invincible embarrassment, when you, at length, ascended the hill, I +recollected with new surprize. Could this be the summerhouse alluded to? +A certain timidity and consciousness had generally attended you, when +this incident and this recess had been the subjects of conversation. +Nay, I imagined that the last time that adventure was mentioned, which +happened in the presence of Carwin, the countenance of the latter +betrayed some emotion. Could the interview have been with him? + +"This was an idea calculated to rouse every faculty to contemplation. +An interview at that hour, in this darksome retreat, with a man of this +mysterious but formidable character; a clandestine interview, and one +which you afterwards endeavoured with so much solicitude to conceal! It +was a fearful and portentous occurrence. I could not measure his power, +or fathom his designs. Had he rifled from you the secret of your love, +and reconciled you to concealment and noctural meetings? I scarcely ever +spent a night of more inquietude. + +"I knew not how to act. The ascertainment of this man's character +and views seemed to be, in the first place, necessary. Had he openly +preferred his suit to you, we should have been impowered to make +direct inquiries; but since he had chosen this obscure path, it seemed +reasonable to infer that his character was exceptionable. It, at +least, subjected us to the necessity of resorting to other means of +information. Yet the improbability that you should commit a deed of such +rashness, made me reflect anew upon the insufficiency of those grounds +on which my suspicions had been built, and almost to condemn myself for +harbouring them. + +"Though it was mere conjecture that the interview spoken of had taken +place with Carwin, yet two ideas occurred to involve me in the most +painful doubts. This man's reasonings might be so specious, and +his artifices so profound, that, aided by the passion which you had +conceived for him, he had finally succeeded; or his situation might be +such as to justify the secrecy which you maintained. In neither case did +my wildest reveries suggest to me, that your honor had been forfeited. + +"I could not talk with you on this subject. If the imputation was false, +its atrociousness would have justly drawn upon me your resentment, and +I must have explained by what facts it had been suggested. If it were +true, no benefit would follow from the mention of it. You had chosen +to conceal it for some reasons, and whether these reasons were true or +false, it was proper to discover and remove them in the first place. +Finally, I acquiesced in the least painful supposition, trammelled as it +was with perplexities, that Carwin was upright, and that, if the reasons +of your silence were known, they would be found to be just." + + + +Chapter XIV + + +"Three days have elapsed since this occurrence. I have been haunted by +perpetual inquietude. To bring myself to regard Carwin without terror, +and to acquiesce in the belief of your safety, was impossible. Yet to +put an end to my doubts, seemed to be impracticable. If some light could +be reflected on the actual situation of this man, a direct path would +present itself. If he were, contrary to the tenor of his conversation, +cunning and malignant, to apprize you of this, would be to place you in +security. If he were merely unfortunate and innocent, most readily would +I espouse his cause; and if his intentions were upright with regard to +you, most eagerly would I sanctify your choice by my approbation. + +"It would be vain to call upon Carwin for an avowal of his deeds. It was +better to know nothing, than to be deceived by an artful tale. What he +was unwilling to communicate, and this unwillingness had been repeatedly +manifested, could never be extorted from him. Importunity might be +appeased, or imposture effected by fallacious representations. To the +rest of the world he was unknown. I had often made him the subject of +discourse; but a glimpse of his figure in the street was the sum of +their knowledge who knew most. None had ever seen him before, and +received as new, the information which my intercourse with him in +Valencia, and my present intercourse, enabled me to give. + +"Wieland was your brother. If he had really made you the object of his +courtship, was not a brother authorized to interfere and demand from him +the confession of his views? Yet what were the grounds on which I had +reared this supposition? Would they justify a measure like this? Surely +not. + +"In the course of my restless meditations, it occurred to me, at length, +that my duty required me to speak to you, to confess the indecorum of +which I had been guilty, and to state the reflections to which it had +led me. I was prompted by no mean or selfish views. The heart within my +breast was not more precious than your safety: most cheerfully would +I have interposed my life between you and danger. Would you cherish +resentment at my conduct? When acquainted with the motive which +produced it, it would not only exempt me from censure, but entitle me to +gratitude. + +"Yesterday had been selected for the rehearsal of the newly-imported +tragedy. I promised to be present. The state of my thoughts but little +qualified me for a performer or auditor in such a scene; but I reflected +that, after it was finished, I should return home with you, and should +then enjoy an opportunity of discoursing with you fully on this topic. +My resolution was not formed without a remnant of doubt, as to its +propriety. When I left this house to perform the visit I had promised, +my mind was full of apprehension and despondency. The dubiousness of +the event of our conversation, fear that my interference was too late to +secure your peace, and the uncertainty to which hope gave birth, whether +I had not erred in believing you devoted to this man, or, at least, in +imagining that he had obtained your consent to midnight conferences, +distracted me with contradictory opinions, and repugnant emotions. + +"I can assign no reason for calling at Mrs. Baynton's. I had seen her +in the morning, and knew her to be well. The concerted hour had nearly +arrived, and yet I turned up the street which leads to her house, and +dismounted at her door. I entered the parlour and threw myself in a +chair. I saw and inquired for no one. My whole frame was overpowered +by dreary and comfortless sensations. One idea possessed me wholly; +the inexpressible importance of unveiling the designs and character of +Carwin, and the utter improbability that this ever would be effected. +Some instinct induced me to lay my hand upon a newspaper. I had perused +all the general intelligence it contained in the morning, and at the +same spot. The act was rather mechanical than voluntary. + +"I threw a languid glance at the first column that presented itself. +The first words which I read, began with the offer of a reward of three +hundred guineas for the apprehension of a convict under sentence of +death, who had escaped from Newgate prison in Dublin. Good heaven! how +every fibre of my frame tingled when I proceeded to read that the name +of the criminal was Francis Carwin! + +"The descriptions of his person and address were minute. His stature, +hair, complexion, the extraordinary position and arrangement of his +features, his aukward and disproportionate form, his gesture and gait, +corresponded perfectly with those of our mysterious visitant. He had +been found guilty in two indictments. One for the murder of the Lady +Jane Conway, and the other for a robbery committed on the person of the +honorable Mr. Ludloe. + +"I repeatedly perused this passage. The ideas which flowed in upon my +mind, affected me like an instant transition from death to life. The +purpose dearest to my heart was thus effected, at a time and by means +the least of all others within the scope of my foresight. But what +purpose? Carwin was detected. Acts of the blackest and most sordid +guilt had been committed by him. Here was evidence which imparted to +my understanding the most luminous certainty. The name, visage, and +deportment, were the same. Between the time of his escape, and his +appearance among us, there was a sufficient agreement. Such was the +man with whom I suspected you to maintain a clandestine correspondence. +Should I not haste to snatch you from the talons of this vulture? Should +I see you rushing to the verge of a dizzy precipice, and not stretch +forth a hand to pull you back? I had no need to deliberate. I thrust the +paper in my pocket, and resolved to obtain an immediate conference with +you. For a time, no other image made its way to my understanding. At +length, it occurred to me, that though the information I possessed +was, in one sense, sufficient, yet if more could be obtained, more was +desirable. This passage was copied from a British paper; part of it +only, perhaps, was transcribed. The printer was in possession of the +original. + +"Towards his house I immediately turned my horse's head. He produced the +paper, but I found nothing more than had already been seen. While busy +in perusing it, the printer stood by my side. He noticed the object +of which I was in search. "Aye," said he, "that is a strange affair. I +should never have met with it, had not Mr. Hallet sent to me the paper, +with a particular request to republish that advertisement." + +"Mr. Hallet! What reasons could he have for making this request? Had +the paper sent to him been accompanied by any information respecting +the convict? Had he personal or extraordinary reasons for desiring its +republication? This was to be known only in one way. I speeded to +his house. In answer to my interrogations, he told me that Ludloe had +formerly been in America, and that during his residence in this +city, considerable intercourse had taken place between them. Hence a +confidence arose, which has since been kept alive by occasional letters. +He had lately received a letter from him, enclosing the newspaper from +which this extract had been made. He put it into my hands, and pointed +out the passages which related to Carwin. + +"Ludloe confirms the facts of his conviction and escape; and adds, that +he had reason to believe him to have embarked for America. He describes +him in general terms, as the most incomprehensible and formidable among +men; as engaged in schemes, reasonably suspected to be, in the highest +degree, criminal, but such as no human intelligence is able to unravel: +that his ends are pursued by means which leave it in doubt whether he be +not in league with some infernal spirit: that his crimes have hitherto +been perpetrated with the aid of some unknown but desperate accomplices: +that he wages a perpetual war against the happiness of mankind, and sets +his engines of destruction at work against every object that presents +itself. + +"This is the substance of the letter. Hallet expressed some surprize +at the curiosity which was manifested by me on this occasion. I was too +much absorbed by the ideas suggested by this letter, to pay attention to +his remarks. I shuddered with the apprehension of the evil to which our +indiscreet familiarity with this man had probably exposed us. I burnt +with impatience to see you, and to do what in me lay to avert the +calamity which threatened us. It was already five o'clock. Night was +hastening, and there was no time to be lost. On leaving Mr. Hallet's +house, who should meet me in the street, but Bertrand, the servant whom +I left in Germany. His appearance and accoutrements bespoke him to have +just alighted from a toilsome and long journey. I was not wholly without +expectation of seeing him about this time, but no one was then more +distant from my thoughts. You know what reasons I have for anxiety +respecting scenes with which this man was conversant. Carwin was for a +moment forgotten. In answer to my vehement inquiries, Bertrand produced +a copious packet. I shall not at present mention its contents, nor the +measures which they obliged me to adopt. I bestowed a brief perusal on +these papers, and having given some directions to Bertrand, resumed +my purpose with regard to you. My horse I was obliged to resign to my +servant, he being charged with a commission that required speed. The +clock had struck ten, and Mettingen was five miles distant. I was +to Journey thither on foot. These circumstances only added to my +expedition. + +"As I passed swiftly along, I reviewed all the incidents accompanying +the appearance and deportment of that man among us. Late events have +been inexplicable and mysterious beyond any of which I have either read +or heard. These events were coeval with Carwin's introduction. I am +unable to explain their origin and mutual dependance; but I do not, on +that account, believe them to have a supernatural origin. Is not this +man the agent? Some of them seem to be propitious; but what should +I think of those threats of assassination with which you were lately +alarmed? Bloodshed is the trade, and horror is the element of this man. +The process by which the sympathies of nature are extinguished in +our hearts, by which evil is made our good, and by which we are made +susceptible of no activity but in the infliction, and no joy but in the +spectacle of woes, is an obvious process. As to an alliance with evil +geniuses, the power and the malice of daemons have been a thousand times +exemplified in human beings. There are no devils but those which are +begotten upon selfishness, and reared by cunning. + +"Now, indeed, the scene was changed. It was not his secret poniard +that I dreaded. It was only the success of his efforts to make you a +confederate in your own destruction, to make your will the instrument by +which he might bereave you of liberty and honor. + +"I took, as usual, the path through your brother's ground. I ranged +with celerity and silence along the bank. I approached the fence, which +divides Wieland's estate from yours. The recess in the bank being near +this line, it being necessary for me to pass near it, my mind being +tainted with inveterate suspicions concerning you; suspicions which were +indebted for their strength to incidents connected with this spot; what +wonder that it seized upon my thoughts! "I leaped on the fence; but +before I descended on the opposite side, I paused to survey the scene. +Leaves dropping with dew, and glistening in the moon's rays, with no +moving object to molest the deep repose, filled me with security +and hope. I left the station at length, and tended forward. You were +probably at rest. How should I communicate without alarming you, the +intelligence of my arrival? An immediate interview was to be procured. +I could not bear to think that a minute should be lost by remissness +or hesitation. Should I knock at the door? or should I stand under your +chamber windows, which I perceived to be open, and awaken you by my +calls? + +"These reflections employed me, as I passed opposite to the +summer-house. I had scarcely gone by, when my ear caught a sound unusual +at this time and place. It was almost too faint and too transient to +allow me a distinct perception of it. I stopped to listen; presently +it was heard again, and now it was somewhat in a louder key. It was +laughter; and unquestionably produced by a female voice. That voice was +familiar to my senses. It was yours. + +"Whence it came, I was at first at a loss to conjecture; but this +uncertainty vanished when it was heard the third time. I threw back my +eyes towards the recess. Every other organ and limb was useless to me. +I did not reason on the subject. I did not, in a direct manner, draw +my conclusions from the hour, the place, the hilarity which this sound +betokened, and the circumstance of having a companion, which it no less +incontestably proved. In an instant, as it were, my heart was invaded +with cold, and the pulses of life at a stand. + +"Why should I go further? Why should I return? Should I not hurry to a +distance from a sound, which, though formerly so sweet and delectable, +was now more hideous than the shrieks of owls? + +"I had no time to yield to this impulse. The thought of approaching and +listening occurred to me. I had no doubt of which I was conscious. Yet +my certainty was capable of increase. I was likewise stimulated by a +sentiment that partook of rage. I was governed by an half-formed and +tempestuous resolution to break in upon your interview, and strike you +dead with my upbraiding. + +"I approached with the utmost caution. When I reached the edge of the +bank immediately above the summer-house, I thought I heard voices from +below, as busy in conversation. The steps in the rock are clear of +bushy impediments. They allowed me to descend into a cavity beside +the building without being detected. Thus to lie in wait could only be +justified by the momentousness of the occasion." + +Here Pleyel paused in his narrative, and fixed his eyes upon me. +Situated as I was, my horror and astonishment at this tale gave way to +compassion for the anguish which the countenance of my friend betrayed. +I reflected on his force of understanding. I reflected on the powers of +my enemy. I could easily divine the substance of the conversation that +was overheard. Carwin had constructed his plot in a manner suited to the +characters of those whom he had selected for his victims. I saw that the +convictions of Pleyel were immutable. I forbore to struggle against the +storm, because I saw that all struggles would be fruitless. I was calm; +but my calmness was the torpor of despair, and not the tranquillity of +fortitude. It was calmness invincible by any thing that his grief and +his fury could suggest to Pleyel. He resumed-- + +"Woman! wilt thou hear me further? Shall I go on to repeat the +conversation? Is it shame that makes thee tongue-tied? Shall I go on? or +art thou satisfied with what has been already said?" + +I bowed my head. "Go on," said I. "I make not this request in the hope +of undeceiving you. I shall no longer contend with my own weakness. The +storm is let loose, and I shall peaceably submit to be driven by its +fury. But go on. This conference will end only with affording me a +clearer foresight of my destiny; but that will be some satisfaction, and +I will not part without it." + +Why, on hearing these words, did Pleyel hesitate? Did some unlooked-for +doubt insinuate itself into his mind? Was his belief suddenly shaken +by my looks, or my words, or by some newly recollected circumstance? +Whencesoever it arose, it could not endure the test of deliberation. In +a few minutes the flame of resentment was again lighted up in his bosom. +He proceeded with his accustomed vehemence-- + +"I hate myself for this folly. I can find no apology for this tale. Yet +I am irresistibly impelled to relate it. She that hears me is apprized +of every particular. I have only to repeat to her her own words. She +will listen with a tranquil air, and the spectacle of her obduracy will +drive me to some desperate act. Why then should I persist! yet persist I +must." + +Again he paused. "No," said he, "it is impossible to repeat your avowals +of love, your appeals to former confessions of your tenderness, to +former deeds of dishonor, to the circumstances of the first interview +that took place between you. It was on that night when I traced you to +this recess. Thither had he enticed you, and there had you ratified an +unhallowed compact by admitting him-- + +"Great God! Thou witnessedst the agonies that tore my bosom at that +moment! Thou witnessedst my efforts to repel the testimony of my ears! +It was in vain that you dwelt upon the confusion which my unlooked-for +summons excited in you; the tardiness with which a suitable excuse +occurred to you; your resentment that my impertinent intrusion had +put an end to that charming interview: A disappointment for which you +endeavoured to compensate yourself, by the frequency and duration of +subsequent meetings. + +"In vain you dwelt upon incidents of which you only could be conscious; +incidents that occurred on occasions on which none beside your own +family were witnesses. In vain was your discourse characterized by +peculiarities inimitable of sentiment and language. My conviction was +effected only by an accumulation of the same tokens. I yielded not but +to evidence which took away the power to withhold my faith. + +"My sight was of no use to me. Beneath so thick an umbrage, the darkness +was intense. Hearing was the only avenue to information, which the +circumstances allowed to be open. I was couched within three feet +of you. Why should I approach nearer? I could not contend with your +betrayer. What could be the purpose of a contest? You stood in no need +of a protector. What could I do, but retire from the spot overwhelmed +with confusion and dismay? I sought my chamber, and endeavoured to +regain my composure. The door of the house, which I found open, your +subsequent entrance, closing, and fastening it, and going into your +chamber, which had been thus long deserted, were only confirmations of +the truth. + +"Why should I paint the tempestuous fluctuation of my thoughts between +grief and revenge, between rage and despair? Why should I repeat my vows +of eternal implacability and persecution, and the speedy recantation of +these vows? + +"I have said enough. You have dismissed me from a place in your esteem. +What I think, and what I feel, is of no importance in your eyes. May +the duty which I owe myself enable me to forget your existence. In a +few minutes I go hence. Be the maker of your fortune, and may adversity +instruct you in that wisdom, which education was unable to impart to +you." + +Those were the last words which Pleyel uttered. He left the room, and +my new emotions enabled me to witness his departure without any apparent +loss of composure. As I sat alone, I ruminated on these incidents. +Nothing was more evident than that I had taken an eternal leave of +happiness. Life was a worthless thing, separate from that good which had +now been wrested from me; yet the sentiment that now possessed me had no +tendency to palsy my exertions, and overbear my strength. I noticed that +the light was declining, and perceived the propriety of leaving this +house. I placed myself again in the chaise, and returned slowly towards +the city. + + + +Chapter XV + + +Before I reached the city it was dusk. It was my purpose to spend the +night at Mettingen. I was not solicitous, as long as I was attended by +a faithful servant, to be there at an early hour. My exhausted strength +required me to take some refreshment. With this view, and in order to +pay respect to one whose affection for me was truly maternal, I stopped +at Mrs. Baynton's. She was absent from home; but I had scarcely entered +the house when one of her domestics presented me a letter. I opened and +read as follows: + + +"To Clara Wieland, + +"What shall I say to extenuate the misconduct of last night? It is my +duty to repair it to the utmost of my power, but the only way in which +it can be repaired, you will not, I fear, be prevailed on to adopt. It +is by granting me an interview, at your own house, at eleven o'clock +this night. I have no means of removing any fears that you may entertain +of my designs, but my simple and solemn declarations. These, after what +has passed between us, you may deem unworthy of confidence. I cannot +help it. My folly and rashness has left me no other resource. I will +be at your door by that hour. If you chuse to admit me to a conference, +provided that conference has no witnesses, I will disclose to you +particulars, the knowledge of which is of the utmost importance to your +happiness. Farewell. + +"CARWIN." + + +What a letter was this! A man known to be an assassin and robber; one +capable of plotting against my life and my fame; detected lurking in +my chamber, and avowing designs the most flagitious and dreadful, now +solicits me to grant him a midnight interview! To admit him alone into +my presence! Could he make this request with the expectation of my +compliance? What had he seen in me, that could justify him in admitting +so wild a belief? Yet this request is preferred with the utmost gravity. +It is not accompanied by an appearance of uncommon earnestness. Had +the misconduct to which he alludes been a slight incivility, and the +interview requested to take place in the midst of my friends, there +would have been no extravagance in the tenor of this letter; but, as it +was, the writer had surely been bereft of his reason. + +I perused this epistle frequently. The request it contained might be +called audacious or stupid, if it had been made by a different person; +but from Carwin, who could not be unaware of the effect which it must +naturally produce, and of the manner in which it would unavoidably be +treated, it was perfectly inexplicable. He must have counted on the +success of some plot, in order to extort my assent. None of those +motives by which I am usually governed would ever have persuaded me to +meet any one of his sex, at the time and place which he had prescribed. +Much less would I consent to a meeting with a man, tainted with the +most detestable crimes, and by whose arts my own safety had been so +imminently endangered, and my happiness irretrievably destroyed. I +shuddered at the idea that such a meeting was possible. I felt some +reluctance to approach a spot which he still visited and haunted. + +Such were the ideas which first suggested themselves on the perusal of +the letter. Meanwhile, I resumed my journey. My thoughts still dwelt +upon the same topic. Gradually from ruminating on this epistle, I +reverted to my interview with Pleyel. I recalled the particulars of the +dialogue to which he had been an auditor. My heart sunk anew on viewing +the inextricable complexity of this deception, and the inauspicious +concurrence of events, which tended to confirm him in his error. When +he approached my chamber door, my terror kept me mute. He put his ear, +perhaps, to the crevice, but it caught the sound of nothing human. Had +I called, or made any token that denoted some one to be within, words +would have ensued; and as omnipresence was impossible, this discovery, +and the artless narrative of what had just passed, would have saved me +from his murderous invectives. He went into his chamber, and after some +interval, I stole across the entry and down the stairs, with +inaudible steps. Having secured the outer doors, I returned with less +circumspection. He heard me not when I descended; but my returning steps +were easily distinguished. Now he thought was the guilty interview at +an end. In what other way was it possible for him to construe these +signals? + +How fallacious and precipitate was my decision! Carwin's plot owed its +success to a coincidence of events scarcely credible. The balance was +swayed from its equipoise by a hair. Had I even begun the conversation +with an account of what befel me in my chamber, my previous interview +with Wieland would have taught him to suspect me of imposture; yet, if +I were discoursing with this ruffian, when Pleyel touched the lock of my +chamber door, and when he shut his own door with so much violence, how, +he might ask, should I be able to relate these incidents? Perhaps he +had withheld the knowledge of these circumstances from my brother, from +whom, therefore, I could not obtain it, so that my innocence would have +thus been irresistibly demonstrated. + +The first impulse which flowed from these ideas was to return upon my +steps, and demand once more an interview; but he was gone: his parting +declarations were remembered. + +Pleyel, I exclaimed, thou art gone for ever! Are thy mistakes beyond +the reach of detection? Am I helpless in the midst of this snare? +The plotter is at hand. He even speaks in the style of penitence. He +solicits an interview which he promises shall end in the disclosure of +something momentous to my happiness. What can he say which will avail to +turn aside this evil? But why should his remorse be feigned? I have +done him no injury. His wickedness is fertile only of despair; and the +billows of remorse will some time overbear him. Why may not this event +have already taken place? Why should I refuse to see him? + +This idea was present, as it were, for a moment. I suddenly recoiled +from it, confounded at that frenzy which could give even momentary +harbour to such a scheme; yet presently it returned. At length I even +conceived it to deserve deliberation. I questioned whether it was +not proper to admit, at a lonely spot, in a sacred hour, this man of +tremendous and inscrutable attributes, this performer of horrid deeds, +and whose presence was predicted to call down unheard-of and unutterable +horrors. + +What was it that swayed me? I felt myself divested of the power to will +contrary to the motives that determined me to seek his presence. My mind +seemed to be split into separate parts, and these parts to have +entered into furious and implacable contention. These tumults gradually +subsided. The reasons why I should confide in that interposition which +had hitherto defended me; in those tokens of compunction which this +letter contained; in the efficacy of this interview to restore its +spotlessness to my character, and banish all illusions from the mind of +my friend, continually acquired new evidence and new strength. + +What should I fear in his presence? This was unlike an artifice intended +to betray me into his hands. If it were an artifice, what purpose would +it serve? The freedom of my mind was untouched, and that freedom would +defy the assaults of blandishments or magic. Force was I not able to +repel. On the former occasion my courage, it is true, had failed at the +imminent approach of danger; but then I had not enjoyed opportunities of +deliberation; I had foreseen nothing; I was sunk into imbecility by my +previous thoughts; I had been the victim of recent disappointments +and anticipated ills: Witness my infatuation in opening the closet in +opposition to divine injunctions. + +Now, perhaps, my courage was the offspring of a no less erring +principle. Pleyel was for ever lost to me. I strove in vain to assume +his person, and suppress my resentment; I strove in vain to believe in +the assuaging influence of time, to look forward to the birth-day of new +hopes, and the re-exaltation of that luminary, of whose effulgencies I +had so long and so liberally partaken. + +What had I to suffer worse than was already inflicted? + +Was not Carwin my foe? I owed my untimely fate to his treason. Instead +of flying from his presence, ought I not to devote all my faculties to +the gaining of an interview, and compel him to repair the ills of +which he has been the author? Why should I suppose him impregnable +to argument? Have I not reason on my side, and the power of imparting +conviction? Cannot he be made to see the justice of unravelling the maze +in which Pleyel is bewildered? + +He may, at least, be accessible to fear. Has he nothing to fear from +the rage of an injured woman? But suppose him inaccessible to such +inducements; suppose him to persist in all his flagitious purposes; are +not the means of defence and resistance in my power? + +In the progress of such thoughts, was the resolution at last formed. I +hoped that the interview was sought by him for a laudable end; but, be +that as it would, I trusted that, by energy of reasoning or of action, I +should render it auspicious, or, at least, harmless. + +Such a determination must unavoidably fluctuate. The poet's chaos was +no unapt emblem of the state of my mind. A torment was awakened in my +bosom, which I foresaw would end only when this interview was past, and +its consequences fully experienced. Hence my impatience for the arrival +of the hour which had been prescribed by Carwin. + +Meanwhile, my meditations were tumultuously active. New impediments +to the execution of the scheme were speedily suggested. I had apprized +Catharine of my intention to spend this and many future nights with her. +Her husband was informed of this arrangement, and had zealously approved +it. Eleven o'clock exceeded their hour of retiring. What excuse should +I form for changing my plan? Should I shew this letter to Wieland, and +submit myself to his direction? But I knew in what way he would decide. +He would fervently dissuade me from going. Nay, would he not do more? +He was apprized of the offences of Carwin, and of the reward offered +for his apprehension. Would he not seize this opportunity of executing +justice on a criminal? + +This idea was new. I was plunged once more into doubt. Did not equity +enjoin me thus to facilitate his arrest? No. I disdained the office of +betrayer. Carwin was unapprized of his danger, and his intentions were +possibly beneficent. Should I station guards about the house, and +make an act, intended perhaps for my benefit, instrumental to his own +destruction? Wieland might be justified in thus employing the knowledge +which I should impart, but I, by imparting it, should pollute myself +with more hateful crimes than those undeservedly imputed to me. This +scheme, therefore, I unhesitatingly rejected. The views with which +I should return to my own house, it would therefore be necessary to +conceal. Yet some pretext must be invented. I had never been initiated +into the trade of lying. Yet what but falshood was a deliberate +suppression of the truth? To deceive by silence or by words is the same. + +Yet what would a lie avail me? What pretext would justify this change in +my plan? Would it not tend to confirm the imputations of Pleyel? That +I should voluntarily return to an house in which honor and life had so +lately been endangered, could be explained in no way favorable to my +integrity. + +These reflections, if they did not change, at least suspended my +decision. In this state of uncertainty I alighted at the HUT. We gave +this name to the house tenanted by the farmer and his servants, and +which was situated on the verge of my brother's ground, and at a +considerable distance from the mansion. The path to the mansion was +planted by a double row of walnuts. Along this path I proceeded alone. +I entered the parlour, in which was a light just expiring in the socket. +There was no one in the room. I perceived by the clock that stood +against the wall, that it was near eleven. The lateness of the hour +startled me. What had become of the family? They were usually retired +an hour before this; but the unextinguished taper, and the unbarred +door were indications that they had not retired. I again returned to the +hall, and passed from one room to another, but still encountered not a +human being. + +I imagined that, perhaps, the lapse of a few minutes would explain +these appearances. Meanwhile I reflected that the preconcerted hour had +arrived. Carwin was perhaps waiting my approach. Should I immediately +retire to my own house, no one would be apprized of my proceeding. Nay, +the interview might pass, and I be enabled to return in half an hour. +Hence no necessity would arise for dissimulation. + +I was so far influenced by these views that I rose to execute this +design; but again the unusual condition of the house occurred to me, and +some vague solicitude as to the condition of the family. I was nearly +certain that my brother had not retired; but by what motives he could +be induced to desert his house thus unseasonably I could by no means +divine. Louisa Conway, at least, was at home and had, probably, retired +to her chamber; perhaps she was able to impart the information I wanted. + +I went to her chamber, and found her asleep. She was delighted and +surprized at my arrival, and told me with how much impatience and +anxiety my brother and his wife had waited my coming. They were fearful +that some mishap had befallen me, and had remained up longer than the +usual period. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, Catharine would +not resign the hope of seeing me. Louisa said she had left them both in +the parlour, and she knew of no cause for their absence. + +As yet I was not without solicitude on account of their personal safety. +I was far from being perfectly at ease on that head, but entertained no +distinct conception of the danger that impended over them. Perhaps to +beguile the moments of my long protracted stay, they had gone to +walk upon the bank. The atmosphere, though illuminated only by the +star-light, was remarkably serene. Meanwhile the desirableness of an +interview with Carwin again returned, and I finally resolved to seek it. + +I passed with doubting and hasty steps along the path. My dwelling, seen +at a distance, was gloomy and desolate. It had no inhabitant, for my +servant, in consequence of my new arrangement, had gone to Mettingen. +The temerity of this attempt began to shew itself in more vivid colours +to my understanding. Whoever has pointed steel is not without arms; yet +what must have been the state of my mind when I could meditate, without +shuddering, on the use of a murderous weapon, and believe myself secure +merely because I was capable of being made so by the death of another? +Yet this was not my state. I felt as if I was rushing into deadly toils, +without the power of pausing or receding. + + + +Chapter XVI + + +As soon as I arrived in sight of the front of the house, my attention +was excited by a light from the window of my own chamber. No appearance +could be less explicable. A meeting was expected with Carwin, but that +he pre-occupied my chamber, and had supplied himself with light, was not +to be believed. What motive could influence him to adopt this conduct? +Could I proceed until this was explained? Perhaps, if I should proceed +to a distance in front, some one would be visible. A sidelong but feeble +beam from the window, fell upon the piny copse which skirted the bank. +As I eyed it, it suddenly became mutable, and after flitting to and fro, +for a short time, it vanished. I turned my eye again toward the window, +and perceived that the light was still there; but the change which I had +noticed was occasioned by a change in the position of the lamp or candle +within. Hence, that some person was there was an unavoidable inference. + +I paused to deliberate on the propriety of advancing. Might I not +advance cautiously, and, therefore, without danger? Might I not knock at +the door, or call, and be apprized of the nature of my visitant before I +entered? I approached and listened at the door, but could hear nothing. +I knocked at first timidly, but afterwards with loudness. My signals +were unnoticed. I stepped back and looked, but the light was no longer +discernible. Was it suddenly extinguished by a human agent? What purpose +but concealment was intended? Why was the illumination produced, to be +thus suddenly brought to an end? And why, since some one was there, had +silence been observed? + +These were questions, the solution of which may be readily supposed +to be entangled with danger. Would not this danger, when measured by a +woman's fears, expand into gigantic dimensions? Menaces of death; the +stunning exertions of a warning voice; the known and unknown attributes +of Carwin; our recent interview in this chamber; the pre-appointment of +a meeting at this place and hour, all thronged into my memory. What was +to be done? + +Courage is no definite or stedfast principle. Let that man who shall +purpose to assign motives to the actions of another, blush at his +folly and forbear. Not more presumptuous would it be to attempt the +classification of all nature, and the scanning of supreme intelligence. +I gazed for a minute at the window, and fixed my eyes, for a second +minute, on the ground. I drew forth from my pocket, and opened, a +penknife. This, said I, be my safe-guard and avenger. The assailant +shall perish, or myself shall fall. I had locked up the house in the +morning, but had the key of the kitchen door in my pocket. I, therefore, +determined to gain access behind. Thither I hastened, unlocked and +entered. All was lonely, darksome, and waste. Familiar as I was with +every part of my dwelling, I easily found my way to a closet, drew forth +a taper, a flint, tinder, and steel, and, in a moment as it were, gave +myself the guidance and protection of light. + +What purpose did I meditate? Should I explore my way to my chamber, and +confront the being who had dared to intrude into this recess, and had +laboured for concealment? By putting out the light did he seek to hide +himself, or mean only to circumvent my incautious steps? Yet was it +not more probable that he desired my absence by thus encouraging the +supposition that the house was unoccupied? I would see this man in spite +of all impediments; ere I died, I would see his face, and summon him +to penitence and retribution; no matter at what cost an interview was +purchased. Reputation and life might be wrested from me by another, but +my rectitude and honor were in my own keeping, and were safe. + +I proceeded to the foot of the stairs. At such a crisis my thoughts +may be supposed at no liberty to range; yet vague images rushed into my +mind, of the mysterious interposition which had been experienced on the +last night. My case, at present, was not dissimilar; and, if my angel +were not weary of fruitless exertions to save, might not a new warning +be expected? Who could say whether his silence were ascribable to the +absence of danger, or to his own absence? + +In this state of mind, no wonder that a shivering cold crept through +my veins; that my pause was prolonged; and, that a fearful glance was +thrown backward. + +Alas! my heart droops, and my fingers are enervated; my ideas are +vivid, but my language is faint: now know I what it is to entertain +incommunicable sentiments. The chain of subsequent incidents is drawn +through my mind, and being linked with those which forewent, by turns +rouse up agonies and sink me into hopelessness. + +Yet I will persist to the end. My narrative may be invaded by inaccuracy +and confusion; but if I live no longer, I will, at least, live to +complete it. What but ambiguities, abruptnesses, and dark transitions, +can be expected from the historian who is, at the same time, the +sufferer of these disasters? + +I have said that I cast a look behind. Some object was expected to be +seen, or why should I have gazed in that direction? Two senses were at +once assailed. The same piercing exclamation of HOLD! HOLD! was uttered +within the same distance of my ear. This it was that I heard. The airy +undulation, and the shock given to my nerves, were real. Whether the +spectacle which I beheld existed in my fancy or without, might be +doubted. I had not closed the door of the apartment I had just left. The +stair-case, at the foot of which I stood, was eight or ten feet from +the door, and attached to the wall through which the door led. My view, +therefore, was sidelong, and took in no part of the room. + +Through this aperture was an head thrust and drawn back with so much +swiftness, that the immediate conviction was, that thus much of a form, +ordinarily invisible, had been unshrowded. The face was turned towards +me. Every muscle was tense; the forehead and brows were drawn into +vehement expression; the lips were stretched as in the act of shrieking, +and the eyes emitted sparks, which, no doubt, if I had been unattended +by a light, would have illuminated like the coruscations of a meteor. +The sound and the vision were present, and departed together at the +same instant; but the cry was blown into my ear, while the face was many +paces distant. + +This face was well suited to a being whose performances exceeded the +standard of humanity, and yet its features were akin to those I had +before seen. The image of Carwin was blended in a thousand ways with the +stream of my thoughts. This visage was, perhaps, pourtrayed by my fancy. +If so, it will excite no surprize that some of his lineaments were now +discovered. Yet affinities were few and unconspicuous, and were lost +amidst the blaze of opposite qualities. + +What conclusion could I form? Be the face human or not, the intimation +was imparted from above. Experience had evinced the benignity of that +being who gave it. Once he had interposed to shield me from harm, and +subsequent events demonstrated the usefulness of that interposition. Now +was I again warned to forbear. I was hurrying to the verge of the same +gulf, and the same power was exerted to recall my steps. Was it possible +for me not to obey? Was I capable of holding on in the same perilous +career? Yes. Even of this I was capable! + +The intimation was imperfect: it gave no form to my danger, and +prescribed no limits to my caution. I had formerly neglected it, and yet +escaped. Might I not trust to the same issue? This idea might possess, +though imperceptibly, some influence. I persisted; but it was not merely +on this account. I cannot delineate the motives that led me on. I now +speak as if no remnant of doubt existed in my mind as to the supernal +origin of these sounds; but this is owing to the imperfection of my +language, for I only mean that the belief was more permanent, and +visited more frequently my sober meditations than its opposite. The +immediate effects served only to undermine the foundations of my +judgment and precipitate my resolutions. + +I must either advance or return. I chose the former, and began to ascend +the stairs. The silence underwent no second interruption. My chamber +door was closed, but unlocked, and, aided by vehement efforts of my +courage, I opened and looked in. + +No hideous or uncommon object was discernible. The danger, indeed, might +easily have lurked out of sight, have sprung upon me as I entered, and +have rent me with his iron talons; but I was blind to this fate, and +advanced, though cautiously, into the room. + +Still every thing wore its accustomed aspect. Neither lamp nor candle +was to be found. Now, for the first time, suspicions were suggested as +to the nature of the light which I had seen. Was it possible to have +been the companion of that supernatural visage; a meteorous refulgence +producible at the will of him to whom that visage belonged, and +partaking of the nature of that which accompanied my father's death? + +The closet was near, and I remembered the complicated horrors of which +it had been productive. Here, perhaps, was inclosed the source of my +peril, and the gratification of my curiosity. Should I adventure once +more to explore its recesses? This was a resolution not easily formed. I +was suspended in thought: when glancing my eye on a table, I perceived a +written paper. Carwin's hand was instantly recognized, and snatching up +the paper, I read as follows:-- + +"There was folly in expecting your compliance with my invitation. Judge +how I was disappointed in finding another in your place. I have +waited, but to wait any longer would be perilous. I shall still seek an +interview, but it must be at a different time and place: meanwhile, +I will write this--How will you bear--How inexplicable will be this +transaction!--An event so unexpected--a sight so horrible!" + +Such was this abrupt and unsatisfactory script. The ink was yet moist, +the hand was that of Carwin. Hence it was to be inferred that he had +this moment left the apartment, or was still in it. I looked back, on +the sudden expectation of seeing him behind me. + +What other did he mean? What transaction had taken place adverse to my +expectations? What sight was about to be exhibited? I looked around +me once more, but saw nothing which indicated strangeness. Again I +remembered the closet, and was resolved to seek in that the solution +of these mysteries. Here, perhaps, was inclosed the scene destined to +awaken my horrors and baffle my foresight. + +I have already said, that the entrance into this closet was beside my +bed, which, on two sides, was closely shrowded by curtains. On that side +nearest the closet, the curtain was raised. As I passed along I cast my +eye thither. I started, and looked again. I bore a light in my hand, and +brought it nearer my eyes, in order to dispel any illusive mists that +might have hovered before them. Once more I fixed my eyes upon the bed, +in hope that this more stedfast scrutiny would annihilate the object +which before seemed to be there. + +This then was the sight which Carwin had predicted! This was the event +which my understanding was to find inexplicable! This was the fate +which had been reserved for me, but which, by some untoward chance, had +befallen on another! + +I had not been terrified by empty menaces. Violation and death awaited +my entrance into this chamber. Some inscrutable chance had led HER +hither before me, and the merciless fangs of which I was designed to +be the prey, had mistaken their victim, and had fixed themselves in HER +heart. But where was my safety? Was the mischief exhausted or flown? The +steps of the assassin had just been here; they could not be far off; in +a moment he would rush into my presence, and I should perish under the +same polluting and suffocating grasp! + +My frame shook, and my knees were unable to support me. I gazed +alternately at the closet door and at the door of my room. At one of +these avenues would enter the exterminator of my honor and my life. I +was prepared for defence; but now that danger was imminent, my means +of defence, and my power to use them were gone. I was not qualified, by +education and experience, to encounter perils like these: or, perhaps, +I was powerless because I was again assaulted by surprize, and had not +fortified my mind by foresight and previous reflection against a scene +like this. + +Fears for my own safety again yielded place to reflections on the scene +before me. I fixed my eyes upon her countenance. My sister's well-known +and beloved features could not be concealed by convulsion or lividness. +What direful illusion led thee hither? Bereft of thee, what hold on +happiness remains to thy offspring and thy spouse? To lose thee by a +common fate would have been sufficiently hard; but thus suddenly to +perish--to become the prey of this ghastly death! How will a spectacle +like this be endured by Wieland? To die beneath his grasp would not +satisfy thy enemy. This was mercy to the evils which he previously made +thee suffer! After these evils death was a boon which thou besoughtest +him to grant. He entertained no enmity against thee: I was the object of +his treason; but by some tremendous mistake his fury was misplaced. But +how comest thou hither? and where was Wieland in thy hour of distress? + +I approached the corpse: I lifted the still flexible hand, and kissed +the lips which were breathless. Her flowing drapery was discomposed. +I restored it to order, and seating myself on the bed, again fixed +stedfast eyes upon her countenance. I cannot distinctly recollect the +ruminations of that moment. I saw confusedly, but forcibly, that every +hope was extinguished with the life of CATHARINE. All happiness and +dignity must henceforth be banished from the house and name of Wieland: +all that remained was to linger out in agonies a short existence; and +leave to the world a monument of blasted hopes and changeable fortune. +Pleyel was already lost to me; yet, while Catharine lived life was not +a detestable possession: but now, severed from the companion of my +infancy, the partaker of all my thoughts, my cares, and my wishes, I +was like one set afloat upon a stormy sea, and hanging his safety upon a +plank; night was closing upon him, and an unexpected surge had torn him +from his hold and overwhelmed him forever. + + + +Chapter XVII + + +I had no inclination nor power to move from this spot. For more than an +hour, my faculties and limbs seemed to be deprived of all activity. +The door below creaked on its hinges, and steps ascended the stairs. My +wandering and confused thoughts were instantly recalled by these sounds, +and dropping the curtain of the bed, I moved to a part of the room +where any one who entered should be visible; such are the vibrations of +sentiment, that notwithstanding the seeming fulfilment of my fears, +and increase of my danger, I was conscious, on this occasion, to no +turbulence but that of curiosity. + +At length he entered the apartment, and I recognized my brother. It was +the same Wieland whom I had ever seen. Yet his features were pervaded by +a new expression. I supposed him unacquainted with the fate of his wife, +and his appearance confirmed this persuasion. A brow expanding into +exultation I had hitherto never seen in him, yet such a brow did he now +wear. Not only was he unapprized of the disaster that had happened, +but some joyous occurrence had betided. What a reverse was preparing to +annihilate his transitory bliss! No husband ever doated more fondly, for +no wife ever claimed so boundless a devotion. I was not uncertain as to +the effects to flow from the discovery of her fate. I confided not at +all in the efforts of his reason or his piety. There were few evils +which his modes of thinking would not disarm of their sting; but here, +all opiates to grief, and all compellers of patience were vain. This +spectacle would be unavoidably followed by the outrages of desperation, +and a rushing to death. + +For the present, I neglected to ask myself what motive brought him +hither. I was only fearful of the effects to flow from the sight of the +dead. Yet could it be long concealed from him? Some time and speedily +he would obtain this knowledge. No stratagems could considerably or +usefully prolong his ignorance. All that could be sought was to take +away the abruptness of the change, and shut out the confusion of +despair, and the inroads of madness: but I knew my brother, and knew +that all exertions to console him would be fruitless. + +What could I say? I was mute, and poured forth those tears on his +account, which my own unhappiness had been unable to extort. In the +midst of my tears, I was not unobservant of his motions. These were of +a nature to rouse some other sentiment than grief or, at least, to mix +with it a portion of astonishment. + +His countenance suddenly became troubled. His hands were clasped with a +force that left the print of his nails in his flesh. His eyes were fixed +on my feet. His brain seemed to swell beyond its continent. He did not +cease to breathe, but his breath was stifled into groans. I had never +witnessed the hurricane of human passions. My element had, till lately, +been all sunshine and calm. I was unconversant with the altitudes and +energies of sentiment, and was transfixed with inexplicable horror by +the symptoms which I now beheld. + +After a silence and a conflict which I could not interpret, he lifted +his eyes to heaven, and in broken accents exclaimed, "This is too much! +Any victim but this, and thy will be done. Have I not sufficiently +attested my faith and my obedience? She that is gone, they that have +perished, were linked with my soul by ties which only thy command would +have broken; but here is sanctity and excellence surpassing human. This +workmanship is thine, and it cannot be thy will to heap it into ruins." + +Here suddenly unclasping his hands, he struck one of them against his +forehead, and continued--"Wretch! who made thee quicksighted in the +councils of thy Maker? Deliverance from mortal fetters is awarded to +this being, and thou art the minister of this decree." + +So saying, Wieland advanced towards me. His words and his motions were +without meaning, except on one supposition. The death of Catharine was +already known to him, and that knowledge, as might have been suspected, +had destroyed his reason. I had feared nothing less; but now that I +beheld the extinction of a mind the most luminous and penetrating that +ever dignified the human form, my sensations were fraught with new and +insupportable anguish. + +I had not time to reflect in what way my own safety would be effected by +this revolution, or what I had to dread from the wild conceptions of a +madman. He advanced towards me. Some hollow noises were wafted by the +breeze. Confused clamours were succeeded by many feet traversing the +grass, and then crowding intO the piazza. + +These sounds suspended my brother's purpose, and he stood to listen. The +signals multiplied and grew louder; perceiving this, he turned from me, +and hurried out of my sight. All about me was pregnant with motives to +astonishment. My sister's corpse, Wieland's frantic demeanour, and, at +length, this crowd of visitants so little accorded with my foresight, +that my mental progress was stopped. The impulse had ceased which was +accustomed to give motion and order to my thoughts. + +Footsteps thronged upon the stairs, and presently many faces shewed +themselves within the door of my apartment. These looks were full of +alarm and watchfulness. They pryed into corners as if in search of +some fugitive; next their gaze was fixed upon me, and betokened all the +vehemence of terror and pity. For a time I questioned whether these were +not shapes and faces like that which I had seen at the bottom of the +stairs, creatures of my fancy or airy existences. My eye wandered from +one to another, till at length it fell on a countenance which I well +knew. It was that of Mr. Hallet. This man was a distant kinsman of my +mother, venerable for his age, his uprightness, and sagacity. He had +long discharged the functions of a magistrate and good citizen. If any +terrors remained, his presence was sufficient to dispel them. + +He approached, took my hand with a compassionate air, and said in a low +voice, "Where, my dear Clara, are your brother and sister?" I made no +answer, but pointed to the bed. His attendants drew aside the curtain, +and while their eyes glared with horror at the spectacle which they +beheld, those of Mr. Hallet overflowed with tears. + +After considerable pause, he once more turned to me. "My dear girl, +this sight is not for you. Can you confide in my care, and that of Mrs. +Baynton's? We will see performed all that circumstances require." + +I made strenuous opposition to this request. I insisted on remaining +near her till she were interred. His remonstrances, however, and my own +feelings, shewed me the propriety of a temporary dereliction. Louisa +stood in need of a comforter, and my brother's children of a nurse. My +unhappy brother was himself an object of solicitude and care. At length, +I consented to relinquish the corpse, and go to my brother's, whose +house, I said, would need mistress, and his children a parent. + +During this discourse, my venerable friend struggled with his tears, but +my last intimation called them forth with fresh violence. Meanwhile, +his attendants stood round in mournful silence, gazing on me and at each +other. I repeated my resolution, and rose to execute it; but he took my +hand to detain me. His countenance betrayed irresolution and reluctance. +I requested him to state the reason of his opposition to this measure. +I entreated him to be explicit. I told him that my brother had just been +there, and that I knew his condition. This misfortune had driven him +to madness, and his offspring must not want a protector. If he chose, +I would resign Wieland to his care; but his innocent and helpless babes +stood in instant need of nurse and mother, and these offices I would by +no means allow another to perform while I had life. + +Every word that I uttered seemed to augment his perplexity and distress. +At last he said, "I think, Clara, I have entitled myself to some regard +from you. You have professed your willingness to oblige me. Now I call +upon you to confer upon me the highest obligation in your power. Permit +Mrs. Baynton to have the management of your brother's house for two or +three days; then it shall be yours to act in it as you please. No matter +what are my motives in making this request: perhaps I think your +age, your sex, or the distress which this disaster must occasion, +incapacitates you for the office. Surely you have no doubt of Mrs. +Baynton's tenderness or discretion." New ideas now rushed into my mind. +I fixed my eyes stedfastly on Mr. Hallet. "Are they well?" said I. "Is +Louisa well? Are Benjamin, and William, and Constantine, and Little +Clara, are they safe? Tell me truly, I beseech you!" + +"They are well," he replied; "they are perfectly safe." + +"Fear no effeminate weakness in me: I can bear to hear the truth. Tell +me truly, are they well?" + +He again assured me that they were well. + +"What then," resumed I, "do you fear? Is it possible for any calamity to +disqualify me for performing my duty to these helpless innocents? I +am willing to divide the care of them with Mrs. Baynton; I shall be +grateful for her sympathy and aid; but what should I be to desert them +at an hour like this!" + +I will cut short this distressful dialogue. I still persisted in my +purpose, and he still persisted in his opposition. This excited my +suspicions anew; but these were removed by solemn declarations of their +safety. I could not explain this conduct in my friend; but at length +consented to go to the city, provided I should see them for a few +minutes at present, and should return on the morrow. + +Even this arrangement was objected to. At length he told me they were +removed to the city. Why were they removed, I asked, and whither? My +importunities would not now be eluded. My suspicions were roused, and no +evasion or artifice was sufficient to allay them. Many of the audience +began to give vent to their emotions in tears. Mr. Hallet himself seemed +as if the conflict were too hard to be longer sustained. Something +whispered to my heart that havoc had been wider than I now witnessed. +I suspected this concealment to arise from apprehensions of the +effects which a knowledge of the truth would produce in me. I once +more entreated him to inform me truly of their state. To enforce my +entreaties, I put on an air of insensibility. "I can guess," said I, +"what has happened--They are indeed beyond the reach of injury, for they +are dead! Is it not so?" My voice faltered in spite of my courageous +efforts. + +"Yes," said he, "they are dead! Dead by the same fate, and by the same +hand, with their mother!" + +"Dead!" replied I; "what, all?" + +"All!" replied he: "he spared NOT ONE!" + +Allow me, my friends, to close my eyes upon the after-scene. Why should +I protract a tale which I already begin to feel is too long? Over this +scene at least let me pass lightly. Here, indeed, my narrative would be +imperfect. All was tempestuous commotion in my heart and in my brain. I +have no memory for ought but unconscious transitions and rueful sights. +I was ingenious and indefatigable in the invention of torments. I would +not dispense with any spectacle adapted to exasperate my grief. Each +pale and mangled form I crushed to my bosom. Louisa, whom I loved with +so ineffable a passion, was denied to me at first, but my obstinacy +conquered their reluctance. + +They led the way into a darkened hall. A lamp pendant from the ceiling +was uncovered, and they pointed to a table. The assassin had defrauded +me of my last and miserable consolation. I sought not in her visage, for +the tinge of the morning, and the lustre of heaven. These had vanished +with life; but I hoped for liberty to print a last kiss upon her lips. +This was denied me; for such had been the merciless blow that destroyed +her, that not a LINEAMENT REMAINED! + +I was carried hence to the city. Mrs. Hallet was my companion and my +nurse. Why should I dwell upon the rage of fever, and the effusions +of delirium? Carwin was the phantom that pursued my dreams, the giant +oppressor under whose arm I was for ever on the point of being crushed. +Strenuous muscles were required to hinder my flight, and hearts of steel +to withstand the eloquence of my fears. In vain I called upon them to +look upward, to mark his sparkling rage and scowling contempt. All I +sought was to fly from the stroke that was lifted. Then I heaped upon my +guards the most vehement reproaches, or betook myself to wailings on the +haplessness of my condition. + +This malady, at length, declined, and my weeping friends began to look +for my restoration. Slowly, and with intermitted beams, memory revisited +me. The scenes that I had witnessed were revived, became the theme +of deliberation and deduction, and called forth the effusions of more +rational sorrow. + + + +Chapter XVIII + + +I had imperfectly recovered my strength, when I was informed of the +arrival of my mother's brother, Thomas Cambridge. Ten years since, he +went to Europe, and was a surgeon in the British forces in Germany, +during the whole of the late war. After its conclusion, some connection +that he had formed with an Irish officer, made him retire into Ireland. +Intercourse had been punctually maintained by letters with his sister's +children, and hopes were given that he would shortly return to his +native country, and pass his old age in our society. He was now in an +evil hour arrived. + +I desired an interview with him for numerous and urgent reasons. With +the first returns of my understanding I had anxiously sought information +of the fate of my brother. During the course of my disease I had never +seen him; and vague and unsatisfactory answers were returned to all my +inquires. I had vehemently interrogated Mrs. Hallet and her husband, and +solicited an interview with this unfortunate man; but they mysteriously +insinuated that his reason was still unsettled, and that his +circumstances rendered an interview impossible. Their reserve on the +particulars of this destruction, and the author of it, was equally +invincible. + +For some time, finding all my efforts fruitless, I had desisted from +direct inquiries and solicitations, determined, as soon as my strength +was sufficiently renewed, to pursue other means of dispelling my +uncertainty. In this state of things my uncle's arrival and intention to +visit me were announced. I almost shuddered to behold the face of this +man. When I reflected on the disasters that had befallen us, I was half +unwilling to witness that dejection and grief which would be disclosed +in his countenance. But I believed that all transactions had been +thoroughly disclosed to him, and confided in my importunity to extort +from him the knowledge that I sought. + +I had no doubt as to the person of our enemy; but the motives that urged +him to perpetrate these horrors, the means that he used, and his present +condition, were totally unknown. It was reasonable to expect some +information on this head, from my uncle. I therefore waited his coming +with impatience. At length, in the dusk of the evening, and in my +solitary chamber, this meeting took place. + +This man was our nearest relation, and had ever treated us with the +affection of a parent. Our meeting, therefore, could not be without +overflowing tenderness and gloomy joy. He rather encouraged than +restrained the tears that I poured out in his arms, and took upon +himself the task of comforter. Allusions to recent disasters could not +be long omitted. One topic facilitated the admission of another. At +length, I mentioned and deplored the ignorance in which I had been +kept respecting my brother's destiny, and the circumstances of our +misfortunes. I entreated him to tell me what was Wieland's condition, +and what progress had been made in detecting or punishing the author of +this unheard-of devastation. + +"The author!" said he; "Do you know the author?" + +"Alas!" I answered, "I am too well acquainted with him. The story of +the grounds of my suspicions would be painful and too long. I am not +apprized of the extent of your present knowledge. There are none but +Wieland, Pleyel, and myself, who are able to relate certain facts." + +"Spare yourself the pain," said he. "All that Wieland and Pleyel can +communicate, I know already. If any thing of moment has fallen within +your own exclusive knowledge, and the relation be not too arduous for +your present strength, I confess I am desirous of hearing it. Perhaps +you allude to one by the name of Carwin. I will anticipate your +curiosity by saying, that since these disasters, no one has seen or +heard of him. His agency is, therefore, a mystery still unsolved." + +I readily complied with his request, and related as distinctly as +I could, though in general terms, the events transacted in the +summer-house and my chamber. He listened without apparent surprize +to the tale of Pleyel's errors and suspicions, and with augmented +seriousness, to my narrative of the warnings and inexplicable vision, +and the letter found upon the table. I waited for his comments. + +"You gather from this," said he, "that Carwin is the author of all this +misery." + +"Is it not," answered I, "an unavoidable inference? But what know you +respecting it? Was it possible to execute this mischief without witness +or coadjutor? I beseech you to relate to me, when and why Mr. Hallet was +summoned to the scene, and by whom this disaster was first suspected +or discovered. Surely, suspicion must have fallen upon some one, and +pursuit was made." + +My uncle rose from his seat, and traversed the floor with hasty steps. +His eyes were fixed upon the ground, and he seemed buried in perplexity. +At length he paused, and said with an emphatic tone, "It is true; the +instrument is known. Carwin may have plotted, but the execution was +another's. That other is found, and his deed is ascertained." + +"Good heaven!" I exclaimed, "what say you? Was not Carwin the assassin? +Could any hand but his have carried into act this dreadful purpose?" + +"Have I not said," returned he, "that the performance was another's? +Carwin, perhaps, or heaven, or insanity, prompted the murderer; but +Carwin is unknown. The actual performer has, long since, been called +to judgment and convicted, and is, at this moment, at the bottom of a +dungeon loaded with chains." + +I lifted my hands and eyes. "Who then is this assassin? By what means, +and whither was he traced? What is the testimony of his guilt?" + +"His own, corroborated with that of a servant-maid who spied the murder +of the children from a closet where she was concealed. The magistrate +returned from your dwelling to your brother's. He was employed in +hearing and recording the testimony of the only witness, when the +criminal himself, unexpected, unsolicited, unsought, entered the hall, +acknowledged his guilt, and rendered himself up to justice. + +"He has since been summoned to the bar. The audience was composed of +thousands whom rumours of this wonderful event had attracted from the +greatest distance. A long and impartial examination was made, and the +prisoner was called upon for his defence. In compliance with this call +he delivered an ample relation of his motives and actions." There he +stopped. + +I besought him to say who this criminal was, and what the instigations +that compelled him. My uncle was silent. I urged this inquiry with new +force. I reverted to my own knowledge, and sought in this some basis to +conjecture. I ran over the scanty catalogue of the men whom I knew; I +lighted on no one who was qualified for ministering to malice like this. +Again I resorted to importunity. Had I ever seen the criminal? Was it +sheer cruelty, or diabolical revenge that produced this overthrow? + +He surveyed me, for a considerable time, and listened to my +interrogations in silence. At length he spoke: "Clara, I have known thee +by report, and in some degree by observation. Thou art a being of no +vulgar sort. Thy friends have hitherto treated thee as a child. They +meant well, but, perhaps, they were unacquainted with thy strength. I +assure myself that nothing will surpass thy fortitude. + +"Thou art anxious to know the destroyer of thy family, his actions, and +his motives. Shall I call him to thy presence, and permit him to confess +before thee? Shall I make him the narrator of his own tale?" + +I started on my feet, and looked round me with fearful glances, as if +the murderer was close at hand. "What do you mean?" said I; "put an end, +I beseech you, to this suspence." + +"Be not alarmed; you will never more behold the face of this criminal, +unless he be gifted with supernatural strength, and sever like threads +the constraint of links and bolts. I have said that the assassin was +arraigned at the bar, and that the trial ended with a summons from the +judge to confess or to vindicate his actions. A reply was immediately +made with significance of gesture, and a tranquil majesty, which denoted +less of humanity than godhead. Judges, advocates and auditors were +panic-struck and breathless with attention. One of the hearers +faithfully recorded the speech. There it is," continued he, putting a +roll of papers in my hand, "you may read it at your leisure." + +With these words my uncle left me alone. My curiosity refused me a +moment's delay. I opened the papers, and read as follows. + + + +Chapter XIX + + +"Theodore Wieland, the prisoner at the bar, was now called upon for his +defence. He looked around him for some time in silence, and with a mild +countenance. At length he spoke: + +"It is strange; I am known to my judges and my auditors. Who is there +present a stranger to the character of Wieland? who knows him not as an +husband--as a father--as a friend? yet here am I arraigned as criminal. +I am charged with diabolical malice; I am accused of the murder of my +wife and my children! + +"It is true, they were slain by me; they all perished by my hand. +The task of vindication is ignoble. What is it that I am called to +vindicate? and before whom? + +"You know that they are dead, and that they were killed by me. What more +would you have? Would you extort from me a statement of my motives? Have +you failed to discover them already? You charge me with malice; but your +eyes are not shut; your reason is still vigorous; your memory has not +forsaken you. You know whom it is that you thus charge. The habits of +his life are known to you; his treatment of his wife and his +offspring is known to you; the soundness of his integrity, and the +unchangeableness of his principles, are familiar to your apprehension; +yet you persist in this charge! You lead me hither manacled as a felon; +you deem me worthy of a vile and tormenting death! + +"Who are they whom I have devoted to death? My wife--the little ones, +that drew their being from me--that creature who, as she surpassed +them in excellence, claimed a larger affection than those whom natural +affinities bound to my heart. Think ye that malice could have urged me +to this deed? Hide your audacious fronts from the scrutiny of heaven. +Take refuge in some cavern unvisited by human eyes. Ye may deplore your +wickedness or folly, but ye cannot expiate it. + +"Think not that I speak for your sakes. Hug to your hearts this +detestable infatuation. Deem me still a murderer, and drag me to +untimely death. I make not an effort to dispel your illusion: I utter +not a word to cure you of your sanguinary folly: but there are probably +some in this assembly who have come from far: for their sakes, whose +distance has disabled them from knowing me, I will tell what I have +done, and why. + +"It is needless to say that God is the object of my supreme passion. +I have cherished, in his presence, a single and upright heart. I have +thirsted for the knowledge of his will. I have burnt with ardour to +approve my faith and my obedience. + +"My days have been spent in searching for the revelation of that will; +but my days have been mournful, because my search failed. I solicited +direction: I turned on every side where glimmerings of light could be +discovered. I have not been wholly uninformed; but my knowledge has +always stopped short of certainty. Dissatisfaction has insinuated +itself into all my thoughts. My purposes have been pure; my wishes +indefatigable; but not till lately were these purposes thoroughly +accomplished, and these wishes fully gratified. + +"I thank thee, my father, for thy bounty; that thou didst not ask a less +sacrifice than this; that thou placedst me in a condition to testify my +submission to thy will! What have I withheld which it was thy pleasure +to exact? Now may I, with dauntless and erect eye, claim my reward, +since I have given thee the treasure of my soul. + +"I was at my own house: it was late in the evening: my sister had gone +to the city, but proposed to return. It was in expectation of her return +that my wife and I delayed going to bed beyond the usual hour; the rest +of the family, however, were retired. + +"My mind was contemplative and calm; not wholly devoid of apprehension +on account of my sister's safety. Recent events, not easily explained, +had suggested the existence of some danger; but this danger was +without a distinct form in our imagination, and scarcely ruffled our +tranquillity. + +"Time passed, and my sister did not arrive; her house is at some +distance from mine, and though her arrangements had been made with a +view to residing with us, it was possible that, through forgetfulness, +or the occurrence of unforeseen emergencies, she had returned to her own +dwelling. + +"Hence it was conceived proper that I should ascertain the truth by +going thither. I went. On my way my mind was full of these ideas +which related to my intellectual condition. In the torrent of fervid +conceptions, I lost sight of my purpose. Some times I stood still; +some times I wandered from my path, and experienced some difficulty, on +recovering from my fit of musing, to regain it. + +"The series of my thoughts is easily traced. At first every vein beat +with raptures known only to the man whose parental and conjugal love +is without limits, and the cup of whose desires, immense as it is, +overflows with gratification. I know not why emotions that were +perpetual visitants should now have recurred with unusual energy. The +transition was not new from sensations of joy to a consciousness of +gratitude. The author of my being was likewise the dispenser of every +gift with which that being was embellished. The service to which a +benefactor like this was entitled, could not be circumscribed. My social +sentiments were indebted to their alliance with devotion for all their +value. All passions are base, all joys feeble, all energies malignant, +which are not drawn from this source. + +"For a time, my contemplations soared above earth and its inhabitants. +I stretched forth my hands; I lifted my eyes, and exclaimed, O! that I +might be admitted to thy presence; that mine were the supreme delight of +knowing thy will, and of performing it! The blissful privilege of direct +communication with thee, and of listening to the audible enunciation of +thy pleasure! + +"What task would I not undertake, what privation would I not cheerfully +endure, to testify my love of thee? Alas! thou hidest thyself from my +view: glimpses only of thy excellence and beauty are afforded me. Would +that a momentary emanation from thy glory would visit me! that some +unambiguous token of thy presence would salute my senses! + +"In this mood, I entered the house of my sister. It was vacant. Scarcely +had I regained recollection of the purpose that brought me hither. +Thoughts of a different tendency had such absolute possession of my +mind, that the relations of time and space were almost obliterated from +my understanding. These wanderings, however, were restrained, and I +ascended to her chamber. + +"I had no light, and might have known by external observation, that +the house was without any inhabitant. With this, however, I was +not satisfied. I entered the room, and the object of my search not +appearing, I prepared to return. + +"The darkness required some caution in descending the stair. I stretched +my hand to seize the balustrade by which I might regulate my steps. +How shall I describe the lustre, which, at that moment, burst upon my +vision! + +"I was dazzled. My organs were bereaved of their activity. My eye-lids +were half-closed, and my hands withdrawn from the balustrade. A nameless +fear chilled my veins, and I stood motionless. This irradiation did not +retire or lessen. It seemed as if some powerful effulgence covered me +like a mantle. + +"I opened my eyes and found all about me luminous and glowing. It was +the element of heaven that flowed around. Nothing but a fiery stream was +at first visible; but, anon, a shrill voice from behind called upon me +to attend. + +"I turned: It is forbidden to describe what I saw: Words, indeed, would +be wanting to the task. The lineaments of that being, whose veil was now +lifted, and whose visage beamed upon my sight, no hues of pencil or of +language can pourtray. + +"As it spoke, the accents thrilled to my heart. "Thy prayers are heard. +In proof of thy faith, render me thy wife. This is the victim I chuse. +Call her hither, and here let her fall."--The sound, and visage, and +light vanished at once. + +"What demand was this? The blood of Catharine was to be shed! My wife +was to perish by my hand! I sought opportunity to attest my virtue. +Little did I expect that a proof like this would have been demanded. + +"My wife! I exclaimed: O God! substitute some other victim. Make me +not the butcher of my wife. My own blood is cheap. This will I pour +out before thee with a willing heart; but spare, I beseech thee, this +precious life, or commission some other than her husband to perform the +bloody deed. + +"In vain. The conditions were prescribed; the decree had gone forth, and +nothing remained but to execute it. I rushed out of the house and across +the intermediate fields, and stopped not till I entered my own parlour. +"My wife had remained here during my absence, in anxious expectation of +my return with some tidings of her sister. I had none to communicate. +For a time, I was breathless with my speed: This, and the tremors +that shook my frame, and the wildness of my looks, alarmed her. She +immediately suspected some disaster to have happened to her friend, and +her own speech was as much overpowered by emotion as mine. + +"She was silent, but her looks manifested her impatience to hear what I +had to communicate. I spoke, but with so much precipitation as scarcely +to be understood; catching her, at the same time, by the arm, and +forcibly pulling her from her seat. + +"Come along with me: fly: waste not a moment: time will be lost, and the +deed will be omitted. Tarry not; question not; but fly with me! + +"This deportment added afresh to her alarms. Her eyes pursued mine, and +she said, "What is the matter? For God's sake what is the matter? Where +would you have me go?" + +"My eyes were fixed upon her countenance while she spoke. I thought +upon her virtues; I viewed her as the mother of my babes: as my wife: +I recalled the purpose for which I thus urged her attendance. My heart +faltered, and I saw that I must rouse to this work all my faculties. The +danger of the least delay was imminent. + +"I looked away from her, and again exerting my force, drew her towards +the door--'You must go with me--indeed you must.' + +"In her fright she half-resisted my efforts, and again exclaimed, 'Good +heaven! what is it you mean? Where go? What has happened? Have you found +Clara?" + +"Follow me, and you will see," I answered, still urging her reluctant +steps forward. + +"What phrenzy has seized you? Something must needs have happened. Is she +sick? Have you found her?" + +"Come and see. Follow me, and know for yourself." + +"Still she expostulated and besought me to explain this mysterious +behaviour. I could not trust myself to answer her; to look at her; but +grasping her arm, I drew her after me. She hesitated, rather through +confusion of mind than from unwillingness to accompany me. This +confusion gradually abated, and she moved forward, but with irresolute +footsteps, and continual exclamations of wonder and terror. Her +interrogations Of "what was the matter?" and "whither was I going?" were +ceaseless and vehement. + +"It was the scope of my efforts not to think; to keep up a conflict and +uproar in my mind in which all order and distinctness should be lost; +to escape from the sensations produced by her voice. I was, therefore, +silent. I strove to abridge this interval by my haste, and to waste all +my attention in furious gesticulations. + +"In this state of mind we reached my sister's door. She looked at the +windows and saw that all was desolate--"Why come we here? There is no +body here. I will not go in." + +"Still I was dumb; but opening the door, I drew her into the entry. This +was the allotted scene: here she was to fall. I let go her hand, and +pressing my palms against my forehead, made one mighty effort to work up +my soul to the deed. + +"In vain; it would not be; my courage was appalled; my arms nerveless: +I muttered prayers that my strength might be aided from above. They +availed nothing. + +"Horror diffused itself over me. This conviction of my cowardice, my +rebellion, fastened upon me, and I stood rigid and cold as marble. From +this state I was somewhat relieved by my wife's voice, who renewed her +supplications to be told why we came hither, and what was the fate of my +sister. + +"What could I answer? My words were broken and inarticulate. Her fears +naturally acquired force from the observation of these symptoms; but +these fears were misplaced. The only inference she deduced from my +conduct was, that some terrible mishap had befallen Clara. + +"She wrung her hands, and exclaimed in an agony, "O tell me, where is +she? What has become of her? Is she sick? Dead? Is she in her chamber? O +let me go thither and know the worst!" + +"This proposal set my thoughts once more in motion. Perhaps what my +rebellious heart refused to perform here, I might obtain strength enough +to execute elsewhere. + +"Come then," said I, "let us go." + +"I will, but not in the dark. We must first procure a light." + +"Fly then and procure it; but I charge you, linger not. I will await for +your return. + +"While she was gone, I strode along the entry. The fellness of a gloomy +hurricane but faintly resembled the discord that reigned in my mind. To +omit this sacrifice must not be; yet my sinews had refused to perform +it. No alternative was offered. To rebel against the mandate was +impossible; but obedience would render me the executioner of my wife. My +will was strong, but my limbs refused their office. + +"She returned with a light; I led the way to the chamber; she looked +round her; she lifted the curtain of the bed; she saw nothing. + +"At length, she fixed inquiring eyes upon me. The light now enabled her +to discover in my visage what darkness had hitherto concealed. Her +cares were now transferred from my sister to myself, and she said in +a tremulous voice, "Wieland! you are not well: What ails you? Can I do +nothing for you?" + +"That accents and looks so winning should disarm me of my resolution, +was to be expected. My thoughts were thrown anew into anarchy. I spread +my hand before my eyes that I might not see her, and answered only by +groans. She took my other hand between her's, and pressing it to her +heart, spoke with that voice which had ever swayed my will, and wafted +away sorrow. + +"My friend! my soul's friend! tell me thy cause of grief. Do I not merit +to partake with thee in thy cares? Am I not thy wife?" + +"This was too much. I broke from her embrace, and retired to a corner +of the room. In this pause, courage was once more infused into me. I +resolved to execute my duty. She followed me, and renewed her passionate +entreaties to know the cause of my distress. + +"I raised my head and regarded her with stedfast looks. I muttered +something about death, and the injunctions of my duty. At these words +she shrunk back, and looked at me with a new expression of anguish. +After a pause, she clasped her hands, and exclaimed-- + +"O Wieland! Wieland! God grant that I am mistaken; but surely something +is wrong. I see it: it is too plain: thou art undone--lost to me and +to thyself." At the same time she gazed on my features with intensest +anxiety, in hope that different symptoms would take place. I replied to +her with vehemence-- + +"Undone! No; my duty is known, and I thank my God that my cowardice is +now vanquished, and I have power to fulfil it. Catharine! I pity the +weakness of thy nature: I pity thee, but must not spare. Thy life is +claimed from my hands: thou must die!" + +"Fear was now added to her grief. 'What mean you? Why talk you of death? +Bethink yourself, Wieland: bethink yourself, and this fit will pass. O +why came I hither! Why did you drag me hither?' + +"I brought thee hither to fulfil a divine command. I am appointed thy +destroyer, and destroy thee I must." Saying this I seized her wrists. +She shrieked aloud, and endeavoured to free herself from my grasp; but +her efforts were vain. + +"Surely, surely Wieland, thou dost not mean it. Am I not thy wife? and +wouldst thou kill me? Thou wilt not; and yet--I see--thou art Wieland +no longer! A fury resistless and horrible possesses thee--Spare +me--spare--help--help--" + +"Till her breath was stopped she shrieked for help--for mercy. When +she could speak no longer, her gestures, her looks appealed to my +compassion. My accursed hand was irresolute and tremulous. I meant +thy death to be sudden, thy struggles to be brief. Alas! my heart was +infirm; my resolves mutable. Thrice I slackened my grasp, and life kept +its hold, though in the midst of pangs. Her eye-balls started from their +sockets. Grimness and distortion took place of all that used to bewitch +me into transport, and subdue me into reverence. + +"I was commissioned to kill thee, but not to torment thee with the +foresight of thy death; not to multiply thy fears, and prolong thy +agonies. Haggard, and pale, and lifeless, at length thou ceasedst to +contend with thy destiny. + +"This was a moment of triumph. Thus had I successfully subdued the +stubbornness of human passions: the victim which had been demanded was +given: the deed was done past recal. + +"I lifted the corpse in my arms and laid it on the bed. I gazed upon +it with delight. Such was the elation of my thoughts, that I even broke +into laughter. I clapped my hands and exclaimed, 'It is done! My sacred +duty is fulfilled! To that I have sacrificed, O my God! thy last and +best gift, my wife!' + +"For a while I thus soared above frailty. I imagined I had set myself +forever beyond the reach of selfishness; but my imaginations were false. +This rapture quickly subsided. I looked again at my wife. My joyous +ebullitions vanished, and I asked myself who it was whom I saw? +Methought it could not be Catharine. It could not be the woman who had +lodged for years in my heart; who had slept, nightly, in my bosom; who +had borne in her womb, who had fostered at her breast, the beings who +called me father; whom I had watched with delight, and cherished with a +fondness ever new and perpetually growing: it could not be the same. + +"Where was her bloom! These deadly and blood-suffused orbs but ill +resemble the azure and exstatic tenderness of her eyes. The lucid stream +that meandered over that bosom, the glow of love that was wont to sit +upon that cheek, are much unlike these livid stains and this hideous +deformity. Alas! these were the traces of agony; the gripe of the +assassin had been here! + +"I will not dwell upon my lapse into desperate and outrageous sorrow. +The breath of heaven that sustained me was withdrawn and I sunk into +MERE MAN. I leaped from the floor: I dashed my head against the wall: +I uttered screams of horror: I panted after torment and pain. Eternal +fire, and the bickerings of hell, compared with what I felt, were music +and a bed of roses. + +"I thank my God that this degeneracy was transient, that he deigned once +more to raise me aloft. I thought upon what I had done as a sacrifice to +duty, and WAS CALM. My wife was dead; but I reflected, that though this +source of human consolation was closed, yet others were still open. If +the transports of an husband were no more, the feelings of a father had +still scope for exercise. When remembrance of their mother should excite +too keen a pang, I would look upon them, and BE COMFORTED. + +"While I revolved these ideas, new warmth flowed in upon my heart--I was +wrong. These feelings were the growth of selfishness. Of this I was +not aware, and to dispel the mist that obscured my perceptions, a new +effulgence and a new mandate were necessary. + +"From these thoughts I was recalled by a ray that was shot into the +room. A voice spake like that which I had before heard--'Thou hast done +well; but all is not done--the sacrifice is incomplete--thy children +must be offered--they must perish with their mother!--'" + + + +Chapter XX + + +Will you wonder that I read no farther? Will you not rather be +astonished that I read thus far? What power supported me through such a +task I know not. Perhaps the doubt from which I could not disengage +my mind, that the scene here depicted was a dream, contributed to my +perseverance. In vain the solemn introduction of my uncle, his appeals +to my fortitude, and allusions to something monstrous in the events +he was about to disclose; in vain the distressful perplexity, the +mysterious silence and ambiguous answers of my attendants, especially +when the condition of my brother was the theme of my inquiries, were +remembered. I recalled the interview with Wieland in my chamber, his +preternatural tranquillity succeeded by bursts of passion and menacing +actions. All these coincided with the tenor of this paper. + +Catharine and her children, and Louisa were dead. The act that destroyed +them was, in the highest degree, inhuman. It was worthy of savages +trained to murder, and exulting in agonies. + +Who was the performer of the deed? Wieland! My brother! The husband +and the father! That man of gentle virtues and invincible benignity! +placable and mild--an idolator of peace! Surely, said I, it is a dream. +For many days have I been vexed with frenzy. Its dominion is still felt; +but new forms are called up to diversify and augment my torments. + +The paper dropped from my hand, and my eyes followed it. I shrunk back, +as if to avoid some petrifying influence that approached me. My tongue +was mute; all the functions of nature were at a stand, and I sunk upon +the floor lifeless. The noise of my fall, as I afterwards heard, alarmed +my uncle, who was in a lower apartment, and whose apprehensions had +detained him. He hastened to my chamber, and administered the assistance +which my condition required. When I opened my eyes I beheld him before +me. His skill as a reasoner as well as a physician, was exerted to +obviate the injurious effects of this disclosure; but he had wrongly +estimated the strength of my body or of my mind. This new shock brought +me once more to the brink of the grave, and my malady was much more +difficult to subdue than at first. + +I will not dwell upon the long train of dreary sensations, and the +hideous confusion of my understanding. Time slowly restored its +customary firmness to my frame, and order to my thoughts. The images +impressed upon my mind by this fatal paper were somewhat effaced by my +malady. They were obscure and disjointed like the parts of a dream. I +was desirous of freeing my imagination from this chaos. For this end I +questioned my uncle, who was my constant companion. He was intimidated +by the issue of his first experiment, and took pains to elude or +discourage my inquiry. My impetuosity some times compelled him to have +resort to misrepresentations and untruths. + +Time effected that end, perhaps, in a more beneficial manner. In the +course of my meditations the recollections of the past gradually became +more distinct. I revolved them, however, in silence, and being no longer +accompanied with surprize, they did not exercise a death-dealing +power. I had discontinued the perusal of the paper in the midst of +the narrative; but what I read, combined with information elsewhere +obtained, threw, perhaps, a sufficient light upon these detestable +transactions; yet my curiosity was not inactive. I desired to peruse the +remainder. + +My eagerness to know the particulars of this tale was mingled and abated +by my antipathy to the scene which would be disclosed. Hence I employed +no means to effect my purpose. I desired knowledge, and, at the same +time, shrunk back from receiving the boon. + +One morning, being left alone, I rose from my bed, and went to a drawer +where my finer clothing used to be kept. I opened it, and this fatal +paper saluted my sight. I snatched it involuntarily, and withdrew to a +chair. I debated, for a few minutes, whether I should open and read. Now +that my fortitude was put to trial, it failed. I felt myself incapable +of deliberately surveying a scene of so much horror. I was prompted to +return it to its place, but this resolution gave way, and I determined +to peruse some part of it. I turned over the leaves till I came near the +conclusion. The narrative of the criminal was finished. The verdict of +GUILTY reluctantly pronounced by the jury, and the accused interrogated +why sentence of death should not pass. The answer was brief, solemn, and +emphatical. + +"No. I have nothing to say. My tale has been told. My motives have +been truly stated. If my judges are unable to discern the purity of my +intentions, or to credit the statement of them, which I have just made; +if they see not that my deed was enjoined by heaven; that obedience was +the test of perfect virtue, and the extinction of selfishness and error, +they must pronounce me a murderer. + +"They refuse to credit my tale; they impute my acts to the influence of +daemons; they account me an example of the highest wickedness of which +human nature is capable; they doom me to death and infamy. Have I power +to escape this evil? If I have, be sure I will exert it. I will not +accept evil at their hand, when I am entitled to good; I will suffer +only when I cannot elude suffering. + +"You say that I am guilty. Impious and rash! thus to usurp the +prerogatives of your Maker! to set up your bounded views and halting +reason, as the measure of truth! + +"Thou, Omnipotent and Holy! Thou knowest that my actions were +conformable to thy will. I know not what is crime; what actions are +evil in their ultimate and comprehensive tendency or what are good. Thy +knowledge, as thy power, is unlimited. I have taken thee for my guide, +and cannot err. To the arms of thy protection, I entrust my safety. In +the awards of thy justice, I confide for my recompense. + +"Come death when it will, I am safe. Let calumny and abhorrence pursue +me among men; I shall not be defrauded of my dues. The peace of virtue, +and the glory of obedience, will be my portion hereafter." + +Here ended the speaker. I withdrew my eyes from the page; but before I +had time to reflect on what I had read, Mr. Cambridge entered the +room. He quickly perceived how I had been employed, and betrayed some +solicitude respecting the condition of my mind. + +His fears, however, were superfluous. What I had read, threw me into a +state not easily described. Anguish and fury, however, had no part in +it. My faculties were chained up in wonder and awe. Just then, I was +unable to speak. I looked at my friend with an air of inquisitiveness, +and pointed at the roll. He comprehended my inquiry, and answered me +with looks of gloomy acquiescence. After some time, my thoughts found +their way to my lips. + +Such then were the acts of my brother. Such were his words. For this +he was condemned to die: To die upon the gallows! A fate, cruel and +unmerited! And is it so? continued I, struggling for utterance, which +this new idea made difficult; is he--dead! + +"No. He is alive. There could be no doubt as to the cause of these +excesses. They originated in sudden madness; but that madness continues. +and he is condemned to perpetual imprisonment." + +"Madness, say you? Are you sure? Were not these sights, and these +sounds, really seen and heard?" + +My uncle was surprized at my question. He looked at me with apparent +inquietude. "Can you doubt," said he, "that these were illusions? Does +heaven, think you, interfere for such ends?" + +"O no; I think it not. Heaven cannot stimulate to such unheard-of +outrage. The agent was not good, but evil." + +"Nay, my dear girl," said my friend, "lay aside these fancies. Neither +angel nor devil had any part in this affair." + +"You misunderstand me," I answered; "I believe the agency to be external +and real, but not supernatural." + +"Indeed!" said he, in an accent of surprize. "Whom do you then suppose +to be the agent?" + +"I know not. All is wildering conjecture. I cannot forget Carwin. I +cannot banish the suspicion that he was the setter of these snares. But +how can we suppose it to be madness? Did insanity ever before assume +this form?" + +"Frequently. The illusion, in this case, was more dreadful in its +consequences, than any that has come to my knowledge; but, I repeat that +similar illusions are not rare. Did you never hear of an instance which +occurred in your mother's family?" + +"No. I beseech you relate it. My grandfather's death I have understood +to have been extraordinary, but I know not in what respect. A brother, +to whom he was much attached, died in his youth, and this, as I have +heard, influenced, in some remarkable way, the fate of my grandfather; +but I am unacquainted with particulars." + +"On the death of that brother," resumed my friend, "my father was seized +with dejection, which was found to flow from two sources. He not only +grieved for the loss of a friend, but entertained the belief that his +own death would be inevitably consequent on that of his brother. He +waited from day to day in expectation of the stroke which he predicted +was speedily to fall upon him. Gradually, however, he recovered his +cheerfulness and confidence. He married, and performed his part in +the world with spirit and activity. At the end of twenty-one years it +happened that he spent the summer with his family at an house which he +possessed on the sea coast in Cornwall. It was at no great distance +from a cliff which overhung the ocean, and rose into the air to a great +height. The summit was level and secure, and easily ascended on the land +side. The company frequently repaired hither in clear weather, invited +by its pure airs and extensive prospects. One evening in June my father, +with his wife and some friends, chanced to be on this spot. Every one +was happy, and my father's imagination seemed particularly alive to the +grandeur of the scenery. + +"Suddenly, however, his limbs trembled and his features betrayed alarm. +He threw himself into the attitude of one listening. He gazed earnestly +in a direction in which nothing was visible to his friends. This lasted +for a minute; then turning to his companions, he told them that his +brother had just delivered to him a summons, which must be instantly +obeyed. He then took an hasty and solemn leave of each person, and, +before their surprize would allow them to understand the scene, he +rushed to the edge of the cliff, threw himself headlong, and was seen no +more. + +"In the course of my practice in the German army, many cases, equally +remarkable, have occurred. Unquestionably the illusions were maniacal, +though the vulgar thought otherwise. They are all reducible to one +class, [*] and are not more difficult of explication and cure than most +affections of our frame." + +This opinion my uncle endeavoured, by various means, to impress upon me. +I listened to his reasonings and illustrations with silent respect. My +astonishment was great on finding proofs of an influence of which I +had supposed there were no examples; but I was far from accounting for +appearances in my uncle's manner. Ideas thronged into my mind which I +was unable to disjoin or to regulate. I reflected that this madness, +if madness it were, had affected Pleyel and myself as well as Wieland. +Pleyel had heard a mysterious voice. I had seen and heard. A form had +showed itself to me as well as to Wieland. The disclosure had been +made in the same spot. The appearance was equally complete and equally +prodigious in both instances. Whatever supposition I should adopt, had +I not equal reason to tremble? What was my security against influences +equally terrific and equally irresistable? + +It would be vain to attempt to describe the state of mind which this +idea produced. I wondered at the change which a moment had affected +in my brother's condition. Now was I stupified with tenfold wonder in +contemplating myself. Was I not likewise transformed from rational and +human into a creature of nameless and fearful attributes? Was I not +transported to the brink of the same abyss? Ere a new day should come, +my hands might be embrued in blood, and my remaining life be consigned +to a dungeon and chains. + +With moral sensibility like mine, no wonder that this new dread was more +insupportable than the anguish I had lately endured. Grief carries its +own antidote along with it. When thought becomes merely a vehicle of +pain, its progress must be stopped. Death is a cure which nature or +ourselves must administer: To this cure I now looked forward with gloomy +satisfaction. + +My silence could not conceal from my uncle the state of my thoughts. +He made unwearied efforts to divert my attention from views so +pregnant with danger. His efforts, aided by time, were in some measure +successful. Confidence in the strength of my resolution, and in the +healthful state of my faculties, was once more revived. I was able +to devote my thoughts to my brother's state, and the causes of this +disasterous proceeding. + +My opinions were the sport of eternal change. Some times I conceived the +apparition to be more than human. I had no grounds on which to build a +disbelief. I could not deny faith to the evidence of my religion; +the testimony of men was loud and unanimous: both these concurred +to persuade me that evil spirits existed, and that their energy was +frequently exerted in the system of the world. + +These ideas connected themselves with the image of Carwin. Where is the +proof, said I, that daemons may not be subjected to the controul of men? +This truth may be distorted and debased in the minds of the ignorant. +The dogmas of the vulgar, with regard to this subject, are glaringly +absurd; but though these may justly be neglected by the wise, we are +scarcely justified in totally rejecting the possibility that men may +obtain supernatural aid. + +The dreams of superstition are worthy of contempt. Witchcraft, its +instruments and miracles, the compact ratified by a bloody signature, +the apparatus of sulpherous smells and thundering explosions, are +monstrous and chimerical. These have no part in the scene over which the +genius of Carwin presides. That conscious beings, dissimilar from human, +but moral and voluntary agents as we are, some where exist, can scarcely +be denied. That their aid may be employed to benign or malignant +purposes, cannot be disproved. + +Darkness rests upon the designs of this man. The extent of his power is +unknown; but is there not evidence that it has been now exerted? + +I recurred to my own experience. Here Carwin had actually appeared upon +the stage; but this was in a human character. A voice and a form were +discovered; but one was apparently exerted, and the other disclosed, not +to befriend, but to counteract Carwin's designs. There were tokens of +hostility, and not of alliance, between them. Carwin was the miscreant +whose projects were resisted by a minister of heaven. How can this be +reconciled to the stratagem which ruined my brother? There the agency +was at once preternatural and malignant. + +The recollection of this fact led my thoughts into a new channel. The +malignity of that influence which governed my brother had hitherto been +no subject of doubt. His wife and children were destroyed; they had +expired in agony and fear; yet was it indisputably certain that their +murderer was criminal? He was acquitted at the tribunal of his own +conscience; his behaviour at his trial and since, was faithfully +reported to me; appearances were uniform; not for a moment did he lay +aside the majesty of virtue; he repelled all invectives by appealing to +the deity, and to the tenor of his past life; surely there was truth in +this appeal: none but a command from heaven could have swayed his will; +and nothing but unerring proof of divine approbation could sustain his +mind in its present elevation. + + + * Mania Mutabilis. See Darwin's Zoonomia, vol. ii. Class III. + 1.2. where similar cases are stated. + + + +Chapter XXI + + +Such, for some time, was the course of my meditations. My weakness, and +my aversion to be pointed at as an object of surprize or compassion, +prevented me from going into public. I studiously avoided the visits of +those who came to express their sympathy, or gratify their curiosity. +My uncle was my principal companion. Nothing more powerfully tended to +console me than his conversation. + +With regard to Pleyel, my feelings seemed to have undergone a total +revolution. It often happens that one passion supplants another. Late +disasters had rent my heart, and now that the wound was in some degree +closed, the love which I had cherished for this man seemed likewise to +have vanished. + +Hitherto, indeed, I had had no cause for despair. I was innocent of that +offence which had estranged him from my presence. I might reasonably +expect that my innocence would at some time be irresistably +demonstrated, and his affection for me be revived with his esteem. Now +my aversion to be thought culpable by him continued, but was unattended +with the same impatience. I desired the removal of his suspicions, +not for the sake of regaining his love, but because I delighted in the +veneration of so excellent a man, and because he himself would derive +pleasure from conviction of my integrity. + +My uncle had early informed me that Pleyel and he had seen each other, +since the return of the latter from Europe. Amidst the topics of their +conversation, I discovered that Pleyel had carefully omitted the mention +of those events which had drawn upon me so much abhorrence. I could +not account for his silence on this subject. Perhaps time or some new +discovery had altered or shaken his opinion. Perhaps he was unwilling, +though I were guilty, to injure me in the opinion of my venerable +kinsman. I understood that he had frequently visited me during +my disease, had watched many successive nights by my bedside, and +manifested the utmost anxiety on my account. + +The journey which he was preparing to take, at the termination of our +last interview, the catastrophe of the ensuing night induced him to +delay. The motives of this journey I had, till now, totally mistaken. +They were explained to me by my uncle, whose tale excited my +astonishment without awakening my regret. In a different state of mind, +it would have added unspeakably to my distress, but now it was more +a source of pleasure than pain. This, perhaps, is not the least +extraordinary of the facts contained in this narrative. It will excite +less wonder when I add, that my indifference was temporary, and that the +lapse of a few days shewed me that my feelings were deadened for a time, +rather than finally extinguished. + +Theresa de Stolberg was alive. She had conceived the resolution of +seeking her lover in America. To conceal her flight, she had caused the +report of her death to be propagated. She put herself under the conduct +of Bertrand, the faithful servant of Pleyel. The pacquet which the +latter received from the hands of his servant, contained the tidings of +her safe arrival at Boston, and to meet her there was the purpose of his +journey. + +This discovery had set this man's character in a new light. I had +mistaken the heroism of friendship for the phrenzy of love. He who +had gained my affections, may be supposed to have previously entitled +himself to my reverence; but the levity which had formerly characterized +the behaviour of this man, tended to obscure the greatness of his +sentiments. I did not fail to remark, that since this lady was still +alive, the voice in the temple which asserted her death, must either +have been intended to deceive, or have been itself deceived. The latter +supposition was inconsistent with the notion of a spiritual, and the +former with that of a benevolent being. + +When my disease abated, Pleyel had forborne his visits, and had lately +set out upon this journey. This amounted to a proof that my guilt was +still believed by him. I was grieved for his errors, but trusted that my +vindication would, sooner or later, be made. + +Meanwhile, tumultuous thoughts were again set afloat by a proposal +made to me by my uncle. He imagined that new airs would restore my +languishing constitution, and a varied succession of objects tend to +repair the shock which my mind had received. For this end, he proposed +to me to take up my abode with him in France or Italy. + +At a more prosperous period, this scheme would have pleased for its own +sake. Now my heart sickened at the prospect of nature. The world of man +was shrowded in misery and blood, and constituted a loathsome spectacle. +I willingly closed my eyes in sleep, and regretted that the respite it +afforded me was so short. I marked with satisfaction the progress of +decay in my frame, and consented to live, merely in the hope that +the course of nature would speedily relieve me from the burthen. +Nevertheless, as he persisted in his scheme, I concurred in it merely +because he was entitled to my gratitude, and because my refusal gave him +pain. + +No sooner was he informed of my consent, than he told me I must make +immediate preparation to embark, as the ship in which he had engaged +a passage would be ready to depart in three days. This expedition was +unexpected. There was an impatience in his manner when he urged the +necessity of dispatch that excited my surprize. When I questioned him as +to the cause of this haste, he generally stated reasons which, at +that time, I could not deny to be plausible; but which, on the review, +appeared insufficient. I suspected that the true motives were concealed, +and believed that these motives had some connection with my brother's +destiny. + +I now recollected that the information respecting Wieland which had, +from time to time, been imparted to me, was always accompanied with airs +of reserve and mysteriousness. What had appeared sufficiently explicit +at the time it was uttered, I now remembered to have been faltering +and ambiguous. I was resolved to remove my doubts, by visiting the +unfortunate man in his dungeon. + +Heretofore the idea of this visit had occurred to me; but the horrors +of his dwelling-place, his wild yet placid physiognomy, his neglected +locks, the fetters which constrained his limbs, terrible as they were in +description, how could I endure to behold! + +Now, however, that I was preparing to take an everlasting farewell of my +country, now that an ocean was henceforth to separate me from him, how +could I part without an interview? I would examine his situation with my +own eyes. I would know whether the representations which had been made +to me were true. Perhaps the sight of the sister whom he was wont +to love with a passion more than fraternal, might have an auspicious +influence on his malady. + +Having formed this resolution, I waited to communicate it to Mr. +Cambridge. I was aware that, without his concurrence, I could not hope +to carry it into execution, and could discover no objection to which +it was liable. If I had not been deceived as to his condition, no +inconvenience could arise from this proceeding. His consent, therefore, +would be the test of his sincerity. + +I seized this opportunity to state my wishes on this head. My suspicions +were confirmed by the manner in which my request affected him. After +some pause, in which his countenance betrayed every mark of perplexity, +he said to me, "Why would you pay this visit? What useful purpose can it +serve?" + +"We are preparing," said I, "to leave the country forever: What kind of +being should I be to leave behind me a brother in calamity without even +a parting interview? Indulge me for three minutes in the sight of him. +My heart will be much easier after I have looked at him, and shed a few +tears in his presence." + +"I believe otherwise. The sight of him would only augment your distress, +without contributing, in any degree, to his benefit." + +"I know not that," returned I. "Surely the sympathy of his sister, +proofs that her tenderness is as lively as ever, must be a source +of satisfaction to him. At present he must regard all mankind as his +enemies and calumniators. His sister he, probably, conceives to partake +in the general infatuation, and to join in the cry of abhorrence that +is raised against him. To be undeceived in this respect, to be assured +that, however I may impute his conduct to delusion, I still retain all +my former affection for his person, and veneration for the purity of his +motives, cannot but afford him pleasure. When he hears that I have left +the country, without even the ceremonious attention of a visit, what +will he think of me? His magnanimity may hinder him from repining, but +he will surely consider my behaviour as savage and unfeeling. Indeed, +dear Sir, I must pay this visit. To embark with you without paying it, +will be impossible. It may be of no service to him, but will enable me +to acquit myself of what I cannot but esteem a duty. Besides," continued +I, "if it be a mere fit of insanity that has seized him, may not my +presence chance to have a salutary influence? The mere sight of me, it +is not impossible, may rectify his perceptions." + +"Ay," said my uncle, with some eagerness; "it is by no means impossible +that your interview may have that effect; and for that reason, beyond +all others, would I dissuade you from it." + +I expressed my surprize at this declaration. "Is it not to be desired +that an error so fatal as this should be rectified?" + +"I wonder at your question. Reflect on the consequences of this error. +Has he not destroyed the wife whom he loved, the children whom he +idolized? What is it that enables him to bear the remembrance, but the +belief that he acted as his duty enjoined? Would you rashly bereave him +of this belief? Would you restore him to himself, and convince him +that he was instigated to this dreadful outrage by a perversion of his +organs, or a delusion from hell? + +"Now his visions are joyous and elate. He conceives himself to have +reached a loftier degree of virtue, than any other human being. The +merit of his sacrifice is only enhanced in the eyes of superior beings, +by the detestation that pursues him here, and the sufferings to which he +is condemned. The belief that even his sister has deserted him, and +gone over to his enemies, adds to his sublimity of feelings, and his +confidence in divine approbation and future recompense. + +"Let him be undeceived in this respect, and what floods of despair and +of horror will overwhelm him! Instead of glowing approbation and serene +hope, will he not hate and torture himself? Self-violence, or a phrenzy +far more savage and destructive than this, may be expected to succeed. I +beseech you, therefore, to relinquish this scheme. If you calmly reflect +upon it, you will discover that your duty lies in carefully shunning +him." + +Mr. Cambridge's reasonings suggested views to my understanding, that had +not hitherto occurred. I could not but admit their validity, but they +shewed, in a new light, the depth of that misfortune in which my brother +was plunged. I was silent and irresolute. + +Presently, I considered, that whether Wieland was a maniac, a faithful +servant of his God, the victim of hellish illusions, or the dupe of +human imposture, was by no means certain. In this state of my mind it +became me to be silent during the visit that I projected. This visit +should be brief: I should be satisfied merely to snatch a look at him. +Admitting that a change in his opinions were not to be desired, there +was no danger from the conduct which I should pursue, that this change +should be wrought. + +But I could not conquer my uncle's aversion to this scheme. Yet I +persisted, and he found that to make me voluntarily relinquish it, it +was necessary to be more explicit than he had hitherto been. He took +both my hands, and anxiously examining my countenance as he spoke, +"Clara," said he, "this visit must not be paid. We must hasten with the +utmost expedition from this shore. It is folly to conceal the truth +from you, and, since it is only by disclosing the truth that you can be +prevailed upon to lay aside this project, the truth shall be told. + +"O my dear girl!" continued he with increasing energy in his accent, +"your brother's phrenzy is, indeed, stupendous and frightful. The soul +that formerly actuated his frame has disappeared. The same form remains; +but the wise and benevolent Wieland is no more. A fury that is rapacious +of blood, that lifts his strength almost above that of mortals, that +bends all his energies to the destruction of whatever was once dear to +him, possesses him wholly. + +"You must not enter his dungeon; his eyes will no sooner be fixed upon +you, than an exertion of his force will be made. He will shake off his +fetters in a moment, and rush upon you. No interposition will then be +strong or quick enough to save you. + +"The phantom that has urged him to the murder of Catharine and her +children is not yet appeased. Your life, and that of Pleyel, are exacted +from him by this imaginary being. He is eager to comply with this +demand. Twice he has escaped from his prison. The first time, he no +sooner found himself at liberty, than he hasted to Pleyel's house. It +being midnight, the latter was in bed. Wieland penetrated unobserved +to his chamber, and opened his curtain. Happily, Pleyel awoke at the +critical moment, and escaped the fury of his kinsman, by leaping from +his chamber-window into the court. Happily, he reached the ground +without injury. Alarms were given, and after diligent search, your +brother was found in a chamber of your house, whither, no doubt, he +had sought you. His chains, and the watchfulness of his guards, were +redoubled; but again, by some miracle, he restored himself to liberty. +He was now incautiously apprized of the place of your abode: and had not +information of his escape been instantly given, your death would have +been added to the number of his atrocious acts. + +"You now see the danger of your project. You must not only forbear to +visit him, but if you would save him from the crime of embruing his +hands in your blood, you must leave the country. There is no hope that +his malady will end but with his life, and no precaution will ensure +your safety, but that of placing the ocean between you. + +"I confess I came over with an intention to reside among you, but +these disasters have changed my views. Your own safety and my happiness +require that you should accompany me in my return, and I entreat you to +give your cheerful concurrence to this measure." + +After these representations from my uncle, it was impossible to retain +my purpose. I readily consented to seclude myself from Wieland's +presence. I likewise acquiesced in the proposal to go to Europe; not +that I ever expected to arrive there, but because, since my principles +forbad me to assail my own life, change had some tendency to make +supportable the few days which disease should spare to me. + +What a tale had thus been unfolded! I was hunted to death, not by +one whom my misconduct had exasperated, who was conscious of illicit +motives, and who sought his end by circumvention and surprize; but by +one who deemed himself commissioned for this act by heaven; who +regarded this career of horror as the last refinement of virtue; whose +implacability was proportioned to the reverence and love which he felt +for me, and who was inaccessible to the fear of punishment and ignominy! + +In vain should I endeavour to stay his hand by urging the claims of +a sister or friend: these were his only reasons for pursuing my +destruction. Had I been a stranger to his blood; had I been the most +worthless of human kind; my safety had not been endangered. + +Surely, said I, my fate is without example. The phrenzy which is charged +upon my brother, must belong to myself. My foe is manacled and guarded; +but I derive no security from these restraints. I live not in a +community of savages; yet, whether I sit or walk, go into crouds, +or hide myself in solitude, my life is marked for a prey to inhuman +violence; I am in perpetual danger of perishing; of perishing under the +grasp of a brother! + +I recollected the omens of this destiny; I remembered the gulf to which +my brother's invitation had conducted me; I remembered that, when on the +brink of danger, the author of my peril was depicted by my fears in +his form: Thus realized, were the creatures of prophetic sleep, and of +wakeful terror! + +These images were unavoidably connected with that of Carwin. In +this paroxysm of distress, my attention fastened on him as the grand +deceiver; the author of this black conspiracy; the intelligence that +governed in this storm. + +Some relief is afforded in the midst of suffering, when its author is +discovered or imagined; and an object found on which we may pour out +our indignation and our vengeance. I ran over the events that had taken +place since the origin of our intercourse with him, and reflected on the +tenor of that description which was received from Ludloe. Mixed up with +notions of supernatural agency, were the vehement suspicions which I +entertained, that Carwin was the enemy whose machinations had destroyed +us. + +I thirsted for knowledge and for vengeance. I regarded my hasty +departure with reluctance, since it would remove me from the means by +which this knowledge might be obtained, and this vengeance gratified. +This departure was to take place in two days. At the end of two days +I was to bid an eternal adieu to my native country. Should I not pay a +parting visit to the scene of these disasters? Should I not bedew with +my tears the graves of my sister and her children? Should I not explore +their desolate habitation, and gather from the sight of its walls and +furniture food for my eternal melancholy? + +This suggestion was succeeded by a secret shuddering. Some disastrous +influence appeared to overhang the scene. How many memorials should I +meet with serving to recall the images of those I had lost! + +I was tempted to relinquish my design, when it occurred to me that I +had left among my papers a journal of transactions in shorthand. I +was employed in this manuscript on that night when Pleyel's incautious +curiosity tempted him to look over my shoulder. I was then recording my +adventure in THE RECESS, an imperfect sight of which led him into such +fatal errors. + +I had regulated the disposition of all my property. This manuscript, +however, which contained the most secret transactions of my life, I was +desirous of destroying. For this end I must return to my house, and this +I immediately determined to do. + +I was not willing to expose myself to opposition from my friends, +by mentioning my design; I therefore bespoke the use of Mr. Hallet's +chaise, under pretence of enjoying an airing, as the day was remarkably +bright. + +This request was gladly complied with, and I directed the servant to +conduct me to Mettingen. I dismissed him at the gate, intending to use, +in returning, a carriage belonging to my brother. + + + +Chapter XXII + + +The inhabitants of the HUT received me with a mixture of joy and +surprize. Their homely welcome, and their artless sympathy, were +grateful to my feelings. In the midst of their inquiries, as to my +health, they avoided all allusions to the source of my malady. They were +honest creatures, and I loved them well. I participated in the tears +which they shed when I mentioned to them my speedy departure for Europe, +and promised to acquaint them with my welfare during my long absence. + +They expressed great surprize when I informed them of my intention to +visit my cottage. Alarm and foreboding overspread their features, and +they attempted to dissuade me from visiting an house which they firmly +believed to be haunted by a thousand ghastly apparitions. + +These apprehensions, however, had no power over my conduct. I took an +irregular path which led me to my own house. All was vacant and forlorn. +A small enclosure, near which the path led, was the burying-ground +belonging to the family. This I was obliged to pass. Once I had intended +to enter it, and ponder on the emblems and inscriptions which my uncle +had caused to be made on the tombs of Catharine and her children; but +now my heart faltered as I approached, and I hastened forward, that +distance might conceal it from my view. + +When I approached the recess, my heart again sunk. I averted my eyes, +and left it behind me as quickly as possible. Silence reigned through +my habitation, and a darkness which closed doors and shutters produced. +Every object was connected with mine or my brother's history. I passed +the entry, mounted the stair, and unlocked the door of my chamber. +It was with difficulty that I curbed my fancy and smothered my fears. +Slight movements and casual sounds were transformed into beckoning +shadows and calling shapes. + +I proceeded to the closet. I opened and looked round it with +fearfulness. All things were in their accustomed order. I sought and +found the manuscript where I was used to deposit it. This being secured, +there was nothing to detain me; yet I stood and contemplated awhile the +furniture and walls of my chamber. I remembered how long this apartment +had been a sweet and tranquil asylum; I compared its former state with +its present dreariness, and reflected that I now beheld it for the last +time. + +Here it was that the incomprehensible behaviour of Carwin was witnessed: +this the stage on which that enemy of man shewed himself for a moment +unmasked. Here the menaces of murder were wafted to my ear; and here +these menaces were executed. + +These thoughts had a tendency to take from me my self-command. My feeble +limbs refused to support me, and I sunk upon a chair. Incoherent and +half-articulate exclamations escaped my lips. The name of Carwin was +uttered, and eternal woes, woes like that which his malice had entailed +upon us, were heaped upon him. I invoked all-seeing heaven to drag to +light and to punish this betrayer, and accused its providence for having +thus long delayed the retribution that was due to so enormous a guilt. + +I have said that the window shutters were closed. A feeble light, +however, found entrance through the crevices. A small window illuminated +the closet, and the door being closed, a dim ray streamed through +the key-hole. A kind of twilight was thus created, sufficient for the +purposes of vision; but, at the same time, involving all minuter objects +in obscurity. + +This darkness suited the colour of my thoughts. I sickened at the +remembrance of the past. The prospect of the future excited my loathing. +I muttered in a low voice, Why should I live longer? Why should I drag a +miserable being? All, for whom I ought to live, have perished. Am I not +myself hunted to death? + +At that moment, my despair suddenly became vigorous. My nerves were no +longer unstrung. My powers, that had long been deadened, were revived. +My bosom swelled with a sudden energy, and the conviction darted through +my mind, that to end my torments was, at once, practicable and wise. + +I knew how to find way to the recesses of life. I could use a lancet +with some skill, and could distinguish between vein and artery. By +piercing deep into the latter, I should shun the evils which the future +had in store for me, and take refuge from my woes in quiet death. + +I started on my feet, for my feebleness was gone, and hasted to the +closet. A lancet and other small instruments were preserved in a +case which I had deposited here. Inattentive as I was to foreign +considerations, my ears were still open to any sound of mysterious +import that should occur. I thought I heard a step in the entry. My +purpose was suspended, and I cast an eager glance at my chamber door, +which was open. No one appeared, unless the shadow which I discerned +upon the floor, was the outline of a man. If it were, I was authorized +to suspect that some one was posted close to the entrance, who possibly +had overheard my exclamations. + +My teeth chattered, and a wild confusion took place of my momentary +calm. Thus it was when a terrific visage had disclosed itself on a +former night. Thus it was when the evil destiny of Wieland assumed the +lineaments of something human. What horrid apparition was preparing to +blast my sight? + +Still I listened and gazed. Not long, for the shadow moved; a foot, +unshapely and huge, was thrust forward; a form advanced from its +concealment, and stalked into the room. It was Carwin! While I had +breath I shrieked. While I had power over my muscles, I motioned with +my hand that he should vanish. My exertions could not last long; I sunk +into a fit. + +O that this grateful oblivion had lasted for ever! Too quickly I +recovered my senses. The power of distinct vision was no sooner restored +to me, than this hateful form again presented itself, and I once more +relapsed. + +A second time, untoward nature recalled me from the sleep of death. +I found myself stretched upon the bed. When I had power to look up, I +remembered only that I had cause to fear. My distempered fancy fashioned +to itself no distinguishable image. I threw a languid glance round me; +once more my eyes lighted upon Carwin. + +He was seated on the floor, his back rested against the wall, his knees +were drawn up, and his face was buried in his hands. That his station +was at some distance, that his attitude was not menacing, that his +ominous visage was concealed, may account for my now escaping a shock, +violent as those which were past. I withdrew my eyes, but was not again +deserted by my senses. + +On perceiving that I had recovered my sensibility, he lifted his head. +This motion attracted my attention. His countenance was mild, but sorrow +and astonishment sat upon his features. I averted my eyes and feebly +exclaimed--"O! fly--fly far and for ever!--I cannot behold you and +live!" + +He did not rise upon his feet, but clasped his hands, and said in a +tone of deprecation--"I will fly. I am become a fiend, the sight of whom +destroys. Yet tell me my offence! You have linked curses with my name; +you ascribe to me a malice monstrous and infernal. I look around; all +is loneliness and desert! This house and your brother's are solitary and +dismantled! You die away at the sight of me! My fear whispers that some +deed of horror has been perpetrated; that I am the undesigning cause." + +What language was this? Had he not avowed himself a ravisher? Had not +this chamber witnessed his atrocious purposes? I besought him with new +vehemence to go. + +He lifted his eyes--"Great heaven! what have I done? I think I know +the extent of my offences. I have acted, but my actions have possibly +effected more than I designed. This fear has brought me back from my +retreat. I come to repair the evil of which my rashness was the cause, +and to prevent more evil. I come to confess my errors." + +"Wretch!" I cried when my suffocating emotions would permit me to speak, +"the ghosts of my sister and her children, do they not rise to accuse +thee? Who was it that blasted the intellects of Wieland? Who was it +that urged him to fury, and guided him to murder? Who, but thou and the +devil, with whom thou art confederated?" + +At these words a new spirit pervaded his countenance. His eyes once more +appealed to heaven. "If I have memory, if I have being, I am innocent. I +intended no ill; but my folly, indirectly and remotely, may have caused +it; but what words are these! Your brother lunatic! His children dead!" + +What should I infer from this deportment? Was the ignorance which these +words implied real or pretended?--Yet how could I imagine a mere human +agency in these events? But if the influence was preternatural or +maniacal in my brother's case, they must be equally so in my own. Then +I remembered that the voice exerted, was to save me from Carwin's +attempts. These ideas tended to abate my abhorrence of this man, and to +detect the absurdity of my accusations. + +"Alas!" said I, "I have no one to accuse. Leave me to my fate. Fly from +a scene stained with cruelty; devoted to despair." + +Carwin stood for a time musing and mournful. At length he said, "What +has happened? I came to expiate my crimes: let me know them in their +full extent. I have horrible forebodings! What has happened?" + +I was silent; but recollecting the intimation given by this man when he +was detected in my closet, which implied some knowledge of that power +which interfered in my favor, I eagerly inquired, "What was that voice +which called upon me to hold when I attempted to open the closet? What +face was that which I saw at the bottom of the stairs? Answer me truly." + +"I came to confess the truth. Your allusions are horrible and strange. +Perhaps I have but faint conceptions of the evils which my infatuation +has produced; but what remains I will perform. It was my VOICE that you +heard! It was my FACE that you saw!" + +For a moment I doubted whether my remembrance of events were not +confused. How could he be at once stationed at my shoulder and shut up +in my closet? How could he stand near me and yet be invisible? But if +Carwin's were the thrilling voice and the fiery visage which I had heard +and seen, then was he the prompter of my brother, and the author of +these dismal outrages. + +Once more I averted my eyes and struggled for speech. "Begone! thou man +of mischief! Remorseless and implacable miscreant! begone!" + +"I will obey," said he in a disconsolate voice; "yet, wretch as I am, +am I unworthy to repair the evils that I have committed? I came as a +repentant criminal. It is you whom I have injured, and at your bar am +I willing to appear, and confess and expiate my crimes. I have deceived +you: I have sported with your terrors: I have plotted to destroy your +reputation. I come now to remove your errors; to set you beyond the +reach of similar fears; to rebuild your fame as far as I am able. + +"This is the amount of my guilt, and this the fruit of my remorse. Will +you not hear me? Listen to my confession, and then denounce punishment. +All I ask is a patient audience." + +"What!" I replied, "was not thine the voice that commanded my brother to +imbrue his hands in the blood of his children--to strangle that angel of +sweetness his wife? Has he not vowed my death, and the death of Pleyel, +at thy bidding? Hast thou not made him the butcher of his family; +changed him who was the glory of his species into worse than brute; +robbed him of reason, and consigned the rest of his days to fetters and +stripes?" + +Carwin's eyes glared, and his limbs were petrified at this intelligence. +No words were requisite to prove him guiltless of these enormities: at +the time, however, I was nearly insensible to these exculpatory tokens. +He walked to the farther end of the room, and having recovered some +degree of composure, he spoke-- + +"I am not this villain; I have slain no one; I have prompted none to +slay; I have handled a tool of wonderful efficacy without malignant +intentions, but without caution; ample will be the punishment of my +temerity, if my conduct has contributed to this evil." He paused.-- + +I likewise was silent. I struggled to command myself so far as to listen +to the tale which he should tell. Observing this, he continued-- + +"You are not apprized of the existence of a power which I possess. I +know not by what name to call it. [*] It enables me to mimic exactly the +voice of another, and to modify the sound so that it shall appear to +come from what quarter, and be uttered at what distance I please. + +"I know not that every one possesses this power. Perhaps, though a +casual position of my organs in my youth shewed me that I possessed +it, it is an art which may be taught to all. Would to God I had died +unknowing of the secret! It has produced nothing but degradation and +calamity. + +"For a time the possession of so potent and stupendous an endowment +elated me with pride. Unfortified by principle, subjected to poverty, +stimulated by headlong passions, I made this powerful engine subservient +to the supply of my wants, and the gratification of my vanity. I shall +not mention how diligently I cultivated this gift, which seemed capable +of unlimited improvement; nor detail the various occasions on which +it was successfully exerted to lead superstition, conquer avarice, or +excite awe. + +"I left America, which is my native soil, in my youth. I have been +engaged in various scenes of life, in which my peculiar talent has been +exercised with more or less success. I was finally betrayed by one who +called himself my friend, into acts which cannot be justified, though +they are susceptible of apology. + +"The perfidy of this man compelled me to withdraw from Europe. I +returned to my native country, uncertain whether silence and obscurity +would save me from his malice. I resided in the purlieus of the city. I +put on the garb and assumed the manners of a clown. + +"My chief recreation was walking. My principal haunts were the lawns +and gardens of Mettingen. In this delightful region the luxuriances +of nature had been chastened by judicious art, and each successive +contemplation unfolded new enchantments. + +"I was studious of seclusion: I was satiated with the intercourse of +mankind, and discretion required me to shun their intercourse. For +these reasons I long avoided the observation of your family, and chiefly +visited these precincts at night. + +"I was never weary of admiring the position and ornaments of THE +TEMPLE. Many a night have I passed under its roof, revolving no pleasing +meditations. When, in my frequent rambles, I perceived this apartment +was occupied, I gave a different direction to my steps. One evening, +when a shower had just passed, judging by the silence that no one +was within, I ascended to this building. Glancing carelessly round, I +perceived an open letter on the pedestal. To read it was doubtless an +offence against politeness. Of this offence, however, I was guilty. + +"Scarcely had I gone half through when I was alarmed by the approach +of your brother. To scramble down the cliff on the opposite side +was impracticable. I was unprepared to meet a stranger. Besides +the aukwardness attending such an interview in these circumstances, +concealment was necessary to my safety. A thousand times had I vowed +never again to employ the dangerous talent which I possessed; but such +was the force of habit and the influence of present convenience, that I +used this method of arresting his progress and leading him back to the +house, with his errand, whatever it was, unperformed. I had often caught +parts, from my station below, of your conversation in this place, and +was well acquainted with the voice of your sister. + +"Some weeks after this I was again quietly seated in this recess. The +lateness of the hour secured me, as I thought, from all interruption. +In this, however, I was mistaken, for Wieland and Pleyel, as I judged by +their voices, earnest in dispute, ascended the hill. + +"I was not sensible that any inconvenience could possibly have flowed +from my former exertion; yet it was followed with compunction, because +it was a deviation from a path which I had assigned to myself. Now +my aversion to this means of escape was enforced by an unauthorized +curiosity, and by the knowledge of a bushy hollow on the edge of the +hill, where I should be safe from discovery. Into this hollow I thrust +myself. + +"The propriety of removal to Europe was the question eagerly discussed. +Pleyel intimated that his anxiety to go was augmented by the silence +of Theresa de Stolberg. The temptation to interfere in this dispute was +irresistible. In vain I contended with inveterate habits. I disguised to +myself the impropriety of my conduct, by recollecting the benefits which +it might produce. Pleyel's proposal was unwise, yet it was enforced +with plausible arguments and indefatigable zeal. Your brother might be +puzzled and wearied, but could not be convinced. I conceived that +to terminate the controversy in favor of the latter was conferring a +benefit on all parties. For this end I profited by an opening in the +conversation, and assured them of Catharine's irreconcilable aversion to +the scheme, and of the death of the Saxon baroness. The latter event +was merely a conjecture, but rendered extremely probable by Pleyel's +representations. My purpose, you need not be told, was effected. + +"My passion for mystery, and a species of imposture, which I deemed +harmless, was thus awakened afresh. This second lapse into error made my +recovery more difficult. I cannot convey to you an adequate idea of +the kind of gratification which I derived from these exploits; yet I +meditated nothing. My views were bounded to the passing moment, and +commonly suggested by the momentary exigence. + +"I must not conceal any thing. Your principles teach you to abhor a +voluptuous temper; but, with whatever reluctance, I acknowledge this +temper to be mine. You imagine your servant Judith to be innocent as +well as beautiful; but you took her from a family where hypocrisy, as +well as licentiousness, was wrought into a system. My attention was +captivated by her charms, and her principles were easily seen to be +flexible. + +"Deem me not capable of the iniquity of seduction. Your servant is not +destitute of feminine and virtuous qualities; but she was taught that +the best use of her charms consists in the sale of them. My nocturnal +visits to Mettingen were now prompted by a double view, and my +correspondence with your servant gave me, at all times, access to your +house. + +"The second night after our interview, so brief and so little foreseen +by either of us, some daemon of mischief seized me. According to my +companion's report, your perfections were little less than divine. Her +uncouth but copious narratives converted you into an object of worship. +She chiefly dwelt upon your courage, because she herself was deficient +in that quality. You held apparitions and goblins in contempt. You took +no precautions against robbers. You were just as tranquil and secure in +this lonely dwelling, as if you were in the midst of a crowd. Hence a +vague project occurred to me, to put this courage to the test. A woman +capable of recollection in danger, of warding off groundless panics, +of discerning the true mode of proceeding, and profiting by her best +resources, is a prodigy. I was desirous of ascertaining whether you were +such an one. + +"My expedient was obvious and simple: I was to counterfeit a murderous +dialogue; but this was to be so conducted that another, and not +yourself, should appear to be the object. I was not aware of the +possibility that you should appropriate these menaces to yourself. Had +you been still and listened, you would have heard the struggles and +prayers of the victim, who would likewise have appeared to be shut up in +the closet, and whose voice would have been Judith's. This scene would +have been an appeal to your compassion; and the proof of cowardice +or courage which I expected from you, would have been your remaining +inactive in your bed, or your entering the closet with a view to assist +the sufferer. Some instances which Judith related of your fearlessness +and promptitude made me adopt the latter supposition with some degree of +confidence. + +"By the girl's direction I found a ladder, and mounted to your closet +window. This is scarcely large enough to admit the head, but it answered +my purpose too well. + +"I cannot express my confusion and surprize at your abrupt and +precipitate flight. I hastily removed the ladder; and, after some pause, +curiosity and doubts of your safety induced me to follow you. I found +you stretched on the turf before your brother's door, without sense or +motion. I felt the deepest regret at this unlooked-for consequence of +my scheme. I knew not what to do to procure you relief. The idea of +awakening the family naturally presented itself. This emergency was +critical, and there was no time to deliberate. It was a sudden thought +that occurred. I put my lips to the key-hole, and sounded an alarm which +effectually roused the sleepers. My organs were naturally forcible, and +had been improved by long and assiduous exercise. + +"Long and bitterly did I repent of my scheme. I was somewhat consoled by +reflecting that my purpose had not been evil, and renewed my fruitless +vows never to attempt such dangerous experiments. For some time I +adhered, with laudable forbearance, to this resolution. + +"My life has been a life of hardship and exposure. In the summer I +prefer to make my bed of the smooth turf, or, at most, the shelter of a +summer-house suffices. In all my rambles I never found a spot in which +so many picturesque beauties and rural delights were assembled as at +Mettingen. No corner of your little domain unites fragrance and secrecy +in so perfect a degree as the recess in the bank. The odour of its +leaves, the coolness of its shade, and the music of its water-fall, +had early attracted my attention. Here my sadness was converted into +peaceful melancholy--here my slumbers were sound, and my pleasures +enhanced. + +"As most free from interruption, I chose this as the scene of my +midnight interviews with Judith. One evening, as the sun declined, I was +seated here, when I was alarmed by your approach. It was with difficulty +that I effected my escape unnoticed by you. + +"At the customary hour, I returned to your habitation, and was made +acquainted by Judith, with your unusual absence. I half suspected the +true cause, and felt uneasiness at the danger there was that I should be +deprived of my retreat; or, at least, interrupted in the possession +of it. The girl, likewise, informed me, that among your other +singularities, it was not uncommon for you to leave your bed, and walk +forth for the sake of night-airs and starlight contemplations. + +"I desired to prevent this inconvenience. I found you easily swayed +by fear. I was influenced, in my choice of means, by the facility and +certainty of that to which I had been accustomed. All that I forsaw was, +that, in future, this spot would be cautiously shunned by you. + +"I entered the recess with the utmost caution, and discovered, by your +breathings, in what condition you were. The unexpected interpretation +which you placed upon my former proceeding, suggested my conduct on +the present occasion. The mode in which heaven is said by the poet, to +interfere for the prevention of crimes, [**] was somewhat analogous to my +province, and never failed to occur to me at seasons like this. It +was requisite to break your slumbers, and for this end I uttered the +powerful monosyllable, "hold! hold!" My purpose was not prescribed by +duty, yet surely it was far from being atrocious and inexpiable. To +effect it, I uttered what was false, but it was well suited to my +purpose. Nothing less was intended than to injure you. Nay, the evil +resulting from my former act, was partly removed by assuring you that in +all places but this you were safe. + + + * BILOQUIUM, or ventrilocution. Sound is varied according to + the variations of direction and distance. The art of the + ventriloquist consists in modifying his voice according to + all these variations, without changing his place. See the + work of the Abbe de la Chappelle, in which are accurately + recorded the performances of one of these artists, and some + ingenious, though unsatisfactory speculations are given on + the means by which the effects are produced. This power is, + perhaps, given by nature, but is doubtless improvable, if + not acquirable, by art. It may, possibly, consist in an + unusual flexibility or exertion of the bottom of the tongue + and the uvula. That speech is producible by these alone must + be granted, since anatomists mention two instances of + persons speaking without a tongue. In one case, the organ + was originally wanting, but its place was supplied by a + small tubercle, and the uvula was perfect. In the other, the + tongue was destroyed by disease, but probably a small part + of it remained. + + This power is difficult to explain, but the fact is + undeniable. Experience shews that the human voice can + imitate the voice of all men and of all inferior animals. + The sound of musical instruments, and even noises from the + contact of inanimate substances, have been accurately + imitated. The mimicry of animals is notorious; and Dr. + Burney (Musical Travels) mentions one who imitated a flute + and violin, so as to deceive even his ears. + + + **--Peeps through the blanket of the dark, and cries Hold! + Hold!--SHAKESPEARE. + + + +Chapter XXIII + + +"My morals will appear to you far from rigid, yet my conduct will fall +short of your suspicions. I am now to confess actions less excusable, +and yet surely they will not entitle me to the name of a desperate or +sordid criminal. + +"Your house was rendered, by your frequent and long absences, easily +accessible to my curiosity. My meeting with Pleyel was the prelude to +direct intercourse with you. I had seen much of the world, but your +character exhibited a specimen of human powers that was wholly new to +me. My intercourse with your servant furnished me with curious details +of your domestic management. I was of a different sex: I was not your +husband; I was not even your friend; yet my knowledge of you was of that +kind, which conjugal intimacies can give, and, in some respects, more +accurate. The observation of your domestic was guided by me. + +"You will not be surprized that I should sometimes profit by your +absence, and adventure to examine with my own eyes, the interior of your +chamber. Upright and sincere, you used no watchfulness, and practised +no precautions. I scrutinized every thing, and pried every where. Your +closet was usually locked, but it was once my fortune to find the key on +a bureau. I opened and found new scope for my curiosity in your books. +One of these was manuscript, and written in characters which essentially +agreed with a short-hand system which I had learned from a Jesuit +missionary. + +"I cannot justify my conduct, yet my only crime was curiosity. I +perused this volume with eagerness. The intellect which it unveiled, was +brighter than my limited and feeble organs could bear. I was naturally +inquisitive as to your ideas respecting my deportment, and the mysteries +that had lately occurred. + +"You know what you have written. You know that in this volume the key to +your inmost soul was contained. If I had been a profound and malignant +impostor, what plenteous materials were thus furnished me of stratagems +and plots! + +"The coincidence of your dream in the summer-house with my exclamation, +was truly wonderful. The voice which warned you to forbear was, +doubtless, mine; but mixed by a common process of the fancy, with the +train of visionary incidents. + +"I saw in a stronger light than ever, the dangerousness of that +instrument which I employed, and renewed my resolutions to abstain from +the use of it in future; but I was destined perpetually to violate my +resolutions. By some perverse fate, I was led into circumstances in +which the exertion of my powers was the sole or the best means of +escape. + +"On that memorable night on which our last interview took place, I +came as usual to Mettingen. I was apprized of your engagement at your +brother's, from which you did not expect to return till late. Some +incident suggested the design of visiting your chamber. Among your books +which I had not examined, might be something tending to illustrate +your character, or the history of your family. Some intimation had been +dropped by you in discourse, respecting a performance of your father, in +which some important transaction in his life was recorded. + +"I was desirous of seeing this book; and such was my habitual attachment +to mystery, that I preferred the clandestine perusal of it. Such +were the motives that induced me to make this attempt. Judith had +disappeared, and finding the house unoccupied, I supplied myself with a +light, and proceeded to your chamber. + +"I found it easy, on experiment, to lock and unlock your closet door +without the aid of a key. I shut myself in this recess, and was busily +exploring your shelves, when I heard some one enter the room below. I +was at a loss who it could be, whether you or your servant. Doubtful, +however, as I was, I conceived it prudent to extinguish the light. +Scarcely was this done, when some one entered the chamber. The footsteps +were easily distinguished to be yours. + +"My situation was now full of danger and perplexity. For some time, I +cherished the hope that you would leave the room so long as to afford +me an opportunity of escaping. As the hours passed, this hope gradually +deserted me. It was plain that you had retired for the night. + +"I knew not how soon you might find occasion to enter the closet. I was +alive to all the horrors of detection, and ruminated without ceasing, on +the behaviour which it would be proper, in case of detection, to adopt. +I was unable to discover any consistent method of accounting for my +being thus immured. + +"It occurred to me that I might withdraw you from your chamber for a few +minutes, by counterfeiting a voice from without. Some message from your +brother might be delivered, requiring your presence at his house. I was +deterred from this scheme by reflecting on the resolution I had formed, +and on the possible evils that might result from it. Besides, it was +not improbable that you would speedily retire to bed, and then, by the +exercise of sufficient caution, I might hope to escape unobserved. + +"Meanwhile I listened with the deepest anxiety to every motion from +without. I discovered nothing which betokened preparation for +sleep. Instead of this I heard deep-drawn sighs, and occasionally an +half-expressed and mournful ejaculation. Hence I inferred that you were +unhappy. The true state of your mind with regard to Pleyel your own pen +had disclosed; but I supposed you to be framed of such materials, that, +though a momentary sadness might affect you, you were impregnable to any +permanent and heartfelt grief. Inquietude for my own safety was, for a +moment, suspended by sympathy with your distress. + +"To the former consideration I was quickly recalled by a motion of yours +which indicated I knew not what. I fostered the persuasion that you +would now retire to bed; but presently you approached the closet, and +detection seemed to be inevitable. You put your hand upon the lock. I +had formed no plan to extricate myself from the dilemma in which the +opening of the door would involve me. I felt an irreconcilable aversion +to detection. Thus situated, I involuntarily seized the door with a +resolution to resist your efforts to open it. + +"Suddenly you receded from the door. This deportment was inexplicable, +but the relief it afforded me was quickly gone. You returned, and I once +more was thrown into perplexity. The expedient that suggested itself was +precipitate and inartificial. I exerted my organs and called upon you TO +HOLD. + +"That you should persist in spite of this admonition, was a subject of +astonishment. I again resisted your efforts; for the first expedient +having failed, I knew not what other to resort to. In this state, how +was my astonishment increased when I heard your exclamations! + +"It was now plain that you knew me to be within. Further resistance was +unavailing and useless. The door opened, and I shrunk backward. Seldom +have I felt deeper mortification, and more painful perplexity. I did +not consider that the truth would be less injurious than any lie which I +could hastily frame. Conscious as I was of a certain degree of guilt, +I conceived that you would form the most odious suspicions. The truth +would be imperfect, unless I were likewise to explain the mysterious +admonition which had been given; but that explanation was of too great +moment, and involved too extensive consequences to make me suddenly +resolve to give it. I was aware that this discovery would associate +itself in your mind, with the dialogue formerly heard in this closet. +Thence would your suspicions be aggravated, and to escape from these +suspicions would be impossible. But the mere truth would be sufficiently +opprobrious, and deprive me for ever of your good opinion. + +"Thus was I rendered desperate, and my mind rapidly passed to the +contemplation of the use that might be made of previous events. Some +good genius would appear to you to have interposed to save you from +injury intended by me. Why, I said, since I must sink in her opinion, +should I not cherish this belief? Why not personate an enemy, and +pretend that celestial interference has frustrated my schemes? I must +fly, but let me leave wonder and fear behind me. Elucidation of the +mystery will always be practicable. I shall do no injury, but merely +talk of evil that was designed, but is now past. + +"Thus I extenuated my conduct to myself, but I scarcely expect that +this will be to you a sufficient explication of the scene that followed. +Those habits which I have imbibed, the rooted passion which possesses me +for scattering around me amazement and fear, you enjoy no opportunities +of knowing. That a man should wantonly impute to himself the most +flagitious designs, will hardly be credited, even though you reflect +that my reputation was already, by my own folly, irretrievably ruined; +and that it was always in my power to communicate the truth, and rectify +the mistake. + +"I left you to ponder on this scene. My mind was full of rapid +and incongruous ideas. Compunction, self-upbraiding, hopelesness, +satisfaction at the view of those effects likely to flow from my new +scheme, misgivings as to the beneficial result of this scheme took +possession of my mind, and seemed to struggle for the mastery. + +"I had gone too far to recede. I had painted myself to you as an +assassin and ravisher, withheld from guilt only by a voice from heaven. +I had thus reverted into the path of error, and now, having gone thus +far, my progress seemed to be irrevocable. I said to myself, I must +leave these precincts for ever. My acts have blasted my fame in the eyes +of the Wielands. For the sake of creating a mysterious dread, I have +made myself a villain. I may complete this mysterious plan by some new +imposture, but I cannot aggravate my supposed guilt. + +"My resolution was formed, and I was swiftly ruminating on the means for +executing it, when Pleyel appeared in sight. This incident decided my +conduct. It was plain that Pleyel was a devoted lover, but he was, at +the same time, a man of cold resolves and exquisite sagacity. To deceive +him would be the sweetest triumph I had ever enjoyed. The deception +would be momentary, but it would likewise be complete. That his delusion +would so soon be rectified, was a recommendation to my scheme, for I +esteemed him too much to desire to entail upon him lasting agonies. + +"I had no time to reflect further, for he proceeded, with a quick +step, towards the house. I was hurried onward involuntarily and by a +mechanical impulse. I followed him as he passed the recess in the bank, +and shrowding myself in that spot, I counterfeited sounds which I knew +would arrest his steps. + +"He stopped, turned, listened, approached, and overheard a dialogue +whose purpose was to vanquish his belief in a point where his belief +was most difficult to vanquish. I exerted all my powers to imitate your +voice, your general sentiments, and your language. Being master, +by means of your journal, of your personal history and most secret +thoughts, my efforts were the more successful. When I reviewed the tenor +of this dialogue, I cannot believe but that Pleyel was deluded. When I +think of your character, and of the inferences which this dialogue was +intended to suggest, it seems incredible that this delusion should be +produced. + +"I spared not myself. I called myself murderer, thief, guilty of +innumerable perjuries and misdeeds: that you had debased yourself to the +level of such an one, no evidence, methought, would suffice to convince +him who knew you so thoroughly as Pleyel; and yet the imposture +amounted to proof which the most jealous scrutiny would find to be +unexceptionable. + +"He left his station precipitately and resumed his way to the house. I +saw that the detection of his error would be instantaneous, since, not +having gone to bed, an immediate interview would take place between +you. At first this circumstance was considered with regret; but as time +opened my eyes to the possible consequences of this scene, I regarded it +with pleasure. + +"In a short time the infatuation which had led me thus far began to +subside. The remembrance of former reasonings and transactions was +renewed. How often I had repented this kind of exertion; how many evils +were produced by it which I had not foreseen; what occasions for the +bitterest remorse it had administered, now passed through my mind. The +black catalogue of stratagems was now increased. I had inspired you with +the most vehement terrors: I had filled your mind with faith in shadows +and confidence in dreams: I had depraved the imagination of Pleyel: +I had exhibited you to his understanding as devoted to brutal +gratifications and consummate in hypocrisy. The evidence which +accompanied this delusion would be irresistible to one whose passion +had perverted his judgment, whose jealousy with regard to me had already +been excited, and who, therefore, would not fail to overrate the force +of this evidence. What fatal act of despair or of vengeance might not +this error produce? + +"With regard to myself, I had acted with a phrenzy that surpassed +belief. I had warred against my peace and my fame: I had banished myself +from the fellowship of vigorous and pure minds: I was self-expelled +from a scene which the munificence of nature had adorned with unrivalled +beauties, and from haunts in which all the muses and humanities had +taken refuge. + +"I was thus torn by conflicting fears and tumultuous regrets. The night +passed away in this state of confusion; and next morning in the gazette +left at my obscure lodging, I read a description and an offer of reward +for the apprehension of my person. I was said to have escaped from +an Irish prison, in which I was confined as an offender convicted of +enormous and complicated crimes. + +"This was the work of an enemy, who, by falsehood and stratagem, had +procured my condemnation. I was, indeed, a prisoner, but escaped, by the +exertion of my powers, the fate to which I was doomed, but which I did +not deserve. I had hoped that the malice of my foe was exhausted; but +I now perceived that my precautions had been wise, for that the +intervention of an ocean was insufficient for my security. + +"Let me not dwell on the sensations which this discovery produced. I +need not tell by what steps I was induced to seek an interview with +you, for the purpose of disclosing the truth, and repairing, as far as +possible, the effects of my misconduct. It was unavoidable that this +gazette would fall into your hands, and that it would tend to confirm +every erroneous impression. + +"Having gained this interview, I purposed to seek some retreat in the +wilderness, inaccessible to your inquiry and to the malice of my foe, +where I might henceforth employ myself in composing a faithful narrative +of my actions. I designed it as my vindication from the aspersions that +had rested on my character, and as a lesson to mankind on the evils of +credulity on the one hand, and of imposture on the other. + +"I wrote you a billet, which was left at the house of your friend, +and which I knew would, by some means, speedily come to your hands. I +entertained a faint hope that my invitation would be complied with. I +knew not what use you would make of the opportunity which this proposal +afforded you of procuring the seizure of my person; but this fate I was +determined to avoid, and I had no doubt but due circumspection, and the +exercise of the faculty which I possessed, would enable me to avoid it. + +"I lurked, through the day, in the neighbourhood of Mettingen: I +approached your habitation at the appointed hour: I entered it in +silence, by a trap-door which led into the cellar. This had formerly +been bolted on the inside, but Judith had, at an early period in our +intercourse, removed this impediment. I ascended to the first floor, but +met with no one, nor any thing that indicated the presence of an human +being. + +"I crept softly up stairs, and at length perceived your chamber door +to be opened, and a light to be within. It was of moment to discover by +whom this light was accompanied. I was sensible of the inconveniencies +to which my being discovered at your chamber door by any one within +would subject me; I therefore called out in my own voice, but so +modified that it should appear to ascend from the court below, 'Who is +in the chamber? Is it Miss Wieland?" + +"No answer was returned to this summons. I listened, but no motion could +be heard. After a pause I repeated my call, but no less ineffectually. + +"I now approached nearer the door, and adventured to look in. A light +stood on the table, but nothing human was discernible. I entered +cautiously, but all was solitude and stillness. + +"I knew not what to conclude. If the house were inhabited, my call would +have been noticed; yet some suspicion insinuated itself that silence was +studiously kept by persons who intended to surprize me. My approach had +been wary, and the silence that ensued my call had likewise preceded it; +a circumstance that tended to dissipate my fears. + +"At length it occurred to me that Judith might possibly be in her own +room. I turned my steps thither; but she was not to be found. I passed +into other rooms, and was soon convinced that the house was totally +deserted. I returned to your chamber, agitated by vain surmises and +opposite conjectures. The appointed hour had passed, and I dismissed the +hope of an interview. + +"In this state of things I determined to leave a few lines on your +toilet, and prosecute my journey to the mountains. Scarcely had I taken +the pen when I laid it aside, uncertain in what manner to address you. +I rose from the table and walked across the floor. A glance thrown upon +the bed acquainted me with a spectacle to which my conceptions of horror +had not yet reached. + +"In the midst of shuddering and trepidation, the signal of your presence +in the court below recalled me to myself. The deed was newly done: +I only was in the house: what had lately happened justified any +suspicions, however enormous. It was plain that this catastrophe was +unknown to you: I thought upon the wild commotion which the discovery +would awaken in your breast: I found the confusion of my own thoughts +unconquerable, and perceived that the end for which I sought an +interview was not now to be accomplished. + +"In this state of things it was likewise expedient to conceal my being +within. I put out the light and hurried down stairs. To my unspeakable +surprize, notwithstanding every motive to fear, you lighted a candle and +proceeded to your chamber. + +"I retired to that room below from which a door leads into the cellar. +This door concealed me from your view as you passed. I thought upon the +spectacle which was about to present itself. In an exigence so +abrupt and so little foreseen, I was again subjected to the empire +of mechanical and habitual impulses. I dreaded the effects which this +shocking exhibition, bursting on your unprepared senses, might produce. + +"Thus actuated, I stept swiftly to the door, and thrusting my head +forward, once more pronounced the mysterious interdiction. At that +moment, by some untoward fate, your eyes were cast back, and you saw +me in the very act of utterance. I fled through the darksome avenue at +which I entered, covered with the shame of this detection. + +"With diligence, stimulated by a thousand ineffable emotions, I pursued +my intended journey. I have a brother whose farm is situated in the +bosom of a fertile desert, near the sources of the Leheigh, and thither +I now repaired." + + + +Chapter XXIV + + +"Deeply did I ruminate on the occurrences that had just passed. Nothing +excited my wonder so much as the means by which you discovered my being +in the closet. This discovery appeared to be made at the moment when you +attempted to open it. How could you have otherwise remained so long in +the chamber apparently fearless and tranquil? And yet, having made +this discovery, how could you persist in dragging me forth: persist in +defiance of an interdiction so emphatical and solemn? + +"But your sister's death was an event detestable and ominous. She had +been the victim of the most dreadful species of assassination. How, in a +state like yours, the murderous intention could be generated, was wholly +inconceivable. + +"I did not relinquish my design of confessing to you the part which I +had sustained in your family, but I was willing to defer it till the +task which I had set myself was finished. That being done, I resumed the +resolution. The motives to incite me to this continually acquired +force. The more I revolved the events happening at Mettingen, the more +insupportable and ominous my terrors became. My waking hours and my +sleep were vexed by dismal presages and frightful intimations. + +"Catharine was dead by violence. Surely my malignant stars had not made +me the cause of her death; yet had I not rashly set in motion a machine, +over whose progress I had no controul, and which experience had shewn me +was infinite in power? Every day might add to the catalogue of horrors +of which this was the source, and a seasonable disclosure of the truth +might prevent numberless ills. + +"Fraught with this conception, I have turned my steps hither. I find +your brother's house desolate: the furniture removed, and the walls +stained with damps. Your own is in the same situation. Your chamber is +dismantled and dark, and you exhibit an image of incurable grief, and of +rapid decay. + +"I have uttered the truth. This is the extent of my offences. You tell +me an horrid tale of Wieland being led to the destruction of his wife +and children, by some mysterious agent. You charge me with the guilt +of this agency; but I repeat that the amount of my guilt has been truly +stated. The perpetrator of Catharine's death was unknown to me till now; +nay, it is still unknown to me." + +At that moment, the closing of a door in the kitchen was distinctly +heard by us. Carwin started and paused. "There is some one coming. I +must not be found here by my enemies, and need not, since my purpose is +answered." + +I had drunk in, with the most vehement attention, every word that he +had uttered. I had no breath to interrupt his tale by interrogations +or comments. The power that he spoke of was hitherto unknown to me: its +existence was incredible; it was susceptible of no direct proof. + +He owns that his were the voice and face which I heard and saw. He +attempts to give an human explanation of these phantasms; but it is +enough that he owns himself to be the agent; his tale is a lie, and his +nature devilish. As he deceived me, he likewise deceived my brother, and +now do I behold the author of all our calamities! + +Such were my thoughts when his pause allowed me to think. I should have +bad him begone if the silence had not been interrupted; but now I feared +no more for myself; and the milkiness of my nature was curdled into +hatred and rancour. Some one was near, and this enemy of God and +man might possibly be brought to justice. I reflected not that the +preternatural power which he had hitherto exerted, would avail to rescue +him from any toils in which his feet might be entangled. Meanwhile, +looks, and not words of menace and abhorrence, were all that I could +bestow. + +He did not depart. He seemed dubious, whether, by passing out of the +house, or by remaining somewhat longer where he was, he should most +endanger his safety. His confusion increased when steps of one barefoot +were heard upon the stairs. He threw anxious glances sometimes at the +closet, sometimes at the window, and sometimes at the chamber door, yet +he was detained by some inexplicable fascination. He stood as if rooted +to the spot. + +As to me, my soul was bursting with detestation and revenge. I had +no room for surmises and fears respecting him that approached. It was +doubtless a human being, and would befriend me so far as to aid me in +arresting this offender. + +The stranger quickly entered the room. My eyes and the eyes of Carwin +were, at the same moment, darted upon him. A second glance was not +needed to inform us who he was. His locks were tangled, and fell +confusedly over his forehead and ears. His shirt was of coarse stuff, +and open at the neck and breast. His coat was once of bright and fine +texture, but now torn and tarnished with dust. His feet, his legs, and +his arms were bare. His features were the seat of a wild and tranquil +solemnity, but his eyes bespoke inquietude and curiosity. + +He advanced with firm step, and looking as in search of some one. He saw +me and stopped. He bent his sight on the floor, and clenching his hands, +appeared suddenly absorbed in meditation. Such were the figure and +deportment of Wieland! Such, in his fallen state, were the aspect and +guise of my brother! + +Carwin did not fail to recognize the visitant. Care for his own safety +was apparently swallowed up in the amazement which this spectacle +produced. His station was conspicuous, and he could not have escaped the +roving glances of Wieland; yet the latter seemed totally unconscious of +his presence. + +Grief at this scene of ruin and blast was at first the only sentiment +of which I was conscious. A fearful stillness ensued. At length Wieland, +lifting his hands, which were locked in each other, to his breast, +exclaimed, "Father! I thank thee. This is thy guidance. Hither thou hast +led me, that I might perform thy will: yet let me not err: let me hear +again thy messenger!" + +He stood for a minute as if listening; but recovering from his attitude, +he continued--"It is not needed. Dastardly wretch! thus eternally +questioning the behests of thy Maker! weak in resolution! wayward in +faith!" + +He advanced to me, and, after another pause, resumed: "Poor girl! +a dismal fate has set its mark upon thee. Thy life is demanded as +a sacrifice. Prepare thee to die. Make not my office difficult by +fruitless opposition. Thy prayers might subdue stones; but none but he +who enjoined my purpose can shake it." + +These words were a sufficient explication of the scene. The nature of +his phrenzy, as described by my uncle, was remembered. I who had sought +death, was now thrilled with horror because it was near. Death in +this form, death from the hand of a brother, was thought upon with +undescribable repugnance. + +In a state thus verging upon madness, my eye glanced upon Carwin. His +astonishment appeared to have struck him motionless and dumb. My life +was in danger, and my brother's hand was about to be embrued in my +blood. I firmly believed that Carwin's was the instigation. I could +rescue me from this abhorred fate; I could dissipate this tremendous +illusion; I could save my brother from the perpetration of new horrors, +by pointing out the devil who seduced him; to hesitate a moment was +to perish. These thoughts gave strength to my limbs, and energy to my +accents: I started on my feet. "O brother! spare me, spare thyself: +There is thy betrayer. He counterfeited the voice and face of an angel, +for the purpose of destroying thee and me. He has this moment confessed +it. He is able to speak where he is not. He is leagued with hell, but +will not avow it; yet he confesses that the agency was his." + +My brother turned slowly his eyes, and fixed them upon Carwin. Every +joint in the frame of the latter trembled. His complexion was paler than +a ghost's. His eye dared not meet that of Wieland, but wandered with an +air of distraction from one space to another. + +"Man," said my brother, in a voice totally unlike that which he had +used to me, "what art thou? The charge has been made. Answer it. +The visage--the voice--at the bottom of these stairs--at the hour of +eleven--To whom did they belong? To thee?" + +Twice did Carwin attempt to speak, but his words died away upon his +lips. My brother resumed in a tone of greater vehemence-- + +"Thou falterest; faltering is ominous; say yes or no: one word will +suffice; but beware of falsehood. Was it a stratagem of hell to +overthrow my family? Wast thou the agent?" + +I now saw that the wrath which had been prepared for me was to be +heaped upon another. The tale that I heard from him, and his present +trepidations, were abundant testimonies of his guilt. But what if +Wieland should be undeceived! What if he shall find his acts to have +proceeded not from an heavenly prompter, but from human treachery! Will +not his rage mount into whirlwind? Will not he tare limb from limb this +devoted wretch? + +Instinctively I recoiled from this image, but it gave place to another. +Carwin may be innocent, but the impetuosity of his judge may misconstrue +his answers into a confession of guilt. Wieland knows not that +mysterious voices and appearances were likewise witnessed by me. Carwin +may be ignorant of those which misled my brother. Thus may his answers +unwarily betray himself to ruin. + +Such might be the consequences of my frantic precipitation, and these, +it was necessary, if possible, to prevent. I attempted to speak, but +Wieland, turning suddenly upon me, commanded silence, in a tone furious +and terrible. My lips closed, and my tongue refused its office. + +"What art thou?" he resumed, addressing himself to Carwin. "Answer me; +whose form--whose voice--was it thy contrivance? Answer me." + +The answer was now given, but confusedly and scarcely articulated. "I +meant nothing--I intended no ill--if I understand--if I do not mistake +you--it is too true--I did appear--in the entry--did speak. The +contrivance was mine, but--" + +These words were no sooner uttered, than my brother ceased to wear the +same aspect. His eyes were downcast: he was motionless: his respiration +became hoarse, like that of a man in the agonies of death. Carwin seemed +unable to say more. He might have easily escaped, but the thought which +occupied him related to what was horrid and unintelligible in this +scene, and not to his own danger. + +Presently the faculties of Wieland, which, for a time, were chained +up, were seized with restlessness and trembling. He broke silence. The +stoutest heart would have been appalled by the tone in which he spoke. +He addressed himself to Carwin. + +"Why art thou here? Who detains thee? Go and learn better. I will meet +thee, but it must be at the bar of thy Maker. There shall I bear witness +against thee." + +Perceiving that Carwin did not obey, he continued; "Dost thou wish me +to complete the catalogue by thy death? Thy life is a worthless thing. +Tempt me no more. I am but a man, and thy presence may awaken a fury +which may spurn my controul. Begone!" + +Carwin, irresolute, striving in vain for utterance, his complexion +pallid as death, his knees beating one against another, slowly obeyed +the mandate and withdrew. + + + +Chapter XXV + + +A few words more and I lay aside the pen for ever. Yet why should I not +relinquish it now? All that I have said is preparatory to this scene, +and my fingers, tremulous and cold as my heart, refuse any further +exertion. This must not be. Let my last energies support me in the +finishing of this task. Then will I lay down my head in the lap of +death. Hushed will be all my murmurs in the sleep of the grave. + +Every sentiment has perished in my bosom. Even friendship is extinct. +Your love for me has prompted me to this task; but I would not have +complied if it had not been a luxury thus to feast upon my woes. I have +justly calculated upon my remnant of strength. When I lay down the pen +the taper of life will expire: my existence will terminate with my tale. + +Now that I was left alone with Wieland, the perils of my situation +presented themselves to my mind. That this paroxysm should terminate in +havock and rage it was reasonable to predict. The first suggestion of my +fears had been disproved by my experience. Carwin had acknowledged his +offences, and yet had escaped. The vengeance which I had harboured had +not been admitted by Wieland, and yet the evils which I had endured, +compared with those inflicted on my brother, were as nothing. I thirsted +for his blood, and was tormented with an insatiable appetite for his +destruction; yet my brother was unmoved, and had dismissed him in +safety. Surely thou wast more than man, while I am sunk below the +beasts. + +Did I place a right construction on the conduct of Wieland? Was the +error that misled him so easily rectified? Were views so vivid and faith +so strenuous thus liable to fading and to change? Was there not reason +to doubt the accuracy of my perceptions? With images like these was +my mind thronged, till the deportment of my brother called away my +attention. + +I saw his lips move and his eyes cast up to heaven. Then would he listen +and look back, as if in expectation of some one's appearance. Thrice he +repeated these gesticulations and this inaudible prayer. Each time the +mist of confusion and doubt seemed to grow darker and to settle on his +understanding. I guessed at the meaning of these tokens. The words +of Carwin had shaken his belief, and he was employed in summoning the +messenger who had formerly communed with him, to attest the value of +those new doubts. In vain the summons was repeated, for his eye met +nothing but vacancy, and not a sound saluted his ear. + +He walked to the bed, gazed with eagerness at the pillow which had +sustained the head of the breathless Catharine, and then returned to +the place where I sat. I had no power to lift my eyes to his face: I was +dubious of his purpose: this purpose might aim at my life. + +Alas! nothing but subjection to danger, and exposure to temptation, +can show us what we are. By this test was I now tried, and found to be +cowardly and rash. Men can deliberately untie the thread of life, and of +this I had deemed myself capable; yet now that I stood upon the brink +of fate, that the knife of the sacrificer was aimed at my heart, I +shuddered and betook myself to any means of escape, however monstrous. + +Can I bear to think--can I endure to relate the outrage which my heart +meditated? Where were my means of safety? Resistance was vain. Not even +the energy of despair could set me on a level with that strength which +his terrific prompter had bestowed upon Wieland. Terror enables us to +perform incredible feats; but terror was not then the state of my mind: +where then were my hopes of rescue? + +Methinks it is too much. I stand aside, as it were, from myself; I +estimate my own deservings; a hatred, immortal and inexorable, is my +due. I listen to my own pleas, and find them empty and false: yes, I +acknowledge that my guilt surpasses that of all mankind: I confess that +the curses of a world, and the frowns of a deity, are inadequate to my +demerits. Is there a thing in the world worthy of infinite abhorrence? +It is I. What shall I say! I was menaced, as I thought, with death, and, +to elude this evil, my hand was ready to inflict death upon the menacer. +In visiting my house, I had made provision against the machinations of +Carwin. In a fold of my dress an open penknife was concealed. This I +now seized and drew forth. It lurked out of view: but I now see that my +state of mind would have rendered the deed inevitable if my brother +had lifted his hand. This instrument of my preservation would have been +plunged into his heart. + +O, insupportable remembrance! hide thee from my view for a time; hide +it from me that my heart was black enough to meditate the stabbing of a +brother! a brother thus supreme in misery; thus towering in virtue! + +He was probably unconscious of my design, but presently drew back. +This interval was sufficient to restore me to myself. The madness, the +iniquity of that act which I had purposed rushed upon my apprehension. +For a moment I was breathless with agony. At the next moment I recovered +my strength, and threw the knife with violence on the floor. + +The sound awoke my brother from his reverie. He gazed alternately at me +and at the weapon. With a movement equally solemn he stooped and took +it up. He placed the blade in different positions, scrutinizing it +accurately, and maintaining, at the same time, a profound silence. + +Again he looked at me, but all that vehemence and loftiness of spirit +which had so lately characterized his features, were flown. Fallen +muscles, a forehead contracted into folds, eyes dim with unbidden +drops, and a ruefulness of aspect which no words can describe, were now +visible. + +His looks touched into energy the same sympathies in me, and I poured +forth a flood of tears. This passion was quickly checked by fear, which +had now, no longer, my own, but his safety for their object. I watched +his deportment in silence. At length he spoke: + +"Sister," said he, in an accent mournful and mild, "I have acted poorly +my part in this world. What thinkest thou? Shall I not do better in the +next?" + +I could make no answer. The mildness of his tone astonished and +encouraged me. I continued to regard him with wistful and anxious looks. + +"I think," resumed he, "I will try. My wife and my babes have gone +before. Happy wretches! I have sent you to repose, and ought not to +linger behind." + +These words had a meaning sufficiently intelligible. I looked at the +open knife in his hand and shuddered, but knew not how to prevent the +deed which I dreaded. He quickly noticed my fears, and comprehended +them. Stretching towards me his hand, with an air of increasing +mildness: "Take it," said he: "Fear not for thy own sake, nor for mine. +The cup is gone by, and its transient inebriation is succeeded by the +soberness of truth. + +"Thou angel whom I was wont to worship! fearest thou, my sister, for +thy life? Once it was the scope of my labours to destroy thee, but I was +prompted to the deed by heaven; such, at least, was my belief. Thinkest +thou that thy death was sought to gratify malevolence? No. I am pure +from all stain. I believed that my God was my mover! + +"Neither thee nor myself have I cause to injure. I have done my duty, +and surely there is merit in having sacrificed to that, all that is dear +to the heart of man. If a devil has deceived me, he came in the habit +of an angel. If I erred, it was not my judgment that deceived me, but +my senses. In thy sight, being of beings! I am still pure. Still will I +look for my reward in thy justice!" + +Did my ears truly report these sounds? If I did not err, my brother was +restored to just perceptions. He knew himself to have been betrayed to +the murder of his wife and children, to have been the victim of infernal +artifice; yet he found consolation in the rectitude of his motives. He +was not devoid of sorrow, for this was written on his countenance; but +his soul was tranquil and sublime. + +Perhaps this was merely a transition of his former madness into a new +shape. Perhaps he had not yet awakened to the memory of the horrors +which he had perpetrated. Infatuated wretch that I was! To set myself up +as a model by which to judge of my heroic brother! My reason taught +me that his conclusions were right; but conscious of the impotence of +reason over my own conduct; conscious of my cowardly rashness and my +criminal despair, I doubted whether any one could be stedfast and wise. + +Such was my weakness, that even in the midst of these thoughts, my +mind glided into abhorrence of Carwin, and I uttered in a low voice, O! +Carwin! Carwin! What hast thou to answer for? + +My brother immediately noticed the involuntary exclamation: "Clara!" +said he, "be thyself. Equity used to be a theme for thy eloquence. +Reduce its lessons to practice, and be just to that unfortunate man. The +instrument has done its work, and I am satisfied. + +"I thank thee, my God, for this last illumination! My enemy is thine +also. I deemed him to be man, the man with whom I have often communed; +but now thy goodness has unveiled to me his true nature. As the +performer of thy behests, he is my friend." + +My heart began now to misgive me. His mournful aspect had gradually +yielded place to a serene brow. A new soul appeared to actuate his +frame, and his eyes to beam with preternatural lustre. These symptoms +did not abate, and he continued: + +"Clara! I must not leave thee in doubt. I know not what brought about +thy interview with the being whom thou callest Carwin. For a time, I was +guilty of thy error, and deduced from his incoherent confessions that I +had been made the victim of human malice. He left us at my bidding, and +I put up a prayer that my doubts should be removed. Thy eyes were shut, +and thy ears sealed to the vision that answered my prayer. + +"I was indeed deceived. The form thou hast seen was the incarnation of +a daemon. The visage and voice which urged me to the sacrifice of my +family, were his. Now he personates a human form: then he was invironed +with the lustre of heaven.-- + +"Clara," he continued, advancing closer to me, "thy death must come. +This minister is evil, but he from whom his commission was received is +God. Submit then with all thy wonted resignation to a decree that cannot +be reversed or resisted. Mark the clock. Three minutes are allowed to +thee, in which to call up thy fortitude, and prepare thee for thy doom." +There he stopped. + +Even now, when this scene exists only in memory, when life and all its +functions have sunk into torpor, my pulse throbs, and my hairs uprise: +my brows are knit, as then; and I gaze around me in distraction. I was +unconquerably averse to death; but death, imminent and full of agony as +that which was threatened, was nothing. This was not the only or chief +inspirer of my fears. + +For him, not for myself, was my soul tormented. I might die, and no +crime, surpassing the reach of mercy, would pursue me to the presence +of my Judge; but my assassin would survive to contemplate his deed, and +that assassin was Wieland! + +Wings to bear me beyond his reach I had not. I could not vanish with a +thought. The door was open, but my murderer was interposed between +that and me. Of self-defence I was incapable. The phrenzy that lately +prompted me to blood was gone; my state was desperate; my rescue was +impossible. + +The weight of these accumulated thoughts could not be borne. My sight +became confused; my limbs were seized with convulsion; I spoke, but my +words were half-formed:-- + +"Spare me, my brother! Look down, righteous Judge! snatch me from this +fate! take away this fury from him, or turn it elsewhere!" + +Such was the agony of my thoughts, that I noticed not steps entering my +apartment. Supplicating eyes were cast upward, but when my prayer was +breathed, I once more wildly gazed at the door. A form met my sight: I +shuddered as if the God whom I invoked were present. It was Carwin that +again intruded, and who stood before me, erect in attitude, and stedfast +in look! The sight of him awakened new and rapid thoughts. His recent +tale was remembered: his magical transitions and mysterious energy of +voice: Whether he were infernal or miraculous, or human, there was no +power and no need to decide. Whether the contriver or not of this spell, +he was able to unbind it, and to check the fury of my brother. He had +ascribed to himself intentions not malignant. Here now was afforded a +test of his truth. Let him interpose, as from above; revoke the +savage decree which the madness of Wieland has assigned to heaven, and +extinguish for ever this passion for blood! + +My mind detected at a glance this avenue to safety. The recommendations +it possessed thronged as it were together, and made but one impression +on my intellect. Remoter effects and collateral dangers I saw not. +Perhaps the pause of an instant had sufficed to call them up. The +improbability that the influence which governed Wieland was external or +human; the tendency of this stratagem to sanction so fatal an error, or +substitute a more destructive rage in place of this; the sufficiency of +Carwin's mere muscular forces to counteract the efforts, and restrain +the fury of Wieland, might, at a second glance, have been discovered; +but no second glance was allowed. My first thought hurried me to action, +and, fixing my eyes upon Carwin I exclaimed-- + +"O wretch! once more hast thou come? Let it be to abjure thy malice; to +counterwork this hellish stratagem; to turn from me and from my brother, +this desolating rage! + +"Testify thy innocence or thy remorse: exert the powers which pertain to +thee, whatever they be, to turn aside this ruin. Thou art the author +of these horrors! What have I done to deserve thus to die? How have I +merited this unrelenting persecution? I adjure thee, by that God whose +voice thou hast dared to counterfeit, to save my life! + +"Wilt thou then go? leave me! Succourless!" + +Carwin listened to my intreaties unmoved, and turned from me. He seemed +to hesitate a moment: then glided through the door. Rage and despair +stifled my utterance. The interval of respite was passed; the pangs +reserved for me by Wieland, were not to be endured; my thoughts rushed +again into anarchy. Having received the knife from his hand, I held it +loosely and without regard; but now it seized again my attention, and I +grasped it with force. + +He seemed to notice not the entrance or exit of Carwin. My gesture and +the murderous weapon appeared to have escaped his notice. His silence +was unbroken; his eye, fixed upon the clock for a time, was now +withdrawn; fury kindled in every feature; all that was human in his face +gave way to an expression supernatural and tremendous. I felt my left +arm within his grasp.-- + +Even now I hesitated to strike. I shrunk from his assault, but in +vain.-- + +Here let me desist. Why should I rescue this event from oblivion? Why +should I paint this detestable conflict? Why not terminate at once this +series of horrors?--Hurry to the verge of the precipice, and cast myself +for ever beyond remembrance and beyond hope? + +Still I live: with this load upon my breast; with this phantom to pursue +my steps; with adders lodged in my bosom, and stinging me to madness: +still I consent to live! + +Yes, I will rise above the sphere of mortal passions: I will spurn at +the cowardly remorse that bids me seek impunity in silence, or comfort +in forgetfulness. My nerves shall be new strung to the task. Have I not +resolved? I will die. The gulph before me is inevitable and near. I will +die, but then only when my tale is at an end. + + + +Chapter XXVI + + +My right hand, grasping the unseen knife, was still disengaged. It was +lifted to strike. All my strength was exhausted, but what was sufficient +to the performance of this deed. Already was the energy awakened, +and the impulse given, that should bear the fatal steel to his heart, +when--Wieland shrunk back: his hand was withdrawn. Breathless with +affright and desperation, I stood, freed from his grasp; unassailed; +untouched. + +Thus long had the power which controuled the scene forborne to +interfere; but now his might was irresistible, and Wieland in a moment +was disarmed of all his purposes. A voice, louder than human organs +could produce, shriller than language can depict, burst from the +ceiling, and commanded him--TO HOLD! + +Trouble and dismay succeeded to the stedfastness that had lately been +displayed in the looks of Wieland. His eyes roved from one quarter to +another, with an expression of doubt. He seemed to wait for a further +intimation. + +Carwin's agency was here easily recognized. I had besought him to +interpose in my defence. He had flown. I had imagined him deaf to my +prayer, and resolute to see me perish: yet he disappeared merely to +devise and execute the means of my relief. + +Why did he not forbear when this end was accomplished? Why did his +misjudging zeal and accursed precipitation overpass that limit? Or meant +he thus to crown the scene, and conduct his inscrutable plots to this +consummation? + +Such ideas were the fruit of subsequent contemplation. This moment +was pregnant with fate. I had no power to reason. In the career of my +tempestuous thoughts, rent into pieces, as my mind was, by accumulating +horrors, Carwin was unseen and unsuspected. I partook of Wieland's +credulity, shook with his amazement, and panted with his awe. + +Silence took place for a moment; so much as allowed the attention to +recover its post. Then new sounds were uttered from above. + +"Man of errors! cease to cherish thy delusion: not heaven or hell, but +thy senses have misled thee to commit these acts. Shake off thy phrenzy, +and ascend into rational and human. Be lunatic no longer." + +My brother opened his lips to speak. His tone was terrific and faint. He +muttered an appeal to heaven. It was difficult to comprehend the theme +of his inquiries. They implied doubt as to the nature of the impulse +that hitherto had guided him, and questioned whether he had acted in +consequence of insane perceptions. + +To these interrogatories the voice, which now seemed to hover at his +shoulder, loudly answered in the affirmative. Then uninterrupted silence +ensued. + +Fallen from his lofty and heroic station; now finally restored to the +perception of truth; weighed to earth by the recollection of his own +deeds; consoled no longer by a consciousness of rectitude, for the +loss of offspring and wife--a loss for which he was indebted to his own +misguided hand; Wieland was transformed at once into the man OF SORROWS! + +He reflected not that credit should be as reasonably denied to the last, +as to any former intimation; that one might as justly be ascribed to +erring or diseased senses as the other. He saw not that this discovery +in no degree affected the integrity of his conduct; that his motives had +lost none of their claims to the homage of mankind; that the preference +of supreme good, and the boundless energy of duty, were undiminished in +his bosom. + +It is not for me to pursue him through the ghastly changes of his +countenance. Words he had none. Now he sat upon the floor, motionless in +all his limbs, with his eyes glazed and fixed; a monument of woe. + +Anon a spirit of tempestuous but undesigning activity seized him. +He rose from his place and strode across the floor, tottering and at +random. His eyes were without moisture, and gleamed with the fire +that consumed his vitals. The muscles of his face were agitated by +convulsion. His lips moved, but no sound escaped him. + +That nature should long sustain this conflict was not to be believed. +My state was little different from that of my brother. I entered, as it +were, into his thought. My heart was visited and rent by his pangs--Oh +that thy phrenzy had never been cured! that thy madness, with its +blissful visions, would return! or, if that must not be, that thy scene +would hasten to a close! that death would cover thee with his oblivion! + +What can I wish for thee? Thou who hast vied with the great preacher +of thy faith in sanctity of motives, and in elevation above sensual and +selfish! Thou whom thy fate has changed into paricide and savage! Can I +wish for the continuance of thy being? No. + +For a time his movements seemed destitute of purpose. If he walked; if +he turned; if his fingers were entwined with each other; if his hands +were pressed against opposite sides of his head with a force +sufficient to crush it into pieces; it was to tear his mind from +self-contemplation; to waste his thoughts on external objects. + +Speedily this train was broken. A beam appeared to be darted into his +mind, which gave a purpose to his efforts. An avenue to escape presented +itself; and now he eagerly gazed about him: when my thoughts became +engaged by his demeanour, my fingers were stretched as by a mechanical +force, and the knife, no longer heeded or of use, escaped from my grasp, +and fell unperceived on the floor. His eye now lighted upon it; he +seized it with the quickness of thought. + +I shrieked aloud, but it was too late. He plunged it to the hilt in his +neck; and his life instantly escaped with the stream that gushed from +the wound. He was stretched at my feet; and my hands were sprinkled with +his blood as he fell. + +Such was thy last deed, my brother! For a spectacle like this was it +my fate to be reserved! Thy eyes were closed--thy face ghastly with +death--thy arms, and the spot where thou liedest, floated in thy life's +blood! These images have not, for a moment, forsaken me. Till I am +breathless and cold, they must continue to hover in my sight. + +Carwin, as I said, had left the room, but he still lingered in the +house. My voice summoned him to my aid; but I scarcely noticed his +re-entrance, and now faintly recollect his terrified looks, his broken +exclamations, his vehement avowals of innocence, the effusions of his +pity for me, and his offers of assistance. + +I did not listen--I answered him not--I ceased to upbraid or accuse. His +guilt was a point to which I was indifferent. Ruffian or devil, black +as hell or bright as angels, thenceforth he was nothing to me. I was +incapable of sparing a look or a thought from the ruin that was spread +at my feet. + +When he left me, I was scarcely conscious of any variation in the scene. +He informed the inhabitants of the hut of what had passed, and they flew +to the spot. Careless of his own safety, he hasted to the city to inform +my friends of my condition. + +My uncle speedily arrived at the house. The body of Wieland was removed +from my presence, and they supposed that I would follow it; but no, my +home is ascertained; here I have taken up my rest, and never will I go +hence, till, like Wieland, I am borne to my grave. + +Importunity was tried in vain: they threatened to remove me by +violence--nay, violence was used; but my soul prizes too dearly this +little roof to endure to be bereaved of it. Force should not +prevail when the hoary locks and supplicating tears of my uncle were +ineffectual. My repugnance to move gave birth to ferociousness and +phrenzy when force was employed, and they were obliged to consent to my +return. + +They besought me--they remonstrated--they appealed to every duty that +connected me with him that made me, and with my fellow-men--in vain. +While I live I will not go hence. Have I not fulfilled my destiny? + +Why will ye torment me with your reasonings and reproofs? Can ye restore +to me the hope of my better days? Can ye give me back Catharine and her +babes? Can ye recall to life him who died at my feet? + +I will eat--I will drink--I will lie down and rise up at your +bidding--all I ask is the choice of my abode. What is there unreasonable +in this demand? Shortly will I be at peace. This is the spot which I +have chosen in which to breathe my last sigh. Deny me not, I beseech +you, so slight a boon. + +Talk not to me, O my revered friend! of Carwin. He has told thee his +tale, and thou exculpatest him from all direct concern in the fate of +Wieland. This scene of havock was produced by an illusion of the senses. +Be it so: I care not from what source these disasters have flowed; it +suffices that they have swallowed up our hopes and our existence. + +What his agency began, his agency conducted to a close. He intended, by +the final effort of his power, to rescue me and to banish his illusions +from my brother. Such is his tale, concerning the truth of which I care +not. Henceforth I foster but one wish--I ask only quick deliverance from +life and all the ills that attend it.-- + +Go wretch! torment me not with thy presence and thy prayers.--Forgive +thee? Will that avail thee when thy fateful hour shall arrive? Be thou +acquitted at thy own tribunal, and thou needest not fear the verdict +of others. If thy guilt be capable of blacker hues, if hitherto thy +conscience be without stain, thy crime will be made more flagrant by +thus violating my retreat. Take thyself away from my sight if thou +wouldest not behold my death! + +Thou are gone! murmuring and reluctant! And now my repose is coming--my +work is done! + + + +Chapter XXVII + + +[Written three years after the foregoing, and dated at Montpellier.] + + +I imagined that I had forever laid aside the pen; and that I should +take up my abode in this part of the world, was of all events the least +probable. My destiny I believed to be accomplished, and I looked forward +to a speedy termination of my life with the fullest confidence. + +Surely I had reason to be weary of existence, to be impatient of every +tie which held me from the grave. I experienced this impatience in its +fullest extent. I was not only enamoured of death, but conceived, from +the condition of my frame, that to shun it was impossible, even though +I had ardently desired it; yet here am I, a thousand leagues from my +native soil, in full possession of life and of health, and not destitute +of happiness. + +Such is man. Time will obliterate the deepest impressions. Grief the +most vehement and hopeless, will gradually decay and wear itself out. +Arguments may be employed in vain: every moral prescription may be +ineffectually tried: remonstrances, however cogent or pathetic, shall +have no power over the attention, or shall be repelled with disdain; +yet, as day follows day, the turbulence of our emotions shall subside, +and our fluctuations be finally succeeded by a calm. + +Perhaps, however, the conquest of despair was chiefly owing to an +accident which rendered my continuance in my own house impossible. At +the conclusion of my long, and, as I then supposed, my last letter to +you, I mentioned my resolution to wait for death in the very spot which +had been the principal scene of my misfortunes. From this resolution my +friends exerted themselves with the utmost zeal and perseverance to make +me depart. They justly imagined that to be thus surrounded by memorials +of the fate of my family, would tend to foster my disease. A swift +succession of new objects, and the exclusion of every thing calculated +to remind me of my loss, was the only method of cure. + +I refused to listen to their exhortations. Great as my calamity was, to +be torn from this asylum was regarded by me as an aggravation of it. By +a perverse constitution of mind, he was considered as my greatest enemy +who sought to withdraw me from a scene which supplied eternal food to my +melancholy, and kept my despair from languishing. + +In relating the history of these disasters I derived a similar species +of gratification. My uncle earnestly dissuaded me from this task; but +his remonstrances were as fruitless on this head as they had been on +others. They would have withheld from me the implements of writing; but +they quickly perceived that to withstand would be more injurious than +to comply with my wishes. Having finished my tale, it seemed as if the +scene were closing. A fever lurked in my veins, and my strength was +gone. Any exertion, however slight, was attended with difficulty, and, +at length, I refused to rise from my bed. + +I now see the infatuation and injustice of my conduct in its true +colours. I reflect upon the sensations and reasonings of that period +with wonder and humiliation. That I should be insensible to the claims +and tears of my friends; that I should overlook the suggestions of duty, +and fly from that post in which only I could be instrumental to the +benefit of others; that the exercise of the social and beneficent +affections, the contemplation of nature and the acquisition of wisdom +should not be seen to be means of happiness still within my reach, is, +at this time, scarcely credible. + +It is true that I am now changed; but I have not the consolation to +reflect that my change was owing to my fortitude or to my capacity for +instruction. Better thoughts grew up in my mind imperceptibly. I cannot +but congratulate myself on the change, though, perhaps, it merely argues +a fickleness of temper, and a defect of sensibility. + +After my narrative was ended I betook myself to my bed, in the full +belief that my career in this world was on the point of finishing. My +uncle took up his abode with me, and performed for me every office of +nurse, physician and friend. One night, after some hours of restlessness +and pain, I sunk into deep sleep. Its tranquillity, however, was of no +long duration. My fancy became suddenly distempered, and my brain was +turned into a theatre of uproar and confusion. It would not be easy to +describe the wild and phantastical incongruities that pestered me. +My uncle, Wieland, Pleyel and Carwin were successively and momently +discerned amidst the storm. Sometimes I was swallowed up by whirlpools, +or caught up in the air by half-seen and gigantic forms, and thrown upon +pointed rocks, or cast among the billows. Sometimes gleams of light +were shot into a dark abyss, on the verge of which I was standing, and +enabled me to discover, for a moment, its enormous depth and hideous +precipices. Anon, I was transported to some ridge of AEtna, and made a +terrified spectator of its fiery torrents and its pillars of smoke. + +However strange it may seem, I was conscious, even during my dream, of +my real situation. I knew myself to be asleep, and struggled to break +the spell, by muscular exertions. These did not avail, and I continued +to suffer these abortive creations till a loud voice, at my bed side, +and some one shaking me with violence, put an end to my reverie. My eyes +were unsealed, and I started from my pillow. + +My chamber was filled with smoke, which, though in some degree luminous, +would permit me to see nothing, and by which I was nearly suffocated. +The crackling of flames, and the deafening clamour of voices without, +burst upon my ears. Stunned as I was by this hubbub, scorched with heat, +and nearly choaked by the accumulating vapours, I was unable to think or +act for my own preservation; I was incapable, indeed, of comprehending +my danger. + +I was caught up, in an instant, by a pair of sinewy arms, borne to the +window, and carried down a ladder which had been placed there. My +uncle stood at the bottom and received me. I was not fully aware of my +situation till I found myself sheltered in the HUT, and surrounded by +its inhabitants. + +By neglect of the servant, some unextinguished embers had been placed in +a barrel in the cellar of the building. The barrel had caught fire; +this was communicated to the beams of the lower floor, and thence to the +upper part of the structure. It was first discovered by some persons +at a distance, who hastened to the spot and alarmed my uncle and the +servants. The flames had already made considerable progress, and my +condition was overlooked till my escape was rendered nearly impossible. + +My danger being known, and a ladder quickly procured, one of the +spectators ascended to my chamber, and effected my deliverance in the +manner before related. + +This incident, disastrous as it may at first seem, had, in reality, a +beneficial effect upon my feelings. I was, in some degree, roused from +the stupor which had seized my faculties. The monotonous and gloomy +series of my thoughts was broken. My habitation was levelled with the +ground, and I was obliged to seek a new one. A new train of images, +disconnected with the fate of my family, forced itself on my attention, +and a belief insensibly sprung up, that tranquillity, if not happiness, +was still within my reach. Notwithstanding the shocks which my frame had +endured, the anguish of my thoughts no sooner abated than I recovered my +health. + +I now willingly listened to my uncle's solicitations to be the companion +of his voyage. Preparations were easily made, and after a tedious +passage, we set our feet on the shore of the ancient world. The memory +of the past did not forsake me; but the melancholy which it generated, +and the tears with which it filled my eyes, were not unprofitable. My +curiosity was revived, and I contemplated, with ardour, the spectacle of +living manners and the monuments of past ages. + +In proportion as my heart was reinstated in the possession of its +ancient tranquillity, the sentiment which I had cherished with regard to +Pleyel returned. In a short time he was united to the Saxon woman, +and made his residence in the neighbourhood of Boston. I was glad that +circumstances would not permit an interview to take place between us. I +could not desire their misery; but I reaped no pleasure from reflecting +on their happiness. Time, and the exertions of my fortitude, cured me, +in some degree, of this folly. I continued to love him, but my passion +was disguised to myself; I considered it merely as a more tender species +of friendship, and cherished it without compunction. + +Through my uncle's exertions a meeting was brought about between Carwin +and Pleyel, and explanations took place which restored me at once to +the good opinion of the latter. Though separated so widely our +correspondence was punctual and frequent, and paved the way for that +union which can only end with the death of one of us. + +In my letters to him I made no secret of my former sentiments. This +was a theme on which I could talk without painful, though not without +delicate emotions. That knowledge which I should never have imparted to +a lover, I felt little scruple to communicate to a friend. + +A year and an half elapsed when Theresa was snatched from him by death, +in the hour in which she gave him the first pledge of their mutual +affection. This event was borne by him with his customary fortitude. It +induced him, however, to make a change in his plans. He disposed of his +property in America, and joined my uncle and me, who had terminated +the wanderings of two years at Montpellier, which will henceforth, I +believe, be our permanent abode. + +If you reflect upon that entire confidence which had subsisted from our +infancy between Pleyel and myself; on the passion that I had contracted, +and which was merely smothered for a time; and on the esteem which was +mutual, you will not, perhaps, be surprized that the renovation of our +intercourse should give birth to that union which at present subsists. +When the period had elapsed necessary to weaken the remembrance of +Theresa, to whom he had been bound by ties more of honor than of love, +he tendered his affections to me. I need not add that the tender was +eagerly accepted. + +Perhaps you are somewhat interested in the fate of Carwin. He saw, +when too late, the danger of imposture. So much affected was he by the +catastrophe to which he was a witness, that he laid aside all regard to +his own safety. He sought my uncle, and confided to him the tale which +he had just related to me. He found a more impartial and indulgent +auditor in Mr. Cambridge, who imputed to maniacal illusion the conduct +of Wieland, though he conceived the previous and unseen agency of +Carwin, to have indirectly but powerfully predisposed to this deplorable +perversion of mind. + +It was easy for Carwin to elude the persecutions of Ludloe. It was +merely requisite to hide himself in a remote district of Pennsylvania. +This, when he parted from us, he determined to do. He is now probably +engaged in the harmless pursuits of agriculture, and may come to think, +without insupportable remorse, on the evils to which his fatal talents +have given birth. The innocence and usefulness of his future life may, +in some degree, atone for the miseries so rashly or so thoughtlessly +inflicted. + +More urgent considerations hindered me from mentioning, in the course of +my former mournful recital, any particulars respecting the unfortunate +father of Louisa Conway. That man surely was reserved to be a monument +of capricious fortune. His southern journies being finished, he returned +to Philadelphia. Before he reached the city he left the highway, and +alighted at my brother's door. Contrary to his expectation, no one came +forth to welcome him, or hail his approach. He attempted to enter the +house, but bolted doors, barred windows, and a silence broken only by +unanswered calls, shewed him that the mansion was deserted. + +He proceeded thence to my habitation, which he found, in like manner, +gloomy and tenantless. His surprize may be easily conceived. The rustics +who occupied the hut told him an imperfect and incredible tale. He +hasted to the city, and extorted from Mrs. Baynton a full disclosure of +late disasters. + +He was inured to adversity, and recovered, after no long time, from +the shocks produced by this disappointment of his darling scheme. Our +intercourse did not terminate with his departure from America. We have +since met with him in France, and light has at length been thrown upon +the motives which occasioned the disappearance of his wife, in the +manner which I formerly related to you. + +I have dwelt upon the ardour of their conjugal attachment, and mentioned +that no suspicion had ever glanced upon her purity. This, though +the belief was long cherished, recent discoveries have shewn to be +questionable. No doubt her integrity would have survived to the present +moment, if an extraordinary fate had not befallen her. + +Major Stuart had been engaged, while in Germany, in a contest of +honor with an Aid de Camp of the Marquis of Granby. His adversary had +propagated a rumour injurious to his character. A challenge was sent; +a meeting ensued; and Stuart wounded and disarmed the calumniator. The +offence was atoned for, and his life secured by suitable concessions. + +Maxwell, that was his name, shortly after, in consequence of succeeding +to a rich inheritance, sold his commission and returned to London. His +fortune was speedily augmented by an opulent marriage. Interest was his +sole inducement to this marriage, though the lady had been swayed by a +credulous affection. The true state of his heart was quickly discovered, +and a separation, by mutual consent, took place. The lady withdrew to +an estate in a distant county, and Maxwell continued to consume his time +and fortune in the dissipation of the capital. + +Maxwell, though deceitful and sensual, possessed great force of mind and +specious accomplishments. He contrived to mislead the generous mind of +Stuart, and to regain the esteem which his misconduct, for a time, had +forfeited. He was recommended by her husband to the confidence of Mrs. +Stuart. Maxwell was stimulated by revenge, and by a lawless passion, to +convert this confidence into a source of guilt. + +The education and capacity of this woman, the worth of her husband, the +pledge of their alliance which time had produced, her maturity in +age and knowledge of the world--all combined to render this attempt +hopeless. Maxwell, however, was not easily discouraged. The most perfect +being, he believed, must owe his exemption from vice to the absence of +temptation. The impulses of love are so subtile, and the influence of +false reasoning, when enforced by eloquence and passion, so unbounded, +that no human virtue is secure from degeneracy. All arts being tried, +every temptation being summoned to his aid, dissimulation being carried +to its utmost bound, Maxwell, at length, nearly accomplished his +purpose. The lady's affections were withdrawn from her husband and +transferred to him. She could not, as yet, be reconciled to dishonor. +All efforts to induce her to elope with him were ineffectual. She +permitted herself to love, and to avow her love; but at this limit she +stopped, and was immoveable. + +Hence this revolution in her sentiments was productive only of despair. +Her rectitude of principle preserved her from actual guilt, but could +not restore to her her ancient affection, or save her from being the +prey of remorseful and impracticable wishes. Her husband's absence +produced a state of suspense. This, however, approached to a period, +and she received tidings of his intended return. Maxwell, being likewise +apprized of this event, and having made a last and unsuccessful effort +to conquer her reluctance to accompany him in a journey to Italy, +whither he pretended an invincible necessity of going, left her to +pursue the measures which despair might suggest. At the same time she +received a letter from the wife of Maxwell, unveiling the true character +of this man, and revealing facts which the artifices of her seducer +had hitherto concealed from her. Mrs. Maxwell had been prompted to this +disclosure by a knowledge of her husband's practices, with which his own +impetuosity had made her acquainted. + +This discovery, joined to the delicacy of her scruples and the anguish +of remorse, induced her to abscond. This scheme was adopted in haste, +but effected with consummate prudence. She fled, on the eve of her +husband's arrival, in the disguise of a boy, and embarked at Falmouth in +a packet bound for America. + +The history of her disastrous intercourse with Maxwell, the motives +inducing her to forsake her country, and the measures she had taken +to effect her design, were related to Mrs. Maxwell, in reply to her +communication. Between these women an ancient intimacy and considerable +similitude of character subsisted. This disclosure was accompanied with +solemn injunctions of secrecy, and these injunctions were, for a long +time, faithfully observed. + +Mrs. Maxwell's abode was situated on the banks of the Wey. Stuart was +her kinsman; their youth had been spent together; and Maxwell was in +some degree indebted to the man whom he betrayed, for his alliance with +this unfortunate lady. Her esteem for the character of Stuart had never +been diminished. A meeting between them was occasioned by a tour which +the latter had undertaken, in the year after his return from America, +to Wales and the western counties. This interview produced pleasure and +regret in each. Their own transactions naturally became the topics of +their conversation; and the untimely fate of his wife and daughter were +related by the guest. + +Mrs. Maxwell's regard for her friend, as well as for the safety of her +husband, persuaded her to concealment; but the former being dead, +and the latter being out of the kingdom, she ventured to produce Mrs. +Stuart's letter, and to communicate her own knowledge of the treachery +of Maxwell. She had previously extorted from her guest a promise not to +pursue any scheme of vengeance; but this promise was made while ignorant +of the full extent of Maxwell's depravity, and his passion refused to +adhere to it. + +At this time my uncle and I resided at Avignon. Among the English +resident there, and with whom we maintained a social intercourse, was +Maxwell. This man's talents and address rendered him a favorite both +with my uncle and myself. He had even tendered me his hand in marriage; +but this being refused, he had sought and obtained permission to +continue with us the intercourse of friendship. Since a legal marriage +was impossible, no doubt, his views were flagitious. Whether he had +relinquished these views I was unable to judge. + +He was one in a large circle at a villa in the environs, to which I had +likewise been invited, when Stuart abruptly entered the apartment. +He was recognized with genuine satisfaction by me, and with seeming +pleasure by Maxwell. In a short time, some affair of moment being +pleaded, which required an immediate and exclusive interview, Maxwell +and he withdrew together. Stuart and my uncle had been known to each +other in the German army; and the purpose contemplated by the former in +this long and hasty journey, was confided to his old friend. + +A defiance was given and received, and the banks of a rivulet, about +a league from the city, was selected as the scene of this contest. My +uncle, having exerted himself in vain to prevent an hostile meeting, +consented to attend them as a surgeon.--Next morning, at sun-rise, was +the time chosen. + +I returned early in the evening to my lodgings. Preliminaries being +settled between the combatants, Stuart had consented to spend the +evening with us, and did not retire till late. On the way to his hotel +he was exposed to no molestation, but just as he stepped within the +portico, a swarthy and malignant figure started from behind a column. +and plunged a stiletto into his body. + +The author of this treason could not certainly be discovered; but the +details communicated by Stuart, respecting the history of Maxwell, +naturally pointed him out as an object of suspicion. No one expressed +more concern, on account of this disaster, than he; and he pretended +an ardent zeal to vindicate his character from the aspersions that were +cast upon it. Thenceforth, however, I denied myself to his visits; and +shortly after he disappeared from this scene. + +Few possessed more estimable qualities, and a better title to happiness +and the tranquil honors of long life, than the mother and father of +Louisa Conway: yet they were cut off in the bloom of their days; and +their destiny was thus accomplished by the same hand. Maxwell was the +instrument of their destruction, though the instrument was applied to +this end in so different a manner. + +I leave you to moralize on this tale. That virtue should become the +victim of treachery is, no doubt, a mournful consideration; but it will +not escape your notice, that the evils of which Carwin and Maxwell were +the authors, owed their existence to the errors of the sufferers. All +efforts would have been ineffectual to subvert the happiness or shorten +the existence of the Stuarts, if their own frailty had not seconded +these efforts. If the lady had crushed her disastrous passion in the +bud, and driven the seducer from her presence, when the tendency of +his artifices was seen; if Stuart had not admitted the spirit of absurd +revenge, we should not have had to deplore this catastrophe. If Wieland +had framed juster notions of moral duty, and of the divine attributes; +or if I had been gifted with ordinary equanimity or foresight, the +double-tongued deceiver would have been baffled and repelled. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wieland; or The Transformation, by +Charles Brockden Brown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WIELAND; OR THE TRANSFORMATION *** + +***** This file should be named 792.txt or 792.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/9/792/ + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +WIELAND; OR THE TRANSFORMATION +An American Tale + + + + + +by Charles Brockden Brown + + + + +From Virtue's blissful paths away +The double-tongued are sure to stray; +Good is a forth-right journey still, +And mazy paths but lead to ill. + + + +Advertisement. + + +The following Work is delivered to the world as the first of +a series of performances, which the favorable reception of this +will induce the Writer to publish. His purpose is neither +selfish nor temporary, but aims at the illustration of some +important branches of the moral constitution of man. Whether +this tale will be classed with the ordinary or frivolous sources +of amusement, or be ranked with the few productions whose +usefulness secures to them a lasting reputation, the reader must +be permitted to decide. + +The incidents related are extraordinary and rare. Some of +them, perhaps, approach as nearly to the nature of miracles as +can be done by that which is not truly miraculous. It is hoped +that intelligent readers will not disapprove of the manner in +which appearances are solved, but that the solution will be +found to correspond with the known principles of human nature. +The power which the principal person is said to possess can +scarcely be denied to be real. It must be acknowledged to be +extremely rare; but no fact, equally uncommon, is supported by +the same strength of historical evidence. + +Some readers may think the conduct of the younger Wieland +impossible. In support of its possibility the Writer must +appeal to Physicians and to men conversant with the latent +springs and occasional perversions of the human mind. It will +not be objected that the instances of similar delusion are rare, +because it is the business of moral painters to exhibit their +subject in its most instructive and memorable forms. If history +furnishes one parallel fact, it is a sufficient vindication of +the Writer; but most readers will probably recollect an +authentic case, remarkably similar to that of Wieland. + +It will be necessary to add, that this narrative is +addressed, in an epistolary form, by the Lady whose story it +contains, to a small number of friends, whose curiosity, with +regard to it, had been greatly awakened. It may likewise be +mentioned, that these events took place between the conclusion +of the French and the beginning of the revolutionary war. The +memoirs of Carwin, alluded to at the conclusion of the work, +will be published or suppressed according to the reception which +is given to the present attempt. + +C. B. B. +September 3, 1798. + + + +Chapter I + + +I feel little reluctance in complying with your request. You +know not fully the cause of my sorrows. You are a stranger to +the depth of my distresses. Hence your efforts at consolation +must necessarily fail. Yet the tale that I am going to tell is +not intended as a claim upon your sympathy. In the midst of my +despair, I do not disdain to contribute what little I can to the +benefit of mankind. I acknowledge your right to be informed of +the events that have lately happened in my family. Make what +use of the tale you shall think proper. If it be communicated +to the world, it will inculcate the duty of avoiding deceit. It +will exemplify the force of early impressions, and show the +immeasurable evils that flow from an erroneous or imperfect +discipline. + +My state is not destitute of tranquillity. The sentiment +that dictates my feelings is not hope. Futurity has no power +over my thoughts. To all that is to come I am perfectly +indifferent. With regard to myself, I have nothing more to +fear. Fate has done its worst. Henceforth, I am callous to +misfortune. + +I address no supplication to the Deity. The power that +governs the course of human affairs has chosen his path. The +decree that ascertained the condition of my life, admits of no +recal. No doubt it squares with the maxims of eternal equity. +That is neither to be questioned nor denied by me. It suffices +that the past is exempt from mutation. The storm that tore up +our happiness, and changed into dreariness and desert the +blooming scene of our existence, is lulled into grim repose; but +not until the victim was transfixed and mangled; till every +obstacle was dissipated by its rage; till every remnant of good +was wrested from our grasp and exterminated. + +How will your wonder, and that of your companions, be excited +by my story! Every sentiment will yield to your amazement. If +my testimony were without corroborations, you would reject it as +incredible. The experience of no human being can furnish a +parallel: That I, beyond the rest of mankind, should be +reserved for a destiny without alleviation, and without example! +Listen to my narrative, and then say what it is that has made me +deserve to be placed on this dreadful eminence, if, indeed, +every faculty be not suspended in wonder that I am still alive, +and am able to relate it. +My father's ancestry was noble on the paternal side; but his +mother was the daughter of a merchant. My grand-father was a +younger brother, and a native of Saxony. He was placed, when he +had reached the suitable age, at a German college. During the +vacations, he employed himself in traversing the neighbouring +territory. On one occasion it was his fortune to visit Hamburg. +He formed an acquaintance with Leonard Weise, a merchant of that +city, and was a frequent guest at his house. The merchant had +an only daughter, for whom his guest speedily contracted an +affection; and, in spite of parental menaces and prohibitions, +he, in due season, became her husband. + +By this act he mortally offended his relations. +Thenceforward he was entirely disowned and rejected by them. +They refused to contribute any thing to his support. All +intercourse ceased, and he received from them merely that +treatment to which an absolute stranger, or detested enemy, +would be entitled. + +He found an asylum in the house of his new father, whose +temper was kind, and whose pride was flattered by this alliance. +The nobility of his birth was put in the balance against his +poverty. Weise conceived himself, on the whole, to have acted +with the highest discretion, in thus disposing of his child. My +grand-father found it incumbent on him to search out some mode +of independent subsistence. His youth had been eagerly devoted +to literature and music. These had hitherto been cultivated +merely as sources of amusement. They were now converted into +the means of gain. At this period there were few works of taste +in the Saxon dialect. My ancestor may be considered as the +founder of the German Theatre. The modern poet of the same name +is sprung from the same family, and, perhaps, surpasses but +little, in the fruitfulness of his invention, or the soundness +of his taste, the elder Wieland. His life was spent in the +composition of sonatas and dramatic pieces. They were not +unpopular, but merely afforded him a scanty subsistence. He +died in the bloom of his life, and was quickly followed to the +grave by his wife. Their only child was taken under the +protection of the merchant. At an early age he was apprenticed +to a London trader, and passed seven years of mercantile +servitude. + +My father was not fortunate in the character of him under +whose care he was now placed. He was treated with rigor, and +full employment was provided for every hour of his time. His +duties were laborious and mechanical. He had been educated with +a view to this profession, and, therefore, was not tormented +with unsatisfied desires. He did not hold his present +occupations in abhorrence, because they withheld him from paths +more flowery and more smooth, but he found in unintermitted +labour, and in the sternness of his master, sufficient occasions +for discontent. No opportunities of recreation were allowed +him. He spent all his time pent up in a gloomy apartment, or +traversing narrow and crowded streets. His food was coarse, and +his lodging humble. +His heart gradually contracted a habit of morose and gloomy +reflection. He could not accurately define what was wanting to +his happiness. He was not tortured by comparisons drawn between +his own situation and that of others. His state was such as +suited his age and his views as to fortune. He did not imagine +himself treated with extraordinary or unjustifiable rigor. In +this respect he supposed the condition of others, bound like +himself to mercantile service, to resemble his own; yet every +engagement was irksome, and every hour tedious in its lapse. + +In this state of mind he chanced to light upon a book written +by one of the teachers of the Albigenses, or French Protestants. +He entertained no relish for books, and was wholly unconscious +of any power they possessed to delight or instruct. This volume +had lain for years in a corner of his garret, half buried in +dust and rubbish. He had marked it as it lay; had thrown it, as +his occasions required, from one spot to another; but had felt +no inclination to examine its contents, or even to inquire what +was the subject of which it treated. + +One Sunday afternoon, being induced to retire for a few +minutes to his garret, his eye was attracted by a page of this +book, which, by some accident, had been opened and placed full +in his view. He was seated on the edge of his bed, and was +employed in repairing a rent in some part of his clothes. His +eyes were not confined to his work, but occasionally wandering, +lighted at length upon the page. The words "Seek and ye shall +find," were those that first offered themselves to his notice. +His curiosity was roused by these so far as to prompt him to +proceed. As soon as he finished his work, he took up the book +and turned to the first page. The further he read, the more +inducement he found to continue, and he regretted the decline of +the light which obliged him for the present to close it. + +The book contained an exposition of the doctrine of the sect +of Camissards, and an historical account of its origin. His +mind was in a state peculiarly fitted for the reception of +devotional sentiments. The craving which had haunted him was +now supplied with an object. His mind was at no loss for a +theme of meditation. On days of business, he rose at the dawn, +and retired to his chamber not till late at night. He now +supplied himself with candles, and employed his nocturnal and +Sunday hours in studying this book. It, of course, abounded +with allusions to the Bible. All its conclusions were deduced +from the sacred text. This was the fountain, beyond which it +was unnecessary to trace the stream of religious truth; but it +was his duty to trace it thus far. + +A Bible was easily procured, and he ardently entered on the +study of it. His understanding had received a particular +direction. All his reveries were fashioned in the same mould. +His progress towards the formation of his creed was rapid. +Every fact and sentiment in this book were viewed through a +medium which the writings of the Camissard apostle had +suggested. His constructions of the text were hasty, and formed +on a narrow scale. Every thing was viewed in a disconnected +position. One action and one precept were not employed to +illustrate and restrict the meaning of another. Hence arose a +thousand scruples to which he had hitherto been a stranger. He +was alternately agitated by fear and by ecstacy. He imagined +himself beset by the snares of a spiritual foe, and that his +security lay in ceaseless watchfulness and prayer. + +His morals, which had never been loose, were now modelled by +a stricter standard. The empire of religious duty extended +itself to his looks, gestures, and phrases. All levities of +speech, and negligences of behaviour, were proscribed. His air +was mournful and contemplative. He laboured to keep alive a +sentiment of fear, and a belief of the awe-creating presence of +the Deity. Ideas foreign to this were sedulously excluded. To +suffer their intrusion was a crime against the Divine Majesty +inexpiable but by days and weeks of the keenest agonies. + +No material variation had occurred in the lapse of two years. +Every day confirmed him in his present modes of thinking and +acting. It was to be expected that the tide of his emotions +would sometimes recede, that intervals of despondency and doubt +would occur; but these gradually were more rare, and of shorter +duration; and he, at last, arrived at a state considerably +uniform in this respect. + +His apprenticeship was now almost expired. On his arrival of +age he became entitled, by the will of my grand-father, to a +small sum. This sum would hardly suffice to set him afloat as +a trader in his present situation, and he had nothing to expect +from the generosity of his master. Residence in England had, +besides, become almost impossible, on account of his religious +tenets. In addition to these motives for seeking a new +habitation, there was another of the most imperious and +irresistable necessity. He had imbibed an opinion that it was +his duty to disseminate the truths of the gospel among the +unbelieving nations. He was terrified at first by the perils +and hardships to which the life of a missionary is exposed. +This cowardice made him diligent in the invention of objections +and excuses; but he found it impossible wholly to shake off the +belief that such was the injunction of his duty. The belief, +after every new conflict with his passions, acquired new +strength; and, at length, he formed a resolution of complying +with what he deemed the will of heaven. + +The North-American Indians naturally presented themselves as +the first objects for this species of benevolence. As soon as +his servitude expired, he converted his little fortune into +money, and embarked for Philadelphia. Here his fears were +revived, and a nearer survey of savage manners once more shook +his resolution. For a while he relinquished his purpose, and +purchasing a farm on Schuylkill, within a few miles of the city, +set himself down to the cultivation of it. The cheapness of +land, and the service of African slaves, which were then in +general use, gave him who was poor in Europe all the advantages +of wealth. He passed fourteen years in a thrifty and laborious +manner. In this time new objects, new employments, and new +associates appeared to have nearly obliterated the devout +impressions of his youth. He now became acquainted with a woman +of a meek and quiet disposition, and of slender acquirements +like himself. He proffered his hand and was accepted. + +His previous industry had now enabled him to dispense with +personal labour, and direct attention to his own concerns. He +enjoyed leisure, and was visited afresh by devotional +contemplation. The reading of the scriptures, and other +religious books, became once more his favorite employment. His +ancient belief relative to the conversion of the savage tribes, +was revived with uncommon energy. To the former obstacles were +now added the pleadings of parental and conjugal love. The +struggle was long and vehement; but his sense of duty would not +be stifled or enfeebled, and finally triumphed over every +impediment. + +His efforts were attended with no permanent success. His +exhortations had sometimes a temporary power, but more +frequently were repelled with insult and derision. In pursuit +of this object he encountered the most imminent perils, and +underwent incredible fatigues, hunger, sickness, and solitude. +The licence of savage passion, and the artifices of his depraved +countrymen, all opposed themselves to his progress. His courage +did not forsake him till there appeared no reasonable ground to +hope for success. He desisted not till his heart was relieved +from the supposed obligation to persevere. With his +constitution somewhat decayed, he at length returned to his +family. An interval of tranquillity succeeded. He was frugal, +regular, and strict in the performance of domestic duties. He +allied himself with no sect, because he perfectly agreed with +none. Social worship is that by which they are all +distinguished; but this article found no place in his creed. He +rigidly interpreted that precept which enjoins us, when we +worship, to retire into solitude, and shut out every species of +society. According to him devotion was not only a silent +office, but must be performed alone. An hour at noon, and an +hour at midnight were thus appropriated. + +At the distance of three hundred yards from his house, on the +top of a rock whose sides were steep, rugged, and encumbered +with dwarf cedars and stony asperities, he built what to a +common eye would have seemed a summer-house. The eastern verge +of this precipice was sixty feet above the river which flowed at +its foot. The view before it consisted of a transparent +current, fluctuating and rippling in a rocky channel, and +bounded by a rising scene of cornfields and orchards. The +edifice was slight and airy. It was no more than a circular +area, twelve feet in diameter, whose flooring was the rock, +cleared of moss and shrubs, and exactly levelled, edged by +twelve Tuscan columns, and covered by an undulating dome. My +father furnished the dimensions and outlines, but allowed the +artist whom he employed to complete the structure on his own +plan. It was without seat, table, or ornament of any kind. + +This was the temple of his Deity. Twice in twenty-four hours +he repaired hither, unaccompanied by any human being. Nothing +but physical inability to move was allowed to obstruct or +postpone this visit. He did not exact from his family +compliance with his example. Few men, equally sincere in their +faith, were as sparing in their censures and restrictions, with +respect to the conduct of others, as my father. The character +of my mother was no less devout; but her education had +habituated her to a different mode of worship. The loneliness +of their dwelling prevented her from joining any established +congregation; but she was punctual in the offices of prayer, and +in the performance of hymns to her Saviour, after the manner of +the disciples of Zinzendorf. My father refused to interfere in +her arrangements. His own system was embraced not, accurately +speaking, because it was the best, but because it had been +expressly prescribed to him. Other modes, if practised by other +persons, might be equally acceptable. + +His deportment to others was full of charity and mildness. +A sadness perpetually overspread his features, but was unmingled +with sternness or discontent. The tones of his voice, his +gestures, his steps were all in tranquil unison. His conduct +was characterised by a certain forbearance and humility, which +secured the esteem of those to whom his tenets were most +obnoxious. They might call him a fanatic and a dreamer, but +they could not deny their veneration to his invincible candour +and invariable integrity. His own belief of rectitude was the +foundation of his happiness. This, however, was destined to +find an end. + +Suddenly the sadness that constantly attended him was +deepened. Sighs, and even tears, sometimes escaped him. To the +expostulations of his wife he seldom answered any thing. When +he designed to be communicative, he hinted that his peace of +mind was flown, in consequence of deviation from his duty. A +command had been laid upon him, which he had delayed to perform. +He felt as if a certain period of hesitation and reluctance had +been allowed him, but that this period was passed. He was no +longer permitted to obey. The duty assigned to him was +transferred, in consequence of his disobedience, to another, and +all that remained was to endure the penalty. + +He did not describe this penalty. It appeared to be nothing +more for some time than a sense of wrong. This was sufficiently +acute, and was aggravated by the belief that his offence was +incapable of expiation. No one could contemplate the agonies +which he seemed to suffer without the deepest compassion. Time, +instead of lightening the burthen, appeared to add to it. At +length he hinted to his wife, that his end was near. His +imagination did not prefigure the mode or the time of his +decease, but was fraught with an incurable persuasion that his +death was at hand. He was likewise haunted by the belief that +the kind of death that awaited him was strange and terrible. +His anticipations were thus far vague and indefinite; but they +sufficed to poison every moment of his being, and devote him to +ceaseless anguish. + + + +Chapter II + + +Early in the morning of a sultry day in August, he left +Mettingen, to go to the city. He had seldom passed a day from +home since his return from the shores of the Ohio. Some urgent +engagements at this time existed, which would not admit of +further delay. He returned in the evening, but appeared to be +greatly oppressed with fatigue. His silence and dejection were +likewise in a more than ordinary degree conspicuous. My +mother's brother, whose profession was that of a surgeon, +chanced to spend this night at our house. It was from him that +I have frequently received an exact account of the mournful +catastrophe that followed. + +As the evening advanced, my father's inquietudes increased. +He sat with his family as usual, but took no part in their +conversation. He appeared fully engrossed by his own +reflections. Occasionally his countenance exhibited tokens of +alarm; he gazed stedfastly and wildly at the ceiling; and the +exertions of his companions were scarcely sufficient to +interrupt his reverie. On recovering from these fits, he +expressed no surprize; but pressing his hand to his head, +complained, in a tremulous and terrified tone, that his brain +was scorched to cinders. He would then betray marks of +insupportable anxiety. + +My uncle perceived, by his pulse, that he was indisposed, but +in no alarming degree, and ascribed appearances chiefly to the +workings of his mind. He exhorted him to recollection and +composure, but in vain. At the hour of repose he readily +retired to his chamber. At the persuasion of my mother he even +undressed and went to bed. Nothing could abate his +restlessness. He checked her tender expostulations with some +sternness. "Be silent," said he, "for that which I feel there +is but one cure, and that will shortly come. You can help me +nothing. Look to your own condition, and pray to God to +strengthen you under the calamities that await you." "What am +I to fear?" she answered. "What terrible disaster is it that +you think of?" "Peace--as yet I know it not myself, but come it +will, and shortly." She repeated her inquiries and doubts; but +he suddenly put an end to the discourse, by a stern command to +be silent. + +She had never before known him in this mood. Hitherto all +was benign in his deportment. Her heart was pierced with sorrow +at the contemplation of this change. She was utterly unable to +account for it, or to figure to herself the species of disaster +that was menaced. + +Contrary to custom, the lamp, instead of being placed on the +hearth, was left upon the table. Over it against the wall there +hung a small clock, so contrived as to strike a very hard stroke +at the end of every sixth hour. That which was now approaching +was the signal for retiring to the fane at which he addressed +his devotions. Long habit had occasioned him to be always awake +at this hour, and the toll was instantly obeyed. + +Now frequent and anxious glances were cast at the clock. Not +a single movement of the index appeared to escape his notice. +As the hour verged towards twelve his anxiety visibly augmented. +The trepidations of my mother kept pace with those of her +husband; but she was intimidated into silence. All that was +left to her was to watch every change of his features, and give +vent to her sympathy in tears. + +At length the hour was spent, and the clock tolled. The +sound appeared to communicate a shock to every part of my +father's frame. He rose immediately, and threw over himself a +loose gown. Even this office was performed with difficulty, for +his joints trembled, and his teeth chattered with dismay. At +this hour his duty called him to the rock, and my mother +naturally concluded that it was thither he intended to repair. +Yet these incidents were so uncommon, as to fill her with +astonishment and foreboding. She saw him leave the room, and +heard his steps as they hastily descended the stairs. She half +resolved to rise and pursue him, but the wildness of the scheme +quickly suggested itself. He was going to a place whither no +power on earth could induce him to suffer an attendant. + +The window of her chamber looked toward the rock. The +atmosphere was clear and calm, but the edifice could not be +discovered at that distance through the dusk. My mother's +anxiety would not allow her to remain where she was. She rose, +and seated herself at the window. She strained her sight to get +a view of the dome, and of the path that led to it. The first +painted itself with sufficient distinctness on her fancy, but +was undistinguishable by the eye from the rocky mass on which it +was erected. The second could be imperfectly seen; but her +husband had already passed, or had taken a different direction. + +What was it that she feared? Some disaster impended over her +husband or herself. He had predicted evils, but professed +himself ignorant of what nature they were. When were they to +come? Was this night, or this hour to witness the +accomplishment? She was tortured with impatience, and +uncertainty. All her fears were at present linked to his +person, and she gazed at the clock, with nearly as much +eagerness as my father had done, in expectation of the next +hour. + +An half hour passed away in this state of suspence. Her eyes +were fixed upon the rock; suddenly it was illuminated. A light +proceeding from the edifice, made every part of the scene +visible. A gleam diffused itself over the intermediate space, +and instantly a loud report, like the explosion of a mine, +followed. She uttered an involuntary shriek, but the new sounds +that greeted her ear, quickly conquered her surprise. They were +piercing shrieks, and uttered without intermission. The gleams +which had diffused themselves far and wide were in a moment +withdrawn, but the interior of the edifice was filled with rays. + +The first suggestion was that a pistol was discharged, and +that the structure was on fire. She did not allow herself time +to meditate a second thought, but rushed into the entry and +knocked loudly at the door of her brother's chamber. My uncle +had been previously roused by the noise, and instantly flew to +the window. He also imagined what he saw to be fire. The loud +and vehement shrieks which succeeded the first explosion, seemed +to be an invocation of succour. The incident was inexplicable; +but he could not fail to perceive the propriety of hastening to +the spot. He was unbolting the door, when his sister's voice +was heard on the outside conjuring him to come forth. + +He obeyed the summons with all the speed in his power. He +stopped not to question her, but hurried down stairs and across +the meadow which lay between the house and the rock. The +shrieks were no longer to be heard; but a blazing light was +clearly discernible between the columns of the temple. +Irregular steps, hewn in the stone, led him to the summit. On +three sides, this edifice touched the very verge of the cliff. +On the fourth side, which might be regarded as the front, there +was an area of small extent, to which the rude staircase +conducted you. My uncle speedily gained this spot. His +strength was for a moment exhausted by his haste. He paused to +rest himself. Meanwhile he bent the most vigilant attention +towards the object before him. + +Within the columns he beheld what he could no better +describe, than by saying that it resembled a cloud impregnated +with light. It had the brightness of flame, but was without its +upward motion. It did not occupy the whole area, and rose but +a few feet above the floor. No part of the building was on +fire. This appearance was astonishing. He approached the +temple. As he went forward the light retired, and, when he put +his feet within the apartment, utterly vanished. The suddenness +of this transition increased the darkness that succeeded in a +tenfold degree. Fear and wonder rendered him powerless. An +occurrence like this, in a place assigned to devotion, was +adapted to intimidate the stoutest heart. + +His wandering thoughts were recalled by the groans of one +near him. His sight gradually recovered its power, and he was +able to discern my father stretched on the floor. At that +moment, my mother and servants arrived with a lanthorn, and +enabled my uncle to examine more closely this scene. My father, +when he left the house, besides a loose upper vest and slippers, +wore a shirt and drawers. Now he was naked, his skin throughout +the greater part of his body was scorched and bruised. His +right arm exhibited marks as of having been struck by some heavy +body. His clothes had been removed, and it was not immediately +perceived that they were reduced to ashes. His slippers and his +hair were untouched. + +He was removed to his chamber, and the requisite attention +paid to his wounds, which gradually became more painful. A +mortification speedily shewed itself in the arm, which had been +most hurt. Soon after, the other wounded parts exhibited the +like appearance. + +Immediately subsequent to this disaster, my father seemed +nearly in a state of insensibility. He was passive under every +operation. He scarcely opened his eyes, and was with difficulty +prevailed upon to answer the questions that were put to him. By +his imperfect account, it appeared, that while engaged in silent +orisons, with thoughts full of confusion and anxiety, a faint +gleam suddenly shot athwart the apartment. His fancy +immediately pictured to itself, a person bearing a lamp. It +seemed to come from behind. He was in the act of turning to +examine the visitant, when his right arm received a blow from a +heavy club. At the same instant, a very bright spark was seen +to light upon his clothes. In a moment, the whole was reduced +to ashes. This was the sum of the information which he chose to +give. There was somewhat in his manner that indicated an +imperfect tale. My uncle was inclined to believe that half the +truth had been suppressed. + +Meanwhile, the disease thus wonderfully generated, betrayed +more terrible symptoms. Fever and delirium terminated in +lethargic slumber, which, in the course of two hours, gave place +to death. Yet not till insupportable exhalations and crawling +putrefaction had driven from his chamber and the house every one +whom their duty did not detain. + +Such was the end of my father. None surely was ever more +mysterious. When we recollect his gloomy anticipations and +unconquerable anxiety; the security from human malice which his +character, the place, and the condition of the times, might be +supposed to confer; the purity and cloudlessness of the +atmosphere, which rendered it impossible that lightning was the +cause; what are the conclusions that we must form? + +The prelusive gleam, the blow upon his arm, the fatal spark, +the explosion heard so far, the fiery cloud that environed him, +without detriment to the structure, though composed of +combustible materials, the sudden vanishing of this cloud at my +uncle's approach--what is the inference to be drawn from these +facts? Their truth cannot be doubted. My uncle's testimony is +peculiarly worthy of credit, because no man's temper is more +sceptical, and his belief is unalterably attached to natural +causes. + +I was at this time a child of six years of age. The +impressions that were then made upon me, can never be effaced. +I was ill qualified to judge respecting what was then passing; +but as I advanced in age, and became more fully acquainted with +these facts, they oftener became the subject of my thoughts. +Their resemblance to recent events revived them with new force +in my memory, and made me more anxious to explain them. Was +this the penalty of disobedience? this the stroke of a +vindictive and invisible hand? Is it a fresh proof that the +Divine Ruler interferes in human affairs, meditates an end, +selects, and commissions his agents, and enforces, by +unequivocal sanctions, submission to his will? Or, was it +merely the irregular expansion of the fluid that imparts warmth +to our heart and our blood, caused by the fatigue of the +preceding day, or flowing, by established laws, from the +condition of his thoughts?* + + +*A case, in its symptoms exactly parallel to this, is +published in one of the Journals of Florence. See, likewise, +similar cases reported by Messrs. Merille and Muraire, in the +"Journal de Medicine," for February and May, 1783. The +researches of Maffei and Fontana have thrown some light upon +this subject. + + + +Chapter III + + +The shock which this disastrous occurrence occasioned to my +mother, was the foundation of a disease which carried her, in a +few months, to the grave. My brother and myself were children +at this time, and were now reduced to the condition of orphans. +The property which our parents left was by no means +inconsiderable. It was entrusted to faithful hands, till we +should arrive at a suitable age. Meanwhile, our education was +assigned to a maiden aunt who resided in the city, and whose +tenderness made us in a short time cease to regret that we had +lost a mother. + +The years that succeeded were tranquil and happy. Our lives +were molested by few of those cares that are incident to +childhood. By accident more than design, the indulgence and +yielding temper of our aunt was mingled with resolution and +stedfastness. She seldom deviated into either extreme of rigour +or lenity. Our social pleasures were subject to no unreasonable +restraints. We were instructed in most branches of useful +knowledge, and were saved from the corruption and tyranny of +colleges and boarding-schools. + +Our companions were chiefly selected from the children of our +neighbours. Between one of these and my brother, there quickly +grew the most affectionate intimacy. Her name was Catharine +Pleyel. She was rich, beautiful, and contrived to blend the +most bewitching softness with the most exuberant vivacity. The +tie by which my brother and she were united, seemed to add force +to the love which I bore her, and which was amply returned. +Between her and myself there was every circumstance tending to +produce and foster friendship. Our sex and age were the same. +We lived within sight of each other's abode. Our tempers were +remarkably congenial, and the superintendants of our education +not only prescribed to us the same pursuits, but allowed us to +cultivate them together. + +Every day added strength to the triple bonds that united us. +We gradually withdrew ourselves from the society of others, and +found every moment irksome that was not devoted to each other. +My brother's advance in age made no change in our situation. It +was determined that his profession should be agriculture. His +fortune exempted him from the necessity of personal labour. The +task to be performed by him was nothing more than +superintendance. The skill that was demanded by this was merely +theoretical, and was furnished by casual inspection, or by +closet study. The attention that was paid to this subject did +not seclude him for any long time from us, on whom time had no +other effect than to augment our impatience in the absence of +each other and of him. Our tasks, our walks, our music, were +seldom performed but in each other's company. + +It was easy to see that Catharine and my brother were born +for each other. The passion which they mutually entertained +quickly broke those bounds which extreme youth had set to it; +confessions were made or extorted, and their union was postponed +only till my brother had passed his minority. The previous +lapse of two years was constantly and usefully employed. + +O my brother! But the task I have set myself let me perform +with steadiness. The felicity of that period was marred by no +gloomy anticipations. The future, like the present, was serene. +Time was supposed to have only new delights in store. I mean +not to dwell on previous incidents longer than is necessary to +illustrate or explain the great events that have since happened. +The nuptial day at length arrived. My brother took possession +of the house in which he was born, and here the long protracted +marriage was solemnized. + +My father's property was equally divided between us. A neat +dwelling, situated on the bank of the river, three quarters of +a mile from my brother's, was now occupied by me. These domains +were called, from the name of the first possessor, Mettingen. +I can scarcely account for my refusing to take up my abode with +him, unless it were from a disposition to be an economist of +pleasure. Self-denial, seasonably exercised, is one means of +enhancing our gratifications. I was, beside, desirous of +administering a fund, and regulating an household, of my own. +The short distance allowed us to exchange visits as often as we +pleased. The walk from one mansion to the other was no +undelightful prelude to our interviews. I was sometimes their +visitant, and they, as frequently, were my guests. + +Our education had been modelled by no religious standard. We +were left to the guidance of our own understanding, and the +casual impressions which society might make upon us. My +friend's temper, as well as my own, exempted us from much +anxiety on this account. It must not be supposed that we were +without religion, but with us it was the product of lively +feelings, excited by reflection on our own happiness, and by the +grandeur of external nature. We sought not a basis for our +faith, in the weighing of proofs, and the dissection of creeds. +Our devotion was a mixed and casual sentiment, seldom verbally +expressed, or solicitously sought, or carefully retained. In +the midst of present enjoyment, no thought was bestowed on the +future. As a consolation in calamity religion is dear. But +calamity was yet at a distance, and its only tendency was to +heighten enjoyments which needed not this addition to satisfy +every craving. + +My brother's situation was somewhat different. His +deportment was grave, considerate, and thoughtful. I will not +say whether he was indebted to sublimer views for this +disposition. Human life, in his opinion, was made up of +changeable elements, and the principles of duty were not easily +unfolded. The future, either as anterior, or subsequent to +death, was a scene that required some preparation and provision +to be made for it. These positions we could not deny, but what +distinguished him was a propensity to ruminate on these truths. +The images that visited us were blithsome and gay, but those +with which he was most familiar were of an opposite hue. They +did not generate affliction and fear, but they diffused over his +behaviour a certain air of forethought and sobriety. The +principal effect of this temper was visible in his features and +tones. These, in general, bespoke a sort of thrilling +melancholy. I scarcely ever knew him to laugh. He never +accompanied the lawless mirth of his companions with more than +a smile, but his conduct was the same as ours. + +He partook of our occupations and amusements with a zeal not +less than ours, but of a different kind. The diversity in our +temper was never the parent of discord, and was scarcely a topic +of regret. The scene was variegated, but not tarnished or +disordered by it. It hindered the element in which we moved +from stagnating. Some agitation and concussion is requisite to +the due exercise of human understanding. In his studies, he +pursued an austerer and more arduous path. He was much +conversant with the history of religious opinions, and took +pains to ascertain their validity. He deemed it indispensable +to examine the ground of his belief, to settle the relation +between motives and actions, the criterion of merit, and the +kinds and properties of evidence. + +There was an obvious resemblance between him and my father, +in their conceptions of the importance of certain topics, and in +the light in which the vicissitudes of human life were +accustomed to be viewed. Their characters were similar, but the +mind of the son was enriched by science, and embellished with +literature. + +The temple was no longer assigned to its ancient use. From +an Italian adventurer, who erroneously imagined that he could +find employment for his skill, and sale for his sculptures in +America, my brother had purchased a bust of Cicero. He +professed to have copied this piece from an antique dug up with +his own hands in the environs of Modena. Of the truth of his +assertions we were not qualified to judge; but the marble was +pure and polished, and we were contented to admire the +performance, without waiting for the sanction of connoisseurs. +We hired the same artist to hew a suitable pedestal from a +neighbouring quarry. This was placed in the temple, and the +bust rested upon it. Opposite to this was a harpsichord, +sheltered by a temporary roof from the weather. This was the +place of resort in the evenings of summer. Here we sung, and +talked, and read, and occasionally banqueted. Every joyous and +tender scene most dear to my memory, is connected with this +edifice. Here the performances of our musical and poetical +ancestor were rehearsed. Here my brother's children received +the rudiments of their education; here a thousand conversations, +pregnant with delight and improvement, took place; and here the +social affections were accustomed to expand, and the tear of +delicious sympathy to be shed. + +My brother was an indefatigable student. The authors whom he +read were numerous, but the chief object of his veneration was +Cicero. He was never tired of conning and rehearsing his +productions. To understand them was not sufficient. He was +anxious to discover the gestures and cadences with which they +ought to be delivered. He was very scrupulous in selecting a +true scheme of pronunciation for the Latin tongue, and in +adapting it to the words of his darling writer. His favorite +occupation consisted in embellishing his rhetoric with all the +proprieties of gesticulation and utterance. + +Not contented with this, he was diligent in settling and +restoring the purity of the text. For this end, he collected +all the editions and commentaries that could be procured, and +employed months of severe study in exploring and comparing them. +He never betrayed more satisfaction than when he made a +discovery of this kind. + +It was not till the addition of Henry Pleyel, my friend's +only brother, to our society, that his passion for Roman +eloquence was countenanced and fostered by a sympathy of tastes. +This young man had been some years in Europe. We had separated +at a very early age, and he was now returned to spend the +remainder of his days among us. + +Our circle was greatly enlivened by the accession of a new +member. His conversation abounded with novelty. His gaiety was +almost boisterous, but was capable of yielding to a grave +deportment when the occasion required it. His discernment was +acute, but he was prone to view every object merely as supplying +materials for mirth. His conceptions were ardent but ludicrous, +and his memory, aided, as he honestly acknowledged, by his +invention, was an inexhaustible fund of entertainment. + +His residence was at the same distance below the city as ours +was above, but there seldom passed a day without our being +favoured with a visit. My brother and he were endowed with the +same attachment to the Latin writers; and Pleyel was not behind +his friend in his knowledge of the history and metaphysics of +religion. Their creeds, however, were in many respects +opposite. Where one discovered only confirmations of his faith, +the other could find nothing but reasons for doubt. Moral +necessity, and calvinistic inspiration, were the props on which +my brother thought proper to repose. Pleyel was the champion of +intellectual liberty, and rejected all guidance but that of his +reason. Their discussions were frequent, but, being managed +with candour as well as with skill, they were always listened to +by us with avidity and benefit. + +Pleyel, like his new friends, was fond of music and poetry. +Henceforth our concerts consisted of two violins, an +harpsichord, and three voices. We were frequently reminded how +much happiness depends upon society. This new friend, though, +before his arrival, we were sensible of no vacuity, could not +now be spared. His departure would occasion a void which +nothing could fill, and which would produce insupportable +regret. Even my brother, though his opinions were hourly +assailed, and even the divinity of Cicero contested, was +captivated with his friend, and laid aside some part of his +ancient gravity at Pleyel's approach. + + + +Chapter IV + + +Six years of uninterrupted happiness had rolled away, since +my brother's marriage. The sound of war had been heard, but it +was at such a distance as to enhance our enjoyment by affording +objects of comparison. The Indians were repulsed on the one +side, and Canada was conquered on the other. Revolutions and +battles, however calamitous to those who occupied the scene, +contributed in some sort to our happiness, by agitating our +minds with curiosity, and furnishing causes of patriotic +exultation. Four children, three of whom were of an age to +compensate, by their personal and mental progress, the cares of +which they had been, at a more helpless age, the objects, +exercised my brother's tenderness. The fourth was a charming +babe that promised to display the image of her mother, and +enjoyed perfect health. To these were added a sweet girl +fourteen years old, who was loved by all of us, with an +affection more than parental. + +Her mother's story was a mournful one. She had come hither +from England when this child was an infant, alone, without +friends, and without money. She appeared to have embarked in a +hasty and clandestine manner. She passed three years of +solitude and anguish under my aunt's protection, and died a +martyr to woe; the source of which she could, by no +importunities, be prevailed upon to unfold. Her education and +manners bespoke her to be of no mean birth. Her last moments +were rendered serene, by the assurances she received from my +aunt, that her daughter should experience the same protection +that had been extended to herself. + +On my brother's marriage, it was agreed that she should make +a part of his family. I cannot do justice to the attractions of +this girl. Perhaps the tenderness she excited might partly +originate in her personal resemblance to her mother, whose +character and misfortunes were still fresh in our remembrance. +She was habitually pensive, and this circumstance tended to +remind the spectator of her friendless condition; and yet that +epithet was surely misapplied in this case. This being was +cherished by those with whom she now resided, with unspeakable +fondness. Every exertion was made to enlarge and improve her +mind. Her safety was the object of a solicitude that almost +exceeded the bounds of discretion. Our affection indeed could +scarcely transcend her merits. She never met my eye, or +occurred to my reflections, without exciting a kind of +enthusiasm. Her softness, her intelligence, her equanimity, +never shall I see surpassed. I have often shed tears of +pleasure at her approach, and pressed her to my bosom in an +agony of fondness. + +While every day was adding to the charms of her person, and +the stores of her mind, there occurred an event which threatened +to deprive us of her. An officer of some rank, who had been +disabled by a wound at Quebec, had employed himself, since the +ratification of peace, in travelling through the colonies. He +remained a considerable period at Philadelphia, but was at last +preparing for his departure. No one had been more frequently +honoured with his visits than Mrs. Baynton, a worthy lady with +whom our family were intimate. He went to her house with a view +to perform a farewell visit, and was on the point of taking his +leave, when I and my young friend entered the apartment. It is +impossible to describe the emotions of the stranger, when he +fixed his eyes upon my companion. He was motionless with +surprise. He was unable to conceal his feelings, but sat +silently gazing at the spectacle before him. At length he +turned to Mrs. Baynton, and more by his looks and gestures than +by words, besought her for an explanation of the scene. He +seized the hand of the girl, who, in her turn, was surprised by +his behaviour, and drawing her forward, said in an eager and +faultering tone, Who is she? whence does she come? what is her +name? + +The answers that were given only increased the confusion of +his thoughts. He was successively told, that she was the +daughter of one whose name was Louisa Conway, who arrived among +us at such a time, who sedulously concealed her parentage, and +the motives of her flight, whose incurable griefs had finally +destroyed her, and who had left this child under the protection +of her friends. Having heard the tale, he melted into tears, +eagerly clasped the young lady in his arms, and called himself +her father. When the tumults excited in his breast by this +unlooked-for meeting were somewhat subsided, he gratified our +curiosity by relating the following incidents. + +"Miss Conway was the only daughter of a banker in London, who +discharged towards her every duty of an affectionate father. He +had chanced to fall into her company, had been subdued by her +attractions, had tendered her his hand, and been joyfully +accepted both by parent and child. His wife had given him every +proof of the fondest attachment. Her father, who possessed +immense wealth, treated him with distinguished respect, +liberally supplied his wants, and had made one condition of his +consent to their union, a resolution to take up their abode with +him. + +"They had passed three years of conjugal felicity, which had +been augmented by the birth of this child; when his professional +duty called him into Germany. It was not without an arduous +struggle, that she was persuaded to relinquish the design of +accompanying him through all the toils and perils of war. No +parting was ever more distressful. They strove to alleviate, by +frequent letters, the evils of their lot. Those of his wife, +breathed nothing but anxiety for his safety, and impatience of +his absence. At length, a new arrangement was made, and he was +obliged to repair from Westphalia to Canada. One advantage +attended this change. It afforded him an opportunity of meeting +his family. His wife anticipated this interview, with no less +rapture than himself. He hurried to London, and the moment he +alighted from the stage-coach, ran with all speed to Mr. +Conway's house. + +"It was an house of mourning. His father was overwhelmed +with grief, and incapable of answering his inquiries. The +servants, sorrowful and mute, were equally refractory. He +explored the house, and called on the names of his wife and +daughter, but his summons was fruitless. At length, this new +disaster was explained. Two days before his arrival, his wife's +chamber was found empty. No search, however diligent and +anxious, could trace her steps. No cause could be assigned for +her disappearance. The mother and child had fled away together. + +"New exertions were made, her chamber and cabinets were +ransacked, but no vestige was found serving to inform them as to +the motives of her flight, whether it had been voluntary or +otherwise, and in what corner of the kingdom or of the world she +was concealed. Who shall describe the sorrow and amazement of +the husband? His restlessness, his vicissitudes of hope and +fear, and his ultimate despair? His duty called him to America. +He had been in this city, and had frequently passed the door of +the house in which his wife, at that moment, resided. Her +father had not remitted his exertions to elucidate this painful +mystery, but they had failed. This disappointment hastened his +death; in consequence of which, Louisa's father became possessor +of his immense property." + +This tale was a copious theme of speculation. A thousand +questions were started and discussed in our domestic circle, +respecting the motives that influenced Mrs. Stuart to abandon +her country. It did not appear that her proceeding was +involuntary. We recalled and reviewed every particular that had +fallen under our own observation. By none of these were we +furnished with a clue. Her conduct, after the most rigorous +scrutiny, still remained an impenetrable secret. On a nearer +view, Major Stuart proved himself a man of most amiable +character. His attachment to Louisa appeared hourly to +increase. She was no stranger to the sentiments suitable to her +new character. She could not but readily embrace the scheme +which was proposed to her, to return with her father to England. +This scheme his regard for her induced him, however, to +postpone. Some time was necessary to prepare her for so great +a change and enable her to think without agony of her separation +from us. + +I was not without hopes of prevailing on her father entirely +to relinquish this unwelcome design. Meanwhile, he pursued his +travels through the southern colonies, and his daughter +continued with us. Louisa and my brother frequently received +letters from him, which indicated a mind of no common order. +They were filled with amusing details, and profound reflections. +While here, he often partook of our evening conversations at the +temple; and since his departure, his correspondence had +frequently supplied us with topics of discourse. + +One afternoon in May, the blandness of the air, and +brightness of the verdure, induced us to assemble, earlier than +usual, in the temple. We females were busy at the needle, while +my brother and Pleyel were bandying quotations and syllogisms. +The point discussed was the merit of the oration for Cluentius, +as descriptive, first, of the genius of the speaker; and, +secondly, of the manners of the times. Pleyel laboured to +extenuate both these species of merit, and tasked his ingenuity, +to shew that the orator had embraced a bad cause; or, at least, +a doubtful one. He urged, that to rely on the exaggerations of +an advocate, or to make the picture of a single family a model +from which to sketch the condition of a nation, was absurd. The +controversy was suddenly diverted into a new channel, by a +misquotation. Pleyel accused his companion of saying +"polliciatur" when he should have said "polliceretur." +Nothing would decide the contest, but an appeal to the volume. +My brother was returning to the house for this purpose, when a +servant met him with a letter from Major Stuart. He immediately +returned to read it in our company. + +Besides affectionate compliments to us, and paternal +benedictions on Louisa, his letter contained a description of a +waterfall on the Monongahela. A sudden gust of rain falling, we +were compelled to remove to the house. The storm passed away, +and a radiant moon-light succeeded. There was no motion to +resume our seats in the temple. We therefore remained where we +were, and engaged in sprightly conversation. The letter lately +received naturally suggested the topic. A parallel was drawn +between the cataract there described, and one which Pleyel had +discovered among the Alps of Glarus. In the state of the +former, some particular was mentioned, the truth of which was +questionable. To settle the dispute which thence arose, it was +proposed to have recourse to the letter. My brother searched +for it in his pocket. It was no where to be found. At length, +he remembered to have left it in the temple, and he determined +to go in search of it. His wife, Pleyel, Louisa, and myself, +remained where we were. + +In a few minutes he returned. I was somewhat interested in +the dispute, and was therefore impatient for his return; yet, as +I heard him ascending the stairs, I could not but remark, that +he had executed his intention with remarkable dispatch. My eyes +were fixed upon him on his entrance. Methought he brought with +him looks considerably different from those with which he +departed. Wonder, and a slight portion of anxiety were mingled +in them. His eyes seemed to be in search of some object. They +passed quickly from one person to another, till they rested on +his wife. She was seated in a careless attitude on the sofa, in +the same spot as before. She had the same muslin in her hand, +by which her attention was chiefly engrossed. + +The moment he saw her, his perplexity visibly increased. He +quietly seated himself, and fixing his eyes on the floor, +appeared to be absorbed in meditation. These singularities +suspended the inquiry which I was preparing to make respecting +the letter. In a short time, the company relinquished the +subject which engaged them, and directed their attention to +Wieland. They thought that he only waited for a pause in the +discourse, to produce the letter. The pause was uninterrupted +by him. At length Pleyel said, "Well, I suppose you have found +the letter." + +"No," said he, without any abatement of his gravity, and +looking stedfastly at his wife, "I did not mount the +hill."--"Why not?"--"Catharine, have you not moved from that +spot since I left the room?"--She was affected with the +solemnity of his manner, and laying down her work, answered in +a tone of surprise, "No; Why do you ask that question?"--His +eyes were again fixed upon the floor. and he did not +immediately answer. At length, he said, looking round upon us, +"Is it true that Catharine did not follow me to the hill? That +she did not just now enter the room?"--We assured him, with one +voice, that she had not been absent for a moment, and inquired +into the motive of his questions. + +"Your assurances," said he, "are solemn and unanimous; and +yet I must deny credit to your assertions, or disbelieve the +testimony of my senses, which informed me, when I was half way +up the hill, that Catharine was at the bottom." + +We were confounded at this declaration. Pleyel rallied him +with great levity on his behaviour. He listened to his friend +with calmness, but without any relaxation of features. + +"One thing," said he with emphasis, "is true; either I heard +my wife's voice at the bottom of the hill, or I do not hear your +voice at present." + +"Truly," returned Pleyel, "it is a sad dilemma to which you +have reduced yourself. Certain it is, if our eyes can give us +certainty that your wife has been sitting in that spot during +every moment of your absence. You have heard her voice, you +say, upon the hill. In general, her voice, like her temper, is +all softness. To be heard across the room, she is obliged to +exert herself. While you were gone, if I mistake not, she did +not utter a word. Clara and I had all the talk to ourselves. +Still it may be that she held a whispering conference with you +on the hill; but tell us the particulars." + +"The conference," said he, "was short; and far from being +carried on in a whisper. You know with what intention I left +the house. Half way to the rock, the moon was for a moment +hidden from us by a cloud. I never knew the air to be more +bland and more calm. In this interval I glanced at the temple, +and thought I saw a glimmering between the columns. It was so +faint, that it would not perhaps have been visible, if the moon +had not been shrowded. I looked again, but saw nothing. I +never visit this building alone, or at night, without being +reminded of the fate of my father. There was nothing wonderful +in this appearance; yet it suggested something more than mere +solitude and darkness in the same place would have done. + +"I kept on my way. The images that haunted me were solemn; +and I entertained an imperfect curiosity, but no fear, as to the +nature of this object. I had ascended the hill little more than +half way, when a voice called me from behind. The accents were +clear, distinct, powerful, and were uttered, as I fully +believed, by my wife. Her voice is not commonly so loud. She +has seldom occasion to exert it, but, nevertheless, I have +sometimes heard her call with force and eagerness. If my ear +was not deceived, it was her voice which I heard. + +"Stop, go no further. There is danger in your path." The +suddenness and unexpectedness of this warning, the tone of alarm +with which it was given, and, above all, the persuasion that it +was my wife who spoke, were enough to disconcert and make me +pause. I turned and listened to assure myself that I was not +mistaken. The deepest silence succeeded. At length, I spoke in +my turn. Who calls? is it you, Catharine? I stopped and +presently received an answer. "Yes, it is I; go not up; return +instantly; you are wanted at the house." Still the voice was +Catharine's, and still it proceeded from the foot of the stairs. + +"What could I do? The warning was mysterious. To be uttered +by Catharine at a place, and on an occasion like these, enhanced +the mystery. I could do nothing but obey. Accordingly, I trod +back my steps, expecting that she waited for me at the bottom of +the hill. When I reached the bottom, no one was visible. The +moon-light was once more universal and brilliant, and yet, as +far as I could see no human or moving figure was discernible. +If she had returned to the house, she must have used wondrous +expedition to have passed already beyond the reach of my eye. +I exerted my voice, but in vain. To my repeated exclamations, +no answer was returned. + +"Ruminating on these incidents, I returned hither. There was +no room to doubt that I had heard my wife's voice; attending +incidents were not easily explained; but you now assure me that +nothing extraordinary has happened to urge my return, and that +my wife has not moved from her seat." + +Such was my brother's narrative. It was heard by us with +different emotions. Pleyel did not scruple to regard the whole +as a deception of the senses. Perhaps a voice had been heard; +but Wieland's imagination had misled him in supposing a +resemblance to that of his wife, and giving such a signification +to the sounds. According to his custom he spoke what he +thought. Sometimes, he made it the theme of grave discussion, +but more frequently treated it with ridicule. He did not +believe that sober reasoning would convince his friend, and +gaiety, he thought, was useful to take away the solemnities +which, in a mind like Wieland's, an accident of this kind was +calculated to produce. + +Pleyel proposed to go in search of the letter. He went and +speedily returned, bearing it in his hand. He had found it open +on the pedestal; and neither voice nor visage had risen to +impede his design. + +Catharine was endowed with an uncommon portion of good sense; +but her mind was accessible, on this quarter, to wonder and +panic. That her voice should be thus inexplicably and +unwarrantably assumed, was a source of no small disquietude. +She admitted the plausibility of the arguments by which Pleyel +endeavoured to prove, that this was no more than an auricular +deception; but this conviction was sure to be shaken, when she +turned her eyes upon her husband, and perceived that Pleyel's +logic was far from having produced the same effect upon him. + +As to myself, my attention was engaged by this occurrence. +I could not fail to perceive a shadowy resemblance between it +and my father's death. On the latter event, I had frequently +reflected; my reflections never conducted me to certainty, but +the doubts that existed were not of a tormenting kind. I could +not deny that the event was miraculous, and yet I was invincibly +averse to that method of solution. My wonder was excited by the +inscrutableness of the cause, but my wonder was unmixed with +sorrow or fear. It begat in me a thrilling, and not unpleasing +solemnity. Similar to these were the sensations produced by the +recent adventure. + +But its effect upon my brother's imagination was of chief +moment. All that was desirable was, that it should be regarded +by him with indifference. The worst effect that could flow, was +not indeed very formidable. Yet I could not bear to think that +his senses should be the victims of such delusion. It argued a +diseased condition of his frame, which might show itself +hereafter in more dangerous symptoms. The will is the tool of +the understanding, which must fashion its conclusions on the +notices of sense. If the senses be depraved, it is impossible +to calculate the evils that may flow from the consequent +deductions of the understanding. + +I said, this man is of an ardent and melancholy character. +Those ideas which, in others, are casual or obscure, which are +entertained in moments of abstraction and solitude, and easily +escape when the scene is changed, have obtained an immoveable +hold upon his mind. The conclusions which long habit has +rendered familiar, and, in some sort, palpable to his intellect, +are drawn from the deepest sources. All his actions and +practical sentiments are linked with long and abstruse +deductions from the system of divine government and the laws of +our intellectual constitution. He is, in some respects, an +enthusiast, but is fortified in his belief by innumerable +arguments and subtilties. + +His father's death was always regarded by him as flowing from +a direct and supernatural decree. It visited his meditations +oftener than it did mine. The traces which it left were more +gloomy and permanent. This new incident had a visible effect in +augmenting his gravity. He was less disposed than formerly to +converse and reading. When we sifted his thoughts, they were +generally found to have a relation, more or less direct, with +this incident. It was difficult to ascertain the exact species +of impression which it made upon him. He never introduced the +subject into conversation, and listened with a silent and +half-serious smile to the satirical effusions of Pleyel. + +One evening we chanced to be alone together in the temple. +I seized that opportunity of investigating the state of his +thoughts. After a pause, which he seemed in no wise inclined to +interrupt, I spoke to him--"How almost palpable is this dark; +yet a ray from above would dispel it." "Ay," said Wieland, with +fervor, "not only the physical, but moral night would be +dispelled." "But why," said I, "must the Divine Will address +its precepts to the eye?" He smiled significantly. "True," +said he, "the understanding has other avenues." "You have +never," said I, approaching nearer to the point--"you have never +told me in what way you considered the late extraordinary +incident." "There is no determinate way in which the subject +can be viewed. Here is an effect, but the cause is utterly +inscrutable. To suppose a deception will not do. Such is +possible, but there are twenty other suppositions more probable. +They must all be set aside before we reach that point." "What +are these twenty suppositions?" "It is needless to mention +them. They are only less improbable than Pleyel's. Time may +convert one of them into certainty. Till then it is useless to +expatiate on them." + + + +Chapter V + + +Some time had elapsed when there happened another occurrence, +still more remarkable. Pleyel, on his return from Europe, +brought information of considerable importance to my brother. +My ancestors were noble Saxons, and possessed large domains in +Lusatia. The Prussian wars had destroyed those persons whose +right to these estates precluded my brother's. Pleyel had been +exact in his inquiries, and had discovered that, by the law of +male-primogeniture, my brother's claims were superior to those +of any other person now living. Nothing was wanting but his +presence in that country, and a legal application to establish +this claim. + +Pleyel strenuously recommended this measure. The advantages +he thought attending it were numerous, and it would argue the +utmost folly to neglect them. Contrary to his expectation he +found my brother averse to the scheme. Slight efforts, he, at +first, thought would subdue his reluctance; but he found this +aversion by no means slight. The interest that he took in the +happiness of his friend and his sister, and his own partiality +to the Saxon soil, from which he had likewise sprung, and where +he had spent several years of his youth, made him redouble his +exertions to win Wieland's consent. For this end he employed +every argument that his invention could suggest. He painted, in +attractive colours, the state of manners and government in that +country, the security of civil rights, and the freedom of +religious sentiments. He dwelt on the privileges of wealth and +rank, and drew from the servile condition of one class, an +argument in favor of his scheme, since the revenue and power +annexed to a German principality afford so large a field for +benevolence. The evil flowing from this power, in malignant +hands, was proportioned to the good that would arise from the +virtuous use of it. Hence, Wieland, in forbearing to claim his +own, withheld all the positive felicity that would accrue to his +vassals from his success, and hazarded all the misery that would +redound from a less enlightened proprietor. + +It was easy for my brother to repel these arguments, and to +shew that no spot on the globe enjoyed equal security and +liberty to that which he at present inhabited. That if the +Saxons had nothing to fear from mis-government, the external +causes of havoc and alarm were numerous and manifest. The +recent devastations committed by the Prussians furnished a +specimen of these. The horrors of war would always impend over +them, till Germany were seized and divided by Austrian and +Prussian tyrants; an event which he strongly suspected was at no +great distance. But setting these considerations aside, was it +laudable to grasp at wealth and power even when they were within +our reach? Were not these the two great sources of depravity? +What security had he, that in this change of place and +condition, he should not degenerate into a tyrant and +voluptuary? Power and riches were chiefly to be dreaded on +account of their tendency to deprave the possessor. He held +them in abhorrence, not only as instruments of misery to others, +but to him on whom they were conferred. Besides, riches were +comparative, and was he not rich already? He lived at present +in the bosom of security and luxury. All the instruments of +pleasure, on which his reason or imagination set any value, were +within his reach. But these he must forego, for the sake of +advantages which, whatever were their value, were as yet +uncertain. In pursuit of an imaginary addition to his wealth, +he must reduce himself to poverty, he must exchange present +certainties for what was distant and contingent; for who knows +not that the law is a system of expence, delay and uncertainty? +If he should embrace this scheme, it would lay him under the +necessity of making a voyage to Europe, and remaining for a +certain period, separate from his family. He must undergo the +perils and discomforts of the ocean; he must divest himself of +all domestic pleasures; he must deprive his wife of her +companion, and his children of a father and instructor, and all +for what? For the ambiguous advantages which overgrown wealth +and flagitious tyranny have to bestow? For a precarious +possession in a land of turbulence and war? Advantages, which +will not certainly be gained, and of which the acquisition, if +it were sure, is necessarily distant. + +Pleyel was enamoured of his scheme on account of its +intrinsic benefits, but, likewise, for other reasons. His abode +at Leipsig made that country appear to him like home. He was +connected with this place by many social ties. While there he +had not escaped the amorous contagion. But the lady, though her +heart was impressed in his favor, was compelled to bestow her +hand upon another. Death had removed this impediment, and he +was now invited by the lady herself to return. This he was of +course determined to do, but was anxious to obtain the company +of Wieland; he could not bear to think of an eternal separation +from his present associates. Their interest, he thought, would +be no less promoted by the change than his own. Hence he was +importunate and indefatigable in his arguments and +solicitations. + +He knew that he could not hope for mine or his sister's ready +concurrence in this scheme. Should the subject be mentioned to +us, we should league our efforts against him, and strengthen +that reluctance in Wieland which already was sufficiently +difficult to conquer. He, therefore, anxiously concealed from +us his purpose. If Wieland were previously enlisted in his +cause, he would find it a less difficult task to overcome our +aversion. My brother was silent on this subJect, because he +believed himself in no danger of changing his opinion, and he +was willing to save us from any uneasiness. The mere mention of +such a scheme, and the possibility of his embracing it, he knew, +would considerably impair our tranquillity. + +One day, about three weeks subsequent to the mysterious call, +it was agreed that the family should be my guests. Seldom had +a day been passed by us, of more serene enjoyment. Pleyel had +promised us his company, but we did not see him till the sun had +nearly declined. He brought with him a countenance that +betokened disappointment and vexation. He did not wait for our +inquiries, but immediately explained the cause. Two days before +a packet had arrived from Hamburgh, by which he had flattered +himself with the expectation of receiving letters, but no +letters had arrived. I never saw him so much subdued by an +untoward event. His thoughts were employed in accounting for +the silence of his friends. He was seized with the torments of +jealousy, and suspected nothing less than the infidelity of her +to whom he had devoted his heart. The silence must have been +concerted. Her sickness, or absence, or death, would have +increased the certainty of some one's having written. No +supposition could be formed but that his mistress had grown +indifferent, or that she had transferred her affections to +another. The miscarriage of a letter was hardly within the +reach of possibility. From Leipsig to Hamburgh, and from +Hamburgh hither, the conveyance was exposed to no hazard. + +He had been so long detained in America chiefly in +consequence of Wieland's aversion to the scheme which he +proposed. He now became more impatient than ever to return to +Europe. When he reflected that, by his delays, he had probably +forfeited the affections of his mistress, his sensations +amounted to agony. It only remained, by his speedy departure, +to repair, if possible, or prevent so intolerable an evil. +Already he had half resolved to embark in this very ship which, +he was informed, would set out in a few weeks on her return. + +Meanwhile he determined to make a new attempt to shake the +resolution of Wieland. The evening was somewhat advanced when +he invited the latter to walk abroad with him. The invitation +was accepted, and they left Catharine, Louisa and me, to amuse +ourselves by the best means in our power. During this walk, +Pleyel renewed the subject that was nearest his heart. He +re-urged all his former arguments, and placed them in more +forcible lights. + +They promised to return shortly; but hour after hour passed, +and they made not their appearance. Engaged in sprightly +conversation, it was not till the clock struck twelve that we +were reminded of the lapse of time. The absence of our friends +excited some uneasy apprehensions. We were expressing our +fears, and comparing our conjectures as to what might be the +cause, when they entered together. There were indications in +their countenances that struck me mute. These were unnoticed by +Catharine, who was eager to express her surprize and curiosity +at the length of their walk. As they listened to her, I +remarked that their surprize was not less than ours. They gazed +in silence on each other, and on her. I watched their looks, +but could not understand the emotions that were written in them. + +These appearances diverted Catharine's inquiries into a new +channel. What did they mean, she asked, by their silence, and +by their thus gazing wildly at each other, and at her? Pleyel +profited by this hint, and assuming an air of indifference, +framed some trifling excuse, at the same time darting +significant glances at Wieland, as if to caution him against +disclosing the truth. My brother said nothing, but delivered +himself up to meditation. I likewise was silent, but burned +with impatience to fathom this mystery. Presently my brother +and his wife, and Louisa, returned home. Pleyel proposed, of +his own accord, to be my guest for the night. This +circumstance, in addition to those which preceded, gave new edge +to my wonder. + +As soon as we were left alone, Pleyel's countenance assumed +an air of seriousness, and even consternation, which I had never +before beheld in him. The steps with which he measured the +floor betokened the trouble of his thoughts. My inquiries were +suspended by the hope that he would give me the information that +I wanted without the importunity of questions. I waited some +time, but the confusion of his thoughts appeared in no degree to +abate. At length I mentioned the apprehensions which their +unusual absence had occasioned, and which were increased by +their behaviour since their return, and solicited an +explanation. He stopped when I began to speak, and looked +stedfastly at me. When I had done, he said, to me, in a tone +which faultered through the vehemence of his emotions, "How were +you employed during our absence?" "In turning over the Della +Crusca dictionary, and talking on different subjects; but just +before your entrance, we were tormenting ourselves with omens +and prognosticks relative to your absence." "Catherine was with +you the whole time?" "Yes." "But are you sure?" "Most sure. +She was not absent a moment." He stood, for a time, as if to +assure himself of my sincerity. Then, clinching his hands, and +wildly lifting them above his head, "Lo," cried he, "I have news +to tell you. The Baroness de Stolberg is dead?" + +This was her whom he loved. I was not surprised at the +agitations which he betrayed. "But how was the information +procured? How was the truth of this news connected with the +circumstance of Catharine's remaining in our company?" He was +for some time inattentive to my questions. When he spoke, it +seemed merely a continuation of the reverie into which he had +been plunged. + +"And yet it might be a mere deception. But could both of us +in that case have been deceived? A rare and prodigious +coincidence! Barely not impossible. And yet, if the accent be +oracular--Theresa is dead. No, no," continued he, covering his +face with his hands, and in a tone half broken into sobs, "I +cannot believe it. She has not written, but if she were dead, +the faithful Bertrand would have given me the earliest +information. And yet if he knew his master, he must have easily +guessed at the effect of such tidings. In pity to me he was +silent." + +"Clara, forgive me; to you, this behaviour is mysterious. I +will explain as well as I am able. But say not a word to +Catharine. Her strength of mind is inferior to your's. She +will, besides, have more reason to be startled. She is +Wieland's angel." + +Pleyel proceeded to inform me, for the first time, of the +scheme which he had pressed, with so much earnestness, on my +brother. He enumerated the objections which had been made, and +the industry with which he had endeavoured to confute them. He +mentioned the effect upon his resolutions produced by the +failure of a letter. "During our late walk," continued he, "I +introduced the subject that was nearest my heart. I re-urged +all my former arguments, and placed them in more forcible +lights. Wieland was still refractory. He expatiated on the +perils of wealth and power, on the sacredness of conjugal and +parental duties, and the happiness of mediocrity. + +"No wonder that the time passed, unperceived, away. Our +whole souls were engaged in this cause. Several times we came +to the foot of the rock; as soon as we perceived it, we changed +our course, but never failed to terminate our circuitous and +devious ramble at this spot. At length your brother observed, +"We seem to be led hither by a kind of fatality. Since we are +so near, let us ascend and rest ourselves a while. If you are +not weary of this argument we will resume it there." + +"I tacitly consented. We mounted the stairs, and drawing the +sofa in front of the river, we seated ourselves upon it. I took +up the thread of our discourse where we had dropped it. I +ridiculed his dread of the sea, and his attachment to home. I +kept on in this strain, so congenial with my disposition, for +some time, uninterrupted by him. At length, he said to me, +"Suppose now that I, whom argument has not convinced, should +yield to ridicule, and should agree that your scheme is +eligible; what will you have gained? Nothing. You have other +enemies beside myself to encounter. When you have vanquished +me, your toil has scarcely begun. There are my sister and wife, +with whom it will remain for you to maintain the contest. And +trust me, they are adversaries whom all your force and stratagem +will never subdue." I insinuated that they would model +themselves by his will: that Catharine would think obedience +her duty. He answered, with some quickness, "You mistake. +Their concurrence is indispensable. It is not my custom to +exact sacrifices of this kind. I live to be their protector and +friend, and not their tyrant and foe. If my wife shall deem her +happiness, and that of her children, most consulted by remaining +where she is, here she shall remain." "But," said I, "when she +knows your pleasure, will she not conform to it?" Before my +friend had time to answer this question, a negative was clearly +and distinctly uttered from another quarter. It did not come +from one side or the other, from before us or behind. Whence +then did it come? By whose organs was it fashioned? + +"If any uncertainty had existed with regard to these +particulars, it would have been removed by a deliberate and +equally distinct repetition of the same monosyllable, "No." The +voice was my sister's. It appeared to come from the roof. I +started from my seat. Catharine, exclaimed I, where are you? +No answer was returned. I searched the room, and the area +before it, but in vain. Your brother was motionless in his +seat. I returned to him, and placed myself again by his side. +My astonishment was not less than his." + +"Well," said he, at length, "What think you of this? This is +the self-same voice which I formerly heard; you are now +convinced that my ears were well informed." + +"Yes," said I, "this, it is plain, is no fiction of the +fancy." We again sunk into mutual and thoughtful silence. A +recollection of the hour, and of the length of our absence, made +me at last propose to return. We rose up for this purpose. In +doing this, my mind reverted to the contemplation of my own +condition. "Yes," said I aloud, but without particularly +addressing myself to Wieland, "my resolution is taken. I cannot +hope to prevail with my friends to accompany me. They may doze +away their days on the banks of Schuylkill, but as to me, I go +in the next vessel; I will fly to her presence, and demand the +reason of this extraordinary silence." + +"I had scarcely finished the sentence, when the same +mysterious voice exclaimed, "You shall not go. The seal of +death is on her lips. Her silence is the silence of the tomb." +Think of the effects which accents like these must have had upon +me. I shuddered as I listened. As soon as I recovered from my +first amazement, "Who is it that speaks?" said I, "whence did +you procure these dismal tidings?" I did not wait long for an +answer. "From a source that cannot fail. Be satisfied. She is +dead." You may justly be surprised, that, in the circumstances +in which I heard the tidings, and notwithstanding the mystery +which environed him by whom they were imparted, I could give an +undivided attention to the facts, which were the subject of our +dialogue. I eagerly inquired, when and where did she die? What +was the cause of her death? Was her death absolutely certain? +An answer was returned only to the last of these questions. +"Yes," was pronounced by the same voice; but it now sounded from +a greater distance, and the deepest silence was all the return +made to my subsequent interrogatories. + +"It was my sister's voice; but it could not be uttered by +her; and yet, if not by her, by whom was it uttered? When we +returned hither, and discovered you together, the doubt that had +previously existed was removed. It was manifest that the +intimation came not from her. Yet if not from her, from whom +could it come? Are the circumstances attending the imparting of +this news proof that the tidings are true? God forbid that they +should be true." + +Here Pleyel sunk into anxious silence, and gave me leisure to +ruminate on this inexplicable event. I am at a loss to describe +the sensations that affected me. I am not fearful of shadows. +The tales of apparitions and enchantments did not possess that +power over my belief which could even render them interesting. +I saw nothing in them but ignorance and folly, and was a +stranger even to that terror which is pleasing. But this +incident was different from any that I had ever before known. +Here were proofs of a sensible and intelligent existence, which +could not be denied. Here was information obtained and imparted +by means unquestionably super-human. + +That there are conscious beings, beside ourselves, in +existence, whose modes of activity and information surpass our +own, can scarcely be denied. Is there a glimpse afforded us +into a world of these superior beings? My heart was scarcely +large enough to give admittance to so swelling a thought. An +awe, the sweetest and most solemn that imagination can conceive, +pervaded my whole frame. It forsook me not when I parted from +Pleyel and retired to my chamber. An impulse was given to my +spirits utterly incompatible with sleep. I passed the night +wakeful and full of meditation. I was impressed with the belief +of mysterious, but not of malignant agency. Hitherto nothing +had occurred to persuade me that this airy minister was busy to +evil rather than to good purposes. On the contrary, the idea of +superior virtue had always been associated in my mind with that +of superior power. The warnings that had thus been heard +appeared to have been prompted by beneficent intentions. My +brother had been hindered by this voice from ascending the hill. +He was told that danger lurked in his path, and his obedience to +the intimation had perhaps saved him from a destiny similar to +that of my father. + +Pleyel had been rescued from tormenting uncertainty, and from +the hazards and fatigues of a fruitless voyage, by the same +interposition. It had assured him of the death of his Theresa. + +This woman was then dead. A confirmation of the tidings, if +true, would speedily arrive. Was this confirmation to be +deprecated or desired? By her death, the tie that attached him +to Europe, was taken away. Henceforward every motive would +combine to retain him in his native country, and we were rescued +from the deep regrets that would accompany his hopeless absence +from us. Propitious was the spirit that imparted these tidings. +Propitious he would perhaps have been, if he had been +instrumental in producing, as well as in communicating the +tidings of her death. Propitious to us, the friends of Pleyel, +to whom has thereby been secured the enjoyment of his society; +and not unpropitious to himself; for though this object of his +love be snatched away, is there not another who is able and +willing to console him for her loss? + +Twenty days after this, another vessel arrived from the same +port. In this interval, Pleyel, for the most part, estranged +himself from his old companions. He was become the prey of a +gloomy and unsociable grief. His walks were limited to the bank +of the Delaware. This bank is an artificial one. Reeds and the +river are on one side, and a watery marsh on the other, in that +part which bounded his lands, and which extended from the mouth +of Hollander's creek to that of Schuylkill. No scene can be +imagined less enticing to a lover of the picturesque than this. +The shore is deformed with mud, and incumbered with a forest of +reeds. The fields, in most seasons, are mire; but when they +afford a firm footing, the ditches by which they are bounded and +intersected, are mantled with stagnating green, and emit the +most noxious exhalations. Health is no less a stranger to those +seats than pleasure. Spring and autumn are sure to be +accompanied with agues and bilious remittents. + +The scenes which environed our dwellings at Mettingen +constituted the reverse of this. Schuylkill was here a pure and +translucid current, broken intO wild and ceaseless music by +rocky points, murmuring on a sandy margin, and reflecting on its +surface, banks of all varieties of height and degrees of +declivity. These banks were chequered by patches of dark +verdure and shapeless masses of white marble, and crowned by +copses of cedar, or by the regular magnificence of orchards, +which, at this season, were in blossom, and were prodigal of +odours. The ground which receded from the river was scooped +into valleys and dales. Its beauties were enhanced by the +horticultural skill of my brother, who bedecked this exquisite +assemblage of slopes and risings with every species of vegetable +ornament, from the giant arms of the oak to the clustering +tendrils of the honey-suckle. + +To screen him from the unwholesome airs of his own residence, +it had been proposed to Pleyel to spend the months of spring +with us. He had apparently acquiesced in this proposal; but the +late event induced him to change his purpose. He was only to be +seen by visiting him in his retirements. His gaiety had flown, +and every passion was absorbed in eagerness to procure tidings +from Saxony. I have mentioned the arrival of another vessel +from the Elbe. He descried her early one morning as he was +passing along the skirt of the river. She was easily +recognized, being the ship in which he had performed his first +voyage to Germany. He immediately went on board, but found no +letters directed to him. This omission was, in some degree, +compensated by meeting with an old acquaintance among the +passengers, who had till lately been a resident in Leipsig. +This person put an end to all suspense respecting the fate of +Theresa, by relating the particulars of her death and funeral. + +Thus was the truth of the former intimation attested. No +longer devoured by suspense, the grief of Pleyel was not long in +yielding to the influence of society. He gave himself up once +more to our company. His vivacity had indeed been damped; but +even in this respect he was a more acceptable companion than +formerly, since his seriousness was neither incommunicative nor +sullen. + +These incidents, for a time, occupied all our thoughts. In +me they produced a sentiment not unallied to pleasure, and more +speedily than in the case of my friends were intermixed with +other topics. My brother was particularly affected by them. It +was easy to perceive that most of his meditations were tinctured +from this source. To this was to be ascribed a design in which +his pen was, at this period, engaged, of collecting and +investigating the facts which relate to that mysterious +personage, the Daemon of Socrates. + +My brother's skill in Greek and Roman learning was exceeded +by that of few, and no doubt the world would have accepted a +treatise upon this subject from his hand with avidity; but alas! +this and every other scheme of felicity and honor, were doomed +to sudden blast and hopeless extermination. + + + +Chapter VI + + +I now come to the mention of a person with whose name the +most turbulent sensations are connected. It is with a +shuddering reluctance that I enter on the province of describing +him. Now it is that I begin to perceive the difficulty of the +task which I have undertaken; but it would be weakness to shrink +from it. My blood is congealed: and my fingers are palsied +when I call up his image. Shame upon my cowardly and infirm +heart! Hitherto I have proceeded with some degree of composure, +but now I must pause. I mean not that dire remembrance shall +subdue my courage or baffle my design, but this weakness cannot +be immediately conquered. I must desist for a little while. + +I have taken a few turns in my chamber, and have gathered +strength enough to proceed. Yet have I not projected a task +beyond my power to execute? If thus, on the very threshold of +the scene, my knees faulter and I sink, how shall I support +myself, when I rush into the midst of horrors such as no heart +has hitherto conceived, nor tongue related? I sicken and recoil +at the prospect, and yet my irresolution is momentary. I have +not formed this design upon slight grounds, and though I may at +times pause and hesitate, I will not be finally diverted from +it. + +And thou, O most fatal and potent of mankind, in what terms +shall I describe thee? What words are adequate to the just +delineation of thy character? How shall I detail the means +which rendered the secrecy of thy purposes unfathomable? But I +will not anticipate. Let me recover if possible, a sober +strain. Let me keep down the flood of passion that would render +me precipitate or powerless. Let me stifle the agonies that are +awakened by thy name. Let me, for a time, regard thee as a +being of no terrible attributes. Let me tear myself from +contemplation of the evils of which it is but too certain that +thou wast the author, and limit my view to those harmless +appearances which attended thy entrance on the stage. + +One sunny afternoon, I was standing in the door of my house, +when I marked a person passing close to the edge of the bank +that was in front. His pace was a careless and lingering one, +and had none of that gracefulness and ease which distinguish a +person with certain advantages of education from a clown. His +gait was rustic and aukward. His form was ungainly and +disproportioned. Shoulders broad and square, breast sunken, his +head drooping, his body of uniform breadth, supported by long +and lank legs, were the ingredients of his frame. His garb was +not ill adapted to such a figure. A slouched hat, tarnished by +the weather, a coat of thick grey cloth, cut and wrought, as it +seemed, by a country tailor, blue worsted stockings, and shoes +fastened by thongs, and deeply discoloured by dust, which brush +had never disturbed, constituted his dress. + +There was nothing remarkable in these appearances; they were +frequently to be met with on the road, and in the harvest field. +I cannot tell why I gazed upon them, on this occasion, with more +than ordinary attention, unless it were that such figures were +seldom seen by me, except on the road or field. This lawn was +only traversed by men whose views were directed to the pleasures +of the walk, or the grandeur of the scenery. + +He passed slowly along, frequently pausing, as if to examine +the prospect more deliberately, but never turning his eye +towards the house, so as to allow me a view of his countenance. +Presently, he entered a copse at a small distance, and +disappeared. My eye followed him while he remained in sight. +If his image remained for any duration in my fancy after his +departure, it was because no other object occurred sufficient to +expel it. + +I continued in the same spot for half an hour, vaguely, and +by fits, contemplating the image of this wanderer, and drawing, +from outward appearances, those inferences with respect to the +intellectual history of this person, which experience affords +us. I reflected on the alliance which commonly subsists between +ignorance and the practice of agriculture, and indulged myself +in airy speculations as to the influence of progressive +knowledge in dissolving this alliance, and embodying the dreams +of the poets. I asked why the plough and the hoe might not +become the trade of every human being, and how this trade might +be made conducive to, or, at least, consistent with the +acquisition of wisdom and eloquence. + +Weary with these reflections, I returned to the kitchen to +perform some household office. I had usually but one servant, +and she was a girl about my own age. I was busy near the +chimney, and she was employed near the door of the apartment, +when some one knocked. The door was opened by her, and she was +immediately addressed with "Pry'thee, good girl, canst thou +supply a thirsty man with a glass of buttermilk?" She answered +that there was none in the house. "Aye, but there is some in +the dairy yonder. Thou knowest as well as I, though Hermes +never taught thee, that though every dairy be an house, every +house is not a dairy." To this speech, though she understood +only a part of it, she replied by repeating her assurances, that +she had none to give. "Well then," rejoined the stranger, "for +charity's sweet sake, hand me forth a cup of cold water." The +girl said she would go to the spring and fetch it. "Nay, give +me the cup, and suffer me to help myself. Neither manacled nor +lame, I should merit burial in the maw of carrion crows, if I +laid this task upon thee." She gave him the cup, and he turned +to go to the spring. + +I listened to this dialogue in silence. The words uttered by +the person without, affected me as somewhat singular, but what +chiefly rendered them remarkable, was the tone that accompanied +them. It was wholly new. My brother's voice and Pleyel's were +musical and energetic. I had fondly imagined, that, in this +respect, they were surpassed by none. Now my mistake was +detected. I cannot pretend to communicate the impression that +was made upon me by these accents, or to depict the degree in +which force and sweetness were blended in them. They were +articulated with a distinctness that was unexampled in my +experience. But this was not all. The voice was not only +mellifluent and clear, but the emphasis was so just, and the +modulation so impassioned, that it seemed as if an heart of +stone could not fail of being moved by it. It imparted to me an +emotion altogether involuntary and incontroulable. When he +uttered the words "for charity's sweet sake," I dropped the +cloth that I held in my hand, my heart overflowed with sympathy, +and my eyes with unbidden tears. + +This description will appear to you trifling or incredible. +The importance of these circumstances will be manifested in the +sequel. The manner in which I was affected on this occasion, +was, to my own apprehension, a subject of astonishment. The +tones were indeed such as I never heard before; but that they +should, in an instant, as it were, dissolve me in tears, will +not easily be believed by others, and can scarcely be +comprehended by myself. + +It will be readily supposed that I was somewhat inquisitive +as to the person and demeanour of our visitant. After a +moment's pause, I stepped to the door and looked after him. +Judge my surprize, when I beheld the self-same figure that had +appeared an half hour before upon the bank. My fancy had +conjured up a very different image. A form, and attitude, and +garb, were instantly created worthy to accompany such elocution; +but this person was, in all visible respects, the reverse of +this phantom. Strange as it may seem, I could not speedily +reconcile myself to this disappointment. Instead of returning +to my employment, I threw myself in a chair that was placed +opposite the door, and sunk into a fit of musing. + +My attention was, in a few minutes, recalled by the stranger, +who returned with the empty cup in his hand. I had not thought +of the circumstance, or should certainly have chosen a different +seat. He no sooner shewed himself, than a confused sense of +impropriety, added to the suddenness of the interview, for +which, not having foreseen it, I had made no preparation, threw +me into a state of the most painful embarrassment. He brought +with him a placid brow; but no sooner had he cast his eyes upon +me, than his face was as glowingly suffused as my own. He +placed the cup upon the bench, stammered out thanks, and +retired. + +It was some time before I could recover my wonted composure. +I had snatched a view of the stranger's countenance. The +impression that it made was vivid and indelible. His cheeks +were pallid and lank, his eyes sunken, his forehead overshadowed +by coarse straggling hairs, his teeth large and irregular, +though sound and brilliantly white, and his chin discoloured by +a tetter. His skin was of coarse grain, and sallow hue. Every +feature was wide of beauty, and the outline of his face reminded +you of an inverted cone. + +And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it +to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the +midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and +potent, and something in the rest of his features, which it +would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind +of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the +portrait. This, in the effects which immediately flowed from +it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life. +This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my +fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image. I had +purposed to spend the evening with my brother, but I could not +resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this +memorable visage. Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar +inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this +portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to +my own taste. + +I placed it at all distances, and in all lights; my eyes were +rivetted upon it. Half the night passed away in wakefulness and +in contemplation of this picture. So flexible, and yet so +stubborn, is the human mind. So obedient to impulses the most +transient and brief, and yet so unalterably observant of the +direction which is given to it! How little did I then foresee +the termination of that chain, of which this may be regarded as +the first link? + +Next day arose in darkness and storm. Torrents of rain fell +during the whole day, attended with incessant thunder, which +reverberated in stunning echoes from the opposite declivity. +The inclemency of the air would not allow me to walk-out. I +had, indeed, no inclination to leave my apartment. I betook +myself to the contemplation of this portrait, whose attractions +time had rather enhanced than diminished. I laid aside my usual +occupations, and seating myself at a window, consumed the day in +alternately looking out upon the storm, and gazing at the +picture which lay upon a table before me. You will, perhaps, +deem this conduct somewhat singular, and ascribe it to certain +peculiarities of temper. I am not aware of any such +peculiarities. I can account for my devotion to this image no +otherwise, than by supposing that its properties were rare and +prodigious. Perhaps you will suspect that such were the first +inroads of a passion incident to every female heart, and which +frequently gains a footing by means even more slight, and more +improbable than these. I shall not controvert the +reasonableness of the suspicion, but leave you at liberty to +draw, from my narrative, what conclusions you please. + +Night at length returned, and the storm ceased. The air was +once more clear and calm, and bore an affecting contrast to that +uproar of the elements by which it had been preceded. I spent +the darksome hours, as I spent the day, contemplative and seated +at the window. Why was my mind absorbed in thoughts ominous and +dreary? Why did my bosom heave with sighs, and my eyes overflow +with tears? Was the tempest that had just past a signal of the +ruin which impended over me? My soul fondly dwelt upon the +images of my brother and his children, yet they only increased +the mournfulness of my contemplations. The smiles of the +charming babes were as bland as formerly. The same dignity sat +on the brow of their father, and yet I thought of them with +anguish. Something whispered that the happiness we at present +enjoyed was set on mutable foundations. Death must happen to +all. Whether our felicity was to be subverted by it to-morrow, +or whether it was ordained that we should lay down our heads +full of years and of honor, was a question that no human being +could solve. At other times, these ideas seldom intruded. I +either forbore to reflect upon the destiny that is reserved for +all men, or the reflection was mixed up with images that +disrobed it of terror; but now the uncertainty of life occurred +to me without any of its usual and alleviating accompaniments. +I said to myself, we must die. Sooner or later, we must +disappear for ever from the face of the earth. Whatever be the +links that hold us to life, they must be broken. This scene of +existence is, in all its parts, calamitous. The greater number +is oppressed with immediate evils, and those, the tide of whose +fortunes is full, how small is their portion of enjoyment, since +they know that it will terminate. + +For some time I indulged myself, without reluctance, in these +gloomy thoughts; but at length, the dejection which they +produced became insupportably painful. I endeavoured to +dissipate it with music. I had all my grand-father's melody as +well as poetry by rote. I now lighted by chance on a ballad, +which commemorated the fate of a German Cavalier, who fell at +the siege of Nice under Godfrey of Bouillon. My choice was +unfortunate, for the scenes of violence and carnage which were +here wildly but forcibly pourtrayed, only suggested to my +thoughts a new topic in the horrors of war. + +I sought refuge, but ineffectually, in sleep. My mind was +thronged by vivid, but confused images, and no effort that I +made was sufficient to drive them away. In this situation I +heard the clock, which hung in the room, give the signal for +twelve. It was the same instrument which formerly hung in my +father's chamber, and which, on account of its being his +workmanship, was regarded, by every one of our family, with +veneration. It had fallen to me, in the division of his +property, and was placed in this asylum. The sound awakened a +series of reflections, respecting his death. I was not allowed +to pursue them; for scarcely had the vibrations ceased, when my +attention was attracted by a whisper, which, at first, appeared +to proceed from lips that were laid close to my ear. + +No wonder that a circumstance like this startled me. In the +first impulse of my terror, I uttered a slight scream, and +shrunk to the opposite side of the bed. In a moment, however, +I recovered from my trepidation. I was habitually indifferent +to all the causes of fear, by which the majority are afflicted. +I entertained no apprehension of either ghosts or robbers. Our +security had never been molested by either, and I made use of no +means to prevent or counterwork their machinations. My +tranquillity, on this occasion, was quickly retrieved. The +whisper evidently proceeded from one who was posted at my +bed-side. The first idea that suggested itself was, that it was +uttered by the girl who lived with me as a servant. Perhaps, +somewhat had alarmed her, or she was sick, and had come to +request my assistance. By whispering in my ear, she intended to +rouse without alarming me. + +Full of this persuasion, I called; "Judith," said I, "is it +you? What do you want? Is there any thing the matter with +you?" No answer was returned. I repeated my inquiry, but +equally in vain. Cloudy as was the atmosphere, and curtained as +my bed was, nothing was visible. I withdrew the curtain, and +leaning my head on my elbow, I listened with the deepest +attention to catch some new sound. Meanwhile, I ran over in my +thoughts, every circumstance that could assist my conjectures. + +My habitation was a wooden edifice, consisting of two +stories. In each story were two rooms, separated by an entry, +or middle passage, with which they communicated by opposite +doors. The passage, on the lower story, had doors at the two +ends, and a stair-case. Windows answered to the doors on the +upper story. Annexed to this, on the eastern side, were wings, +divided, in like manner, into an upper and lower room; one of +them comprized a kitchen, and chamber above it for the servant, +and communicated, on both stories, with the parlour adjoining it +below, and the chamber adjoining it above. The opposite wing is +of smaller dimensions, the rooms not being above eight feet +square. The lower of these was used as a depository of +household implements, the upper was a closet in which I +deposited my books and papers. They had but one inlet, which +was from the room adjoining. There was no window in the lower +one, and in the upper, a small aperture which communicated light +and air, but would scarcely admit the body. The door which led +into this, was close to my bed-head, and was always locked, but +when I myself was within. The avenues below were accustomed to +be closed and bolted at nights. + +The maid was my only companion, and she could not reach my +chamber without previously passing through the opposite chamber, +and the middle passage, of which, however, the doors were +usually unfastened. If she had occasioned this noise, she would +have answered my repeated calls. No other conclusion, +therefore, was left me, but that I had mistaken the sounds, and +that my imagination had transformed some casual noise into the +voice of a human creature. Satisfied with this solution, I was +preparing to relinquish my listening attitude, when my ear was +again saluted with a new and yet louder whispering. It +appeared, as before, to issue from lips that touched my pillow. +A second effort of attention, however, clearly shewed me, that +the sounds issued from within the closet, the door of which was +not more than eight inches from my pillow. + +This second interruption occasioned a shock less vehement +than the former. I started, but gave no audible token of alarm. +I was so much mistress of my feelings, as to continue listening +to what should be said. The whisper was distinct, hoarse, and +uttered so as to shew that the speaker was desirous of being +heard by some one near, but, at the same time, studious to avoid +being overheard by any other. + +"Stop, stop, I say; madman as you are! there are better means +than that. Curse upon your rashness! There is no need to +shoot." + +Such were the words uttered in a tone of eagerness and anger, +within so small a distance of my pillow. What construction +could I put upon them? My heart began to palpitate with dread +of some unknown danger. Presently, another voice, but equally +near me, was heard whispering in answer. "Why not? I will draw +a trigger in this business, but perdition be my lot if I do +more." To this, the first voice returned, in a tone which rage +had heightened in a small degree above a whisper, "Coward! stand +aside, and see me do it. I will grasp her throat; I will do her +business in an instant; she shall not have time so much as to +groan." What wonder that I was petrified by sounds so dreadful! +Murderers lurked in my closet. They were planning the means of +my destruction. One resolved to shoot, and the other menaced +suffocation. Their means being chosen, they would forthwith +break the door. Flight instantly suggested itself as most +eligible in circumstances so perilous. I deliberated not a +moment; but, fear adding wings to my speed, I leaped out of bed, +and scantily robed as I was, rushed out of the chamber, down +stairs, and into the open air. I can hardly recollect the +process of turning keys, and withdrawing bolts. My terrors +urged me forward with almost a mechanical impulse. I stopped +not till I reached my brother's door. I had not gained the +threshold, when, exhausted by the violence of my emotions, and +by my speed, I sunk down in a fit. + +How long I remained in this situation I know not. When I +recovered, I found myself stretched on a bed, surrounded by my +sister and her female servants. I was astonished at the scene +before me, but gradually recovered the recollection of what had +happened. I answered their importunate inquiries as well as I +was able. My brother and Pleyel, whom the storm of the +preceding day chanced to detain here, informing themselves of +every particular, proceeded with lights and weapons to my +deserted habitation. They entered my chamber and my closet, and +found every thing in its proper place and customary order. The +door of the closet was locked, and appeared not to have been +opened in my absence. They went to Judith's apartment. They +found her asleep and in safety. Pleyel's caution induced him to +forbear alarming the girl; and finding her wholly ignorant of +what had passed, they directed her to return to her chamber. +They then fastened the doors, and returned. + +My friends were disposed to regard this transaction as a +dream. That persons should be actually immured in this closet, +to which, in the circumstances of the time, access from without +or within was apparently impossible, they could not seriously +believe. That any human beings had intended murder, unless it +were to cover a scheme of pillage, was incredible; but that no +such design had been formed, was evident from the security in +which the furniture of the house and the closet remained. + +I revolved every incident and expression that had occurred. +My senses assured me of the truth of them, and yet their +abruptness and improbability made me, in my turn, somewhat +incredulous. The adventure had made a deep impression on my +fancy, and it was not till after a week's abode at my brother's, +that I resolved to resume the possession of my own dwelling. +There was another circumstance that enhanced the +mysteriousness of this event. After my recovery it was obvious +to inquire by what means the attention of the family had been +drawn to my situation. I had fallen before I had reached the +threshold, or was able to give any signal. My brother related, +that while this was transacting in my chamber, he himself was +awake, in consequence of some slight indisposition, and lay, +according to his custom, musing on some favorite topic. +Suddenly the silence, which was remarkably profound, was broken +by a voice of most piercing shrillness, that seemed to be +uttered by one in the hall below his chamber. "Awake! arise!" +it exclaimed: "hasten to succour one that is dying at your +door." + +This summons was effectual. There was no one in the house +who was not roused by it. Pleyel was the first to obey, and my +brother overtook him before he reached the hall. What was the +general astonishment when your friend was discovered stretched +upon the grass before the door, pale, ghastly, and with every +mark of death! + +This was the third instance of a voice, exerted for the +benefit of this little community. The agent was no less +inscrutable in this, than in the former case. When I ruminated +upon these events, my soul was suspended in wonder and awe. Was +I really deceived in imagining that I heard the closet +conversation? I was no longer at liberty to question the +reality of those accents which had formerly recalled my brother +from the hill; which had imparted tidings of the death of the +German lady to Pleyel; and which had lately summoned them to my +assistance. + +But how was I to regard this midnight conversation? Hoarse +and manlike voices conferring on the means of death, so near my +bed, and at such an hour! How had my ancient security vanished! +That dwelling, which had hitherto been an inviolate asylum, was +now beset with danger to my life. That solitude, formerly so +dear to me, could no longer be endured. Pleyel, who had +consented to reside with us during the months of spring, lodged +in the vacant chamber, in order to quiet my alarms. He treated +my fears with ridicule, and in a short time very slight traces +of them remained: but as it was wholly indifferent to him +whether his nights were passed at my house or at my brother's, +this arrangement gave general satisfaction. + + + +Chapter VII + + +I will not enumerate the various inquiries and conjectures +which these incidents occasioned. After all our efforts, we +came no nearer to dispelling the mist in which they were +involved; and time, instead of facilitating a solution, only +accumulated our doubts. +In the midst of thoughts excited by these events, I was not +unmindful of my interview with the stranger. I related the +particulars, and shewed the portrait to my friends. Pleyel +recollected to have met with a figure resembling my description +in the city; but neither his face or garb made the same +impression upon him that it made upon me. It was a hint to +rally me upon my prepossessions, and to amuse us with a thousand +ludicrous anecdotes which he had collected in his travels. He +made no scruple to charge me with being in love; and threatened +to inform the swain, when he met him, of his good fortune. + +Pleyel's temper made him susceptible of no durable +impressions. His conversation was occasionally visited by +gleams of his ancient vivacity; but, though his impetuosity was +sometimes inconvenient, there was nothing to dread from his +malice. I had no fear that my character or dignity would suffer +in his hands, and was not heartily displeased when he declared +his intention of profiting by his first meeting with the +stranger to introduce him to our acquaintance. + +Some weeks after this I had spent a toilsome day, and, as the +sun declined, found myself disposed to seek relief in a walk. +The river bank is, at this part of it, and for some considerable +space upward, so rugged and steep as not to be easily descended. +In a recess of this declivity, near the southern verge of my +little demesne, was placed a slight building, with seats and +lattices. From a crevice of the rock, to which this edifice was +attached, there burst forth a stream of the purest water, which, +leaping from ledge to ledge, for the space of sixty feet, +produced a freshness in the air, and a murmur, the most +delicious and soothing imaginable. These, added to the odours +of the cedars which embowered it, and of the honey-suckle which +clustered among the lattices, rendered this my favorite retreat +in summer. + +On this occasion I repaired hither. My spirits drooped +through the fatigue of long attention, and I threw myself upon +a bench, in a state, both mentally and personally, of the utmost +supineness. The lulling sounds of the waterfall, the fragrance +and the dusk combined to becalm my spirits, and, in a short +time, to sink me into sleep. Either the uneasiness of my +posture, or some slight indisposition molested my repose with +dreams of no cheerful hue. After various incoherences had taken +their turn to occupy my fancy, I at length imagined myself +walking, in the evening twilight, to my brother's habitation. +A pit, methought, had been dug in the path I had taken, of which +I was not aware. As I carelessly pursued my walk, I thought I +saw my brother, standing at some distance before me, beckoning +and calling me to make haste. He stood on the opposite edge of +the gulph. I mended my pace, and one step more would have +plunged me into this abyss, had not some one from behind caught +suddenly my arm, and exclaimed, in a voice of eagerness and +terror, "Hold! hold!" + +The sound broke my sleep, and I found myself, at the next +moment, standing on my feet, and surrounded by the deepest +darkness. Images so terrific and forcible disabled me, for a +time, from distinguishing between sleep and wakefulness, and +withheld from me the knowledge of my actual condition. My first +panics were succeeded by the perturbations of surprize, to find +myself alone in the open air, and immersed in so deep a gloom. +I slowly recollected the incidents of the afternoon, and how I +came hither. I could not estimate the time, but saw the +propriety of returning with speed to the house. My faculties +were still too confused, and the darkness too intense, to allow +me immediately to find my way up the steep. I sat down, +therefore, to recover myself, and to reflect upon my situation. + +This was no sooner done, than a low voice was heard from +behind the lattice, on the side where I sat. Between the rock +and the lattice was a chasm not wide enough to admit a human +body; yet, in this chasm he that spoke appeared to be stationed. +"Attend! attend! but be not terrified." + +I started and exclaimed, "Good heavens! what is that? Who +are you?" + +"A friend; one come, not to injure, but to save you; fear +nothing." + +This voice was immediately recognized to be the same with one +of those which I had heard in the closet; it was the voice of +him who had proposed to shoot, rather than to strangle, his +victim. My terror made me, at once, mute and motionless. He +continued, "I leagued to murder you. I repent. Mark my +bidding, and be safe. Avoid this spot. The snares of death +encompass it. Elsewhere danger will be distant; but this spot, +shun it as you value your life. Mark me further; profit by this +warning, but divulge it not. If a syllable of what has passed +escape you, your doom is sealed. Remember your father, and be +faithful." + +Here the accents ceased, and left me overwhelmed with dismay. +I was fraught with the persuasion, that during every moment I +remained here, my life was endangered; but I could not take a +step without hazard of falling to the bottom of the precipice. +The path, leading to the summit, was short, but rugged and +intricate. Even star-light was excluded by the umbrage, and not +the faintest gleam was afforded to guide my steps. What should +I do? To depart or remain was equally and eminently perilous. + +In this state of uncertainty, I perceived a ray flit across +the gloom and disappear. Another succeeded, which was stronger, +and remained for a passing moment. It glittered on the shrubs +that were scattered at the entrance, and gleam continued to +succeed gleam for a few seconds, till they, finally, gave place +to unintermitted darkness. + +The first visitings of this light called up a train of +horrors in my mind; destruction impended over this spot; the +voice which I had lately heard had warned me to retire, and had +menaced me with the fate of my father if I refused. I was +desirous, but unable, to obey; these gleams were such as +preluded the stroke by which he fell; the hour, perhaps, was the +same--I shuddered as if I had beheld, suspended over me, the +exterminating sword. + +Presently a new and stronger illumination burst through the +lattice on the right hand, and a voice, from the edge of the +precipice above, called out my name. It was Pleyel. Joyfully +did I recognize his accents; but such was the tumult of my +thoughts that I had not power to answer him till he had +frequently repeated his summons. I hurried, at length, from the +fatal spot, and, directed by the lanthorn which he bore, +ascended the hill. + +Pale and breathless, it was with difficulty I could support +myself. He anxiously inquired into the cause of my affright, +and the motive of my unusual absence. He had returned from my +brother's at a late hour, and was informed by Judith, that I had +walked out before sun-set, and had not yet returned. This +intelligence was somewhat alarming. He waited some time; but, +my absence continuing, he had set out in search of me. He had +explored the neighbourhood with the utmost care, but, receiving +no tidings of me, he was preparing to acquaint my brother with +this circumstance, when he recollected the summer-house on the +bank, and conceived it possible that some accident had detained +me there. He again inquired into the cause of this detention, +and of that confusion and dismay which my looks testified. + +I told him that I had strolled hither in the afternoon, that +sleep had overtaken me as I sat, and that I had awakened a few +minutes before his arrival. I could tell him no more. In the +present impetuosity of my thoughts, I was almost dubious, +whether the pit, into which my brother had endeavoured to entice +me, and the voice that talked through the lattice, were not +parts of the same dream. I remembered, likewise, the charge of +secrecy, and the penalty denounced, if I should rashly divulge +what I had heard. For these reasons, I was silent on that +subject, and shutting myself in my chamber, delivered myself up +to contemplation. + +What I have related will, no doubt, appear to you a fable. +You will believe that calamity has subverted my reason, and that +I am amusing you with the chimeras of my brain, instead of facts +that have really happened. I shall not be surprized or +offended, if these be your suspicions. I know not, indeed, how +you can deny them admission. For, if to me, the immediate +witness, they were fertile of perplexity and doubt, how must +they affect another to whom they are recommended only by my +testimony? It was only by subsequent events, that I was fully +and incontestibly assured of the veracity of my senses. + +Meanwhile what was I to think? I had been assured that a +design had been formed against my life. The ruffians had +leagued to murder me. Whom had I offended? Who was there with +whom I had ever maintained intercourse, who was capable of +harbouring such atrocious purposes? + +My temper was the reverse of cruel and imperious. My heart +was touched with sympathy for the children of misfortune. But +this sympathy was not a barren sentiment. My purse, scanty as +it was, was ever open, and my hands ever active, to relieve +distress. Many were the wretches whom my personal exertions had +extricated from want and disease, and who rewarded me with their +gratitude. There was no face which lowered at my approach, and +no lips which uttered imprecations in my hearing. On the +contrary, there was none, over whose fate I had exerted any +influence, or to whom I was known by reputation, who did not +greet me with smiles, and dismiss me with proofs of veneration; +yet did not my senses assure me that a plot was laid against my +life? + +I am not destitute of courage. I have shewn myself +deliberative and calm in the midst of peril. I have hazarded my +own life, for the preservation of another, but now was I +confused and panic struck. I have not lived so as to fear +death, yet to perish by an unseen and secret stroke, to be +mangled by the knife of an assassin was a thought at which I +shuddered; what had I done to deserve to be made the victim of +malignant passions? + +But soft! was I not assured, that my life was safe in all +places but one? And why was the treason limited to take effect +in this spot? I was every where equally defenceless. My house +and chamber were, at all times, accessible. Danger still +impended over me; the bloody purpose was still entertained, but +the hand that was to execute it, was powerless in all places but +one! + +Here I had remained for the last four or five hours, without +the means of resistance or defence, yet I had not been attacked. +A human being was at hand, who was conscious of my presence, and +warned me hereafter to avoid this retreat. His voice was not +absolutely new, but had I never heard it but once before? But +why did he prohibit me from relating this incident to others, +and what species of death will be awarded if I disobey? + +He talked of my father. He intimated, that disclosure would +pull upon my head, the same destruction. Was then the death of +my father, portentous and inexplicable as it was, the +consequence of human machinations? It should seem, that this +being is apprised of the true nature of this event, and is +conscious of the means that led to it. Whether it shall +likewise fall upon me, depends upon the observance of silence. +Was it the infraction of a similar command, that brought so +horrible a penalty upon my father? + +Such were the reflections that haunted me during the night, +and which effectually deprived me of sleep. Next morning, at +breakfast, Pleyel related an event which my disappearance had +hindered him from mentioning the night before. Early the +preceding morning, his occasions called him to the city; he had +stepped into a coffee-house to while away an hour; here he had +met a person whose appearance instantly bespoke him to be the +same whose hasty visit I have mentioned, and whose extraordinary +visage and tones had so powerfully affected me. On an attentive +survey, however, he proved, likewise, to be one with whom my +friend had had some intercourse in Europe. This authorised the +liberty of accosting him, and after some conversation, mindful, +as Pleyel said, of the footing which this stranger had gained in +my heart, he had ventured to invite him to Mettingen. The +invitation had been cheerfully accepted, and a visit promised on +the afternoon of the next day. + +This information excited no sober emotions in my breast. I +was, of course, eager to be informed as to the circumstances of +their ancient intercourse. When, and where had they met? What +knew he of the life and character of this man? + +In answer to my inquiries, he informed me that, three years +before, he was a traveller in Spain. He had made an excursion +from Valencia to Murviedro, with a view to inspect the remains +of Roman magnificence, scattered in the environs of that town. +While traversing the scite of the theatre of old Saguntum, he +lighted upon this man, seated on a stone, and deeply engaged in +perusing the work of the deacon Marti. A short conversation +ensued, which proved the stranger to be English. They returned +to Valencia together. + +His garb, aspect, and deportment, were wholly Spanish. A +residence of three years in the country, indefatigable attention +to the language, and a studious conformity with the customs of +the people, had made him indistinguishable from a native, when +he chose to assume that character. Pleyel found him to be +connected, on the footing of friendship and respect, with many +eminent merchants in that city. He had embraced the catholic +religion, and adopted a Spanish name instead of his own, which +was CARWIN, and devoted himself to the literature and religion +of his new country. He pursued no profession, but subsisted on +remittances from England. + +While Pleyel remained in Valencia, Carwin betrayed no +aversion to intercourse, and the former found no small +attractions in the society of this new acquaintance. On general +topics he was highly intelligent and communicative. He had +visited every corner of Spain, and could furnish the most +accurate details respecting its ancient and present state. On +topics of religion and of his own history, previous to his +TRANSFORMATION into a Spaniard, he was invariably silent. +You could merely gather from his discourse that he was English, +and that he was well acquainted with the neighbouring countries. + +His character excited considerable curiosity in this +observer. It was not easy to reconcile his conversion to the +Romish faith, with those proofs of knowledge and capacity that +were exhibited by him on different occasions. A suspicion was, +sometimes, admitted, that his belief was counterfeited for some +political purpose. The most careful observation, however, +produced no discovery. His manners were, at all times, harmless +and inartificial, and his habits those of a lover of +contemplation and seclusion. He appeared to have contracted an +affection for Pleyel, who was not slow to return it. + +My friend, after a month's residence in this city, returned +into France, and, since that period, had heard nothing +concerning Carwin till his appearance at Mettingen. + +On this occasion Carwin had received Pleyel's greeting with +a certain distance and solemnity to which the latter had not +been accustomed. He had waved noticing the inquiries of Pleyel +respecting his desertion of Spain, in which he had formerly +declared that it was his purpose to spend his life. He had +assiduously diverted the attention of the latter to indifferent +topics, but was still, on every theme, as eloquent and judicious +as formerly. Why he had assumed the garb of a rustic, Pleyel +was unable to conjecture. Perhaps it might be poverty, perhaps +he was swayed by motives which it was his interest to conceal, +but which were connected with consequences of the utmost moment. + +Such was the sum of my friend's information. I was not sorry +to be left alone during the greater part of this day. Every +employment was irksome which did not leave me at liberty to +meditate. I had now a new subject on which to exercise my +thoughts. Before evening I should be ushered into his presence, +and listen to those tones whose magical and thrilling power I +had already experienced. But with what new images would he then +be accompanied? + +Carwin was an adherent to the Romish faith, yet was an +Englishman by birth, and, perhaps, a protestant by education. +He had adopted Spain for his country, and had intimated a design +to spend his days there, yet now was an inhabitant of this +district, and disguised by the habiliments of a clown! What +could have obliterated the impressions of his youth, and made +him abjure his religion and his country? What subsequent events +had introduced so total a change in his plans? In withdrawing +from Spain, had he reverted to the religion of his ancestors; or +was it true, that his former conversion was deceitful, and that +his conduct had been swayed by motives which it was prudent to +conceal? + +Hours were consumed in revolving these ideas. My meditations +were intense; and, when the series was broken, I began to +reflect with astonishment on my situation. From the death of my +parents, till the commencement of this year, my life had been +serene and blissful, beyond the ordinary portion of humanity; +but, now, my bosom was corroded by anxiety. I was visited by +dread of unknown dangers, and the future was a scene over which +clouds rolled, and thunders muttered. I compared the cause with +the effect, and they seemed disproportioned to each other. All +unaware, and in a manner which I had no power to explain, I was +pushed from my immoveable and lofty station, and cast upon a sea +of troubles. + +I determined to be my brother's visitant on this evening, yet +my resolves were not unattended with wavering and reluctance. +Pleyel's insinuations that I was in love, affected, in no +degree, my belief, yet the consciousness that this was the +opinion of one who would, probably, be present at our +introduction to each other, would excite all that confusion +which the passion itself is apt to produce. This would confirm +him in his error, and call forth new railleries. His mirth, +when exerted upon this topic, was the source of the bitterest +vexation. Had he been aware of its influence upon my happiness, +his temper would not have allowed him to persist; but this +influence, it was my chief endeavour to conceal. That the +belief of my having bestowed my heart upon another, produced in +my friend none but ludicrous sensations, was the true cause of +my distress; but if this had been discovered by him, my distress +would have been unspeakably aggravated. + + + +Chapter VIII + + +As soon as evening arrived, I performed my visit. Carwin +made one of the company, into which I was ushered. Appearances +were the same as when I before beheld him. His garb was equally +negligent and rustic. I gazed upon his countenance with new +curiosity. My situation was such as to enable me to bestow upon +it a deliberate examination. Viewed at more leisure, it lost +none of its wonderful properties. I could not deny my homage to +the intelligence expressed in it, but was wholly uncertain, +whether he were an object to be dreaded or adored, and whether +his powers had been exerted to evil or to good. + +He was sparing in discourse; but whatever he said was +pregnant with meaning, and uttered with rectitude of +articulation, and force of emphasis, of which I had entertained +no conception previously to my knowledge of him. +Notwithstanding the uncouthness of his garb, his manners were +not unpolished. All topics were handled by him with skill, and +without pedantry or affectation. He uttered no sentiment +calculated to produce a disadvantageous impression: on the +contrary, his observations denoted a mind alive to every +generous and heroic feeling. They were introduced without +parade, and accompanied with that degree of earnestness which +indicates sincerity. + +He parted from us not till late, refusing an invitation to +spend the night here, but readily consented to repeat his visit. +His visits were frequently repeated. Each day introduced us to +a more intimate acquaintance with his sentiments, but left us +wholly in the dark, concerning that about which we were most +inquisitive. He studiously avoided all mention of his past or +present situation. Even the place of his abode in the city he +concealed from us. + +Our sphere, in this respect, being somewhat limited, and the +intellectual endowments of this man being indisputably great, +his deportment was more diligently marked, and copiously +commented on by us, than you, perhaps, will think the +circumstances warranted. Not a gesture, or glance, or accent, +that was not, in our private assemblies, discussed, and +inferences deduced from it. It may well be thought that he +modelled his behaviour by an uncommon standard, when, with all +our opportunities and accuracy of observation, we were able, for +a long time, to gather no satisfactory information. He afforded +us no ground on which to build even a plausible conjecture. + +There is a degree of familiarity which takes place between +constant associates, that justifies the negligence of many rules +of which, in an earlier period of their intercourse, politeness +requires the exact observance. Inquiries into our condition are +allowable when they are prompted by a disinterested concern for +our welfare; and this solicitude is not only pardonable, but may +justly be demanded from those who chuse us for their companions. +This state of things was more slow to arrive on this occasion +than on most others, on account of the gravity and loftiness of +this man's behaviour. + +Pleyel, however, began, at length, to employ regular means +for this end. He occasionally alluded to the circumstances in +which they had formerly met, and remarked the incongruousness +between the religion and habits of a Spaniard, with those of a +native of Britain. He expressed his astonishment at meeting our +guest in this corner of the globe, especially as, when they +parted in Spain, he was taught to believe that Carwin should +never leave that country. He insinuated, that a change so great +must have been prompted by motives of a singular and momentous +kind. + +No answer, or an answer wide of the purpose, was generally +made to these insinuations. Britons and Spaniards, he said, are +votaries of the same Deity, and square their faith by the same +precepts; their ideas are drawn from the same fountains of +literature, and they speak dialects of the same tongue; their +government and laws have more resemblances than differences; +they were formerly provinces of the same civil, and till lately, +of the same religious, Empire. + +As to the motives which induce men to change the place of +their abode, these must unavoidably be fleeting and mutable. If +not bound to one spot by conjugal or parental ties, or by the +nature of that employment to which we are indebted for +subsistence, the inducements to change are far more numerous and +powerful, than opposite inducements. + +He spoke as if desirous of shewing that he was not aware of +the tendency of Pleyel's remarks; yet, certain tokens were +apparent, that proved him by no means wanting in penetration. +These tokens were to be read in his countenance, and not in his +words. When any thing was said, indicating curiosity in us, the +gloom of his countenance was deepened, his eyes sunk to the +ground, and his wonted air was not resumed without visible +struggle. Hence, it was obvious to infer, that some incidents +of his life were reflected on by him with regret; and that, +since these incidents were carefully concealed, and even that +regret which flowed from them laboriously stifled, they had not +been merely disastrous. The secrecy that was observed appeared +not designed to provoke or baffle the inquisitive, but was +prompted by the shame, or by the prudence of guilt. + +These ideas, which were adopted by Pleyel and my brother, as +well as myself, hindered us from employing more direct means for +accomplishing our wishes. Questions might have been put in such +terms, that no room should be left for the pretence of +misapprehension, and if modesty merely had been the obstacle, +such questions would not have been wanting; but we considered, +that, if the disclosure were productive of pain or disgrace, it +was inhuman to extort it. + +Amidst the various topics that were discussed in his +presence, allusions were, of course, made to the inexplicable +events that had lately happened. At those times, the words and +looks of this man were objects of my particular attention. The +subject was extraordinary; and any one whose experience or +reflections could throw any light upon it, was entitled to my +gratitude. As this man was enlightened by reading and travel, +I listened with eagerness to the remarks which he should make. + +At first, I entertained a kind of apprehension, that the tale +would be heard by him with incredulity and secret ridicule. I +had formerly heard stories that resembled this in some of their +mysterious circumstances, but they were, commonly, heard by me +with contempt. I was doubtful, whether the same impression +would not now be made on the mind of our guest; but I was +mistaken in my fears. + +He heard them with seriousness, and without any marks either +of surprize or incredulity. He pursued, with visible pleasure, +that kind of disquisition which was naturally suggested by them. +His fancy was eminently vigorous and prolific, and if he did not +persuade us, that human beings are, sometimes, admitted to a +sensible intercourse with the author of nature, he, at least, +won over our inclination to the cause. He merely deduced, from +his own reasonings, that such intercourse was probable; but +confessed that, though he was acquainted with many instances +somewhat similar to those which had been related by us, none of +them were perfectly exempted from the suspicion of human agency. + +On being requested to relate these instances, he amused us +with many curious details. His narratives were constructed with +so much skill, and rehearsed with so much energy, that all the +effects of a dramatic exhibition were frequently produced by +them. Those that were most coherent and most minute, and, of +consequence, least entitled to credit, were yet rendered +probable by the exquisite art of this rhetorician. For every +difficulty that was suggested, a ready and plausible solution +was furnished. Mysterious voices had always a share in +producing the catastrophe, but they were always to be explained +on some known principles, either as reflected into a focus, or +communicated through a tube. I could not but remark that his +narratives, however complex or marvellous, contained no instance +sufficiently parallel to those that had befallen ourselves, and +in which the solution was applicable to our own case. + +My brother was a much more sanguine reasoner than our guest. +Even in some of the facts which were related by Carwin, he +maintained the probability of celestial interference, when the +latter was disposed to deny it, and had found, as he imagined, +footsteps of an human agent. Pleyel was by no means equally +credulous. He scrupled not to deny faith to any testimony but +that of his senses, and allowed the facts which had lately been +supported by this testimony, not to mould his belief, but merely +to give birth to doubts. + +It was soon observed that Carwin adopted, in some degree, a +similar distinction. A tale of this kind, related by others, he +would believe, provided it was explicable upon known principles; +but that such notices were actually communicated by beings of an +higher order, he would believe only when his own ears were +assailed in a manner which could not be otherwise accounted for. +Civility forbad him to contradict my brother or myself, but his +understanding refused to acquiesce in our testimony. Besides, +he was disposed to question whether the voices heard in the +temple, at the foot of the hill, and in my closet, were not +really uttered by human organs. On this supposition he was +desired to explain how the effect was produced. + +He answered, that the power of mimickry was very common. +Catharine's voice might easily be imitated by one at the foot of +the hill, who would find no difficulty in eluding, by flight, +the search of Wieland. The tidings of the death of the Saxon +lady were uttered by one near at hand, who overheard the +conversation, who conjectured her death, and whose conjecture +happened to accord with the truth. That the voice appeared to +come from the cieling was to be considered as an illusion of the +fancy. The cry for help, heard in the hall on the night of my +adventure, was to be ascribed to an human creature, who actually +stood in the hall when he uttered it. It was of no moment, he +said, that we could not explain by what motives he that made the +signal was led hither. How imperfectly acquainted were we with +the condition and designs of the beings that surrounded us? The +city was near at hand, and thousands might there exist whose +powers and purposes might easily explain whatever was mysterious +in this transaction. As to the closet dialogue, he was obliged +to adopt one of two suppositions, and affirm either that it was +fashioned in my own fancy, or that it actually took place +between two persons in the closet. + +Such was Carwin's mode of explaining these appearances. It +is such, perhaps, as would commend itself as most plausible to +the most sagacious minds, but it was insufficient to impart +conviction to us. As to the treason that was meditated against +me, it was doubtless just to conclude that it was either real or +imaginary; but that it was real was attested by the mysterious +warning in the summer-house, the secret of which I had hitherto +locked up in my own breast. + +A month passed away in this kind of intercourse. As to +Carwin, our ignorance was in no degree enlightened respecting +his genuine character and views. Appearances were uniform. No +man possessed a larger store of knowledge, or a greater degree +of skill in the communication of it to others; Hence he was +regarded as an inestimable addition to our society. Considering +the distance of my brother's house from the city, he was +frequently prevailed upon to pass the night where he spent the +evening. Two days seldom elapsed without a visit from him; +hence he was regarded as a kind of inmate of the house. He +entered and departed without ceremony. When he arrived he +received an unaffected welcome, and when he chose to retire, no +importunities were used to induce him to remain. + +The temple was the principal scene of our social enjoyments; +yet the felicity that we tasted when assembled in this asylum, +was but the gleam of a former sun-shine. Carwin never parted +with his gravity. The inscrutableness of his character, and the +uncertainty whether his fellowship tended to good or to evil, +were seldom absent from our minds. This circumstance powerfully +contributed to sadden us. + +My heart was the seat of growing disquietudes. This change +in one who had formerly been characterized by all the +exuberances of soul, could not fail to be remarked by my +friends. My brother was always a pattern of solemnity. My +sister was clay, moulded by the circumstances in which she +happened to be placed. There was but one whose deportment +remains to be described as being of importance to our happiness. +Had Pleyel likewise dismissed his vivacity? + +He was as whimsical and jestful as ever, but he was not +happy. The truth, in this respect, was of too much importance +to me not to make me a vigilant observer. His mirth was easily +perceived to be the fruit of exertion. When his thoughts +wandered from the company, an air of dissatisfaction and +impatience stole across his features. Even the punctuality and +frequency of his visits were somewhat lessened. It may be +supposed that my own uneasiness was heightened by these tokens; +but, strange as it may seem, I found, in the present state of my +mind, no relief but in the persuasion that Pleyel was unhappy. + +That unhappiness, indeed, depended, for its value in my eyes, +on the cause that produced it. It did not arise from the death +of the Saxon lady: it was not a contagious emanation from the +countenances of Wieland or Carwin. There was but one other +source whence it could flow. A nameless ecstacy thrilled +through my frame when any new proof occurred that the +ambiguousness of my behaviour was the cause. + + + +Chapter IX + + +My brother had received a new book from Germany. It was a +tragedy, and the first attempt of a Saxon poet, of whom my +brother had been taught to entertain the highest expectations. +The exploits of Zisca, the Bohemian hero, were woven into a +dramatic series and connection. According to German custom, it +was minute and diffuse, and dictated by an adventurous and +lawless fancy. It was a chain of audacious acts, and unheard-of +disasters. The moated fortress, and the thicket; the ambush and +the battle; and the conflict of headlong passions, were +pourtrayed in wild numbers, and with terrific energy. An +afternoon was set apart to rehearse this performance. The +language was familiar to all of us but Carwin, whose company, +therefore, was tacitly dispensed with. + +The morning previous to this intended rehearsal, I spent at +home. My mind was occupied with reflections relative to my own +situation. The sentiment which lived with chief energy in my +heart, was connected with the image of Pleyel. In the midst of +my anguish, I had not been destitute of consolation. His late +deportment had given spring to my hopes. Was not the hour at +hand, which should render me the happiest of human creatures? +He suspected that I looked with favorable eyes upon Carwin. +Hence arose disquietudes, which he struggled in vain to conceal. +He loved me, but was hopeless that his love would be +compensated. Is it not time, said I, to rectify this error? +But by what means is this to be effected? It can only be done +by a change of deportment in me; but how must I demean myself +for this purpose? + +I must not speak. Neither eyes, nor lips, must impart the +information. He must not be assured that my heart is his, +previous to the tender of his own; but he must be convinced that +it has not been given to another; he must be supplied with space +whereon to build a doubt as to the true state of my affections; +he must be prompted to avow himself. The line of delicate +propriety; how hard it is, not to fall short, and not to +overleap it! + +This afternoon we shall meet at the temple. We shall not +separate till late. It will be his province to accompany me +home. The airy expanse is without a speck. This breeze is +usually stedfast, and its promise of a bland and cloudless +evening, may be trusted. The moon will rise at eleven, and at +that hour, we shall wind along this bank. Possibly that hour +may decide my fate. If suitable encouragement be given, Pleyel +will reveal his soul to me; and I, ere I reach this threshold, +will be made the happiest of beings. And is this good to be +mine? Add wings to thy speed, sweet evening; and thou, moon, I +charge thee, shroud thy beams at the moment when my Pleyel +whispers love. I would not for the world, that the burning +blushes, and the mounting raptures of that moment, should be +visible. + +But what encouragement is wanting? I must be regardful of +insurmountable limits. Yet when minds are imbued with a genuine +sympathy, are not words and looks superfluous? Are not motion +and touch sufficient to impart feelings such as mine? Has he +not eyed me at moments, when the pressure of his hand has thrown +me into tumults, and was it possible that he mistook the +impetuosities of love, for the eloquence of indignation? + +But the hastening evening will decide. Would it were come! +And yet I shudder at its near approach. An interview that must +thus terminate, is surely to be wished for by me; and yet it is +not without its terrors. Would to heaven it were come and gone! + +I feel no reluctance, my friends to be thus explicit. Time +was, when these emotions would be hidden with immeasurable +solicitude, from every human eye. Alas! these airy and fleeting +impulses of shame are gone. My scruples were preposterous and +criminal. They are bred in all hearts, by a perverse and +vicious education, and they would still have maintained their +place in my heart, had not my portion been set in misery. My +errors have taught me thus much wisdom; that those sentiments +which we ought not to disclose, it is criminal to harbour. + +It was proposed to begin the rehearsal at four o'clock; I +counted the minutes as they passed; their flight was at once too +rapid and too slow; my sensations were of an excruciating kind; +I could taste no food, nor apply to any task, nor enjoy a +moment's repose: when the hour arrived, I hastened to my +brother's. + +Pleyel was not there. He had not yet come. On ordinary +occasions, he was eminent for punctuality. He had testified +great eagerness to share in the pleasures of this rehearsal. He +was to divide the task with my brother, and, in tasks like +these, he always engaged with peculiar zeal. His elocution was +less sweet than sonorous; and, therefore, better adapted than +the mellifluences of his friend, to the outrageous vehemence of +this drama. + +What could detain him? Perhaps he lingered through +forgetfulness. Yet this was incredible. Never had his memory +been known to fail upon even more trivial occasions. Not less +impossible was it, that the scheme had lost its attractions, and +that he staid, because his coming would afford him no +gratification. But why should we expect him to adhere to the +minute? + +An half hour elapsed, but Pleyel was still at a distance. +Perhaps he had misunderstood the hour which had been proposed. +Perhaps he had conceived that to-morrow, and not to-day, had +been selected for this purpose: but no. A review of preceding +circumstances demonstrated that such misapprehension was +impossible; for he had himself proposed this day, and this hour. +This day, his attention would not otherwise be occupied; but +to-morrow, an indispensible engagement was foreseen, by which +all his time would be engrossed: his detention, therefore, must +be owing to some unforeseen and extraordinary event. Our +conjectures were vague, tumultuous, and sometimes fearful. His +sickness and his death might possibly have detained him. + +Tortured with suspense, we sat gazing at each other, and at +the path which led from the road. Every horseman that passed +was, for a moment, imagined to be him. Hour succeeded hour, and +the sun, gradually declining, at length, disappeared. Every +signal of his coming proved fallacious, and our hopes were at +length dismissed. His absence affected my friends in no +insupportable degree. They should be obliged, they said, to +defer this undertaking till the morrow; and, perhaps, their +impatient curiosity would compel them to dispense entirely with +his presence. No doubt, some harmless occurrence had diverted +him from his purpose; and they trusted that they should receive +a satisfactory account of him in the morning. + +It may be supposed that this disappointment affected me in a +very different manner. I turned aside my head to conceal my +tears. I fled into solitude, to give vent to my reproaches, +without interruption or restraint. My heart was ready to burst +with indignation and grief. Pleyel was not the only object of +my keen but unjust upbraiding. Deeply did I execrate my own +folly. Thus fallen into ruins was the gay fabric which I had +reared! Thus had my golden vision melted into air! + +How fondly did I dream that Pleyel was a lover! If he were, +would he have suffered any obstacle to hinder his coming? Blind +and infatuated man! I exclaimed. Thou sportest with happiness. +The good that is offered thee, thou hast the insolence and folly +to refuse. Well, I will henceforth intrust my felicity to no +one's keeping but my own. + +The first agonies of this disappointment would not allow me +to be reasonable or just. Every ground on which I had built the +persuasion that Pleyel was not unimpressed in my favor, appeared +to vanish. It seemed as if I had been misled into this opinion, +by the most palpable illusions. + +I made some trifling excuse, and returned, much earlier than +I expected, to my own house. I retired early to my chamber, +without designing to sleep. I placed myself at a window, and +gave the reins to reflection. + +The hateful and degrading impulses which had lately +controuled me were, in some degree, removed. New dejection +succeeded, but was now produced by contemplating my late +behaviour. Surely that passion is worthy to be abhorred which +obscures our understanding, and urges us to the commission of +injustice. What right had I to expect his attendance? Had I +not demeaned myself like one indifferent to his happiness, and +as having bestowed my regards upon another? His absence might +be prompted by the love which I considered his absence as a +proof that he wanted. He came not because the sight of me, the +spectacle of my coldness or aversion, contributed to his +despair. Why should I prolong, by hypocrisy or silence, his +misery as well as my own? Why not deal with him explicitly, and +assure him of the truth? + +You will hardly believe that, in obedience to this +suggestion, I rose for the purpose of ordering a light, that I +might instantly make this confession in a letter. A second +thought shewed me the rashness of this scheme, and I wondered by +what infirmity of mind I could be betrayed into a momentary +approbation of it. I saw with the utmost clearness that a +confession like that would be the most remediless and +unpardonable outrage upon the dignity of my sex, and utterly +unworthy of that passion which controuled me. + +I resumed my seat and my musing. To account for the absence +of Pleyel became once more the scope of my conjectures. How +many incidents might occur to raise an insuperable impediment in +his way? When I was a child, a scheme of pleasure, in which he +and his sister were parties, had been, in like manner, +frustrated by his absence; but his absence, in that instance, +had been occasioned by his falling from a boat into the river, +in consequence of which he had run the most imminent hazard of +being drowned. Here was a second disappointment endured by the +same persons, and produced by his failure. Might it not +originate in the same cause? Had he not designed to cross the +river that morning to make some necessary purchases in Jersey? +He had preconcerted to return to his own house to dinner; but, +perhaps, some disaster had befallen him. Experience had taught +me the insecurity of a canoe, and that was the only kind of boat +which Pleyel used: I was, likewise, actuated by an hereditary +dread of water. These circumstances combined to bestow +considerable plausibility on this conjecture; but the +consternation with which I began to be seized was allayed by +reflecting, that if this disaster had happened my brother would +have received the speediest information of it. The consolation +which this idea imparted was ravished from me by a new thought. +This disaster might have happened, and his family not be +apprized of it. The first intelligence of his fate may be +communicated by the livid corpse which the tide may cast, many +days hence, upon the shore. + +Thus was I distressed by opposite conjectures: thus was I +tormented by phantoms of my own creation. It was not always +thus. I can ascertain the date when my mind became the victim +of this imbecility; perhaps it was coeval with the inroad of a +fatal passion; a passion that will never rank me in the number +of its eulogists; it was alone sufficient to the extermination +of my peace: it was itself a plenteous source of calamity, and +needed not the concurrence of other evils to take away the +attractions of existence, and dig for me an untimely grave. + +The state of my mind naturally introduced a train of +reflections upon the dangers and cares which inevitably beset an +human being. By no violent transition was I led to ponder on +the turbulent life and mysterious end of my father. I +cherished, with the utmost veneration, the memory of this man, +and every relique connected with his fate was preserved with the +most scrupulous care. Among these was to be numbered a +manuscript, containing memoirs of his own life. The narrative +was by no means recommended by its eloquence; but neither did +all its value flow from my relationship to the author. Its +stile had an unaffected and picturesque simplicity. The great +variety and circumstantial display of the incidents, together +with their intrinsic importance, as descriptive of human manners +and passions, made it the most useful book in my collection. It +was late; but being sensible of no inclination to sleep, I +resolved to betake myself to the perusal of it. + +To do this it was requisite to procure a light. The girl had +long since retired to her chamber: it was therefore proper to +wait upon myself. A lamp, and the means of lighting it, were +only to be found in the kitchen. Thither I resolved forthwith +to repair; but the light was of use merely to enable me to read +the book. I knew the shelf and the spot where it stood. +Whether I took down the book, or prepared the lamp in the first +place, appeared to be a matter of no moment. The latter was +preferred, and, leaving my seat, I approached the closet in +which, as I mentioned formerly, my books and papers were +deposited. + +Suddenly the remembrance of what had lately passed in this +closet occurred. Whether midnight was approaching, or had +passed, I knew not. I was, as then, alone, and defenceless. +The wind was in that direction in which, aided by the deathlike +repose of nature, it brought to me the murmur of the water-fall. +This was mingled with that solemn and enchanting sound, which a +breeze produces among the leaves of pines. The words of that +mysterious dialogue, their fearful import, and the wild excess +to which I was transported by my terrors, filled my imagination +anew. My steps faultered, and I stood a moment to recover +myself. + +I prevailed on myself at length to move towards the closet. +I touched the lock, but my fingers were powerless; I was visited +afresh by unconquerable apprehensions. A sort of belief darted +into my mind, that some being was concealed within, whose +purposes were evil. I began to contend with those fears, when +it occurred to me that I might, without impropriety, go for a +lamp previously to opening the closet. I receded a few steps; +but before I reached my chamber door my thoughts took a new +direction. Motion seemed to produce a mechanical influence upon +me. I was ashamed of my weakness. Besides, what aid could be +afforded me by a lamp? + +My fears had pictured to themselves no precise object. It +would be difficult to depict, in words, the ingredients and hues +of that phantom which haunted me. An hand invisible and of +preternatural strength, lifted by human passions, and selecting +my life for its aim, were parts of this terrific image. All +places were alike accessible to this foe, or if his empire were +restricted by local bounds, those bounds were utterly +inscrutable by me. But had I not been told by some one in +league with this enemy, that every place but the recess in the +bank was exempt from danger? +I returned to the closet, and once more put my hand upon the +lock. O! may my ears lose their sensibility, ere they be again +assailed by a shriek so terrible! Not merely my understanding +was subdued by the sound: it acted on my nerves like an edge of +steel. It appeared to cut asunder the fibres of my brain, and +rack every joint with agony. + +The cry, loud and piercing as it was, was nevertheless human. +No articulation was ever more distinct. The breath which +accompanied it did not fan my hair, yet did every circumstance +combine to persuade me that the lips which uttered it touched my +very shoulder. + +"Hold! Hold!" were the words of this tremendous prohibition, +in whose tone the whole soul seemed to be wrapped up, and every +energy converted into eagerness and terror. + +Shuddering, I dashed myself against the wall, and by the same +involuntary impulse, turned my face backward to examine the +mysterious monitor. The moon-light streamed into each window, +and every corner of the room was conspicuous, and yet I beheld +nothing! + +The interval was too brief to be artificially measured, +between the utterance of these words, and my scrutiny directed +to the quarter whence they came. Yet if a human being had been +there, could he fail to have been visible? Which of my senses +was the prey of a fatal illusion? The shock which the sound +produced was still felt in every part of my frame. The sound, +therefore, could not but be a genuine commotion. But that I had +heard it, was not more true than that the being who uttered it +was stationed at my right ear; yet my attendant was invisible. + +I cannot describe the state of my thoughts at that moment. +Surprize had mastered my faculties. My frame shook, and the +vital current was congealed. I was conscious only to the +vehemence of my sensations. This condition could not be +lasting. Like a tide, which suddenly mounts to an overwhelming +height, and then gradually subsides, my confusion slowly gave +place to order, and my tumults to a calm. I was able to +deliberate and move. I resumed my feet, and advanced into the +midst of the room. Upward, and behind, and on each side, I +threw penetrating glances. I was not satisfied with one +examination. He that hitherto refused to be seen, might change +his purpose, and on the next survey be clearly distinguishable. + +Solitude imposes least restraint upon the fancy. Dark is +less fertile of images than the feeble lustre of the moon. I +was alone, and the walls were chequered by shadowy forms. As +the moon passed behind a cloud and emerged, these shadows seemed +to be endowed with life, and to move. The apartment was open to +the breeze, and the curtain was occasionally blown from its +ordinary position. This motion was not unaccompanied with +sound. I failed not to snatch a look, and to listen when this +motion and this sound occurred. My belief that my monitor was +posted near, was strong, and instantly converted these +appearances to tokens of his presence, and yet I could discern +nothing. + +When my thoughts were at length permitted to revert to the +past, the first idea that occurred was the resemblance between +the words of the voice which I had just heard, and those which +had terminated my dream in the summer-house. There are means by +which we are able to distinguish a substance from a shadow, a +reality from the phantom of a dream. The pit, my brother +beckoning me forward, the seizure of my arm, and the voice +behind, were surely imaginary. That these incidents were +fashioned in my sleep, is supported by the same indubitable +evidence that compels me to believe myself awake at present; yet +the words and the voice were the same. Then, by some +inexplicable contrivance, I was aware of the danger, while my +actions and sensations were those of one wholly unacquainted +with it. Now, was it not equally true that my actions and +persuasions were at war? Had not the belief, that evil lurked +in the closet, gained admittance, and had not my actions +betokened an unwarrantable security? To obviate the effects of +my infatuation, the same means had been used. + +In my dream, he that tempted me to my destruction, was my +brother. Death was ambushed in my path. From what evil was I +now rescued? What minister or implement of ill was shut up in +this recess? Who was it whose suffocating grasp I was to feel, +should I dare to enter it? What monstrous conception is this? +my brother! + +No; protection, and not injury is his province. Strange and +terrible chimera! Yet it would not be suddenly dismissed. It +was surely no vulgar agency that gave this form to my fears. He +to whom all parts of time are equally present, whom no +contingency approaches, was the author of that spell which now +seized upon me. Life was dear to me. No consideration was +present that enjoined me to relinquish it. Sacred duty combined +with every spontaneous sentiment to endear to me my being. +Should I not shudder when my being was endangered? But what +emotion should possess me when the arm lifted aginst me was +Wieland's? + +Ideas exist in our minds that can be accounted for by no +established laws. Why did I dream that my brother was my foe? +Why but because an omen of my fate was ordained to be +communicated? Yet what salutary end did it serve? Did it arm +me with caution to elude, or fortitude to bear the evils to +which I was reserved? My present thoughts were, no doubt, +indebted for their hue to the similitude existing between these +incidents and those of my dream. Surely it was phrenzy that +dictated my deed. That a ruffian was hidden in the closet, was +an idea, the genuine tendency of which was to urge me to flight. +Such had been the effect formerly produced. Had my mind been +simply occupied with this thought at present, no doubt, the same +impulse would have been experienced; but now it was my brother +whom I was irresistably persuaded to regard as the contriver of +that ill of which I had been forewarned. This persuasion did +not extenuate my fears or my danger. Why then did I again +approach the closet and withdraw the bolt? My resolution was +instantly conceived, and executed without faultering. + +The door was formed of light materials. The lock, of simple +structure, easily forewent its hold. It opened into the room, +and commonly moved upon its hinges, after being unfastened, +without any effort of mine. This effort, however, was bestowed +upon the present occasion. It was my purpose to open it with +quickness, but the exertion which I made was ineffectual. It +refused to open. + +At another time, this circumstance would not have looked with +a face of mystery. I should have supposed some casual +obstruction, and repeated my efforts to surmount it. But now my +mind was accessible to no conjecture but one. The door was +hindered from opening by human force. Surely, here was new +cause for affright. This was confirmation proper to decide my +conduct. Now was all ground of hesitation taken away. What +could be supposed but that I deserted the chamber and the house? +that I at least endeavoured no longer to withdraw the door? + +Have I not said that my actions were dictated by phrenzy? My +reason had forborne, for a time, to suggest or to sway my +resolves. I reiterated my endeavours. I exerted all my force +to overcome the obstacle, but in vain. The strength that was +exerted to keep it shut, was superior to mine. + +A casual observer might, perhaps, applaud the audaciousness +of this conduct. Whence, but from an habitual defiance of +danger, could my perseverance arise? I have already assigned, +as distinctly as I am able, the cause of it. The frantic +conception that my brother was within, that the resistance made +to my design was exerted by him, had rooted itself in my mind. +You will comprehend the height of this infatuation, when I tell +you, that, finding all my exertions vain, I betook myself to +exclamations. Surely I was utterly bereft of understanding. + +Now had I arrived at the crisis of my fate. "O! hinder not +the door to open," I exclaimed, in a tone that had less of fear +than of grief in it. "I know you well. Come forth, but harm me +not. I beseech you come forth." + +I had taken my hand from the lock, and removed to a small +distance from the door. I had scarcely uttered these words, +when the door swung upon its hinges, and displayed to my view +the interior of the closet. Whoever was within, was shrouded in +darkness. A few seconds passed without interruption of the +silence. I knew not what to expect or to fear. My eyes would +not stray from the recess. Presently, a deep sigh was heard. +The quarter from which it came heightened the eagerness of my +gaze. Some one approached from the farther end. I quickly +perceived the outlines of a human figure. Its steps were +irresolute and slow. I recoiled as it advanced. + +By coming at length within the verge of the room, his form +was clearly distinguishable. I had prefigured to myself a very +different personage. The face that presented itself was the +last that I should desire to meet at an hour, and in a place +like this. My wonder was stifled by my fears. Assassins had +lurked in this recess. Some divine voice warned me of danger, +that at this moment awaited me. I had spurned the intimation, +and challenged my adversary. + +I recalled the mysterious countenance and dubious character +of Carwin. What motive but atrocious ones could guide his steps +hither? I was alone. My habit suited the hour, and the place, +and the warmth of the season. All succour was remote. He had +placed himself between me and the door. My frame shook with the +vehemence of my apprehensions. + +Yet I was not wholly lost to myself: I vigilantly marked his +demeanour. His looks were grave, but not without perturbation. +What species of inquietude it betrayed, the light was not strong +enough to enable me to discover. He stood still; but his eyes +wandered from one object to another. When these powerful organs +were fixed upon me, I shrunk into myself. At length, he broke +silence. Earnestness, and not embarrassment, was in his tone. +He advanced close to me while he spoke. + +"What voice was that which lately addressed you?" + +He paused for an answer; but observing my trepidation, he +resumed, with undiminished solemnity: "Be not terrified. +Whoever he was, he hast done you an important service. I need +not ask you if it were the voice of a companion. That sound was +beyond the compass of human organs. The knowledge that enabled +him to tell you who was in the closet, was obtained by +incomprehensible means. + +"You knew that Carwin was there. Were you not apprized of +his intents? The same power could impart the one as well as the +other. Yet, knowing these, you persisted. Audacious girl! but, +perhaps, you confided in his guardianship. Your confidence was +just. With succour like this at hand you may safely defy me. + +"He is my eternal foe; the baffler of my best concerted +schemes. Twice have you been saved by his accursed +interposition. But for him I should long ere now have borne +away the spoils of your honor." + +He looked at me with greater stedfastness than before. I +became every moment more anxious for my safety. It was with +difficulty I stammered out an entreaty that he would instantly +depart, or suffer me to do so. He paid no regard to my request, +but proceeded in a more impassioned manner. + +"What is it you fear? Have I not told you, you are safe? +Has not one in whom you more reasonably place trust assured you +of it? Even if I execute my purpose, what injury is done? Your +prejudices will call it by that name, but it merits it not. +"I was impelled by a sentiment that does you honor; a +sentiment, that would sanctify my deed; but, whatever it be, you +are safe. Be this chimera still worshipped; I will do nothing +to pollute it." There he stopped. + +The accents and gestures of this man left me drained of all +courage. Surely, on no other occasion should I have been thus +pusillanimous. My state I regarded as a hopeless one. I was +wholly at the mercy of this being. Whichever way I turned my +eyes, I saw no avenue by which I might escape. The resources of +my personal strength, my ingenuity, and my eloquence, I +estimated at nothing. The dignity of virtue, and the force of +truth, I had been accustomed to celebrate; and had frequently +vaunted of the conquests which I should make with their +assistance. + +I used to suppose that certain evils could never befall a +being in possession of a sound mind; that true virtue supplies +us with energy which vice can never resist; that it was always +in our power to obstruct, by his own death, the designs of an +enemy who aimed at less than our life. How was it that a +sentiment like despair had now invaded me, and that I trusted to +the protection of chance, or to the pity of my persecutor? + +His words imparted some notion of the injury which he had +meditated. He talked of obstacles that had risen in his way. +He had relinquished his design. These sources supplied me with +slender consolation. There was no security but in his absence. +When I looked at myself, when I reflected on the hour and the +place, I was overpowered by horror and dejection. + +He was silent, museful, and inattentive to my situation, yet +made no motion to depart. I was silent in my turn. What could +I say? I was confident that reason in this contest would be +impotent. I must owe my safety to his own suggestions. +Whatever purpose brought him hither, he had changed it. Why +then did he remain? His resolutions might fluctuate, and the +pause of a few minutes restore to him his first resolutions. + +Yet was not this the man whom we had treated with unwearied +kindness? Whose society was endeared to us by his intellectual +elevation and accomplishments? Who had a thousand times +expatiated on the usefulness and beauty of virtue? Why should +such a one be dreaded? If I could have forgotten the +circumstances in which our interview had taken place, I might +have treated his words as jests. Presently, he resumed: + +"Fear me not: the space that severs us is small, and all +visible succour is distant. You believe yourself completely in +my power; that you stand upon the brink of ruin. Such are your +groundless fears. I cannot lift a finger to hurt you. Easier +it would be to stop the moon in her course than to injure you. +The power that protects you would crumble my sinews, and reduce +me to a heap of ashes in a moment, if I were to harbour a +thought hostile to your safety. +"Thus are appearances at length solved. Little did I expect +that they originated hence. What a portion is assigned to you? +Scanned by the eyes of this intelligence, your path will be +without pits to swallow, or snares to entangle you. Environed +by the arms of this protection, all artifices will be +frustrated, and all malice repelled." + +Here succeeded a new pause. I was still observant of every +gesture and look. The tranquil solemnity that had lately +possessed his countenance gave way to a new expression. All now +was trepidation and anxiety. + +"I must be gone," said he in a faltering accent. "Why do I +linger here? I will not ask your forgiveness. I see that your +terrors are invincible. Your pardon will be extorted by fear, +and not dictated by compassion. I must fly from you forever. +He that could plot against your honor, must expect from you and +your friends persecution and death. I must doom myself to +endless exile." + +Saying this, he hastily left the room. I listened while he +descended the stairs, and, unbolting the outer door, went forth. +I did not follow him with my eyes, as the moon-light would have +enabled me to do. Relieved by his absence, and exhausted by the +conflict of my fears, I threw myself on a chair, and resigned +myself to those bewildering ideas which incidents like these +could not fail to produce. + + + +Chapter X + + +Order could not readily be introduced into my thoughts. The +voice still rung in my ears. Every accent that was uttered by +Carwin was fresh in my remembrance. His unwelcome approach, the +recognition of his person, his hasty departure, produced a +complex impression on my mind which no words can delineate. I +strove to give a slower motion to my thoughts, and to regulate +a confusion which became painful; but my efforts were nugatory. +I covered my eyes with my hand, and sat, I know not how long, +without power to arrange or utter my conceptions. + +I had remained for hours, as I believed, in absolute +solitude. No thought of personal danger had molested my +tranquillity. I had made no preparation for defence. What was +it that suggested the design of perusing my father's manuscript? +If, instead of this, I had retired to bed, and to sleep, to what +fate might I not have been reserved? The ruffian, who must +almost have suppressed his breathing to screen himself from +discovery, would have noticed this signal, and I should have +awakened only to perish with affright, and to abhor myself. +Could I have remained unconscious of my danger? Could I have +tranquilly slept in the midst of so deadly a snare? + +And who was he that threatened to destroy me? By what means +could he hide himself in this closet? Surely he is gifted with +supernatural power. Such is the enemy of whose attempts I was +forewarned. Daily I had seen him and conversed with him. +Nothing could be discerned through the impenetrable veil of his +duplicity. When busied in conjectures, as to the author of the +evil that was threatened, my mind did not light, for a moment, +upon his image. Yet has he not avowed himself my enemy? Why +should he be here if he had not meditated evil? + +He confesses that this has been his second attempt. What was +the scene of his former conspiracy? Was it not he whose +whispers betrayed him? Am I deceived; or was there not a faint +resemblance between the voice of this man and that which talked +of grasping my throat, and extinguishing my life in a moment? +Then he had a colleague in his crime; now he is alone. Then +death was the scope of his thoughts; now an injury unspeakably +more dreadful. How thankful should I be to the power that has +interposed to save me! + +That power is invisible. It is subject to the cognizance of +one of my senses. What are the means that will inform me of +what nature it is? He has set himself to counterwork the +machinations of this man, who had menaced destruction to all +that is dear to me, and whose cunning had surmounted every human +impediment. There was none to rescue me from his grasp. My +rashness even hastened the completion of his scheme, and +precluded him from the benefits of deliberation. I had robbed +him of the power to repent and forbear. Had I been apprized of +the danger, I should have regarded my conduct as the means of +rendering my escape from it impossible. Such, likewise, seem to +have been the fears of my invisible protector. Else why that +startling intreaty to refrain from opening the closet? By what +inexplicable infatuation was I compelled to proceed? + +Yet my conduct was wise. Carwin, unable to comprehend my +folly, ascribed my behaviour to my knowledge. He conceived +himself previously detected, and such detection being possible +to flow only from MY heavenly friend, and HIS enemy, his +fears acquired additional strength. + +He is apprized of the nature and intentions of this being. +Perhaps he is a human agent. Yet, on that supposition his +atchievements are incredible. Why should I be selected as the +object of his care; or, if a mere mortal, should I not recognize +some one, whom, benefits imparted and received had prompted to +love me? What were the limits and duration of his guardianship? +Was the genius of my birth entrusted by divine benignity with +this province? Are human faculties adequate to receive stronger +proofs of the existence of unfettered and beneficent +intelligences than I have received? + +But who was this man's coadjutor? The voice that +acknowledged an alliance in treachery with Carwin warned me to +avoid the summer-house. He assured me that there only my safety +was endangered. His assurance, as it now appears, was +fallacious. Was there not deceit in his admonition? Was his +compact really annulled? Some purpose was, perhaps, to be +accomplished by preventing my future visits to that spot. Why +was I enjoined silence to others, on the subject of this +admonition, unless it were for some unauthorized and guilty +purpose? + +No one but myself was accustomed to visit it. Backward, it +was hidden from distant view by the rock, and in front, it was +screened from all examination, by creeping plants, and the +branches of cedars. What recess could be more propitious to +secrecy? The spirit which haunted it formerly was pure and +rapturous. It was a fane sacred to the memory of infantile +days, and to blissful imaginations of the future! What a gloomy +reverse had succeeded since the ominous arrival of this +stranger! Now, perhaps, it is the scene of his meditations. +Purposes fraught with horror, that shun the light, and +contemplate the pollution of innocence, are here engendered, and +fostered, and reared to maturity. + +Such were the ideas that, during the night, were tumultuously +revolved by me. I reviewed every conversation in which Carwin +had borne a part. I studied to discover the true inferences +deducible from his deportment and words with regard to his +former adventures and actual views. I pondered on the comments +which he made on the relation which I had given of the closet +dialogue. No new ideas suggested themselves in the course of +this review. My expectation had, from the first, been +disappointed on the small degree of surprize which this +narrative excited in him. He never explicitly declared his +opinion as to the nature of those voices, or decided whether +they were real or visionary. He recommended no measures of +caution or prevention. + +But what measures were now to be taken? Was the danger which +threatened me at an end? Had I nothing more to fear? I was +lonely, and without means of defence. I could not calculate the +motives and regulate the footsteps of this person. What +certainty was there, that he would not re-assume his purposes, +and swiftly return to the execution of them? + +This idea covered me once more with dismay. How deeply did +I regret the solitude in which I was placed, and how ardently +did I desire the return of day! But neither of these +inconveniencies were susceptible of remedy. At first, it +occurred to me to summon my servant, and make her spend the +night in my chamber; but the inefficacy of this expedient to +enhance my safety was easily seen. Once I resolved to leave the +house, and retire to my brother's, but was deterred by +reflecting on the unseasonableness of the hour, on the alarm +which my arrival, and the account which I should be obliged to +give, might occasion, and on the danger to which I might expose +myself in the way thither. I began, likewise, to consider +Carwin's return to molest me as exceedingly improbable. He had +relinquished, of his own accord, his design, and departed +without compulsion. +"Surely," said I, "there is omnipotence in the cause that +changed the views of a man like Carwin. The divinity that +shielded me from his attempts will take suitable care of my +future safety. Thus to yield to my fears is to deserve that +they should be real." + +Scarcely had I uttered these words, when my attention was +startled by the sound of footsteps. They denoted some one +stepping into the piazza in front of my house. My new-born +confidence was extinguished in a moment. Carwin, I thought, had +repented his departure, and was hastily returning. The +possibility that his return was prompted by intentions +consistent with my safety, found no place in my mind. Images of +violation and murder assailed me anew, and the terrors which +succeeded almost incapacitated me from taking any measures for +my defence. It was an impulse of which I was scarcely +conscious, that made me fasten the lock and draw the bolts of my +chamber door. Having done this, I threw myself on a seat; for +I trembled to a degree which disabled me from standing, and my +soul was so perfectly absorbed in the act of listening, that +almost the vital motions were stopped. + +The door below creaked on its hinges. It was not again +thrust to, but appeared to remain open. Footsteps entered, +traversed the entry, and began to mount the stairs. How I +detested the folly of not pursuing the man when he withdrew, and +bolting after him the outer door! Might he not conceive this +omission to be a proof that my angel had deserted me, and be +thereby fortified in guilt? + +Every step on the stairs, which brought him nearer to my +chamber, added vigor to my desperation. The evil with which I +was menaced was to be at any rate eluded. How little did I +preconceive the conduct which, in an exigence like this, I +should be prone to adopt. You will suppose that deliberation +and despair would have suggested the same course of action, and +that I should have, unhesitatingly, resorted to the best means +of personal defence within my power. A penknife lay open upon +my table. I remembered that it was there, and seized it. For +what purpose you will scarcely inquire. It will be immediately +supposed that I meant it for my last refuge, and that if all +other means should fail, I should plunge it into the heart of my +ravisher. + +I have lost all faith in the stedfastness of human resolves. +It was thus that in periods of calm I had determined to act. No +cowardice had been held by me in greater abhorrence than that +which prompted an injured female to destroy, not her injurer ere +the injury was perpetrated, but herself when it was without +remedy. Yet now this penknife appeared to me of no other use +than to baffle my assailant, and prevent the crime by destroying +myself. To deliberate at such a time was impossible; but among +the tumultuous suggestions of the moment, I do not recollect +that it once occurred to me to use it as an instrument of direct +defence. +The steps had now reached the second floor. Every footfall +accelerated the completion, without augmenting, the certainty of +evil. The consciousness that the door was fast, now that +nothing but that was interposed between me and danger, was a +source of some consolation. I cast my eye towards the window. +This, likewise, was a new suggestion. If the door should give +way, it was my sudden resolution to throw myself from the +window. Its height from the ground, which was covered beneath +by a brick pavement, would insure my destruction; but I thought +not of that. + +When opposite to my door the footsteps ceased. Was he +listening whether my fears were allayed, and my caution were +asleep? Did he hope to take me by surprize? Yet, if so, why +did he allow so many noisy signals to betray his approach? +Presently the steps were again heard to approach the door. An +hand was laid upon the lock, and the latch pulled back. Did he +imagine it possible that I should fail to secure the door? A +slight effort was made to push it open, as if all bolts being +withdrawn, a slight effort only was required. + +I no sooner perceived this, than I moved swiftly towards the +window. Carwin's frame might be said to be all muscle. His +strength and activity had appeared, in various instances, to be +prodigious. A slight exertion of his force would demolish the +door. Would not that exertion be made? Too surely it would; +but, at the same moment that this obstacle should yield, and he +should enter the apartment, my determination was formed to leap +from the window. My senses were still bound to this object. I +gazed at the door in momentary expectation that the assault +would be made. The pause continued. The person without was +irresolute and motionless. + +Suddenly, it occurred to me that Carwin might conceive me to +have fled. That I had not betaken myself to flight was, indeed, +the least probable of all conclusions. In this persuasion he +must have been confirmed on finding the lower door unfastened, +and the chamber door locked. Was it not wise to foster this +persuasion? Should I maintain deep silence, this, in addition +to other circumstances, might encourage the belief, and he would +once more depart. Every new reflection added plausibility to +this reasoning. It was presently more strongly enforced, when +I noticed footsteps withdrawing from the door. The blood once +more flowed back to my heart, and a dawn of exultation began to +rise: but my joy was short lived. Instead of descending the +stairs, he passed to the door of the opposite chamber, opened +it, and having entered, shut it after him with a violence that +shook the house. + +How was I to interpret this circumstance? For what end could +he have entered this chamber? Did the violence with which he +closed the door testify the depth of his vexation? This room +was usually occupied by Pleyel. Was Carwin aware of his absence +on this night? Could he be suspected of a design so sordid as +pillage? If this were his view there were no means in my power +to frustrate it. It behoved me to seize the first opportunity +to escape; but if my escape were supposed by my enemy to have +been already effected, no asylum was more secure than the +present. How could my passage from the house be accomplished +without noises that might incite him to pursue me? + +Utterly at a loss to account for his going into Pleyel's +chamber, I waited in instant expectation of hearing him come +forth. All, however, was profoundly still. I listened in vain +for a considerable period, to catch the sound of the door when +it should again be opened. There was no other avenue by which +he could escape, but a door which led into the girl's chamber. +Would any evil from this quarter befall the girl? + +Hence arose a new train of apprehensions. They merely added +to the turbulence and agony of my reflections. Whatever evil +impended over her, I had no power to avert it. Seclusion and +silence were the only means of saving myself from the perils of +this fatal night. What solemn vows did I put up, that if I +should once more behold the light of day, I would never trust +myself again within the threshold of this dwelling! + +Minute lingered after minute, but no token was given that +Carwin had returned to the passage. What, I again asked, could +detain him in this room? Was it possible that he had returned, +and glided, unperceived, away? I was speedily aware of the +difficulty that attended an enterprize like this; and yet, as if +by that means I were capable of gaining any information on that +head, I cast anxious looks from the window. + +The object that first attracted my attention was an human +figure standing on the edge of the bank. Perhaps my penetration +was assisted by my hopes. Be that as it will, the figure of +Carwin was clearly distinguishable. From the obscurity of my +station, it was impossible that I should be discerned by him, +and yet he scarcely suffered me to catch a glimpse of him. He +turned and went down the steep, which, in this part, was not +difficult to be scaled. + +My conjecture then had been right. Carwin has softly opened +the door, descended the stairs, and issued forth. That I should +not have overheard his steps, was only less incredible than that +my eyes had deceived me. But what was now to be done? The +house was at length delivered from this detested inmate. By one +avenue might he again re-enter. Was it not wise to bar the +lower door? Perhaps he had gone out by the kitchen door. For +this end, he must have passed through Judith's chamber. These +entrances being closed and bolted, as great security was gained +as was compatible with my lonely condition. + +The propriety of these measures was too manifest not to make +me struggle successfully with my fears. Yet I opened my own +door with the utmost caution, and descended as if I were afraid +that Carwin had been still immured in Pleyel's chamber. The +outer door was a-jar. I shut, with trembling eagerness, and +drew every bolt that appended to it. I then passed with light +and less cautious steps through the parlour, but was surprized +to discover that the kitchen door was secure. I was compelled +to acquiesce in the first conjecture that Carwin had escaped +through the entry. + +My heart was now somewhat eased of the load of apprehension. +I returned once more to my chamber, the door of which I was +careful to lock. It was no time to think of repose. The +moon-light began already to fade before the light of the day. +The approach of morning was betokened by the usual signals. I +mused upon the events of this night, and determined to take up +my abode henceforth at my brother's. Whether I should inform +him of what had happened was a question which seemed to demand +some consideration. My safety unquestionably required that I +should abandon my present habitation. + +As my thoughts began to flow with fewer impediments, the +image of Pleyel, and the dubiousness of his condition, again +recurred to me. I again ran over the possible causes of his +absence on the preceding day. My mind was attuned to +melancholy. I dwelt, with an obstinacy for which I could not +account, on the idea of his death. I painted to myself his +struggles with the billows, and his last appearance. I imagined +myself a midnight wanderer on the shore, and to have stumbled on +his corpse, which the tide had cast up. These dreary images +affected me even to tears. I endeavoured not to restrain them. +They imparted a relief which I had not anticipated. The more +copiously they flowed, the more did my general sensations appear +to subside into calm, and a certain restlessness give way to +repose. + +Perhaps, relieved by this effusion, the slumber so much +wanted might have stolen on my senses, had there been no new +cause of alarm. + + + +Chapter XI + + +I was aroused from this stupor by sounds that evidently arose +in the next chamber. Was it possible that I had been mistaken +in the figure which I had seen on the bank? or had Carwin, by +some inscrutable means, penetrated once more into this chamber? +The opposite door opened; footsteps came forth, and the person, +advancing to mine, knocked. + +So unexpected an incident robbed me of all presence of mind, +and, starting up, I involuntarily exclaimed, "Who is there?" An +answer was immediately given. The voice, to my inexpressible +astonishment, was Pleyel's. + +"It is I. Have you risen? If you have not, make haste; I +want three minutes conversation with you in the parlour--I will +wait for you there." Saying this he retired from the door. + +Should I confide in the testimony of my ears? If that were +true, it was Pleyel that had been hitherto immured in the +opposite chamber: he whom my rueful fancy had depicted in so +many ruinous and ghastly shapes: he whose footsteps had been +listened to with such inquietude! What is man, that knowledge +is so sparingly conferred upon him! that his heart should be +wrung with distress, and his frame be exanimated with fear, +though his safety be encompassed with impregnable walls! What +are the bounds of human imbecility! He that warned me of the +presence of my foe refused the intimation by which so many +racking fears would have been precluded. + +Yet who would have imagined the arrival of Pleyel at such an +hour? His tone was desponding and anxious. Why this +unseasonable summons? and why this hasty departure? Some +tidings he, perhaps, bears of mysterious and unwelcome import. + +My impatience would not allow me to consume much time in +deliberation: I hastened down. Pleyel I found standing at a +window, with eyes cast down as in meditation, and arms folded on +his breast. Every line in his countenance was pregnant with +sorrow. To this was added a certain wanness and air of fatigue. +The last time I had seen him appearances had been the reverse of +these. I was startled at the change. The first impulse was to +question him as to the cause. This impulse was supplanted by +some degree of confusion, flowing from a consciousness that love +had too large, and, as it might prove, a perceptible share in +creating this impulse. I was silent. + +Presently he raised his eyes and fixed them upon me. I read +in them an anguish altogether ineffable. Never had I witnessed +a like demeanour in Pleyel. Never, indeed, had I observed an +human countenance in which grief was more legibly inscribed. He +seemed struggling for utterance; but his struggles being +fruitless, he shook his head and turned away from me. + +My impatience would not allow me to be longer silent: +"What," said I, "for heaven's sake, my friend, what is the +matter?" + +He started at the sound of my voice. His looks, for a +moment, became convulsed with an emotion very different from +grief. His accents were broken with rage. + +"The matter--O wretch!--thus exquisitely fashioned--on whom +nature seemed to have exhausted all her graces; with charms so +awful and so pure! how art thou fallen! From what height +fallen! A ruin so complete--so unheard of!" + +His words were again choaked by emotion. Grief and pity were +again mingled in his features. He resumed, in a tone half +suffocated by sobs: + +"But why should I upbraid thee? Could I restore to thee what +thou hast lost; efface this cursed stain; snatch thee from the +jaws of this fiend; I would do it. Yet what will avail my +efforts? I have not arms with which to contend with so +consummate, so frightful a depravity. + +"Evidence less than this would only have excited resentment +and scorn. The wretch who should have breathed a suspicion +injurious to thy honor, would have been regarded without anger; +not hatred or envy could have prompted him; it would merely be +an argument of madness. That my eyes, that my ears, should bear +witness to thy fall! By no other way could detestible +conviction be imparted. + +"Why do I summon thee to this conference? Why expose myself +to thy derision? Here admonition and entreaty are vain. Thou +knowest him already, for a murderer and thief. I had thought to +have been the first to disclose to thee his infamy; to have +warned thee of the pit to which thou art hastening; but thy eyes +are open in vain. O foul and insupportable disgrace! + +"There is but one path. I know you will disappear together. +In thy ruin, how will the felicity and honor of multitudes be +involved! But it must come. This scene shall not be blotted by +his presence. No doubt thou wilt shortly see thy detested +paramour. This scene will be again polluted by a midnight +assignation. Inform him of his danger; tell him that his crimes +are known; let him fly far and instantly from this spot, if he +desires to avoid the fate which menaced him in Ireland. + +"And wilt thou not stay behind?--But shame upon my weakness. +I know not what I would say.--I have done what I purposed. To +stay longer, to expostulate, to beseech, to enumerate the +consequences of thy act--what end can it serve but to blazon thy +infamy and embitter our woes? And yet, O think, think ere it be +too late, on the distresses which thy flight will entail upon +us; on the base, grovelling, and atrocious character of the +wretch to whom thou hast sold thy honor. But what is this? Is +not thy effrontery impenetrable, and thy heart thoroughly +cankered? O most specious, and most profligate of women!" + +Saying this, he rushed out of the house. I saw him in a few +moments hurrying along the path which led to my brother's. I +had no power to prevent his going, or to recall, or to follow +him. The accents I had heard were calculated to confound and +bewilder. I looked around me to assure myself that the scene +was real. I moved that I might banish the doubt that I was +awake. Such enormous imputations from the mouth of Pleyel! To +be stigmatized with the names of wanton and profligate! To be +charged with the sacrifice of honor! with midnight meetings with +a wretch known to be a murderer and thief! with an intention to +fly in his company! + +What I had heard was surely the dictate of phrenzy, or it was +built upon some fatal, some incomprehensible mistake. After the +horrors of the night; after undergoing perils so imminent from +this man, to be summoned to an interview like this; to find +Pleyel fraught with a belief that, instead of having chosen +death as a refuge from the violence of this man, I had hugged +his baseness to my heart, had sacrificed for him my purity, my +spotless name, my friendships, and my fortune! that even madness +could engender accusations like these was not to be believed. + +What evidence could possibly suggest conceptions so wild? +After the unlooked-for interview with Carwin in my chamber, he +retired. Could Pleyel have observed his exit? It was not long +after that Pleyel himself entered. Did he build on this +incident, his odious conclusions? Could the long series of my +actions and sentiments grant me no exemption from suspicions so +foul? Was it not more rational to infer that Carwin's designs +had been illicit; that my life had been endangered by the fury +of one whom, by some means, he had discovered to be an assassin +and robber; that my honor had been assailed, not by +blandishments, but by violence? + +He has judged me without hearing. He has drawn from dubious +appearances, conclusions the most improbable and unjust. He has +loaded me with all outrageous epithets. He has ranked me with +prostitutes and thieves. I cannot pardon thee, Pleyel, for this +injustice. Thy understanding must be hurt. If it be not, if +thy conduct was sober and deliberate, I can never forgive an +outrage so unmanly, and so gross. + +These thoughts gradually gave place to others. Pleyel was +possessed by some momentary phrenzy: appearances had led him +into palpable errors. Whence could his sagacity have contracted +this blindness? Was it not love? Previously assured of my +affection for Carwin, distracted with grief and jealousy, and +impelled hither at that late hour by some unknown instigation, +his imagination transformed shadows into monsters, and plunged +him into these deplorable errors. + +This idea was not unattended with consolation. My soul was +divided between indignation at his injustice, and delight on +account of the source from which I conceived it to spring. For +a long time they would allow admission to no other thoughts. +Surprize is an emotion that enfeebles, not invigorates. All my +meditations were accompanied with wonder. I rambled with +vagueness, or clung to one image with an obstinacy which +sufficiently testified the maddening influence of late +transactions. + +Gradually I proceeded to reflect upon the consequences of +Pleyel's mistake, and on the measures I should take to guard +myself against future injury from Carwin. Should I suffer this +mistake to be detected by time? When his passion should +subside, would he not perceive the flagrancy of his injustice, +and hasten to atone for it? Did it not become my character to +testify resentment for language and treatment so opprobrious? +Wrapt up in the consciousness of innocence, and confiding in the +influence of time and reflection to confute so groundless a +charge, it was my province to be passive and silent. + +As to the violences meditated by Carwin, and the means of +eluding them, the path to be taken by me was obvious. I +resolved to tell the tale to my brother, and regulate myself by +his advice. For this end, when the morning was somewhat +advanced, I took the way to his house. My sister was engaged in +her customary occupations. As soon as I appeared, she remarked +a change in my looks. I was not willing to alarm her by the +information which I had to communicate. Her health was in that +condition which rendered a disastrous tale particularly +unsuitable. I forbore a direct answer to her inquiries, and +inquired, in my turn, for Wieland. + +"Why," said she, "I suspect something mysterious and +unpleasant has happened this morning. Scarcely had we risen +when Pleyel dropped among us. What could have prompted him to +make us so early and so unseasonable a visit I cannot tell. To +judge from the disorder of his dress, and his countenance, +something of an extraordinary nature has occurred. He permitted +me merely to know that he had slept none, nor even undressed, +during the past night. He took your brother to walk with him. +Some topic must have deeply engaged them, for Wieland did not +return till the breakfast hour was passed, and returned alone. +His disturbance was excessive; but he would not listen to my +importunities, or tell me what had happened. I gathered from +hints which he let fall, that your situation was, in some way, +the cause: yet he assured me that you were at your own house, +alive, in good health, and in perfect safety. He scarcely ate +a morsel, and immediately after breakfast went out again. He +would not inform me whither he was going, but mentioned that he +probably might not return before night." + +I was equally astonished and alarmed by this information. +Pleyel had told his tale to my brother, and had, by a plausible +and exaggerated picture, instilled into him unfavorable thoughts +of me. Yet would not the more correct judgment of Wieland +perceive and expose the fallacy of his conclusions? Perhaps his +uneasiness might arise from some insight into the character of +Carwin, and from apprehensions for my safety. The appearances +by which Pleyel had been misled, might induce him likewise to +believe that I entertained an indiscreet, though not +dishonorable affection for Carwin. Such were the conjectures +rapidly formed. I was inexpressibly anxious to change them into +certainty. For this end an interview with my brother was +desirable. He was gone, no one knew whither, and was not +expected speedily to return. I had no clue by which to trace +his footsteps. + +My anxieties could not be concealed from my sister. They +heightened her solicitude to be acquainted with the cause. +There were many reasons persuading me to silence: at least, +till I had seen my brother, it would be an act of inexcusable +temerity to unfold what had lately passed. No other expedient +for eluding her importunities occurred to me, but that of +returning to my own house. I recollected my determination to +become a tenant of this roof. I mentioned it to her. She +joyfully acceded to this proposal, and suffered me, with less +reluctance, to depart, when I told her that it was with a view +to collect and send to my new dwelling what articles would be +immediately useful to me. + +Once more I returned to the house which had been the scene of +so much turbulence and danger. I was at no great distance from +it when I observed my brother coming out. On seeing me he +stopped, and after ascertaining, as it seemed, which way I was +going, he returned into the house before me. I sincerely +rejoiced at this event, and I hastened to set things, if +possible, on their right footing. + +His brow was by no means expressive of those vehement +emotions with which Pleyel had been agitated. I drew a +favorable omen from this circumstance. Without delay I began +the conversation. + +"I have been to look for you," said I, "but was told by +Catharine that Pleyel had engaged you on some important and +disagreeable affair. Before his interview with you he spent a +few minutes with me. These minutes he employed in upbraiding me +for crimes and intentions with which I am by no means +chargeable. I believe him to have taken up his opinions on very +insufficient grounds. His behaviour was in the highest degree +precipitate and unjust, and, until I receive some atonement, I +shall treat him, in my turn, with that contempt which he justly +merits: meanwhile I am fearful that he has prejudiced my +brother against me. That is an evil which I most anxiously +deprecate, and which I shall indeed exert myself to remove. Has +he made me the subject of this morning's conversation?" + +My brother's countenance testified no surprize at my address. +The benignity of his looks were no wise diminished. + +"It is true," said he, "your conduct was the subject of our +discourse. I am your friend, as well as your brother. There is +no human being whom I love with more tenderness, and whose +welfare is nearer my heart. Judge then with what emotions I +listened to Pleyel's story. I expect and desire you to +vindicate yourself from aspersions so foul, if vindication be +possible." + +The tone with which he uttered the last words affected me +deeply. "If vindication be possible!" repeated I. "From what +you know, do you deem a formal vindication necessary? Can you +harbour for a moment the belief of my guilt?" + +He shook his head with an air of acute anguish. "I have +struggled," said he, "to dismiss that belief. You speak before +a judge who will profit by any pretence to acquit you: who is +ready to question his own senses when they plead against you." + +These words incited a new set of thoughts in my mind. I +began to suspect that Pleyel had built his accusations on some +foundation unknown to me. "I may be a stranger to the grounds +of your belief. Pleyel loaded me with indecent and virulent +invectives, but he withheld from me the facts that generated his +suspicions. Events took place last night of which some of the +circumstances were of an ambiguous nature. I conceived that +these might possibly have fallen under his cognizance, and that, +viewed through the mists of prejudice and passion, they supplied +a pretence for his conduct, but believed that your more +unbiassed judgment would estimate them at their just value. +Perhaps his tale has been different from what I suspect it to +be. Listen then to my narrative. If there be any thing in his +story inconsistent with mine, his story is false." + +I then proceeded to a circumstantial relation of the +incidents of the last night. Wieland listened with deep +attention. Having finished, "This," continued I, "is the truth; +you see in what circumstances an interview took place between +Carwin and me. He remained for hours in my closet, and for some +minutes in my chamber. He departed without haste or +interruption. If Pleyel marked him as he left the house, and it +is not impossible that he did, inferences injurious to my +character might suggest themselves to him. In admitting them, +he gave proofs of less discernment and less candor than I once +ascribed to him." + +"His proofs," said Wieland, after a considerable pause, "are +different. That he should be deceived, is not possible. That +he himself is not the deceiver, could not be believed, if his +testimony were not inconsistent with yours; but the doubts which +I entertained are now removed. Your tale, some parts of it, is +marvellous; the voice which exclaimed against your rashness in +approaching the closet, your persisting notwithstanding that +prohibition, your belief that I was the ruffian, and your +subsequent conduct, are believed by me, because I have known you +from childhood, because a thousand instances have attested your +veracity, and because nothing less than my own hearing and +vision would convince me, in opposition to her own assertions, +that my sister had fallen into wickedness like this." + +I threw my arms around him, and bathed his cheek with my +tears. "That," said I, "is spoken like my brother. But what +are the proofs?" + +He replied--"Pleyel informed me that, in going to your house, +his attention was attracted by two voices. The persons speaking +sat beneath the bank out of sight. These persons, judging by +their voices, were Carwin and you. I will not repeat the +dialogue. If my sister was the female, Pleyel was justified in +concluding you to be, indeed, one of the most profligate of +women. Hence, his accusations of you, and his efforts to obtain +my concurrence to a plan by which an eternal separation should +be brought about between my sister and this man." + +I made Wieland repeat this recital. Here, indeed, was a tale +to fill me with terrible foreboding. I had vainly thought that +my safety could be sufficiently secured by doors and bars, but +this is a foe from whose grasp no power of divinity can save me! +His artifices will ever lay my fame and happiness at his mercy. +How shall I counterwork his plots, or detect his coadjutor? He +has taught some vile and abandoned female to mimic my voice. +Pleyel's ears were the witnesses of my dishonor. This is the +midnight assignation to which he alluded. Thus is the silence +he maintained when attempting to open the door of my chamber, +accounted for. He supposed me absent, and meant, perhaps, had +my apartment been accessible, to leave in it some accusing +memorial. + +Pleyel was no longer equally culpable. The sincerity of his +anguish, the depth of his despair, I remembered with some +tendencies to gratitude. Yet was he not precipitate? Was the +conjecture that my part was played by some mimic so utterly +untenable? Instances of this faculty are common. The +wickedness of Carwin must, in his opinion, have been adequate to +such contrivances, and yet the supposition of my guilt was +adopted in preference to that. + +But how was this error to be unveiled? What but my own +assertion had I to throw in the balance against it? Would this +be permitted to outweigh the testimony of his senses? I had no +witnesses to prove my existence in another place. The real +events of that night are marvellous. Few, to whom they should +be related, would scruple to discredit them. Pleyel is +sceptical in a transcendant degree. I cannot summon Carwin to +my bar, and make him the attestor of my innocence, and the +accuser of himself. + +My brother saw and comprehended my distress. He was +unacquainted, however, with the full extent of it. He knew not +by how many motives I was incited to retrieve the good opinion +of Pleyel. He endeavored to console me. Some new event, he +said, would occur to disentangle the maze. He did not question +the influence of my eloquence, if I thought proper to exert it. +Why not seek an interview with Pleyel, and exact from him a +minute relation, in which something may be met with serving to +destroy the probability of the whole? + +I caught, with eagerness, at this hope; but my alacrity was +damped by new reflections. Should I, perfect in this respect, +and unblemished as I was, thrust myself, uncalled, into his +presence, and make my felicity depend upon his arbitrary +verdict? + +"If you chuse to seek an interview," continued Wieland, "you +must make haste, for Pleyel informed me of his intention to set +out this evening or to-morrow on a long journey." + +No intelligence was less expected or less welcome than this. +I had thrown myself in a window seat; but now, starting on my +feet, I exclaimed, "Good heavens! what is it you say? a +journey? whither? when?" + +"I cannot say whither. It is a sudden resolution I believe. +I did not hear of it till this morning. He promises to write to +me as soon as he is settled." + +I needed no further information as to the cause and issue of +this journey. The scheme of happiness to which he had devoted +his thoughts was blasted by the discovery of last night. My +preference of another, and my unworthiness to be any longer the +object of his adoration, were evinced by the same act and in the +same moment. The thought of utter desertion, a desertion +originating in such a cause, was the prelude to distraction. +That Pleyel should abandon me forever, because I was blind to +his excellence, because I coveted pollution, and wedded infamy, +when, on the contrary, my heart was the shrine of all purity, +and beat only for his sake, was a destiny which, as long as my +life was in my own hands, I would by no means consent to endure. + +I remembered that this evil was still preventable; that this +fatal journey it was still in my power to procrastinate, or, +perhaps, to occasion it to be laid aside. There were no +impediments to a visit: I only dreaded lest the interview +should be too long delayed. My brother befriended my +impatience, and readily consented to furnish me with a chaise +and servant to attend me. My purpose was to go immediately to +Pleyel's farm, where his engagements usually detained him during +the day. + + + +Chapter XII + + +My way lay through the city. I had scarcely entered it when +I was seized with a general sensation of sickness. Every object +grew dim and swam before my sight. It was with difficulty I +prevented myself from sinking to the bottom of the carriage. I +ordered myself to be carried to Mrs. Baynton's, in hope that an +interval of repose would invigorate and refresh me. My +distracted thoughts would allow me but little rest. Growing +somewhat better in the afternoon, I resumed my journey. + +My contemplations were limited to a few objects. I regarded +my success, in the purpose which I had in view, as considerably +doubtful. I depended, in some degree, on the suggestions of the +moment, and on the materials which Pleyel himself should furnish +me. When I reflected on the nature of the accusation, I burned +with disdain. Would not truth, and the consciousness of +innocence, render me triumphant? Should I not cast from me, +with irresistible force, such atrocious imputations? + +What an entire and mournful change has been effected in a few +hours! The gulf that separates man from insects is not wider +than that which severs the polluted from the chaste among women. +Yesterday and to-day I am the same. There is a degree of +depravity to which it is impossible for me to sink; yet, in the +apprehension of another, my ancient and intimate associate, the +perpetual witness of my actions, and partaker of my thoughts, I +had ceased to be the same. My integrity was tarnished and +withered in his eyes. I was the colleague of a murderer, and +the paramour of a thief! + +His opinion was not destitute of evidence: yet what proofs +could reasonably avail to establish an opinion like this? If +the sentiments corresponded not with the voice that was heard, +the evidence was deficient; but this want of correspondence +would have been supposed by me if I had been the auditor and +Pleyel the criminal. But mimicry might still more plausibly +have been employed to explain the scene. Alas! it is the fate +of Clara Wieland to fall into the hands of a precipitate and +inexorable judge. + +But what, O man of mischief! is the tendency of thy thoughts? +Frustrated in thy first design, thou wilt not forego the +immolation of thy victim. To exterminate my reputation was all +that remained to thee, and this my guardian has permitted. To +dispossess Pleyel of this prejudice may be impossible; but if +that be effected, it cannot be supposed that thy wiles are +exhausted; thy cunning will discover innumerable avenues to the +accomplishment of thy malignant purpose. + +Why should I enter the lists against thee? Would to heaven +I could disarm thy vengeance by my deprecations! When I think +of all the resources with which nature and education have +supplied thee; that thy form is a combination of steely fibres +and organs of exquisite ductility and boundless compass, +actuated by an intelligence gifted with infinite endowments, and +comprehending all knowledge, I perceive that my doom is fixed. +What obstacle will be able to divert thy zeal or repel thy +efforts? That being who has hitherto protected me has borne +testimony to the formidableness of thy attempts, since nothing +less than supernatural interference could check thy career. + +Musing on these thoughts, I arrived, towards the close of the +day, at Pleyel's house. A month before, I had traversed the +same path; but how different were my sensations! Now I was +seeking the presence of one who regarded me as the most +degenerate of human kind. I was to plead the cause of my +innocence, against witnesses the most explicit and unerring, of +those which support the fabric of human knowledge. The nearer +I approached the crisis, the more did my confidence decay. When +the chaise stopped at the door, my strength refused to support +me, and I threw myself into the arms of an ancient female +domestic. I had not courage to inquire whether her master was +at home. I was tormented with fears that the projected journey +was already undertaken. These fears were removed, by her asking +me whether she should call her young master, who had just gone +into his own room. I was somewhat revived by this intelligence, +and resolved immediately to seek him there. + +In my confusion of mind, I neglected to knock at the door, +but entered his apartment without previous notice. This +abruptness was altogether involuntary. Absorbed in reflections +of such unspeakable moment, I had no leisure to heed the +niceties of punctilio. I discovered him standing with his back +towards the entrance. A small trunk, with its lid raised, was +before him in which it seemed as if he had been busy in packing +his clothes. The moment of my entrance, he was employed in +gazing at something which he held in his hand. + +I imagined that I fully comprehended this scene. The image +which he held before him, and by which his attention was so +deeply engaged, I doubted not to be my own. These preparations +for his journey, the cause to which it was to be imputed, the +hopelessness of success in the undertaking on which I had +entered, rushed at once upon my feelings, and dissolved me into +a flood of tears. + +Startled by this sound, he dropped the lid of the trunk and +turned. The solemn sadness that previously overspread his +countenance, gave sudden way to an attitude and look of the most +vehement astonishment. Perceiving me unable to uphold myself, +he stepped towards me without speaking, and supported me by his +arm. The kindness of this action called forth a new effusion +from my eyes. Weeping was a solace to which, at that time, I +had not grown familiar, and which, therefore, was peculiarly +delicious. Indignation was no longer to be read in the features +of my friend. They were pregnant with a mixture of wonder and +pity. Their expression was easily interpreted. This visit, and +these tears, were tokens of my penitence. The wretch whom he +had stigmatized as incurably and obdurately wicked, now shewed +herself susceptible of remorse, and had come to confess her +guilt. + +This persuasion had no tendency to comfort me. It only +shewed me, with new evidence, the difficulty of the task which +I had assigned myself. We were mutually silent. I had less +power and less inclination than ever to speak. I extricated +myself from his hold, and threw myself on a sofa. He placed +himself by my side, and appeared to wait with impatience and +anxiety for some beginning of the conversation. What could I +say? If my mind had suggested any thing suitable to the +occasion, my utterance was suffocated by tears. + +Frequently he attempted to speak, but seemed deterred by some +degree of uncertainty as to the true nature of the scene. At +length, in faltering accents he spoke: + +"My friend! would to heaven I were still permitted to call +you by that name. The image that I once adored existed only in +my fancy; but though I cannot hope to see it realized, you may +not be totally insensible to the horrors of that gulf into which +you are about to plunge. What heart is forever exempt from the +goadings of compunction and the influx of laudable propensities? + +"I thought you accomplished and wise beyond the rest of +women. Not a sentiment you uttered, not a look you assumed, +that were not, in my apprehension, fraught with the sublimities +of rectitude and the illuminations of genius. Deceit has some +bounds. Your education could not be without influence. A +vigorous understanding cannot be utterly devoid of virtue; but +you could not counterfeit the powers of invention and reasoning. +I was rash in my invectives. I will not, but with life, +relinquish all hopes of you. I will shut out every proof that +would tell me that your heart is incurably diseased. + +"You come to restore me once more to happiness; to convince +me that you have torn her mask from vice, and feel nothing but +abhorrence for the part you have hitherto acted." + +At these words my equanimity forsook me. For a moment I +forgot the evidence from which Pleyel's opinions were derived, +the benevolence of his remonstrances, and the grief which his +accents bespoke; I was filled with indignation and horror at +charges so black; I shrunk back and darted at him a look of +disdain and anger. My passion supplied me with words. + +"What detestable infatuation was it that led me hither! Why +do I patiently endure these horrible insults! My offences exist +only in your own distempered imagination: you are leagued with +the traitor who assailed my life: you have vowed the +destruction of my peace and honor. I deserve infamy for +listening to calumnies so base!" + +These words were heard by Pleyel without visible resentment. +His countenance relapsed into its former gloom; but he did not +even look at me. The ideas which had given place to my angry +emotions returned, and once more melted me into tears. "O!" I +exclaimed, in a voice broken by sobs, "what a task is mine! +Compelled to hearken to charges which I feel to be false, but +which I know to be believed by him that utters them; believed +too not without evidence, which, though fallacious, is not +unplausible. + +"I came hither not to confess, but to vindicate. I know the +source of your opinions. Wieland has informed me on what your +suspicions are built. These suspicions are fostered by you as +certainties; the tenor of my life, of all my conversations and +letters, affords me no security; every sentiment that my tongue +and my pen have uttered, bear testimony to the rectitude of my +mind; but this testimony is rejected. I am condemned as +brutally profligate: I am classed with the stupidly and +sordidly wicked. + +"And where are the proofs that must justify so foul and so +improbable an accusation? You have overheard a midnight +conference. Voices have saluted your ear, in which you imagine +yourself to have recognized mine, and that of a detected +villain. The sentiments expressed were not allowed to outweigh +the casual or concerted resemblance of voice. Sentiments the +reverse of all those whose influence my former life had +attested, denoting a mind polluted by grovelling vices, and +entering into compact with that of a thief and a murderer. The +nature of these sentiments did not enable you to detect the +cheat, did not suggest to you the possibility that my voice had +been counterfeited by another. + +"You were precipitate and prone to condemn. Instead of +rushing on the impostors, and comparing the evidence of sight +with that of hearing, you stood aloof, or you fled. My +innocence would not now have stood in need of vindication, if +this conduct had been pursued. That you did not pursue it, your +present thoughts incontestibly prove. Yet this conduct might +surely have been expected from Pleyel. That he would not +hastily impute the blackest of crimes, that he would not couple +my name with infamy, and cover me with ruin for inadequate or +slight reasons, might reasonably have been expected." The sobs +which convulsed my bosom would not suffer me to proceed. + +Pleyel was for a moment affected. He looked at me with some +expression of doubt; but this quickly gave place to a mournful +solemnity. He fixed his eyes on the floor as in reverie, and +spoke: + +"Two hours hence I am gone. Shall I carry away with me the +sorrow that is now my guest? or shall that sorrow be +accumulated tenfold? What is she that is now before me? Shall +every hour supply me with new proofs of a wickedness beyond +example? Already I deem her the most abandoned and detestable +of human creatures. Her coming and her tears imparted a gleam +of hope, but that gleam has vanished." + +He now fixed his eyes upon me, and every muscle in his face +trembled. His tone was hollow and terrible--"Thou knowest that +I was a witness of your interview, yet thou comest hither to +upbraid me for injustice! Thou canst look me in the face and +say that I am deceived!--An inscrutable providence has fashioned +thee for some end. Thou wilt live, no doubt, to fulfil the +purposes of thy maker, if he repent not of his workmanship, and +send not his vengeance to exterminate thee, ere the measure of +thy days be full. Surely nothing in the shape of man can vie +with thee! + +"But I thought I had stifled this fury. I am not constituted +thy judge. My office is to pity and amend, and not to punish +and revile. I deemed myself exempt from all tempestuous +passions. I had almost persuaded myself to weep over thy fall; +but I am frail as dust, and mutable as water; I am calm, I am +compassionate only in thy absence.--Make this house, this room, +thy abode as long as thou wilt, but forgive me if I prefer +solitude for the short time during which I shall stay." Saying +this, he motioned as if to leave the apartment. + +The stormy passions of this man affected me by sympathy. I +ceased to weep. I was motionless and speechless with agony. I +sat with my hands clasped, mutely gazing after him as he +withdrew. I desired to detain him, but was unable to make any +effort for that purpose, till he had passed out of the room. I +then uttered an involuntary and piercing cry--"Pleyel! Art thou +gone? Gone forever?" + +At this summons he hastily returned. He beheld me wild, +pale, gasping for breath, and my head already sinking on my +bosom. A painful dizziness seized me, and I fainted away. + +When I recovered, I found myself stretched on a bed in the +outer apartment, and Pleyel, with two female servants standing +beside it. All the fury and scorn which the countenance of the +former lately expressed, had now disappeared, and was succeeded +by the most tender anxiety. As soon as he perceived that my +senses were returned to me, he clasped his hands, and exclaimed, +"God be thanked! you are once more alive. I had almost +despaired of your recovery. I fear I have been precipitate and +unjust. My senses must have been the victims of some +inexplicable and momentary phrenzy. Forgive me, I beseech you, +forgive my reproaches. I would purchase conviction of your +purity, at the price of my existence here and hereafter." + +He once more, in a tone of the most fervent tenderness, +besought me to be composed, and then left me to the care of the +women. + + + +Chapter XIII + + +Here was wrought a surprizing change in my friend. What was +it that had shaken conviction so firm? Had any thing occurred +during my fit, adequate to produce so total an alteration? My +attendants informed me that he had not left my apartment; that +the unusual duration of my fit, and the failure, for a time, of +all the means used for my recovery, had filled him with grief +and dismay. Did he regard the effect which his reproaches had +produced as a proof of my sincerity? + +In this state of mind, I little regarded my languors of body. +I rose and requested an interview with him before my departure, +on which I was resolved, notwithstanding his earnest +solicitation to spend the night at his house. He complied with +my request. The tenderness which he had lately betrayed, had +now disappeared, and he once more relapsed into a chilling +solemnity. + +I told him that I was preparing to return to my brother's; +that I had come hither to vindicate my innocence from the foul +aspersions which he had cast upon it. My pride had not taken +refuge in silence or distance. I had not relied upon time, or +the suggestion of his cooler thoughts, to confute his charges. +Conscious as I was that I was perfectly guiltless, and +entertaining some value for his good opinion, I could not +prevail upon myself to believe that my efforts to make my +innocence manifest, would be fruitless. Adverse appearances +might be numerous and specious, but they were unquestionably +false. I was willing to believe him sincere, that he made no +charges which he himself did not believe; but these charges were +destitute of truth. The grounds of his opinion were fallacious; +and I desired an opportunity of detecting their fallacy. I +entreated him to be explicit, and to give me a detail of what he +had heard, and what he had seen. + +At these words, my companion's countenance grew darker. He +appeared to be struggling with his rage. He opened his lips to +speak, but his accents died away ere they were formed. This +conflict lasted for some minutes, but his fortitude was finally +successful. He spoke as follows: + +"I would fain put an end to this hateful scene: what I shall +say, will be breath idly and unprofitably consumed. The +clearest narrative will add nothing to your present knowledge. +You are acquainted with the grounds of my opinion, and yet you +avow yourself innocent: Why then should I rehearse these +grounds? You are apprized of the character of Carwin: Why then +should I enumerate the discoveries which I have made respecting +him? Yet, since it is your request; since, considering the +limitedness of human faculties, some error may possibly lurk in +those appearances which I have witnessed, I will briefly relate +what I know. + +"Need I dwell upon the impressions which your conversation +and deportment originally made upon me? We parted in childhood; +but our intercourse, by letter, was copious and uninterrupted. +How fondly did I anticipate a meeting with one whom her letters +had previously taught me to consider as the first of women, and +how fully realized were the expectations that I had formed! + +"Here, said I, is a being, after whom sages may model their +transcendent intelligence, and painters, their ideal beauty. +Here is exemplified, that union between intellect and form, +which has hitherto existed only in the conceptions of the poet. +I have watched your eyes; my attention has hung upon your lips. +I have questioned whether the enchantments of your voice were +more conspicuous in the intricacies of melody, or the emphasis +of rhetoric. I have marked the transitions of your discourse, +the felicities of your expression, your refined argumentation, +and glowing imagery; and been forced to acknowledge, that all +delights were meagre and contemptible, compared with those +connected with the audience and sight of you. I have +contemplated your principles, and been astonished at the +solidity of their foundation, and the perfection of their +structure. I have traced you to your home. I have viewed you +in relation to your servants, to your family, to your +neighbours, and to the world. I have seen by what skilful +arrangements you facilitate the performance of the most arduous +and complicated duties; what daily accessions of strength your +judicious discipline bestowed upon your memory; what correctness +and abundance of knowledge was daily experienced by your +unwearied application to books, and to writing. If she that +possesses so much in the bloom of youth, will go on accumulating +her stores, what, said I, is the picture she will display at a +mature age? + +"You know not the accuracy of my observation. I was desirous +that others should profit by an example so rare. I therefore +noted down, in writing, every particular of your conduct. I was +anxious to benefit by an opportunity so seldom afforded us. I +laboured not to omit the slightest shade, or the most petty line +in your portrait. Here there was no other task incumbent on me +but to copy; there was no need to exaggerate or overlook, in +order to produce a more unexceptionable pattern. Here was a +combination of harmonies and graces, incapable of diminution or +accession without injury to its completeness. + +"I found no end and no bounds to my task. No display of a +scene like this could be chargeable with redundancy or +superfluity. Even the colour of a shoe, the knot of a ribband, +or your attitude in plucking a rose, were of moment to be +recorded. Even the arrangements of your breakfast-table and +your toilet have been amply displayed. + +"I know that mankind are more easily enticed to virtue by +example than by precept. I know that the absoluteness of a +model, when supplied by invention, diminishes its salutary +influence, since it is useless, we think, to strive after that +which we know to be beyond our reach. But the picture which I +drew was not a phantom; as a model, it was devoid of +imperfection; and to aspire to that height which had been really +attained, was by no means unreasonable. I had another and more +interesting object in view. One existed who claimed all my +tenderness. Here, in all its parts, was a model worthy of +assiduous study, and indefatigable imitation. I called upon +her, as she wished to secure and enhance my esteem, to mould her +thoughts, her words, her countenance, her actions, by this +pattern. + +"The task was exuberant of pleasure, and I was deeply engaged +in it, when an imp of mischief was let loose in the form of +Carwin. I admired his powers and accomplishments. I did not +wonder that they were admired by you. On the rectitude of your +judgement, however, I relied to keep this admiration within +discreet and scrupulous bounds. I assured myself, that the +strangeness of his deportment, and the obscurity of his life, +would teach you caution. Of all errors, my knowledge of your +character informed me that this was least likely to befall you. + +"You were powerfully affected by his first appearance; you +were bewitched by his countenance and his tones; your +description was ardent and pathetic: I listened to you with +some emotions of surprize. The portrait you drew in his +absence, and the intensity with which you mused upon it, were +new and unexpected incidents. They bespoke a sensibility +somewhat too vivid; but from which, while subjected to the +guidance of an understanding like yours, there was nothing to +dread. + +"A more direct intercourse took place between you. I need +not apologize for the solicitude which I entertained for your +safety. He that gifted me with perception of excellence, +compelled me to love it. In the midst of danger and pain, my +contemplations have ever been cheered by your image. Every +object in competition with you, was worthless and trivial. No +price was too great by which your safety could be purchased. +For that end, the sacrifice of ease, of health, and even of +life, would cheerfully have been made by me. What wonder then, +that I scrutinized the sentiments and deportment of this man +with ceaseless vigilance; that I watched your words and your +looks when he was present; and that I extracted cause for the +deepest inquietudes, from every token which you gave of having +put your happiness into this man's keeping? + +"I was cautious in deciding. I recalled the various +conversations in which the topics of love and marriage had been +discussed. As a woman, young, beautiful, and independent, it +behoved you to have fortified your mind with just principles on +this subject. Your principles were eminently just. Had not +their rectitude and their firmness been attested by your +treatment of that specious seducer Dashwood? These principles, +I was prone to believe, exempted you from danger in this new +state of things. I was not the last to pay my homage to the +unrivalled capacity, insinuation, and eloquence of this man. I +have disguised, but could never stifle the conviction, that his +eyes and voice had a witchcraft in them, which rendered him +truly formidable: but I reflected on the ambiguous expression +of his countenance--an ambiguity which you were the first to +remark; on the cloud which obscured his character; and on the +suspicious nature of that concealment which he studied; and +concluded you to be safe. I denied the obvious construction to +appearances. I referred your conduct to some principle which +had not been hitherto disclosed, but which was reconcileable +with those already known. + +"I was not suffered to remain long in this suspence. One +evening, you may recollect, I came to your house, where it was +my purpose, as usual, to lodge, somewhat earlier than ordinary. +I spied a light in your chamber as I approached from the +outside, and on inquiring of Judith, was informed that you were +writing. As your kinsman and friend, and fellow-lodger, I +thought I had a right to be familiar. You were in your chamber, +but your employment and the time were such as to make it no +infraction of decorum to follow you thither. The spirit of +mischievous gaiety possessed me. I proceeded on tiptoe. You +did not perceive my entrance; and I advanced softly till I was +able to overlook your shoulder. + +"I had gone thus far in error, and had no power to recede. +How cautiously should we guard against the first inroads of +temptation! I knew that to pry into your papers was criminal; +but I reflected that no sentiment of yours was of a nature which +made it your interest to conceal it. You wrote much more than +you permitted your friends to peruse. My curiosity was strong, +and I had only to throw a glance upon the paper, to secure its +gratification. I should never have deliberately committed an +act like this. The slightest obstacle would have repelled me; +but my eye glanced almost spontaneously upon the paper. I +caught only parts of sentences; but my eyes comprehended more at +a glance, because the characters were short-hand. I lighted on +the words SUMMER-HOUSE, MIDNIGHT, and made out a passage +which spoke of the propriety and of the effects to be expected +from ANOTHER interview. All this passed in less than a +moment. I then checked myself, and made myself known to you, +by a tap upon your shoulder. + +"I could pardon and account for some trifling alarm; but your +trepidation and blushes were excessive. You hurried the paper +out of sight, and seemed too anxious to discover whether I knew +the contents to allow yourself to make any inquiries. I +wondered at these appearances of consternation, but did not +reason on them until I had retired. When alone, these incidents +suggested themselves to my reflections anew. + +"To what scene, or what interview, I asked, did you allude? +Your disappearance on a former evening, my tracing you to the +recess in the bank, your silence on my first and second call, +your vague answers and invincible embarrassment, when you, at +length, ascended the hill, I recollected with new surprize. +Could this be the summerhouse alluded to? A certain timidity +and consciousness had generally attended you, when this incident +and this recess had been the subjects of conversation. Nay, I +imagined that the last time that adventure was mentioned, which +happened in the presence of Carwin, the countenance of the +latter betrayed some emotion. Could the interview have been +with him? + +"This was an idea calculated to rouse every faculty to +contemplation. An interview at that hour, in this darksome +retreat, with a man of this mysterious but formidable character; +a clandestine interview, and one which you afterwards +endeavoured with so much solicitude to conceal! It was a +fearful and portentous occurrence. I could not measure his +power, or fathom his designs. Had he rifled from you the secret +of your love, and reconciled you to concealment and noctural +meetings? I scarcely ever spent a night of more inquietude. + +"I knew not how to act. The ascertainment of this man's +character and views seemed to be, in the first place, necessary. +Had he openly preferred his suit to you, we should have been +impowered to make direct inquiries; but since he had chosen this +obscure path, it seemed reasonable to infer that his character +was exceptionable. It, at least, subjected us to the necessity +of resorting to other means of information. Yet the +improbability that you should commit a deed of such rashness, +made me reflect anew upon the insufficiency of those grounds on +which my suspicions had been built, and almost to condemn myself +for harbouring them. + +"Though it was mere conjecture that the interview spoken of +had taken place with Carwin, yet two ideas occurred to involve +me in the most painful doubts. This man's reasonings might be +so specious, and his artifices so profound, that, aided by the +passion which you had conceived for him, he had finally +succeeded; or his situation might be such as to justify the +secrecy which you maintained. In neither case did my wildest +reveries suggest to me, that your honor had been forfeited. + +"I could not talk with you on this subject. If the +imputation was false, its atrociousness would have justly drawn +upon me your resentment, and I must have explained by what facts +it had been suggested. If it were true, no benefit would follow +from the mention of it. You had chosen to conceal it for some +reasons, and whether these reasons were true or false, it was +proper to discover and remove them in the first place. Finally, +I acquiesced in the least painful supposition, trammelled as it +was with perplexities, that Carwin was upright, and that, if the +reasons of your silence were known, they would be found to be +just. + + + +Chapter XIV + + +"Three days have elapsed since this occurrence. I have been +haunted by perpetual inquietude. To bring myself to regard +Carwin without terror, and to acquiesce in the belief of your +safety, was impossible. Yet to put an end to my doubts, seemed +to be impracticable. If some light could be reflected on the +actual situation of this man, a direct path would present +itself. If he were, contrary to the tenor of his conversation, +cunning and malignant, to apprize you of this, would be to place +you in security. If he were merely unfortunate and innocent, +most readily would I espouse his cause; and if his intentions +were upright with regard to you, most eagerly would I sanctify +your choice by my approbation. + +"It would be vain to call upon Carwin for an avowal of his +deeds. It was better to know nothing, than to be deceived by an +artful tale. What he was unwilling to communicate, and this +unwillingness had been repeatedly manifested, could never be +extorted from him. Importunity might be appeased, or imposture +effected by fallacious representations. To the rest of the +world he was unknown. I had often made him the subject of +discourse; but a glimpse of his figure in the street was the sum +of their knowledge who knew most. None had ever seen him +before, and received as new, the information which my +intercourse with him in Valencia, and my present intercourse, +enabled me to give. + +"Wieland was your brother. If he had really made you the +object of his courtship, was not a brother authorized to +interfere and demand from him the confession of his views? Yet +what were the grounds on which I had reared this supposition? +Would they justify a measure like this? Surely not. + +"In the course of my restless meditations, it occurred to me, +at length, that my duty required me to speak to you, to confess +the indecorum of which I had been guilty, and to state the +reflections to which it had led me. I was prompted by no mean +or selfish views. The heart within my breast was not more +precious than your safety: most cheerfully would I have +interposed my life between you and danger. Would you cherish +resentment at my conduct? When acquainted with the motive which +produced it, it would not only exempt me from censure, but +entitle me to gratitude. + +"Yesterday had been selected for the rehearsal of the +newly-imported tragedy. I promised to be present. The state of +my thoughts but little qualified me for a performer or auditor +in such a scene; but I reflected that, after it was finished, I +should return home with you, and should then enjoy an +opportunity of discoursing with you fully on this topic. My +resolution was not formed without a remnant of doubt, as to its +propriety. When I left this house to perform the visit I had +promised, my mind was full of apprehension and despondency. The +dubiousness of the event of our conversation, fear that my +interference was too late to secure your peace, and the +uncertainty to which hope gave birth, whether I had not erred in +believing you devoted to this man, or, at least, in imagining +that he had obtained your consent to midnight conferences, +distracted me with contradictory opinions, and repugnant +emotions. + +"I can assign no reason for calling at Mrs. Baynton's. I had +seen her in the morning, and knew her to be well. The concerted +hour had nearly arrived, and yet I turned up the street which +leads to her house, and dismounted at her door. I entered the +parlour and threw myself in a chair. I saw and inquired for no +one. My whole frame was overpowered by dreary and comfortless +sensations. One idea possessed me wholly; the inexpressible +importance of unveiling the designs and character of Carwin, and +the utter improbability that this ever would be effected. Some +instinct induced me to lay my hand upon a newspaper. I had +perused all the general intelligence it contained in the +morning, and at the same spot. The act was rather mechanical +than voluntary. + +"I threw a languid glance at the first column that presented +itself. The first words which I read, began with the offer of +a reward of three hundred guineas for the apprehension of a +convict under sentence of death, who had escaped from Newgate +prison in Dublin. Good heaven! how every fibre of my frame +tingled when I proceeded to read that the name of the criminal +was Francis Carwin! + +"The descriptions of his person and address were minute. His +stature, hair, complexion, the extraordinary position and +arrangement of his features, his aukward and disproportionate +form, his gesture and gait, corresponded perfectly with those of +our mysterious visitant. He had been found guilty in two +indictments. One for the murder of the Lady Jane Conway, and +the other for a robbery committed on the person of the honorable +Mr. Ludloe. + +"I repeatedly perused this passage. The ideas which flowed +in upon my mind, affected me like an instant transition from +death to life. The purpose dearest to my heart was thus +effected, at a time and by means the least of all others within +the scope of my foresight. But what purpose? Carwin was +detected. Acts of the blackest and most sordid guilt had been +committed by him. Here was evidence which imparted to my +understanding the most luminous certainty. The name, visage, +and deportment, were the same. Between the time of his escape, +and his appearance among us, there was a sufficient agreement. +Such was the man with whom I suspected you to maintain a +clandestine correspondence. Should I not haste to snatch you +from the talons of this vulture? Should I see you rushing to +the verge of a dizzy precipice, and not stretch forth a hand to +pull you back? I had no need to deliberate. I thrust the paper +in my pocket, and resolved to obtain an immediate conference +with you. For a time, no other image made its way to my +understanding. At length, it occurred to me, that though the +information I possessed was, in one sense, sufficient, yet if +more could be obtained, more was desirable. This passage was +copied from a British paper; part of it only, perhaps, was +transcribed. The printer was in possession of the original. + +"Towards his house I immediately turned my horse's head. He +produced the paper, but I found nothing more than had already +been seen. While busy in perusing it, the printer stood by my +side. He noticed the object of which I was in search. "Aye," +said he, "that is a strange affair. I should never have met +with it, had not Mr. Hallet sent to me the paper, with a +particular request to republish that advertisement." + +"Mr. Hallet! What reasons could he have for making this +request? Had the paper sent to him been accompanied by any +information respecting the convict? Had he personal or +extraordinary reasons for desiring its republication? This was +to be known only in one way. I speeded to his house. In answer +to my interrogations, he told me that Ludloe had formerly been +in America, and that during his residence in this city, +considerable intercourse had taken place between them. Hence a +confidence arose, which has since been kept alive by occasional +letters. He had lately received a letter from him, enclosing +the newspaper from which this extract had been made. He put it +into my hands, and pointed out the passages which related to +Carwin. + +"Ludloe confirms the facts of his conviction and escape; and +adds, that he had reason to believe him to have embarked for +America. He describes him in general terms, as the most +incomprehensible and formidable among men; as engaged in +schemes, reasonably suspected to be, in the highest degree, +criminal, but such as no human intelligence is able to unravel: +that his ends are pursued by means which leave it in doubt +whether he be not in league with some infernal spirit: that his +crimes have hitherto been perpetrated with the aid of some +unknown but desperate accomplices: that he wages a perpetual +war against the happiness of mankind, and sets his engines of +destruction at work against every object that presents itself. + +"This is the substance of the letter. Hallet expressed some +surprize at the curiosity which was manifested by me on this +occasion. I was too much absorbed by the ideas suggested by +this letter, to pay attention to his remarks. I shuddered with +the apprehension of the evil to which our indiscreet familiarity +with this man had probably exposed us. I burnt with impatience +to see you, and to do what in me lay to avert the calamity which +threatened us. It was already five o'clock. Night was +hastening, and there was no time to be lost. On leaving Mr. +Hallet's house, who should meet me in the street, but Bertrand, +the servant whom I left in Germany. His appearance and +accoutrements bespoke him to have just alighted from a toilsome +and long journey. I was not wholly without expectation of +seeing him about this time, but no one was then more distant +from my thoughts. You know what reasons I have for anxiety +respecting scenes with which this man was conversant. Carwin +was for a moment forgotten. In answer to my vehement inquiries, +Bertrand produced a copious packet. I shall not at present +mention its contents, nor the measures which they obliged me to +adopt. I bestowed a brief perusal on these papers, and having +given some directions to Bertrand, resumed my purpose with +regard to you. My horse I was obliged to resign to my servant, +he being charged with a commission that required speed. The +clock had struck ten, and Mettingen was five miles distant. I +was to Journey thither on foot. These circumstances only added +to my expedition. + +"As I passed swiftly along, I reviewed all the incidents +accompanying the appearance and deportment of that man among us. +Late events have been inexplicable and mysterious beyond any of +which I have either read or heard. These events were coeval +with Carwin's introduction. I am unable to explain their origin +and mutual dependance; but I do not, on that account, believe +them to have a supernatural origin. Is not this man the agent? +Some of them seem to be propitious; but what should I think of +those threats of assassination with which you were lately +alarmed? Bloodshed is the trade, and horror is the element of +this man. The process by which the sympathies of nature are +extinguished in our hearts, by which evil is made our good, and +by which we are made susceptible of no activity but in the +infliction, and no joy but in the spectacle of woes, is an +obvious process. As to an alliance with evil geniuses, the +power and the malice of daemons have been a thousand times +exemplified in human beings. There are no devils but those +which are begotten upon selfishness, and reared by cunning. + +"Now, indeed, the scene was changed. It was not his secret +poniard that I dreaded. It was only the success of his efforts +to make you a confederate in your own destruction, to make your +will the instrument by which he might bereave you of liberty and +honor. + +"I took, as usual, the path through your brother's ground. +I ranged with celerity and silence along the bank. I approached +the fence, which divides Wieland's estate from yours. The +recess in the bank being near this line, it being necessary for +me to pass near it, my mind being tainted with inveterate +suspicions concerning you; suspicions which were indebted for +their strength to incidents connected with this spot; what +wonder that it seized upon my thoughts! +"I leaped on the fence; but before I descended on the +opposite side, I paused to survey the scene. Leaves dropping +with dew, and glistening in the moon's rays, with no moving +object to molest the deep repose, filled me with security and +hope. I left the station at length, and tended forward. You +were probably at rest. How should I communicate without +alarming you, the intelligence of my arrival? An immediate +interview was to be procured. I could not bear to think that a +minute should be lost by remissness or hesitation. Should I +knock at the door? or should I stand under your chamber +windows, which I perceived to be open, and awaken you by my +calls? + +"These reflections employed me, as I passed opposite to the +summer-house. I had scarcely gone by, when my ear caught a +sound unusual at this time and place. It was almost too faint +and too transient to allow me a distinct perception of it. I +stopped to listen; presently it was heard again, and now it was +somewhat in a louder key. It was laughter; and unquestionably +produced by a female voice. That voice was familiar to my +senses. It was yours. + +"Whence it came, I was at first at a loss to conjecture; but +this uncertainty vanished when it was heard the third time. I +threw back my eyes towards the recess. Every other organ and +limb was useless to me. I did not reason on the subject. I did +not, in a direct manner, draw my conclusions from the hour, the +place, the hilarity which this sound betokened, and the +circumstance of having a companion, which it no less +incontestably proved. In an instant, as it were, my heart was +invaded with cold, and the pulses of life at a stand. + +"Why should I go further? Why should I return? Should I not +hurry to a distance from a sound, which, though formerly so +sweet and delectable, was now more hideous than the shrieks of +owls? + +"I had no time to yield to this impulse. The thought of +approaching and listening occurred to me. I had no doubt of +which I was conscious. Yet my certainty was capable of +increase. I was likewise stimulated by a sentiment that partook +of rage. I was governed by an half-formed and tempestuous +resolution to break in upon your interview, and strike you dead +with my upbraiding. + +"I approached with the utmost caution. When I reached the +edge of the bank immediately above the summer-house, I thought +I heard voices from below, as busy in conversation. The steps +in the rock are clear of bushy impediments. They allowed me to +descend into a cavity beside the building without being +detected. Thus to lie in wait could only be justified by the +momentousness of the occasion." + +Here Pleyel paused in his narrative, and fixed his eyes upon +me. Situated as I was, my horror and astonishment at this tale +gave way to compassion for the anguish which the countenance of +my friend betrayed. I reflected on his force of understanding. +I reflected on the powers of my enemy. I could easily divine +the substance of the conversation that was overheard. Carwin +had constructed his plot in a manner suited to the characters of +those whom he had selected for his victims. I saw that the +convictions of Pleyel were immutable. I forbore to struggle +against the storm, because I saw that all struggles would be +fruitless. I was calm; but my calmness was the torpor of +despair, and not the tranquillity of fortitude. It was calmness +invincible by any thing that his grief and his fury could +suggest to Pleyel. He resumed-- + +"Woman! wilt thou hear me further? Shall I go on to repeat +the conversation? Is it shame that makes thee tongue-tied? +Shall I go on? or art thou satisfied with what has been already +said?" + +I bowed my head. "Go on," said I. "I make not this request +in the hope of undeceiving you. I shall no longer contend with +my own weakness. The storm is let loose, and I shall peaceably +submit to be driven by its fury. But go on. This conference +will end only with affording me a clearer foresight of my +destiny; but that will be some satisfaction, and I will not part +without it." + +Why, on hearing these words, did Pleyel hesitate? Did some +unlooked-for doubt insinuate itself into his mind? Was his +belief suddenly shaken by my looks, or my words, or by some +newly recollected circumstance? Whencesoever it arose, it could +not endure the test of deliberation. In a few minutes the flame +of resentment was again lighted up in his bosom. He proceeded +with his accustomed vehemence-- + +"I hate myself for this folly. I can find no apology for +this tale. Yet I am irresistibly impelled to relate it. She +that hears me is apprized of every particular. I have only to +repeat to her her own words. She will listen with a tranquil +air, and the spectacle of her obduracy will drive me to some +desperate act. Why then should I persist! yet persist I must." + +Again he paused. "No," said he, "it is impossible to repeat +your avowals of love, your appeals to former confessions of your +tenderness, to former deeds of dishonor, to the circumstances of +the first interview that took place between you. It was on that +night when I traced you to this recess. Thither had he enticed +you, and there had you ratified an unhallowed compact by +admitting him-- + +"Great God! Thou witnessedst the agonies that tore my bosom +at that moment! Thou witnessedst my efforts to repel the +testimony of my ears! It was in vain that you dwelt upon the +confusion which my unlooked-for summons excited in you; the +tardiness with which a suitable excuse occurred to you; your +resentment that my impertinent intrusion had put an end to that +charming interview: A disappointment for which you endeavoured +to compensate yourself, by the frequency and duration of +subsequent meetings. + +"In vain you dwelt upon incidents of which you only could be +conscious; incidents that occurred on occasions on which none +beside your own family were witnesses. In vain was your +discourse characterized by peculiarities inimitable of sentiment +and language. My conviction was effected only by an +accumulation of the same tokens. I yielded not but to evidence +which took away the power to withhold my faith. + +"My sight was of no use to me. Beneath so thick an umbrage, +the darkness was intense. Hearing was the only avenue to +information, which the circumstances allowed to be open. I was +couched within three feet of you. Why should I approach nearer? +I could not contend with your betrayer. What could be the +purpose of a contest? You stood in no need of a protector. +What could I do, but retire from the spot overwhelmed with +confusion and dismay? I sought my chamber, and endeavoured to +regain my composure. The door of the house, which I found open, +your subsequent entrance, closing, and fastening it, and going +into your chamber, which had been thus long deserted, were only +confirmations of the truth. + +"Why should I paint the tempestuous fluctuation of my +thoughts between grief and revenge, between rage and despair? +Why should I repeat my vows of eternal implacability and +persecution, and the speedy recantation of these vows? + +"I have said enough. You have dismissed me from a place in +your esteem. What I think, and what I feel, is of no importance +in your eyes. May the duty which I owe myself enable me to +forget your existence. In a few minutes I go hence. Be the +maker of your fortune, and may adversity instruct you in that +wisdom, which education was unable to impart to you." + +Those were the last words which Pleyel uttered. He left the +room, and my new emotions enabled me to witness his departure +without any apparent loss of composure. As I sat alone, I +ruminated on these incidents. Nothing was more evident than +that I had taken an eternal leave of happiness. Life was a +worthless thing, separate from that good which had now been +wrested from me; yet the sentiment that now possessed me had no +tendency to palsy my exertions, and overbear my strength. I +noticed that the light was declining, and perceived the +propriety of leaving this house. I placed myself again in the +chaise, and returned slowly towards the city. + + + +Chapter XV + + +Before I reached the city it was dusk. It was my purpose to +spend the night at Mettingen. I was not solicitous, as long as +I was attended by a faithful servant, to be there at an early +hour. My exhausted strength required me to take some +refreshment. With this view, and in order to pay respect to one +whose affection for me was truly maternal, I stopped at Mrs. +Baynton's. She was absent from home; but I had scarcely entered +the house when one of her domestics presented me a letter. I +opened and read as follows: + + +"To Clara Wieland, + +"What shall I say to extenuate the misconduct of last night? +It is my duty to repair it to the utmost of my power, but the +only way in which it can be repaired, you will not, I fear, be +prevailed on to adopt. It is by granting me an interview, at +your own house, at eleven o'clock this night. I have no means +of removing any fears that you may entertain of my designs, but +my simple and solemn declarations. These, after what has passed +between us, you may deem unworthy of confidence. I cannot help +it. My folly and rashness has left me no other resource. I +will be at your door by that hour. If you chuse to admit me to +a conference, provided that conference has no witnesses, I will +disclose to you particulars, the knowledge of which is of the +utmost importance to your happiness. Farewell. + +CARWIN." + + +What a letter was this! A man known to be an assassin and +robber; one capable of plotting against my life and my fame; +detected lurking in my chamber, and avowing designs the most +flagitious and dreadful, now solicits me to grant him a midnight +interview! To admit him alone into my presence! Could he make +this request with the expectation of my compliance? What had he +seen in me, that could justify him in admitting so wild a +belief? Yet this request is preferred with the utmost gravity. +It is not accompanied by an appearance of uncommon earnestness. +Had the misconduct to which he alludes been a slight incivility, +and the interview requested to take place in the midst of my +friends, there would have been no extravagance in the tenor of +this letter; but, as it was, the writer had surely been bereft +of his reason. + +I perused this epistle frequently. The request it contained +might be called audacious or stupid, if it had been made by a +different person; but from Carwin, who could not be unaware of +the effect which it must naturally produce, and of the manner in +which it would unavoidably be treated, it was perfectly +inexplicable. He must have counted on the success of some plot, +in order to extort my assent. None of those motives by which I +am usually governed would ever have persuaded me to meet any one +of his sex, at the time and place which he had prescribed. Much +less would I consent to a meeting with a man, tainted with the +most detestable crimes, and by whose arts my own safety had been +so imminently endangered, and my happiness irretrievably +destroyed. I shuddered at the idea that such a meeting was +possible. I felt some reluctance to approach a spot which he +still visited and haunted. + +Such were the ideas which first suggested themselves on the +perusal of the letter. Meanwhile, I resumed my journey. My +thoughts still dwelt upon the same topic. Gradually from +ruminating on this epistle, I reverted to my interview with +Pleyel. I recalled the particulars of the dialogue to which he +had been an auditor. My heart sunk anew on viewing the +inextricable complexity of this deception, and the inauspicious +concurrence of events, which tended to confirm him in his error. +When he approached my chamber door, my terror kept me mute. He +put his ear, perhaps, to the crevice, but it caught the sound of +nothing human. Had I called, or made any token that denoted +some one to be within, words would have ensued; and as +omnipresence was impossible, this discovery, and the artless +narrative of what had just passed, would have saved me from his +murderous invectives. He went into his chamber, and after some +interval, I stole across the entry and down the stairs, with +inaudible steps. Having secured the outer doors, I returned +with less circumspection. He heard me not when I descended; but +my returning steps were easily distinguished. Now he thought +was the guilty interview at an end. In what other way was it +possible for him to construe these signals? + +How fallacious and precipitate was my decision! Carwin's +plot owed its success to a coincidence of events scarcely +credible. The balance was swayed from its equipoise by a hair. +Had I even begun the conversation with an account of what befel +me in my chamber, my previous interview with Wieland would have +taught him to suspect me of imposture; yet, if I were +discoursing with this ruffian, when Pleyel touched the lock of +my chamber door, and when he shut his own door with so much +violence, how, he might ask, should I be able to relate these +incidents? Perhaps he had withheld the knowledge of these +circumstances from my brother, from whom, therefore, I could not +obtain it, so that my innocence would have thus been +irresistibly demonstrated. + +The first impulse which flowed from these ideas was to return +upon my steps, and demand once more an interview; but he was +gone: his parting declarations were remembered. + +Pleyel, I exclaimed, thou art gone for ever! Are thy +mistakes beyond the reach of detection? Am I helpless in the +midst of this snare? The plotter is at hand. He even speaks in +the style of penitence. He solicits an interview which he +promises shall end in the disclosure of something momentous to +my happiness. What can he say which will avail to turn aside +this evil? But why should his remorse be feigned? I have done +him no injury. His wickedness is fertile only of despair; and +the billows of remorse will some time overbear him. Why may not +this event have already taken place? Why should I refuse to see +him? + +This idea was present, as it were, for a moment. I suddenly +recoiled from it, confounded at that frenzy which could give +even momentary harbour to such a scheme; yet presently it +returned. At length I even conceived it to deserve +deliberation. I questioned whether it was not proper to admit, +at a lonely spot, in a sacred hour, this man of tremendous and +inscrutable attributes, this performer of horrid deeds, and +whose presence was predicted to call down unheard-of and +unutterable horrors. + +What was it that swayed me? I felt myself divested of the +power to will contrary to the motives that determined me to seek +his presence. My mind seemed to be split into separate parts, +and these parts to have entered into furious and implacable +contention. These tumults gradually subsided. The reasons why +I should confide in that interposition which had hitherto +defended me; in those tokens of compunction which this letter +contained; in the efficacy of this interview to restore its +spotlessness to my character, and banish all illusions from the +mind of my friend, continually acquired new evidence and new +strength. + +What should I fear in his presence? This was unlike an +artifice intended to betray me into his hands. If it were an +artifice, what purpose would it serve? The freedom of my mind +was untouched, and that freedom would defy the assaults of +blandishments or magic. Force was I not able to repel. On the +former occasion my courage, it is true, had failed at the +imminent approach of danger; but then I had not enjoyed +opportunities of deliberation; I had foreseen nothing; I was +sunk into imbecility by my previous thoughts; I had been the +victim of recent disappointments and anticipated ills: Witness +my infatuation in opening the closet in opposition to divine +injunctions. + +Now, perhaps, my courage was the offspring of a no less +erring principle. Pleyel was for ever lost to me. I strove in +vain to assume his person, and suppress my resentment; I strove +in vain to believe in the assuaging influence of time, to look +forward to the birth-day of new hopes, and the re-exaltation of +that luminary, of whose effulgencies I had so long and so +liberally partaken. + +What had I to suffer worse than was already inflicted? + +Was not Carwin my foe? I owed my untimely fate to his +treason. Instead of flying from his presence, ought I not to +devote all my faculties to the gaining of an interview, and +compel him to repair the ills of which he has been the author? +Why should I suppose him impregnable to argument? Have I not +reason on my side, and the power of imparting conviction? +Cannot he be made to see the justice of unravelling the maze in +which Pleyel is bewildered? + +He may, at least, be accessible to fear. Has he nothing to +fear from the rage of an injured woman? But suppose him +inaccessible to such inducements; suppose him to persist in all +his flagitious purposes; are not the means of defence and +resistance in my power? + +In the progress of such thoughts, was the resolution at last +formed. I hoped that the interview was sought by him for a +laudable end; but, be that as it would, I trusted that, by +energy of reasoning or of action, I should render it auspicious, +or, at least, harmless. + +Such a determination must unavoidably fluctuate. The poet's +chaos was no unapt emblem of the state of my mind. A torment +was awakened in my bosom, which I foresaw would end only when +this interview was past, and its consequences fully experienced. +Hence my impatience for the arrival of the hour which had been +prescribed by Carwin. + +Meanwhile, my meditations were tumultuously active. New +impediments to the execution of the scheme were speedily +suggested. I had apprized Catharine of my intention to spend +this and many future nights with her. Her husband was informed +of this arrangement, and had zealously approved it. Eleven +o'clock exceeded their hour of retiring. What excuse should I +form for changing my plan? Should I shew this letter to +Wieland, and submit myself to his direction? But I knew in what +way he would decide. He would fervently dissuade me from going. +Nay, would he not do more? He was apprized of the offences of +Carwin, and of the reward offered for his apprehension. Would +he not seize this opportunity of executing justice on a +criminal? + +This idea was new. I was plunged once more into doubt. Did +not equity enjoin me thus to facilitate his arrest? No. I +disdained the office of betrayer. Carwin was unapprized of his +danger, and his intentions were possibly beneficent. Should I +station guards about the house, and make an act, intended +perhaps for my benefit, instrumental to his own destruction? +Wieland might be justified in thus employing the knowledge which +I should impart, but I, by imparting it, should pollute myself +with more hateful crimes than those undeservedly imputed to me. +This scheme, therefore, I unhesitatingly rejected. The views +with which I should return to my own house, it would therefore +be necessary to conceal. Yet some pretext must be invented. I +had never been initiated into the trade of lying. Yet what but +falshood was a deliberate suppression of the truth? To deceive +by silence or by words is the same. + +Yet what would a lie avail me? What pretext would justify +this change in my plan? Would it not tend to confirm the +imputations of Pleyel? That I should voluntarily return to an +house in which honor and life had so lately been endangered, +could be explained in no way favorable to my integrity. + +These reflections, if they did not change, at least suspended +my decision. In this state of uncertainty I alighted at the +HUT. We gave this name to the house tenanted by the farmer +and his servants, and which was situated on the verge of my +brother's ground, and at a considerable distance from the +mansion. The path to the mansion was planted by a double row of +walnuts. Along this path I proceeded alone. I entered the +parlour, in which was a light just expiring in the socket. +There was no one in the room. I perceived by the clock that +stood against the wall, that it was near eleven. The lateness +of the hour startled me. What had become of the family? They +were usually retired an hour before this; but the unextinguished +taper, and the unbarred door were indications that they had not +retired. I again returned to the hall, and passed from one room +to another, but still encountered not a human being. + +I imagined that, perhaps, the lapse of a few minutes would +explain these appearances. Meanwhile I reflected that the +preconcerted hour had arrived. Carwin was perhaps waiting my +approach. Should I immediately retire to my own house, no one +would be apprized of my proceeding. Nay, the interview might +pass, and I be enabled to return in half an hour. Hence no +necessity would arise for dissimulation. + +I was so far influenced by these views that I rose to execute +this design; but again the unusual condition of the house +occurred to me, and some vague solicitude as to the condition of +the family. I was nearly certain that my brother had not +retired; but by what motives he could be induced to desert his +house thus unseasonably I could by no means divine. Louisa +Conway, at least, was at home and had, probably, retired to her +chamber; perhaps she was able to impart the information I +wanted. + +I went to her chamber, and found her asleep. She was +delighted and surprized at my arrival, and told me with how much +impatience and anxiety my brother and his wife had waited my +coming. They were fearful that some mishap had befallen me, and +had remained up longer than the usual period. Notwithstanding +the lateness of the hour, Catharine would not resign the hope of +seeing me. Louisa said she had left them both in the parlour, +and she knew of no cause for their absence. + +As yet I was not without solicitude on account of their +personal safety. I was far from being perfectly at ease on that +head, but entertained no distinct conception of the danger that +impended over them. Perhaps to beguile the moments of my long +protracted stay, they had gone to walk upon the bank. The +atmosphere, though illuminated only by the star-light, was +remarkably serene. Meanwhile the desirableness of an interview +with Carwin again returned, and I finally resolved to seek it. + +I passed with doubting and hasty steps along the path. My +dwelling, seen at a distance, was gloomy and desolate. It had +no inhabitant, for my servant, in consequence of my new +arrangement, had gone to Mettingen. The temerity of this +attempt began to shew itself in more vivid colours to my +understanding. Whoever has pointed steel is not without arms; +yet what must have been the state of my mind when I could +meditate, without shuddering, on the use of a murderous weapon, +and believe myself secure merely because I was capable of being +made so by the death of another? Yet this was not my state. I +felt as if I was rushing into deadly toils, without the power of +pausing or receding. + + + +Chapter XVI + + +As soon as I arrived in sight of the front of the house, my +attention was excited by a light from the window of my own +chamber. No appearance could be less explicable. A meeting was +expected with Carwin, but that he pre-occupied my chamber, and +had supplied himself with light, was not to be believed. What +motive could influence him to adopt this conduct? Could I +proceed until this was explained? Perhaps, if I should proceed +to a distance in front, some one would be visible. A sidelong +but feeble beam from the window, fell upon the piny copse which +skirted the bank. As I eyed it, it suddenly became mutable, and +after flitting to and fro, for a short time, it vanished. I +turned my eye again toward the window, and perceived that the +light was still there; but the change which I had noticed was +occasioned by a change in the position of the lamp or candle +within. Hence, that some person was there was an unavoidable +inference. + +I paused to deliberate on the propriety of advancing. Might +I not advance cautiously, and, therefore, without danger? Might +I not knock at the door, or call, and be apprized of the nature +of my visitant before I entered? I approached and listened at +the door, but could hear nothing. I knocked at first timidly, +but afterwards with loudness. My signals were unnoticed. I +stepped back and looked, but the light was no longer +discernible. Was it suddenly extinguished by a human agent? +What purpose but concealment was intended? Why was the +illumination produced, to be thus suddenly brought to an end? +And why, since some one was there, had silence been observed? + +These were questions, the solution of which may be readily +supposed to be entangled with danger. Would not this danger, +when measured by a woman's fears, expand into gigantic +dimensions? Menaces of death; the stunning exertions of a +warning voice; the known and unknown attributes of Carwin; our +recent interview in this chamber; the pre-appointment of a +meeting at this place and hour, all thronged into my memory. +What was to be done? + +Courage is no definite or stedfast principle. Let that man +who shall purpose to assign motives to the actions of another, +blush at his folly and forbear. Not more presumptuous would it +be to attempt the classification of all nature, and the scanning +of supreme intelligence. I gazed for a minute at the window, +and fixed my eyes, for a second minute, on the ground. I drew +forth from my pocket, and opened, a penknife. This, said I, be +my safe-guard and avenger. The assailant shall perish, or +myself shall fall. +I had locked up the house in the morning, but had the key of +the kitchen door in my pocket. I, therefore, determined to gain +access behind. Thither I hastened, unlocked and entered. All +was lonely, darksome, and waste. Familiar as I was with every +part of my dwelling, I easily found my way to a closet, drew +forth a taper, a flint, tinder, and steel, and, in a moment as +it were, gave myself the guidance and protection of light. + +What purpose did I meditate? Should I explore my way to my +chamber, and confront the being who had dared to intrude into +this recess, and had laboured for concealment? By putting out +the light did he seek to hide himself, or mean only to +circumvent my incautious steps? Yet was it not more probable +that he desired my absence by thus encouraging the supposition +that the house was unoccupied? I would see this man in spite of +all impediments; ere I died, I would see his face, and summon +him to penitence and retribution; no matter at what cost an +interview was purchased. Reputation and life might be wrested +from me by another, but my rectitude and honor were in my own +keeping, and were safe. + +I proceeded to the foot of the stairs. At such a crisis my +thoughts may be supposed at no liberty to range; yet vague +images rushed into my mind, of the mysterious interposition +which had been experienced on the last night. My case, at +present, was not dissimilar; and, if my angel were not weary of +fruitless exertions to save, might not a new warning be +expected? Who could say whether his silence were ascribable to +the absence of danger, or to his own absence? + +In this state of mind, no wonder that a shivering cold crept +through my veins; that my pause was prolonged; and, that a +fearful glance was thrown backward. + +Alas! my heart droops, and my fingers are enervated; my ideas +are vivid, but my language is faint: now know I what it is to +entertain incommunicable sentiments. The chain of subsequent +incidents is drawn through my mind, and being linked with those +which forewent, by turns rouse up agonies and sink me into +hopelessness. + +Yet I will persist to the end. My narrative may be invaded +by inaccuracy and confusion; but if I live no longer, I will, at +least, live to complete it. What but ambiguities, abruptnesses, +and dark transitions, can be expected from the historian who is, +at the same time, the sufferer of these disasters? + +I have said that I cast a look behind. Some object was +expected to be seen, or why should I have gazed in that +direction? Two senses were at once assailed. The same piercing +exclamation of HOLD! HOLD! was uttered within the same +distance of my ear. This it was that I heard. The airy +undulation, and the shock given to my nerves, were real. +Whether the spectacle which I beheld existed in my fancy or +without, might be doubted. +I had not closed the door of the apartment I had just left. +The stair-case, at the foot of which I stood, was eight or ten +feet from the door, and attached to the wall through which the +door led. My view, therefore, was sidelong, and took in no part +of the room. + +Through this aperture was an head thrust and drawn back with +so much swiftness, that the immediate conviction was, that thus +much of a form, ordinarily invisible, had been unshrowded. The +face was turned towards me. Every muscle was tense; the +forehead and brows were drawn into vehement expression; the lips +were stretched as in the act of shrieking, and the eyes emitted +sparks, which, no doubt, if I had been unattended by a light, +would have illuminated like the coruscations of a meteor. The +sound and the vision were present, and departed together at the +same instant; but the cry was blown into my ear, while the face +was many paces distant. + +This face was well suited to a being whose performances +exceeded the standard of humanity, and yet its features were +akin to those I had before seen. The image of Carwin was +blended in a thousand ways with the stream of my thoughts. This +visage was, perhaps, pourtrayed by my fancy. If so, it will +excite no surprize that some of his lineaments were now +discovered. Yet affinities were few and unconspicuous, and were +lost amidst the blaze of opposite qualities. + +What conclusion could I form? Be the face human or not, the +intimation was imparted from above. Experience had evinced the +benignity of that being who gave it. Once he had interposed to +shield me from harm, and subsequent events demonstrated the +usefulness of that interposition. Now was I again warned to +forbear. I was hurrying to the verge of the same gulf, and the +same power was exerted to recall my steps. Was it possible for +me not to obey? Was I capable of holding on in the same +perilous career? Yes. Even of this I was capable! + +The intimation was imperfect: it gave no form to my danger, +and prescribed no limits to my caution. I had formerly +neglected it, and yet escaped. Might I not trust to the same +issue? This idea might possess, though imperceptibly, some +influence. I persisted; but it was not merely on this account. +I cannot delineate the motives that led me on. I now speak as +if no remnant of doubt existed in my mind as to the supernal +origin of these sounds; but this is owing to the imperfection of +my language, for I only mean that the belief was more permanent, +and visited more frequently my sober meditations than its +opposite. The immediate effects served only to undermine the +foundations of my judgment and precipitate my resolutions. + +I must either advance or return. I chose the former, and +began to ascend the stairs. The silence underwent no second +interruption. My chamber door was closed, but unlocked, and, +aided by vehement efforts of my courage, I opened and looked in. + +No hideous or uncommon object was discernible. The danger, +indeed, might easily have lurked out of sight, have sprung upon +me as I entered, and have rent me with his iron talons; but I +was blind to this fate, and advanced, though cautiously, into +the room. + +Still every thing wore its accustomed aspect. Neither lamp +nor candle was to be found. Now, for the first time, suspicions +were suggested as to the nature of the light which I had seen. +Was it possible to have been the companion of that supernatural +visage; a meteorous refulgence producible at the will of him to +whom that visage belonged, and partaking of the nature of that +which accompanied my father's death? + +The closet was near, and I remembered the complicated horrors +of which it had been productive. Here, perhaps, was inclosed +the source of my peril, and the gratification of my curiosity. +Should I adventure once more to explore its recesses? This was +a resolution not easily formed. I was suspended in thought: +when glancing my eye on a table, I perceived a written paper. +Carwin's hand was instantly recognized, and snatching up the +paper, I read as follows:-- + +"There was folly in expecting your compliance with my +invitation. Judge how I was disappointed in finding another in +your place. I have waited, but to wait any longer would be +perilous. I shall still seek an interview, but it must be at a +different time and place: meanwhile, I will write this--How +will you bear--How inexplicable will be this transaction!--An +event so unexpected--a sight so horrible!" + +Such was this abrupt and unsatisfactory script. The ink was +yet moist, the hand was that of Carwin. Hence it was to be +inferred that he had this moment left the apartment, or was +still in it. I looked back, on the sudden expectation of seeing +him behind me. + +What other did he mean? What transaction had taken place +adverse to my expectations? What sight was about to be +exhibited? I looked around me once more, but saw nothing which +indicated strangeness. Again I remembered the closet, and was +resolved to seek in that the solution of these mysteries. Here, +perhaps, was inclosed the scene destined to awaken my horrors +and baffle my foresight. + +I have already said, that the entrance into this closet was +beside my bed, which, on two sides, was closely shrowded by +curtains. On that side nearest the closet, the curtain was +raised. As I passed along I cast my eye thither. I started, +and looked again. I bore a light in my hand, and brought it +nearer my eyes, in order to dispel any illusive mists that might +have hovered before them. Once more I fixed my eyes upon the +bed, in hope that this more stedfast scrutiny would annihilate +the object which before seemed to be there. + +This then was the sight which Carwin had predicted! This was +the event which my understanding was to find inexplicable! This +was the fate which had been reserved for me, but which, by some +untoward chance, had befallen on another! + +I had not been terrified by empty menaces. Violation and +death awaited my entrance into this chamber. Some inscrutable +chance had led HER hither before me, and the merciless fangs +of which I was designed to be the prey, had mistaken their +victim, and had fixed themselves in HER heart. But where +was my safety? Was the mischief exhausted or flown? The steps +of the assassin had just been here; they could not be far off; +in a moment he would rush into my presence, and I should perish +under the same polluting and suffocating grasp! + +My frame shook, and my knees were unable to support me. I +gazed alternately at the closet door and at the door of my room. +At one of these avenues would enter the exterminator of my honor +and my life. I was prepared for defence; but now that danger +was imminent, my means of defence, and my power to use them were +gone. I was not qualified, by education and experience, to +encounter perils like these: or, perhaps, I was powerless +because I was again assaulted by surprize, and had not fortified +my mind by foresight and previous reflection against a scene +like this. + +Fears for my own safety again yielded place to reflections on +the scene before me. I fixed my eyes upon her countenance. My +sister's well-known and beloved features could not be concealed +by convulsion or lividness. What direful illusion led thee +hither? Bereft of thee, what hold on happiness remains to thy +offspring and thy spouse? To lose thee by a common fate would +have been sufficiently hard; but thus suddenly to perish--to +become the prey of this ghastly death! How will a spectacle +like this be endured by Wieland? To die beneath his grasp would +not satisfy thy enemy. This was mercy to the evils which he +previously made thee suffer! After these evils death was a boon +which thou besoughtest him to grant. He entertained no enmity +against thee: I was the object of his treason; but by some +tremendous mistake his fury was misplaced. But how comest thou +hither? and where was Wieland in thy hour of distress? + +I approached the corpse: I lifted the still flexible hand, +and kissed the lips which were breathless. Her flowing drapery +was discomposed. I restored it to order, and seating myself on +the bed, again fixed stedfast eyes upon her countenance. I +cannot distinctly recollect the ruminations of that moment. I +saw confusedly, but forcibly, that every hope was extinguished +with the life of CATHARINE. All happiness and dignity must +henceforth be banished from the house and name of Wieland: all +that remained was to linger out in agonies a short existence; +and leave to the world a monument of blasted hopes and +changeable fortune. Pleyel was already lost to me; yet, while +Catharine lived life was not a detestable possession: but now, +severed from the companion of my infancy, the partaker of all my +thoughts, my cares, and my wishes, I was like one set afloat +upon a stormy sea, and hanging his safety upon a plank; night +was closing upon him, and an unexpected surge had torn him from +his hold and overwhelmed him forever. + + + +Chapter XVII + + +I had no inclination nor power to move from this spot. For +more than an hour, my faculties and limbs seemed to be deprived +of all activity. The door below creaked on its hinges, and +steps ascended the stairs. My wandering and confused thoughts +were instantly recalled by these sounds, and dropping the +curtain of the bed, I moved to a part of the room where any one +who entered should be visible; such are the vibrations of +sentiment, that notwithstanding the seeming fulfilment of my +fears, and increase of my danger, I was conscious, on this +occasion, to no turbulence but that of curiosity. + +At length he entered the apartment, and I recognized my +brother. It was the same Wieland whom I had ever seen. Yet his +features were pervaded by a new expression. I supposed him +unacquainted with the fate of his wife, and his appearance +confirmed this persuasion. A brow expanding into exultation I +had hitherto never seen in him, yet such a brow did he now wear. +Not only was he unapprized of the disaster that had happened, +but some joyous occurrence had betided. What a reverse was +preparing to annihilate his transitory bliss! No husband ever +doated more fondly, for no wife ever claimed so boundless a +devotion. I was not uncertain as to the effects to flow from +the discovery of her fate. I confided not at all in the efforts +of his reason or his piety. There were few evils which his +modes of thinking would not disarm of their sting; but here, all +opiates to grief, and all compellers of patience were vain. +This spectacle would be unavoidably followed by the outrages of +desperation, and a rushing to death. + +For the present, I neglected to ask myself what motive +brought him hither. I was only fearful of the effects to flow +from the sight of the dead. Yet could it be long concealed from +him? Some time and speedily he would obtain this knowledge. No +stratagems could considerably or usefully prolong his ignorance. +All that could be sought was to take away the abruptness of the +change, and shut out the confusion of despair, and the inroads +of madness: but I knew my brother, and knew that all exertions +to console him would be fruitless. + +What could I say? I was mute, and poured forth those tears +on his account, which my own unhappiness had been unable to +extort. In the midst of my tears, I was not unobservant of his +motions. These were of a nature to rouse some other sentiment +than grief or, at least, to mix with it a portion of +astonishment. + +His countenance suddenly became troubled. His hands were +clasped with a force that left the print of his nails in his +flesh. His eyes were fixed on my feet. His brain seemed to +swell beyond its continent. He did not cease to breathe, but +his breath was stifled into groans. I had never witnessed the +hurricane of human passions. My element had, till lately, been +all sunshine and calm. I was unconversant with the altitudes +and energies of sentiment, and was transfixed with inexplicable +horror by the symptoms which I now beheld. + +After a silence and a conflict which I could not interpret, +he lifted his eyes to heaven, and in broken accents exclaimed, +"This is too much! Any victim but this, and thy will be done. +Have I not sufficiently attested my faith and my obedience? She +that is gone, they that have perished, were linked with my soul +by ties which only thy command would have broken; but here is +sanctity and excellence surpassing human. This workmanship is +thine, and it cannot be thy will to heap it into ruins." + +Here suddenly unclasping his hands, he struck one of them +against his forehead, and continued--"Wretch! who made thee +quicksighted in the councils of thy Maker? Deliverance from +mortal fetters is awarded to this being, and thou art the +minister of this decree." + +So saying, Wieland advanced towards me. His words and his +motions were without meaning, except on one supposition. The +death of Catharine was already known to him, and that knowledge, +as might have been suspected, had destroyed his reason. I had +feared nothing less; but now that I beheld the extinction of a +mind the most luminous and penetrating that ever dignified the +human form, my sensations were fraught with new and +insupportable anguish. + +I had not time to reflect in what way my own safety would be +effected by this revolution, or what I had to dread from the +wild conceptions of a madman. He advanced towards me. Some +hollow noises were wafted by the breeze. Confused clamours were +succeeded by many feet traversing the grass, and then crowding +intO the piazza. + +These sounds suspended my brother's purpose, and he stood to +listen. The signals multiplied and grew louder; perceiving +this, he turned from me, and hurried out of my sight. All about +me was pregnant with motives to astonishment. My sister's +corpse, Wieland's frantic demeanour, and, at length, this crowd +of visitants so little accorded with my foresight, that my +mental progress was stopped. The impulse had ceased which was +accustomed to give motion and order to my thoughts. + +Footsteps thronged upon the stairs, and presently many faces +shewed themselves within the door of my apartment. These looks +were full of alarm and watchfulness. They pryed into corners as +if in search of some fugitive; next their gaze was fixed upon +me, and betokened all the vehemence of terror and pity. For a +time I questioned whether these were not shapes and faces like +that which I had seen at the bottom of the stairs, creatures of +my fancy or airy existences. +My eye wandered from one to another, till at length it fell +on a countenance which I well knew. It was that of Mr. Hallet. +This man was a distant kinsman of my mother, venerable for his +age, his uprightness, and sagacity. He had long discharged the +functions of a magistrate and good citizen. If any terrors +remained, his presence was sufficient to dispel them. + +He approached, took my hand with a compassionate air, and +said in a low voice, "Where, my dear Clara, are your brother and +sister?" I made no answer, but pointed to the bed. His +attendants drew aside the curtain, and while their eyes glared +with horror at the spectacle which they beheld, those of Mr. +Hallet overflowed with tears. + +After considerable pause, he once more turned to me. "My +dear girl, this sight is not for you. Can you confide in my +care, and that of Mrs. Baynton's? We will see performed all +that circumstances require." + +I made strenuous opposition to this request. I insisted on +remaining near her till she were interred. His remonstrances, +however, and my own feelings, shewed me the propriety of a +temporary dereliction. Louisa stood in need of a comforter, and +my brother's children of a nurse. My unhappy brother was +himself an object of solicitude and care. At length, I +consented to relinquish the corpse, and go to my brother's, +whose house, I said, would need mistress, and his children a +parent. + +During this discourse, my venerable friend struggled with his +tears, but my last intimation called them forth with fresh +violence. Meanwhile, his attendants stood round in mournful +silence, gazing on me and at each other. I repeated my +resolution, and rose to execute it; but he took my hand to +detain me. His countenance betrayed irresolution and +reluctance. I requested him to state the reason of his +opposition to this measure. I entreated him to be explicit. I +told him that my brother had just been there, and that I knew +his condition. This misfortune had driven him to madness, and +his offspring must not want a protector. If he chose, I would +resign Wieland to his care; but his innocent and helpless babes +stood in instant need of nurse and mother, and these offices I +would by no means allow another to perform while I had life. + +Every word that I uttered seemed to augment his perplexity +and distress. At last he said, "I think, Clara, I have entitled +myself to some regard from you. You have professed your +willingness to oblige me. Now I call upon you to confer upon me +the highest obligation in your power. Permit Mrs. Baynton to +have the management of your brother's house for two or three +days; then it shall be yours to act in it as you please. No +matter what are my motives in making this request: perhaps I +think your age, your sex, or the distress which this disaster +must occasion, incapacitates you for the office. Surely you +have no doubt of Mrs. Baynton's tenderness or discretion." +New ideas now rushed into my mind. I fixed my eyes +stedfastly on Mr. Hallet. "Are they well?" said I. "Is Louisa +well? Are Benjamin, and William, and Constantine, and Little +Clara, are they safe? Tell me truly, I beseech you!" + +"They are well," he replied; "they are perfectly safe." + +"Fear no effeminate weakness in me: I can bear to hear the +truth. Tell me truly, are they well?" + +He again assured me that they were well. + +"What then," resumed I, "do you fear? Is it possible for any +calamity to disqualify me for performing my duty to these +helpless innocents? I am willing to divide the care of them +with Mrs. Baynton; I shall be grateful for her sympathy and aid; +but what should I be to desert them at an hour like this!" + +I will cut short this distressful dialogue. I still +persisted in my purpose, and he still persisted in his +opposition. This excited my suspicions anew; but these were +removed by solemn declarations of their safety. I could not +explain this conduct in my friend; but at length consented to go +to the city, provided I should see them for a few minutes at +present, and should return on the morrow. + +Even this arrangement was objected to. At length he told me +they were removed to the city. Why were they removed, I asked, +and whither? My importunities would not now be eluded. My +suspicions were roused, and no evasion or artifice was +sufficient to allay them. Many of the audience began to give +vent to their emotions in tears. Mr. Hallet himself seemed as +if the conflict were too hard to be longer sustained. Something +whispered to my heart that havoc had been wider than I now +witnessed. I suspected this concealment to arise from +apprehensions of the effects which a knowledge of the truth +would produce in me. I once more entreated him to inform me +truly of their state. To enforce my entreaties, I put on an air +of insensibility. "I can guess," said I, "what has +happened--They are indeed beyond the reach of injury, for they +are dead! Is it not so?" My voice faltered in spite of my +courageous efforts. + +"Yes," said he, "they are dead! Dead by the same fate, and +by the same hand, with their mother!" + +"Dead!" replied I; "what, all?" + +"All!" replied he: "he spared NOT ONE!" + +Allow me, my friends, to close my eyes upon the after-scene. +Why should I protract a tale which I already begin to feel is +too long? Over this scene at least let me pass lightly. Here, +indeed, my narrative would be imperfect. All was tempestuous +commotion in my heart and in my brain. I have no memory for +ought but unconscious transitions and rueful sights. I was +ingenious and indefatigable in the invention of torments. I +would not dispense with any spectacle adapted to exasperate my +grief. Each pale and mangled form I crushed to my bosom. +Louisa, whom I loved with so ineffable a passion, was denied to +me at first, but my obstinacy conquered their reluctance. + +They led the way into a darkened hall. A lamp pendant from +the ceiling was uncovered, and they pointed to a table. The +assassin had defrauded me of my last and miserable consolation. +I sought not in her visage, for the tinge of the morning, and +the lustre of heaven. These had vanished with life; but I hoped +for liberty to print a last kiss upon her lips. This was denied +me; for such had been the merciless blow that destroyed her, +that not a LINEAMENT REMAINED! + +I was carried hence to the city. Mrs. Hallet was my +companion and my nurse. Why should I dwell upon the rage of +fever, and the effusions of delirium? Carwin was the phantom +that pursued my dreams, the giant oppressor under whose arm I +was for ever on the point of being crushed. Strenuous muscles +were required to hinder my flight, and hearts of steel to +withstand the eloquence of my fears. In vain I called upon them +to look upward, to mark his sparkling rage and scowling +contempt. All I sought was to fly from the stroke that was +lifted. Then I heaped upon my guards the most vehement +reproaches, or betook myself to wailings on the haplessness of +my condition. + +This malady, at length, declined, and my weeping friends +began to look for my restoration. Slowly, and with intermitted +beams, memory revisited me. The scenes that I had witnessed +were revived, became the theme of deliberation and deduction, +and called forth the effusions of more rational sorrow. + + + +Chapter XVIII + + +I had imperfectly recovered my strength, when I was informed +of the arrival of my mother's brother, Thomas Cambridge. Ten +years since, he went to Europe, and was a surgeon in the British +forces in Germany, during the whole of the late war. After its +conclusion, some connection that he had formed with an Irish +officer, made him retire into Ireland. Intercourse had been +punctually maintained by letters with his sister's children, and +hopes were given that he would shortly return to his native +country, and pass his old age in our society. He was now in an +evil hour arrived. + +I desired an interview with him for numerous and urgent +reasons. With the first returns of my understanding I had +anxiously sought information of the fate of my brother. During +the course of my disease I had never seen him; and vague and +unsatisfactory answers were returned to all my inquires. I had +vehemently interrogated Mrs. Hallet and her husband, and +solicited an interview with this unfortunate man; but they +mysteriously insinuated that his reason was still unsettled, and +that his circumstances rendered an interview impossible. Their +reserve on the particulars of this destruction, and the author +of it, was equally invincible. + +For some time, finding all my efforts fruitless, I had +desisted from direct inquiries and solicitations, determined, as +soon as my strength was sufficiently renewed, to pursue other +means of dispelling my uncertainty. In this state of things my +uncle's arrival and intention to visit me were announced. I +almost shuddered to behold the face of this man. When I +reflected on the disasters that had befallen us, I was half +unwilling to witness that dejection and grief which would be +disclosed in his countenance. But I believed that all +transactions had been thoroughly disclosed to him, and confided +in my importunity to extort from him the knowledge that I +sought. + +I had no doubt as to the person of our enemy; but the motives +that urged him to perpetrate these horrors, the means that he +used, and his present condition, were totally unknown. It was +reasonable to expect some information on this head, from my +uncle. I therefore waited his coming with impatience. At +length, in the dusk of the evening, and in my solitary chamber, +this meeting took place. + +This man was our nearest relation, and had ever treated us +with the affection of a parent. Our meeting, therefore, could +not be without overflowing tenderness and gloomy joy. He rather +encouraged than restrained the tears that I poured out in his +arms, and took upon himself the task of comforter. Allusions to +recent disasters could not be long omitted. One topic +facilitated the admission of another. At length, I mentioned +and deplored the ignorance in which I had been kept respecting +my brother's destiny, and the circumstances of our misfortunes. +I entreated him to tell me what was Wieland's condition, and +what progress had been made in detecting or punishing the author +of this unheard-of devastation. + +"The author!" said he; "Do you know the author?" + +"Alas!" I answered, "I am too well acquainted with him. The +story of the grounds of my suspicions would be painful and too +long. I am not apprized of the extent of your present +knowledge. There are none but Wieland, Pleyel, and myself, who +are able to relate certain facts." + +"Spare yourself the pain," said he. "All that Wieland and +Pleyel can communicate, I know already. If any thing of moment +has fallen within your own exclusive knowledge, and the relation +be not too arduous for your present strength, I confess I am +desirous of hearing it. Perhaps you allude to one by the name +of Carwin. I will anticipate your curiosity by saying, that +since these disasters, no one has seen or heard of him. His +agency is, therefore, a mystery still unsolved." + +I readily complied with his request, and related as +distinctly as I could, though in general terms, the events +transacted in the summer-house and my chamber. He listened +without apparent surprize to the tale of Pleyel's errors and +suspicions, and with augmented seriousness, to my narrative of +the warnings and inexplicable vision, and the letter found upon +the table. I waited for his comments. + +"You gather from this," said he, "that Carwin is the author +of all this misery." + +"Is it not," answered I, "an unavoidable inference? But what +know you respecting it? Was it possible to execute this +mischief without witness or coadjutor? I beseech you to relate +to me, when and why Mr. Hallet was summoned to the scene, and by +whom this disaster was first suspected or discovered. Surely, +suspicion must have fallen upon some one, and pursuit was made." + +My uncle rose from his seat, and traversed the floor with +hasty steps. His eyes were fixed upon the ground, and he seemed +buried in perplexity. At length he paused, and said with an +emphatic tone, "It is true; the instrument is known. Carwin may +have plotted, but the execution was another's. That other is +found, and his deed is ascertained." + +"Good heaven!" I exclaimed, "what say you? Was not Carwin +the assassin? Could any hand but his have carried into act this +dreadful purpose?" + +"Have I not said," returned he, "that the performance was +another's? Carwin, perhaps, or heaven, or insanity, prompted +the murderer; but Carwin is unknown. The actual performer has, +long since, been called to judgment and convicted, and is, at +this moment, at the bottom of a dungeon loaded with chains." + +I lifted my hands and eyes. "Who then is this assassin? By +what means, and whither was he traced? What is the testimony of +his guilt?" + +"His own, corroborated with that of a servant-maid who spied +the murder of the children from a closet where she was +concealed. The magistrate returned from your dwelling to your +brother's. He was employed in hearing and recording the +testimony of the only witness, when the criminal himself, +unexpected, unsolicited, unsought, entered the hall, +acknowledged his guilt, and rendered himself up to justice. + +"He has since been summoned to the bar. The audience was +composed of thousands whom rumours of this wonderful event had +attracted from the greatest distance. A long and impartial +examination was made, and the prisoner was called upon for his +defence. In compliance with this call he delivered an ample +relation of his motives and actions." There he stopped. + +I besought him to say who this criminal was, and what the +instigations that compelled him. My uncle was silent. I urged +this inquiry with new force. I reverted to my own knowledge, +and sought in this some basis to conjecture. I ran over the +scanty catalogue of the men whom I knew; I lighted on no one who +was qualified for ministering to malice like this. Again I +resorted to importunity. Had I ever seen the criminal? Was it +sheer cruelty, or diabolical revenge that produced this +overthrow? + +He surveyed me, for a considerable time, and listened to my +interrogations in silence. At length he spoke: "Clara, I have +known thee by report, and in some degree by observation. Thou +art a being of no vulgar sort. Thy friends have hitherto +treated thee as a child. They meant well, but, perhaps, they +were unacquainted with thy strength. I assure myself that +nothing will surpass thy fortitude. + +"Thou art anxious to know the destroyer of thy family, his +actions, and his motives. Shall I call him to thy presence, and +permit him to confess before thee? Shall I make him the +narrator of his own tale?" + +I started on my feet, and looked round me with fearful +glances, as if the murderer was close at hand. "What do you +mean?" said I; "put an end, I beseech you, to this suspence." + +"Be not alarmed; you will never more behold the face of this +criminal, unless he be gifted with supernatural strength, and +sever like threads the constraint of links and bolts. I have +said that the assassin was arraigned at the bar, and that the +trial ended with a summons from the judge to confess or to +vindicate his actions. A reply was immediately made with +significance of gesture, and a tranquil majesty, which denoted +less of humanity than godhead. Judges, advocates and auditors +were panic-struck and breathless with attention. One of the +hearers faithfully recorded the speech. There it is," continued +he, putting a roll of papers in my hand, "you may read it at +your leisure." + +With these words my uncle left me alone. My curiosity +refused me a moment's delay. I opened the papers, and read as +follows. + + + +Chapter XIX + + +"Theodore Wieland, the prisoner at the bar, was now called +upon for his defence. He looked around him for some time in +silence, and with a mild countenance. At length he spoke: + +"It is strange; I am known to my judges and my auditors. Who +is there present a stranger to the character of Wieland? who +knows him not as an husband--as a father--as a friend? yet here +am I arraigned as criminal. I am charged with diabolical +malice; I am accused of the murder of my wife and my children! + +"It is true, they were slain by me; they all perished by my +hand. The task of vindication is ignoble. What is it that I am +called to vindicate? and before whom? + +"You know that they are dead, and that they were killed by +me. What more would you have? Would you extort from me a +statement of my motives? Have you failed to discover them +already? You charge me with malice; but your eyes are not shut; +your reason is still vigorous; your memory has not forsaken you. +You know whom it is that you thus charge. The habits of his +life are known to you; his treatment of his wife and his +offspring is known to you; the soundness of his integrity, and +the unchangeableness of his principles, are familiar to your +apprehension; yet you persist in this charge! You lead me +hither manacled as a felon; you deem me worthy of a vile and +tormenting death! + +"Who are they whom I have devoted to death? My wife--the +little ones, that drew their being from me--that creature who, +as she surpassed them in excellence, claimed a larger affection +than those whom natural affinities bound to my heart. Think ye +that malice could have urged me to this deed? Hide your +audacious fronts from the scrutiny of heaven. Take refuge in +some cavern unvisited by human eyes. Ye may deplore your +wickedness or folly, but ye cannot expiate it. + +"Think not that I speak for your sakes. Hug to your hearts +this detestable infatuation. Deem me still a murderer, and drag +me to untimely death. I make not an effort to dispel your +illusion: I utter not a word to cure you of your sanguinary +folly: but there are probably some in this assembly who have +come from far: for their sakes, whose distance has disabled +them from knowing me, I will tell what I have done, and why. + +"It is needless to say that God is the object of my supreme +passion. I have cherished, in his presence, a single and +upright heart. I have thirsted for the knowledge of his will. +I have burnt with ardour to approve my faith and my obedience. + +"My days have been spent in searching for the revelation of +that will; but my days have been mournful, because my search +failed. I solicited direction: I turned on every side where +glimmerings of light could be discovered. I have not been +wholly uninformed; but my knowledge has always stopped short of +certainty. Dissatisfaction has insinuated itself into all my +thoughts. My purposes have been pure; my wishes indefatigable; +but not till lately were these purposes thoroughly accomplished, +and these wishes fully gratified. + +"I thank thee, my father, for thy bounty; that thou didst not +ask a less sacrifice than this; that thou placedst me in a +condition to testify my submission to thy will! What have I +withheld which it was thy pleasure to exact? Now may I, with +dauntless and erect eye, claim my reward, since I have given +thee the treasure of my soul. + +"I was at my own house: it was late in the evening: my +sister had gone to the city, but proposed to return. It was in +expectation of her return that my wife and I delayed going to +bed beyond the usual hour; the rest of the family, however, were +retired. + +"My mind was contemplative and calm; not wholly devoid of +apprehension on account of my sister's safety. Recent events, +not easily explained, had suggested the existence of some +danger; but this danger was without a distinct form in our +imagination, and scarcely ruffled our tranquillity. + +"Time passed, and my sister did not arrive; her house is at +some distance from mine, and though her arrangements had been +made with a view to residing with us, it was possible that, +through forgetfulness, or the occurrence of unforeseen +emergencies, she had returned to her own dwelling. + +"Hence it was conceived proper that I should ascertain the +truth by going thither. I went. On my way my mind was full of +these ideas which related to my intellectual condition. In the +torrent of fervid conceptions, I lost sight of my purpose. Some +times I stood still; some times I wandered from my path, and +experienced some difficulty, on recovering from my fit of +musing, to regain it. + +"The series of my thoughts is easily traced. At first every +vein beat with raptures known only to the man whose parental and +conjugal love is without limits, and the cup of whose desires, +immense as it is, overflows with gratification. I know not why +emotions that were perpetual visitants should now have recurred +with unusual energy. The transition was not new from sensations +of joy to a consciousness of gratitude. The author of my being +was likewise the dispenser of every gift with which that being +was embellished. The service to which a benefactor like this +was entitled, could not be circumscribed. My social sentiments +were indebted to their alliance with devotion for all their +value. All passions are base, all joys feeble, all energies +malignant, which are not drawn from this source. + +"For a time, my contemplations soared above earth and its +inhabitants. I stretched forth my hands; I lifted my eyes, and +exclaimed, O! that I might be admitted to thy presence; that +mine were the supreme delight of knowing thy will, and of +performing it! The blissful privilege of direct communication +with thee, and of listening to the audible enunciation of thy +pleasure! + +"What task would I not undertake, what privation would I not +cheerfully endure, to testify my love of thee? Alas! thou +hidest thyself from my view: glimpses only of thy excellence +and beauty are afforded me. Would that a momentary emanation +from thy glory would visit me! that some unambiguous token of +thy presence would salute my senses! + +"In this mood, I entered the house of my sister. It was +vacant. Scarcely had I regained recollection of the purpose +that brought me hither. Thoughts of a different tendency had +such absolute possession of my mind, that the relations of time +and space were almost obliterated from my understanding. These +wanderings, however, were restrained, and I ascended to her +chamber. + +"I had no light, and might have known by external +observation, that the house was without any inhabitant. With +this, however, I was not satisfied. I entered the room, and the +object of my search not appearing, I prepared to return. + +"The darkness required some caution in descending the stair. +I stretched my hand to seize the balustrade by which I might +regulate my steps. How shall I describe the lustre, which, at +that moment, burst upon my vision! + +"I was dazzled. My organs were bereaved of their activity. +My eye-lids were half-closed, and my hands withdrawn from the +balustrade. A nameless fear chilled my veins, and I stood +motionless. This irradiation did not retire or lessen. It +seemed as if some powerful effulgence covered me like a mantle. + +"I opened my eyes and found all about me luminous and +glowing. It was the element of heaven that flowed around. +Nothing but a fiery stream was at first visible; but, anon, a +shrill voice from behind called upon me to attend. + +"I turned: It is forbidden to describe what I saw: Words, +indeed, would be wanting to the task. The lineaments of that +being, whose veil was now lifted, and whose visage beamed upon +my sight, no hues of pencil or of language can pourtray. + +"As it spoke, the accents thrilled to my heart. "Thy prayers +are heard. In proof of thy faith, render me thy wife. This is +the victim I chuse. Call her hither, and here let her +fall."--The sound, and visage, and light vanished at once. + +"What demand was this? The blood of Catharine was to be +shed! My wife was to perish by my hand! I sought opportunity +to attest my virtue. Little did I expect that a proof like this +would have been demanded. + +"My wife! I exclaimed: O God! substitute some other victim. +Make me not the butcher of my wife. My own blood is cheap. +This will I pour out before thee with a willing heart; but +spare, I beseech thee, this precious life, or commission some +other than her husband to perform the bloody deed. + +"In vain. The conditions were prescribed; the decree had +gone forth, and nothing remained but to execute it. I rushed +out of the house and across the intermediate fields, and stopped +not till I entered my own parlour. +"My wife had remained here during my absence, in anxious +expectation of my return with some tidings of her sister. I had +none to communicate. For a time, I was breathless with my +speed: This, and the tremors that shook my frame, and the +wildness of my looks, alarmed her. She immediately suspected +some disaster to have happened to her friend, and her own speech +was as much overpowered by emotion as mine. + +"She was silent, but her looks manifested her impatience to +hear what I had to communicate. I spoke, but with so much +precipitation as scarcely to be understood; catching her, at the +same time, by the arm, and forcibly pulling her from her seat. + +"Come along with me: fly: waste not a moment: time will be +lost, and the deed will be omitted. Tarry not; question not; +but fly with me! + +"This deportment added afresh to her alarms. Her eyes +pursued mine, and she said, "What is the matter? For God's sake +what is the matter? Where would you have me go?" + +"My eyes were fixed upon her countenance while she spoke. I +thought upon her virtues; I viewed her as the mother of my +babes: as my wife: I recalled the purpose for which I thus +urged her attendance. My heart faltered, and I saw that I must +rouse to this work all my faculties. The danger of the least +delay was imminent. + +"I looked away from her, and again exerting my force, drew +her towards the door--'You must go with me--indeed you must.' + +"In her fright she half-resisted my efforts, and again +exclaimed, 'Good heaven! what is it you mean? Where go? What +has happened? Have you found Clara?" + +"Follow me, and you will see," I answered, still urging her +reluctant steps forward. + +"What phrenzy has seized you? Something must needs have +happened. Is she sick? Have you found her?" + +"Come and see. Follow me, and know for yourself." + +"Still she expostulated and besought me to explain this +mysterious behaviour. I could not trust myself to answer her; +to look at her; but grasping her arm, I drew her after me. She +hesitated, rather through confusion of mind than from +unwillingness to accompany me. This confusion gradually abated, +and she moved forward, but with irresolute footsteps, and +continual exclamations of wonder and terror. Her interrogations +Of "what was the matter?" and "whither was I going?" were +ceaseless and vehement. + +"It was the scope of my efforts not to think; to keep up a +conflict and uproar in my mind in which all order and +distinctness should be lost; to escape from the sensations +produced by her voice. I was, therefore, silent. I strove to +abridge this interval by my haste, and to waste all my attention +in furious gesticulations. + +"In this state of mind we reached my sister's door. She +looked at the windows and saw that all was desolate--"Why come +we here? There is no body here. I will not go in." + +"Still I was dumb; but opening the door, I drew her into the +entry. This was the allotted scene: here she was to fall. I +let go her hand, and pressing my palms against my forehead, made +one mighty effort to work up my soul to the deed. + +"In vain; it would not be; my courage was appalled; my arms +nerveless: I muttered prayers that my strength might be aided +from above. They availed nothing. + +"Horror diffused itself over me. This conviction of my +cowardice, my rebellion, fastened upon me, and I stood rigid and +cold as marble. From this state I was somewhat relieved by my +wife's voice, who renewed her supplications to be told why we +came hither, and what was the fate of my sister. + +"What could I answer? My words were broken and inarticulate. +Her fears naturally acquired force from the observation of these +symptoms; but these fears were misplaced. The only inference +she deduced from my conduct was, that some terrible mishap had +befallen Clara. + +"She wrung her hands, and exclaimed in an agony, "O tell me, +where is she? What has become of her? Is she sick? Dead? Is +she in her chamber? O let me go thither and know the worst!" + +"This proposal set my thoughts once more in motion. Perhaps +what my rebellious heart refused to perform here, I might obtain +strength enough to execute elsewhere. + +"Come then," said I, "let us go." + +"I will, but not in the dark. We must first procure a +light." + +"Fly then and procure it; but I charge you, linger not. I +will await for your return. + +"While she was gone, I strode along the entry. The fellness +of a gloomy hurricane but faintly resembled the discord that +reigned in my mind. To omit this sacrifice must not be; yet my +sinews had refused to perform it. No alternative was offered. +To rebel against the mandate was impossible; but obedience would +render me the executioner of my wife. My will was strong, but +my limbs refused their office. + +"She returned with a light; I led the way to the chamber; she +looked round her; she lifted the curtain of the bed; she saw +nothing. + +"At length, she fixed inquiring eyes upon me. The light now +enabled her to discover in my visage what darkness had hitherto +concealed. Her cares were now transferred from my sister to +myself, and she said in a tremulous voice, "Wieland! you are not +well: What ails you? Can I do nothing for you?" + +"That accents and looks so winning should disarm me of my +resolution, was to be expected. My thoughts were thrown anew +into anarchy. I spread my hand before my eyes that I might not +see her, and answered only by groans. She took my other hand +between her's, and pressing it to her heart, spoke with that +voice which had ever swayed my will, and wafted away sorrow. + +"My friend! my soul's friend! tell me thy cause of grief. Do +I not merit to partake with thee in thy cares? Am I not thy +wife?" + +"This was too much. I broke from her embrace, and retired to +a corner of the room. In this pause, courage was once more +infused into me. I resolved to execute my duty. She followed +me, and renewed her passionate entreaties to know the cause of +my distress. + +"I raised my head and regarded her with stedfast looks. I +muttered something about death, and the injunctions of my duty. +At these words she shrunk back, and looked at me with a new +expression of anguish. After a pause, she clasped her hands, +and exclaimed-- + +"O Wieland! Wieland! God grant that I am mistaken; but surely +something is wrong. I see it: it is too plain: thou art +undone--lost to me and to thyself." At the same time she gazed +on my features with intensest anxiety, in hope that different +symptoms would take place. I replied to her with vehemence-- + +"Undone! No; my duty is known, and I thank my God that my +cowardice is now vanquished, and I have power to fulfil it. +Catharine! I pity the weakness of thy nature: I pity thee, but +must not spare. Thy life is claimed from my hands: thou must +die!" + +"Fear was now added to her grief. 'What mean you? Why talk +you of death? Bethink yourself, Wieland: bethink yourself, and +this fit will pass. O why came I hither! Why did you drag me +hither?' + +"I brought thee hither to fulfil a divine command. I am +appointed thy destroyer, and destroy thee I must." Saying this +I seized her wrists. She shrieked aloud, and endeavoured to +free herself from my grasp; but her efforts were vain. + +"Surely, surely Wieland, thou dost not mean it. Am I not thy +wife? and wouldst thou kill me? Thou wilt not; and yet--I +see--thou art Wieland no longer! A fury resistless and horrible +possesses thee--Spare me--spare--help--help--" + +"Till her breath was stopped she shrieked for help--for +mercy. When she could speak no longer, her gestures, her looks +appealed to my compassion. My accursed hand was irresolute and +tremulous. I meant thy death to be sudden, thy struggles to be +brief. Alas! my heart was infirm; my resolves mutable. Thrice +I slackened my grasp, and life kept its hold, though in the +midst of pangs. Her eye-balls started from their sockets. +Grimness and distortion took place of all that used to bewitch +me into transport, and subdue me into reverence. + +"I was commissioned to kill thee, but not to torment thee +with the foresight of thy death; not to multiply thy fears, and +prolong thy agonies. Haggard, and pale, and lifeless, at length +thou ceasedst to contend with thy destiny. + +"This was a moment of triumph. Thus had I successfully +subdued the stubbornness of human passions: the victim which +had been demanded was given: the deed was done past recal. + +"I lifted the corpse in my arms and laid it on the bed. I +gazed upon it with delight. Such was the elation of my +thoughts, that I even broke into laughter. I clapped my hands +and exclaimed, 'It is done! My sacred duty is fulfilled! To +that I have sacrificed, O my God! thy last and best gift, my +wife!' + +"For a while I thus soared above frailty. I imagined I had +set myself forever beyond the reach of selfishness; but my +imaginations were false. This rapture quickly subsided. I +looked again at my wife. My joyous ebullitions vanished, and I +asked myself who it was whom I saw? Methought it could not be +Catharine. It could not be the woman who had lodged for years +in my heart; who had slept, nightly, in my bosom; who had borne +in her womb, who had fostered at her breast, the beings who +called me father; whom I had watched with delight, and cherished +with a fondness ever new and perpetually growing: it could not +be the same. + +"Where was her bloom! These deadly and blood-suffused orbs +but ill resemble the azure and exstatic tenderness of her eyes. +The lucid stream that meandered over that bosom, the glow of +love that was wont to sit upon that cheek, are much unlike these +livid stains and this hideous deformity. Alas! these were the +traces of agony; the gripe of the assassin had been here! + +"I will not dwell upon my lapse into desperate and outrageous +sorrow. The breath of heaven that sustained me was withdrawn +and I sunk into MERE MAN. I leaped from the floor: I +dashed my head against the wall: I uttered screams of horror: +I panted after torment and pain. Eternal fire, and the +bickerings of hell, compared with what I felt, were music and a +bed of roses. + +"I thank my God that this degeneracy was transient, that he +deigned once more to raise me aloft. I thought upon what I had +done as a sacrifice to duty, and WAS CALM. My wife was +dead; but I reflected, that though this source of human +consolation was closed, yet others were still open. If the +transports of an husband were no more, the feelings of a father +had still scope for exercise. When remembrance of their mother +should excite too keen a pang, I would look upon them, and BE +COMFORTED. + +"While I revolved these ideas, new warmth flowed in upon my +heart--I was wrong. These feelings were the growth of +selfishness. Of this I was not aware, and to dispel the mist +that obscured my perceptions, a new effulgence and a new mandate +were necessary. + +"From these thoughts I was recalled by a ray that was shot +into the room. A voice spake like that which I had before +heard--'Thou hast done well; but all is not done--the sacrifice +is incomplete--thy children must be offered--they must perish +with their mother!--' + + + +Chapter XX + + +Will you wonder that I read no farther? Will you not rather +be astonished that I read thus far? What power supported me +through such a task I know not. Perhaps the doubt from which I +could not disengage my mind, that the scene here depicted was a +dream, contributed to my perseverance. In vain the solemn +introduction of my uncle, his appeals to my fortitude, and +allusions to something monstrous in the events he was about to +disclose; in vain the distressful perplexity, the mysterious +silence and ambiguous answers of my attendants, especially when +the condition of my brother was the theme of my inquiries, were +remembered. I recalled the interview with Wieland in my +chamber, his preternatural tranquillity succeeded by bursts of +passion and menacing actions. All these coincided with the +tenor of this paper. + +Catharine and her children, and Louisa were dead. The act +that destroyed them was, in the highest degree, inhuman. It was +worthy of savages trained to murder, and exulting in agonies. + +Who was the performer of the deed? Wieland! My brother! +The husband and the father! That man of gentle virtues and +invincible benignity! placable and mild--an idolator of peace! +Surely, said I, it is a dream. For many days have I been vexed +with frenzy. Its dominion is still felt; but new forms are +called up to diversify and augment my torments. + +The paper dropped from my hand, and my eyes followed it. I +shrunk back, as if to avoid some petrifying influence that +approached me. My tongue was mute; all the functions of nature +were at a stand, and I sunk upon the floor lifeless. +The noise of my fall, as I afterwards heard, alarmed my +uncle, who was in a lower apartment, and whose apprehensions had +detained him. He hastened to my chamber, and administered the +assistance which my condition required. When I opened my eyes +I beheld him before me. His skill as a reasoner as well as a +physician, was exerted to obviate the injurious effects of this +disclosure; but he had wrongly estimated the strength of my body +or of my mind. This new shock brought me once more to the brink +of the grave, and my malady was much more difficult to subdue +than at first. + +I will not dwell upon the long train of dreary sensations, +and the hideous confusion of my understanding. Time slowly +restored its customary firmness to my frame, and order to my +thoughts. The images impressed upon my mind by this fatal paper +were somewhat effaced by my malady. They were obscure and +disjointed like the parts of a dream. I was desirous of freeing +my imagination from this chaos. For this end I questioned my +uncle, who was my constant companion. He was intimidated by the +issue of his first experiment, and took pains to elude or +discourage my inquiry. My impetuosity some times compelled him +to have resort to misrepresentations and untruths. + +Time effected that end, perhaps, in a more beneficial manner. +In the course of my meditations the recollections of the past +gradually became more distinct. I revolved them, however, in +silence, and being no longer accompanied with surprize, they did +not exercise a death-dealing power. I had discontinued the +perusal of the paper in the midst of the narrative; but what I +read, combined with information elsewhere obtained, threw, +perhaps, a sufficient light upon these detestable transactions; +yet my curiosity was not inactive. I desired to peruse the +remainder. + +My eagerness to know the particulars of this tale was mingled +and abated by my antipathy to the scene which would be +disclosed. Hence I employed no means to effect my purpose. I +desired knowledge, and, at the same time, shrunk back from +receiving the boon. + +One morning, being left alone, I rose from my bed, and went +to a drawer where my finer clothing used to be kept. I opened +it, and this fatal paper saluted my sight. I snatched it +involuntarily, and withdrew to a chair. I debated, for a few +minutes, whether I should open and read. Now that my fortitude +was put to trial, it failed. I felt myself incapable of +deliberately surveying a scene of so much horror. I was +prompted to return it to its place, but this resolution gave +way, and I determined to peruse some part of it. I turned over +the leaves till I came near the conclusion. The narrative of +the criminal was finished. The verdict of GUILTY reluctantly +pronounced by the jury, and the accused interrogated why +sentence of death should not pass. The answer was brief, +solemn, and emphatical. + +"No. I have nothing to say. My tale has been told. My +motives have been truly stated. If my judges are unable to +discern the purity of my intentions, or to credit the statement +of them, which I have just made; if they see not that my deed +was enjoined by heaven; that obedience was the test of perfect +virtue, and the extinction of selfishness and error, they must +pronounce me a murderer. + +"They refuse to credit my tale; they impute my acts to the +influence of daemons; they account me an example of the highest +wickedness of which human nature is capable; they doom me to +death and infamy. Have I power to escape this evil? If I have, +be sure I will exert it. I will not accept evil at their hand, +when I am entitled to good; I will suffer only when I cannot +elude suffering. + +"You say that I am guilty. Impious and rash! thus to usurp +the prerogatives of your Maker! to set up your bounded views and +halting reason, as the measure of truth! + +"Thou, Omnipotent and Holy! Thou knowest that my actions +were conformable to thy will. I know not what is crime; what +actions are evil in their ultimate and comprehensive tendency or +what are good. Thy knowledge, as thy power, is unlimited. I +have taken thee for my guide, and cannot err. To the arms of +thy protection, I entrust my safety. In the awards of thy +justice, I confide for my recompense. + +"Come death when it will, I am safe. Let calumny and +abhorrence pursue me among men; I shall not be defrauded of my +dues. The peace of virtue, and the glory of obedience, will be +my portion hereafter." + +Here ended the speaker. I withdrew my eyes from the page; +but before I had time to reflect on what I had read, Mr. +Cambridge entered the room. He quickly perceived how I had been +employed, and betrayed some solicitude respecting the condition +of my mind. + +His fears, however, were superfluous. What I had read, threw +me into a state not easily described. Anguish and fury, +however, had no part in it. My faculties were chained up in +wonder and awe. Just then, I was unable to speak. I looked at +my friend with an air of inquisitiveness, and pointed at the +roll. He comprehended my inquiry, and answered me with looks of +gloomy acquiescence. After some time, my thoughts found their +way to my lips. + +Such then were the acts of my brother. Such were his words. +For this he was condemned to die: To die upon the gallows! A +fate, cruel and unmerited! And is it so? continued I, +struggling for utterance, which this new idea made difficult; is +he--dead! + +"No. He is alive. There could be no doubt as to the cause +of these excesses. They originated in sudden madness; but that +madness continues. and he is condemned to perpetual +imprisonment." + +"Madness, say you? Are you sure? Were not these sights, and +these sounds, really seen and heard?" + +My uncle was surprized at my question. He looked at me with +apparent inquietude. "Can you doubt," said he, "that these were +illusions? Does heaven, think you, interfere for such ends?" + +"O no; I think it not. Heaven cannot stimulate to such +unheard-of outrage. The agent was not good, but evil." + +"Nay, my dear girl," said my friend, "lay aside these +fancies. Neither angel nor devil had any part in this affair." + +"You misunderstand me," I answered; "I believe the agency to +be external and real, but not supernatural." + +"Indeed!" said he, in an accent of surprize. "Whom do you +then suppose to be the agent?" + +"I know not. All is wildering conjecture. I cannot forget +Carwin. I cannot banish the suspicion that he was the setter of +these snares. But how can we suppose it to be madness? Did +insanity ever before assume this form?" + +"Frequently. The illusion, in this case, was more dreadful +in its consequences, than any that has come to my knowledge; +but, I repeat that similar illusions are not rare. Did you +never hear of an instance which occurred in your mother's +family?" + +"No. I beseech you relate it. My grandfather's death I have +understood to have been extraordinary, but I know not in what +respect. A brother, to whom he was much attached, died in his +youth, and this, as I have heard, influenced, in some remarkable +way, the fate of my grandfather; but I am unacquainted with +particulars." + +"On the death of that brother," resumed my friend, "my father +was seized with dejection, which was found to flow from two +sources. He not only grieved for the loss of a friend, but +entertained the belief that his own death would be inevitably +consequent on that of his brother. He waited from day to day in +expectation of the stroke which he predicted was speedily to +fall upon him. Gradually, however, he recovered his +cheerfulness and confidence. He married, and performed his part +in the world with spirit and activity. At the end of twenty-one +years it happened that he spent the summer with his family at an +house which he possessed on the sea coast in Cornwall. It was +at no great distance from a cliff which overhung the ocean, and +rose into the air to a great height. The summit was level and +secure, and easily ascended on the land side. The company +frequently repaired hither in clear weather, invited by its pure +airs and extensive prospects. One evening in June my father, +with his wife and some friends, chanced to be on this spot. +Every one was happy, and my father's imagination seemed +particularly alive to the grandeur of the scenery. + +"Suddenly, however, his limbs trembled and his features +betrayed alarm. He threw himself into the attitude of one +listening. He gazed earnestly in a direction in which nothing +was visible to his friends. This lasted for a minute; then +turning to his companions, he told them that his brother had +just delivered to him a summons, which must be instantly obeyed. +He then took an hasty and solemn leave of each person, and, +before their surprize would allow them to understand the scene, +he rushed to the edge of the cliff, threw himself headlong, and +was seen no more. + +"In the course of my practice in the German army, many cases, +equally remarkable, have occurred. Unquestionably the illusions +were maniacal, though the vulgar thought otherwise. They are +all reducible to one class,* and are not more difficult of +explication and cure than most affections of our frame." + +This opinion my uncle endeavoured, by various means, to +impress upon me. I listened to his reasonings and illustrations +with silent respect. My astonishment was great on finding +proofs of an influence of which I had supposed there were no +examples; but I was far from accounting for appearances in my +uncle's manner. Ideas thronged into my mind which I was unable +to disjoin or to regulate. I reflected that this madness, if +madness it were, had affected Pleyel and myself as well as +Wieland. Pleyel had heard a mysterious voice. I had seen and +heard. A form had showed itself to me as well as to Wieland. +The disclosure had been made in the same spot. The appearance +was equally complete and equally prodigious in both instances. +Whatever supposition I should adopt, had I not equal reason to +tremble? What was my security against influences equally +terrific and equally irresistable? + +It would be vain to attempt to describe the state of mind +which this idea produced. I wondered at the change which a +moment had affected in my brother's condition. Now was I +stupified with tenfold wonder in contemplating myself. Was I +not likewise transformed from rational and human into a creature +of nameless and fearful attributes? Was I not transported to +the brink of the same abyss? Ere a new day should come, my +hands might be embrued in blood, and my remaining life be +consigned to a dungeon and chains. + +With moral sensibility like mine, no wonder that this new +dread was more insupportable than the anguish I had lately +endured. Grief carries its own antidote along with it. When +thought becomes merely a vehicle of pain, its progress must be +stopped. Death is a cure which nature or ourselves must +administer: To this cure I now looked forward with gloomy +satisfaction. + +My silence could not conceal from my uncle the state of my +thoughts. He made unwearied efforts to divert my attention from +views so pregnant with danger. His efforts, aided by time, were +in some measure successful. Confidence in the strength of my +resolution, and in the healthful state of my faculties, was once +more revived. I was able to devote my thoughts to my brother's +state, and the causes of this disasterous proceeding. + +My opinions were the sport of eternal change. Some times I +conceived the apparition to be more than human. I had no +grounds on which to build a disbelief. I could not deny faith +to the evidence of my religion; the testimony of men was loud +and unanimous: both these concurred to persuade me that evil +spirits existed, and that their energy was frequently exerted in +the system of the world. + +These ideas connected themselves with the image of Carwin. +Where is the proof, said I, that daemons may not be subjected to +the controul of men? This truth may be distorted and debased in +the minds of the ignorant. The dogmas of the vulgar, with +regard to this subject, are glaringly absurd; but though these +may justly be neglected by the wise, we are scarcely justified +in totally rejecting the possibility that men may obtain +supernatural aid. + +The dreams of superstition are worthy of contempt. +Witchcraft, its instruments and miracles, the compact ratified +by a bloody signature, the apparatus of sulpherous smells and +thundering explosions, are monstrous and chimerical. These have +no part in the scene over which the genius of Carwin presides. +That conscious beings, dissimilar from human, but moral and +voluntary agents as we are, some where exist, can scarcely be +denied. That their aid may be employed to benign or malignant +purposes, cannot be disproved. + +Darkness rests upon the designs of this man. The extent of +his power is unknown; but is there not evidence that it has been +now exerted? + +I recurred to my own experience. Here Carwin had actually +appeared upon the stage; but this was in a human character. A +voice and a form were discovered; but one was apparently +exerted, and the other disclosed, not to befriend, but to +counteract Carwin's designs. There were tokens of hostility, +and not of alliance, between them. Carwin was the miscreant +whose projects were resisted by a minister of heaven. How can +this be reconciled to the stratagem which ruined my brother? +There the agency was at once preternatural and malignant. + +The recollection of this fact led my thoughts into a new +channel. The malignity of that influence which governed my +brother had hitherto been no subject of doubt. His wife and +children were destroyed; they had expired in agony and fear; yet +was it indisputably certain that their murderer was criminal? +He was acquitted at the tribunal of his own conscience; his +behaviour at his trial and since, was faithfully reported to me; +appearances were uniform; not for a moment did he lay aside the +majesty of virtue; he repelled all invectives by appealing to +the deity, and to the tenor of his past life; surely there was +truth in this appeal: none but a command from heaven could have +swayed his will; and nothing but unerring proof of divine +approbation could sustain his mind in its present elevation. + + +*Mania Mutabilis. See Darwin's Zoonomia, vol. ii. Class +III. 1.2. where similar cases are stated. + + + +Chapter XXI + + +Such, for some time, was the course of my meditations. My +weakness, and my aversion to be pointed at as an object of +surprize or compassion, prevented me from going into public. I +studiously avoided the visits of those who came to express their +sympathy, or gratify their curiosity. My uncle was my principal +companion. Nothing more powerfully tended to console me than +his conversation. + +With regard to Pleyel, my feelings seemed to have undergone +a total revolution. It often happens that one passion supplants +another. Late disasters had rent my heart, and now that the +wound was in some degree closed, the love which I had cherished +for this man seemed likewise to have vanished. + +Hitherto, indeed, I had had no cause for despair. I was +innocent of that offence which had estranged him from my +presence. I might reasonably expect that my innocence would at +some time be irresistably demonstrated, and his affection for me +be revived with his esteem. Now my aversion to be thought +culpable by him continued, but was unattended with the same +impatience. I desired the removal of his suspicions, not for +the sake of regaining his love, but because I delighted in the +veneration of so excellent a man, and because he himself would +derive pleasure from conviction of my integrity. + +My uncle had early informed me that Pleyel and he had seen +each other, since the return of the latter from Europe. Amidst +the topics of their conversation, I discovered that Pleyel had +carefully omitted the mention of those events which had drawn +upon me so much abhorrence. I could not account for his silence +on this subject. Perhaps time or some new discovery had altered +or shaken his opinion. Perhaps he was unwilling, though I were +guilty, to injure me in the opinion of my venerable kinsman. I +understood that he had frequently visited me during my disease, +had watched many successive nights by my bedside, and manifested +the utmost anxiety on my account. + +The journey which he was preparing to take, at the +termination of our last interview, the catastrophe of the +ensuing night induced him to delay. The motives of this journey +I had, till now, totally mistaken. They were explained to me by +my uncle, whose tale excited my astonishment without awakening +my regret. In a different state of mind, it would have added +unspeakably to my distress, but now it was more a source of +pleasure than pain. This, perhaps, is not the least +extraordinary of the facts contained in this narrative. It will +excite less wonder when I add, that my indifference was +temporary, and that the lapse of a few days shewed me that my +feelings were deadened for a time, rather than finally +extinguished. + +Theresa de Stolberg was alive. She had conceived the +resolution of seeking her lover in America. To conceal her +flight, she had caused the report of her death to be propagated. +She put herself under the conduct of Bertrand, the faithful +servant of Pleyel. The pacquet which the latter received from +the hands of his servant, contained the tidings of her safe +arrival at Boston, and to meet her there was the purpose of his +journey. + +This discovery had set this man's character in a new light. +I had mistaken the heroism of friendship for the phrenzy of +love. He who had gained my affections, may be supposed to have +previously entitled himself to my reverence; but the levity +which had formerly characterized the behaviour of this man, +tended to obscure the greatness of his sentiments. I did not +fail to remark, that since this lady was still alive, the voice +in the temple which asserted her death, must either have been +intended to deceive, or have been itself deceived. The latter +supposition was inconsistent with the notion of a spiritual, and +the former with that of a benevolent being. + +When my disease abated, Pleyel had forborne his visits, and +had lately set out upon this journey. This amounted to a proof +that my guilt was still believed by him. I was grieved for his +errors, but trusted that my vindication would, sooner or later, +be made. + +Meanwhile, tumultuous thoughts were again set afloat by a +proposal made to me by my uncle. He imagined that new airs +would restore my languishing constitution, and a varied +succession of objects tend to repair the shock which my mind had +received. For this end, he proposed to me to take up my abode +with him in France or Italy. + +At a more prosperous period, this scheme would have pleased +for its own sake. Now my heart sickened at the prospect of +nature. The world of man was shrowded in misery and blood, and +constituted a loathsome spectacle. I willingly closed my eyes +in sleep, and regretted that the respite it afforded me was so +short. I marked with satisfaction the progress of decay in my +frame, and consented to live, merely in the hope that the course +of nature would speedily relieve me from the burthen. +Nevertheless, as he persisted in his scheme, I concurred in it +merely because he was entitled to my gratitude, and because my +refusal gave him pain. + +No sooner was he informed of my consent, than he told me I +must make immediate preparation to embark, as the ship in which +he had engaged a passage would be ready to depart in three days. +This expedition was unexpected. There was an impatience in his +manner when he urged the necessity of dispatch that excited my +surprize. When I questioned him as to the cause of this haste, +he generally stated reasons which, at that time, I could not +deny to be plausible; but which, on the review, appeared +insufficient. I suspected that the true motives were concealed, +and believed that these motives had some connection with my +brother's destiny. + +I now recollected that the information respecting Wieland +which had, from time to time, been imparted to me, was always +accompanied with airs of reserve and mysteriousness. What had +appeared sufficiently explicit at the time it was uttered, I now +remembered to have been faltering and ambiguous. I was resolved +to remove my doubts, by visiting the unfortunate man in his +dungeon. + +Heretofore the idea of this visit had occurred to me; but the +horrors of his dwelling-place, his wild yet placid physiognomy, +his neglected locks, the fetters which constrained his limbs, +terrible as they were in description, how could I endure to +behold! + +Now, however, that I was preparing to take an everlasting +farewell of my country, now that an ocean was henceforth to +separate me from him, how could I part without an interview? I +would examine his situation with my own eyes. I would know +whether the representations which had been made to me were true. +Perhaps the sight of the sister whom he was wont to love with a +passion more than fraternal, might have an auspicious influence +on his malady. + +Having formed this resolution, I waited to communicate it to +Mr. Cambridge. I was aware that, without his concurrence, I +could not hope to carry it into execution, and could discover no +objection to which it was liable. If I had not been deceived as +to his condition, no inconvenience could arise from this +proceeding. His consent, therefore, would be the test of his +sincerity. + +I seized this opportunity to state my wishes on this head. +My suspicions were confirmed by the manner in which my request +affected him. After some pause, in which his countenance +betrayed every mark of perplexity, he said to me, "Why would you +pay this visit? What useful purpose can it serve?" + +"We are preparing," said I, "to leave the country forever: +What kind of being should I be to leave behind me a brother in +calamity without even a parting interview? Indulge me for three +minutes in the sight of him. My heart will be much easier after +I have looked at him, and shed a few tears in his presence." + +"I believe otherwise. The sight of him would only augment +your distress, without contributing, in any degree, to his +benefit." + +"I know not that," returned I. "Surely the sympathy of his +sister, proofs that her tenderness is as lively as ever, must be +a source of satisfaction to him. At present he must regard all +mankind as his enemies and calumniators. His sister he, +probably, conceives to partake in the general infatuation, and +to join in the cry of abhorrence that is raised against him. To +be undeceived in this respect, to be assured that, however I may +impute his conduct to delusion, I still retain all my former +affection for his person, and veneration for the purity of his +motives, cannot but afford him pleasure. When he hears that I +have left the country, without even the ceremonious attention of +a visit, what will he think of me? His magnanimity may hinder +him from repining, but he will surely consider my behaviour as +savage and unfeeling. Indeed, dear Sir, I must pay this visit. +To embark with you without paying it, will be impossible. It +may be of no service to him, but will enable me to acquit myself +of what I cannot but esteem a duty. Besides," continued I, "if +it be a mere fit of insanity that has seized him, may not my +presence chance to have a salutary influence? The mere sight of +me, it is not impossible, may rectify his perceptions." + +"Ay," said my uncle, with some eagerness; "it is by no means +impossible that your interview may have that effect; and for +that reason, beyond all others, would I dissuade you from it." + +I expressed my surprize at this declaration. "Is it not to +be desired that an error so fatal as this should be rectified?" + +"I wonder at your question. Reflect on the consequences of +this error. Has he not destroyed the wife whom he loved, the +children whom he idolized? What is it that enables him to bear +the remembrance, but the belief that he acted as his duty +enjoined? Would you rashly bereave him of this belief? Would +you restore him to himself, and convince him that he was +instigated to this dreadful outrage by a perversion of his +organs, or a delusion from hell? + +"Now his visions are joyous and elate. He conceives himself +to have reached a loftier degree of virtue, than any other human +being. The merit of his sacrifice is only enhanced in the eyes +of superior beings, by the detestation that pursues him here, +and the sufferings to which he is condemned. The belief that +even his sister has deserted him, and gone over to his enemies, +adds to his sublimity of feelings, and his confidence in divine +approbation and future recompense. + +"Let him be undeceived in this respect, and what floods of +despair and of horror will overwhelm him! Instead of glowing +approbation and serene hope, will he not hate and torture +himself? Self-violence, or a phrenzy far more savage and +destructive than this, may be expected to succeed. I beseech +you, therefore, to relinquish this scheme. If you calmly +reflect upon it, you will discover that your duty lies in +carefully shunning him." + +Mr. Cambridge's reasonings suggested views to my +understanding, that had not hitherto occurred. I could not but +admit their validity, but they shewed, in a new light, the depth +of that misfortune in which my brother was plunged. I was +silent and irresolute. + +Presently, I considered, that whether Wieland was a maniac, +a faithful servant of his God, the victim of hellish illusions, +or the dupe of human imposture, was by no means certain. In +this state of my mind it became me to be silent during the visit +that I projected. This visit should be brief: I should be +satisfied merely to snatch a look at him. Admitting that a +change in his opinions were not to be desired, there was no +danger from the conduct which I should pursue, that this change +should be wrought. + +But I could not conquer my uncle's aversion to this scheme. +Yet I persisted, and he found that to make me voluntarily +relinquish it, it was necessary to be more explicit than he had +hitherto been. He took both my hands, and anxiously examining +my countenance as he spoke, "Clara," said he, "this visit must +not be paid. We must hasten with the utmost expedition from +this shore. It is folly to conceal the truth from you, and, +since it is only by disclosing the truth that you can be +prevailed upon to lay aside this project, the truth shall be +told. + +"O my dear girl!" continued he with increasing energy in his +accent, "your brother's phrenzy is, indeed, stupendous and +frightful. The soul that formerly actuated his frame has +disappeared. The same form remains; but the wise and benevolent +Wieland is no more. A fury that is rapacious of blood, that +lifts his strength almost above that of mortals, that bends all +his energies to the destruction of whatever was once dear to +him, possesses him wholly. + +"You must not enter his dungeon; his eyes will no sooner be +fixed upon you, than an exertion of his force will be made. He +will shake off his fetters in a moment, and rush upon you. No +interposition will then be strong or quick enough to save you. + +"The phantom that has urged him to the murder of Catharine +and her children is not yet appeased. Your life, and that of +Pleyel, are exacted from him by this imaginary being. He is +eager to comply with this demand. Twice he has escaped from his +prison. The first time, he no sooner found himself at liberty, +than he hasted to Pleyel's house. It being midnight, the latter +was in bed. Wieland penetrated unobserved to his chamber, and +opened his curtain. Happily, Pleyel awoke at the critical +moment, and escaped the fury of his kinsman, by leaping from his +chamber-window into the court. Happily, he reached the ground +without injury. Alarms were given, and after diligent search, +your brother was found in a chamber of your house, whither, no +doubt, he had sought you. +"His chains, and the watchfulness of his guards, were +redoubled; but again, by some miracle, he restored himself to +liberty. He was now incautiously apprized of the place of your +abode: and had not information of his escape been instantly +given, your death would have been added to the number of his +atrocious acts. + +"You now see the danger of your project. You must not only +forbear to visit him, but if you would save him from the crime +of embruing his hands in your blood, you must leave the country. +There is no hope that his malady will end but with his life, and +no precaution will ensure your safety, but that of placing the +ocean between you. + +"I confess I came over with an intention to reside among you, +but these disasters have changed my views. Your own safety and +my happiness require that you should accompany me in my return, +and I entreat you to give your cheerful concurrence to this +measure." + +After these representations from my uncle, it was impossible +to retain my purpose. I readily consented to seclude myself +from Wieland's presence. I likewise acquiesced in the proposal +to go to Europe; not that I ever expected to arrive there, but +because, since my principles forbad me to assail my own life, +change had some tendency to make supportable the few days which +disease should spare to me. + +What a tale had thus been unfolded! I was hunted to death, +not by one whom my misconduct had exasperated, who was conscious +of illicit motives, and who sought his end by circumvention and +surprize; but by one who deemed himself commissioned for this +act by heaven; who regarded this career of horror as the last +refinement of virtue; whose implacability was proportioned to +the reverence and love which he felt for me, and who was +inaccessible to the fear of punishment and ignominy! + +In vain should I endeavour to stay his hand by urging the +claims of a sister or friend: these were his only reasons for +pursuing my destruction. Had I been a stranger to his blood; +had I been the most worthless of human kind; my safety had not +been endangered. + +Surely, said I, my fate is without example. The phrenzy +which is charged upon my brother, must belong to myself. My foe +is manacled and guarded; but I derive no security from these +restraints. I live not in a community of savages; yet, whether +I sit or walk, go into crouds, or hide myself in solitude, my +life is marked for a prey to inhuman violence; I am in perpetual +danger of perishing; of perishing under the grasp of a brother! + +I recollected the omens of this destiny; I remembered the +gulf to which my brother's invitation had conducted me; I +remembered that, when on the brink of danger, the author of my +peril was depicted by my fears in his form: Thus realized, were +the creatures of prophetic sleep, and of wakeful terror! + +These images were unavoidably connected with that of Carwin. +In this paroxysm of distress, my attention fastened on him as +the grand deceiver; the author of this black conspiracy; the +intelligence that governed in this storm. + +Some relief is afforded in the midst of suffering, when its +author is discovered or imagined; and an object found on which +we may pour out our indignation and our vengeance. I ran over +the events that had taken place since the origin of our +intercourse with him, and reflected on the tenor of that +description which was received from Ludloe. Mixed up with +notions of supernatural agency, were the vehement suspicions +which I entertained, that Carwin was the enemy whose +machinations had destroyed us. + +I thirsted for knowledge and for vengeance. I regarded my +hasty departure with reluctance, since it would remove me from +the means by which this knowledge might be obtained, and this +vengeance gratified. This departure was to take place in two +days. At the end of two days I was to bid an eternal adieu to +my native country. Should I not pay a parting visit to the +scene of these disasters? Should I not bedew with my tears the +graves of my sister and her children? Should I not explore +their desolate habitation, and gather from the sight of its +walls and furniture food for my eternal melancholy? + +This suggestion was succeeded by a secret shuddering. Some +disastrous influence appeared to overhang the scene. How many +memorials should I meet with serving to recall the images of +those I had lost! + +I was tempted to relinquish my design, when it occurred to me +that I had left among my papers a journal of transactions in +shorthand. I was employed in this manuscript on that night when +Pleyel's incautious curiosity tempted him to look over my +shoulder. I was then recording my adventure in THE RECESS, an +imperfect sight of which led him into such fatal errors. + +I had regulated the disposition of all my property. This +manuscript, however, which contained the most secret +transactions of my life, I was desirous of destroying. For this +end I must return to my house, and this I immediately determined +to do. + +I was not willing to expose myself to opposition from my +friends, by mentioning my design; I therefore bespoke the use of +Mr. Hallet's chaise, under pretence of enjoying an airing, as +the day was remarkably bright. + +This request was gladly complied with, and I directed the +servant to conduct me to Mettingen. I dismissed him at the +gate, intending to use, in returning, a carriage belonging to my +brother. + + + +Chapter XXII + + +The inhabitants of the HUT received me with a mixture of joy +and surprize. Their homely welcome, and their artless sympathy, +were grateful to my feelings. In the midst of their inquiries, +as to my health, they avoided all allusions to the source of my +malady. They were honest creatures, and I loved them well. I +participated in the tears which they shed when I mentioned to +them my speedy departure for Europe, and promised to acquaint +them with my welfare during my long absence. + +They expressed great surprize when I informed them of my +intention to visit my cottage. Alarm and foreboding overspread +their features, and they attempted to dissuade me from visiting +an house which they firmly believed to be haunted by a thousand +ghastly apparitions. + +These apprehensions, however, had no power over my conduct. +I took an irregular path which led me to my own house. All was +vacant and forlorn. A small enclosure, near which the path led, +was the burying-ground belonging to the family. This I was +obliged to pass. Once I had intended to enter it, and ponder on +the emblems and inscriptions which my uncle had caused to be +made on the tombs of Catharine and her children; but now my +heart faltered as I approached, and I hastened forward, that +distance might conceal it from my view. + +When I approached the recess, my heart again sunk. I averted +my eyes, and left it behind me as quickly as possible. Silence +reigned through my habitation, and a darkness which closed doors +and shutters produced. Every object was connected with mine or +my brother's history. I passed the entry, mounted the stair, +and unlocked the door of my chamber. It was with difficulty +that I curbed my fancy and smothered my fears. Slight movements +and casual sounds were transformed into beckoning shadows and +calling shapes. + +I proceeded to the closet. I opened and looked round it with +fearfulness. All things were in their accustomed order. I +sought and found the manuscript where I was used to deposit it. +This being secured, there was nothing to detain me; yet I stood +and contemplated awhile the furniture and walls of my chamber. +I remembered how long this apartment had been a sweet and +tranquil asylum; I compared its former state with its present +dreariness, and reflected that I now beheld it for the last +time. + +Here it was that the incomprehensible behaviour of Carwin was +witnessed: this the stage on which that enemy of man shewed +himself for a moment unmasked. Here the menaces of murder were +wafted to my ear; and here these menaces were executed. + +These thoughts had a tendency to take from me my +self-command. My feeble limbs refused to support me, and I sunk +upon a chair. Incoherent and half-articulate exclamations +escaped my lips. The name of Carwin was uttered, and eternal +woes, woes like that which his malice had entailed upon us, were +heaped upon him. I invoked all-seeing heaven to drag to light +and to punish this betrayer, and accused its providence for +having thus long delayed the retribution that was due to so +enormous a guilt. + +I have said that the window shutters were closed. A feeble +light, however, found entrance through the crevices. A small +window illuminated the closet, and the door being closed, a dim +ray streamed through the key-hole. A kind of twilight was thus +created, sufficient for the purposes of vision; but, at the same +time, involving all minuter objects in obscurity. + +This darkness suited the colour of my thoughts. I sickened +at the remembrance of the past. The prospect of the future +excited my loathing. I muttered in a low voice, Why should I +live longer? Why should I drag a miserable being? All, for +whom I ought to live, have perished. Am I not myself hunted to +death? + +At that moment, my despair suddenly became vigorous. My +nerves were no longer unstrung. My powers, that had long been +deadened, were revived. My bosom swelled with a sudden energy, +and the conviction darted through my mind, that to end my +torments was, at once, practicable and wise. + +I knew how to find way to the recesses of life. I could use +a lancet with some skill, and could distinguish between vein and +artery. By piercing deep into the latter, I should shun the +evils which the future had in store for me, and take refuge from +my woes in quiet death. + +I started on my feet, for my feebleness was gone, and hasted +to the closet. A lancet and other small instruments were +preserved in a case which I had deposited here. Inattentive as +I was to foreign considerations, my ears were still open to any +sound of mysterious import that should occur. I thought I heard +a step in the entry. My purpose was suspended, and I cast an +eager glance at my chamber door, which was open. No one +appeared, unless the shadow which I discerned upon the floor, +was the outline of a man. If it were, I was authorized to +suspect that some one was posted close to the entrance, who +possibly had overheard my exclamations. + +My teeth chattered, and a wild confusion took place of my +momentary calm. Thus it was when a terrific visage had +disclosed itself on a former night. Thus it was when the evil +destiny of Wieland assumed the lineaments of something human. +What horrid apparition was preparing to blast my sight? + +Still I listened and gazed. Not long, for the shadow moved; +a foot, unshapely and huge, was thrust forward; a form advanced +from its concealment, and stalked into the room. It was Carwin! +While I had breath I shrieked. While I had power over my +muscles, I motioned with my hand that he should vanish. My +exertions could not last long; I sunk into a fit. + +O that this grateful oblivion had lasted for ever! Too +quickly I recovered my senses. The power of distinct vision was +no sooner restored to me, than this hateful form again presented +itself, and I once more relapsed. + +A second time, untoward nature recalled me from the sleep of +death. I found myself stretched upon the bed. When I had power +to look up, I remembered only that I had cause to fear. My +distempered fancy fashioned to itself no distinguishable image. +I threw a languid glance round me; once more my eyes lighted +upon Carwin. + +He was seated on the floor, his back rested against the wall, +his knees were drawn up, and his face was buried in his hands. +That his station was at some distance, that his attitude was not +menacing, that his ominous visage was concealed, may account for +my now escaping a shock, violent as those which were past. I +withdrew my eyes, but was not again deserted by my senses. + +On perceiving that I had recovered my sensibility, he lifted +his head. This motion attracted my attention. His countenance +was mild, but sorrow and astonishment sat upon his features. I +averted my eyes and feebly exclaimed--"O! fly--fly far and for +ever!--I cannot behold you and live!" + +He did not rise upon his feet, but clasped his hands, and +said in a tone of deprecation--"I will fly. I am become a +fiend, the sight of whom destroys. Yet tell me my offence! You +have linked curses with my name; you ascribe to me a malice +monstrous and infernal. I look around; all is loneliness and +desert! This house and your brother's are solitary and +dismantled! You die away at the sight of me! My fear whispers +that some deed of horror has been perpetrated; that I am the +undesigning cause." + +What language was this? Had he not avowed himself a +ravisher? Had not this chamber witnessed his atrocious +purposes? I besought him with new vehemence to go. + +He lifted his eyes--"Great heaven! what have I done? I think +I know the extent of my offences. I have acted, but my actions +have possibly effected more than I designed. This fear has +brought me back from my retreat. I come to repair the evil of +which my rashness was the cause, and to prevent more evil. I +come to confess my errors." + +"Wretch!" I cried when my suffocating emotions would permit +me to speak, "the ghosts of my sister and her children, do they +not rise to accuse thee? Who was it that blasted the intellects +of Wieland? Who was it that urged him to fury, and guided him +to murder? Who, but thou and the devil, with whom thou art +confederated?" + +At these words a new spirit pervaded his countenance. His +eyes once more appealed to heaven. "If I have memory, if I have +being, I am innocent. I intended no ill; but my folly, +indirectly and remotely, may have caused it; but what words are +these! Your brother lunatic! His children dead!" + +What should I infer from this deportment? Was the ignorance +which these words implied real or pretended?--Yet how could I +imagine a mere human agency in these events? But if the +influence was preternatural or maniacal in my brother's case, +they must be equally so in my own. Then I remembered that the +voice exerted, was to save me from Carwin's attempts. These +ideas tended to abate my abhorrence of this man, and to detect +the absurdity of my accusations. + +"Alas!" said I, "I have no one to accuse. Leave me to my +fate. Fly from a scene stained with cruelty; devoted to +despair." + +Carwin stood for a time musing and mournful. At length he +said, "What has happened? I came to expiate my crimes: let me +know them in their full extent. I have horrible forebodings! +What has happened?" + +I was silent; but recollecting the intimation given by this +man when he was detected in my closet, which implied some +knowledge of that power which interfered in my favor, I eagerly +inquired, "What was that voice which called upon me to hold when +I attempted to open the closet? What face was that which I saw +at the bottom of the stairs? Answer me truly." + +"I came to confess the truth. Your allusions are horrible +and strange. Perhaps I have but faint conceptions of the evils +which my infatuation has produced; but what remains I will +perform. It was my VOICE that you heard! It was my +FACE that you saw!" + +For a moment I doubted whether my remembrance of events were +not confused. How could he be at once stationed at my shoulder +and shut up in my closet? How could he stand near me and yet be +invisible? But if Carwin's were the thrilling voice and the +fiery visage which I had heard and seen, then was he the +prompter of my brother, and the author of these dismal outrages. + +Once more I averted my eyes and struggled for speech. +"Begone! thou man of mischief! Remorseless and implacable +miscreant! begone!" + +"I will obey," said he in a disconsolate voice; "yet, wretch +as I am, am I unworthy to repair the evils that I have +committed? I came as a repentant criminal. It is you whom I +have injured, and at your bar am I willing to appear, and +confess and expiate my crimes. I have deceived you: I have +sported with your terrors: I have plotted to destroy your +reputation. I come now to remove your errors; to set you beyond +the reach of similar fears; to rebuild your fame as far as I am +able. + +"This is the amount of my guilt, and this the fruit of my +remorse. Will you not hear me? Listen to my confession, and +then denounce punishment. All I ask is a patient audience." + +"What!" I replied, "was not thine the voice that commanded my +brother to imbrue his hands in the blood of his children--to +strangle that angel of sweetness his wife? Has he not vowed my +death, and the death of Pleyel, at thy bidding? Hast thou not +made him the butcher of his family; changed him who was the +glory of his species into worse than brute; robbed him of +reason, and consigned the rest of his days to fetters and +stripes?" + +Carwin's eyes glared, and his limbs were petrified at this +intelligence. No words were requisite to prove him guiltless of +these enormities: at the time, however, I was nearly insensible +to these exculpatory tokens. He walked to the farther end of +the room, and having recovered some degree of composure, he +spoke-- + +"I am not this villain; I have slain no one; I have prompted +none to slay; I have handled a tool of wonderful efficacy +without malignant intentions, but without caution; ample will be +the punishment of my temerity, if my conduct has contributed to +this evil." He paused.-- + +I likewise was silent. I struggled to command myself so far +as to listen to the tale which he should tell. Observing this, +he continued-- + +"You are not apprized of the existence of a power which I +possess. I know not by what name to call it.* It enables me to +mimic exactly the voice of another, and to modify the sound so +that it shall appear to come from what quarter, and be uttered +at what distance I please. + +"I know not that every one possesses this power. Perhaps, +though a casual position of my organs in my youth shewed me that +I possessed it, it is an art which may be taught to all. Would +to God I had died unknowing of the secret! It has produced +nothing but degradation and calamity. + +"For a time the possession of so potent and stupendous an +endowment elated me with pride. Unfortified by principle, +subjected to poverty, stimulated by headlong passions, I made +this powerful engine subservient to the supply of my wants, and +the gratification of my vanity. I shall not mention how +diligently I cultivated this gift, which seemed capable of +unlimited improvement; nor detail the various occasions on which +it was successfully exerted to lead superstition, conquer +avarice, or excite awe. + +"I left America, which is my native soil, in my youth. I +have been engaged in various scenes of life, in which my +peculiar talent has been exercised with more or less success. +I was finally betrayed by one who called himself my friend, into +acts which cannot be justified, though they are susceptible of +apology. + +"The perfidy of this man compelled me to withdraw from +Europe. I returned to my native country, uncertain whether +silence and obscurity would save me from his malice. I resided +in the purlieus of the city. I put on the garb and assumed the +manners of a clown. + +"My chief recreation was walking. My principal haunts were +the lawns and gardens of Mettingen. In this delightful region +the luxuriances of nature had been chastened by judicious art, +and each successive contemplation unfolded new enchantments. + +" I was studious of seclusion: I was satiated with the +intercourse of mankind, and discretion required me to shun their +intercourse. For these reasons I long avoided the observation +of your family, and chiefly visited these precincts at night. + +"I was never weary of admiring the position and ornaments of +THE TEMPLE. Many a night have I passed under its roof, +revolving no pleasing meditations. When, in my frequent +rambles, I perceived this apartment was occupied, I gave a +different direction to my steps. One evening, when a shower had +just passed, judging by the silence that no one was within, I +ascended to this building. Glancing carelessly round, I +perceived an open letter on the pedestal. To read it was +doubtless an offence against politeness. Of this offence, +however, I was guilty. + +"Scarcely had I gone half through when I was alarmed by the +approach of your brother. To scramble down the cliff on the +opposite side was impracticable. I was unprepared to meet a +stranger. Besides the aukwardness attending such an interview +in these circumstances, concealment was necessary to my safety. +A thousand times had I vowed never again to employ the dangerous +talent which I possessed; but such was the force of habit and +the influence of present convenience, that I used this method of +arresting his progress and leading him back to the house, with +his errand, whatever it was, unperformed. I had often caught +parts, from my station below, of your conversation in this +place, and was well acquainted with the voice of your sister. + +"Some weeks after this I was again quietly seated in this +recess. The lateness of the hour secured me, as I thought, from +all interruption. In this, however, I was mistaken, for Wieland +and Pleyel, as I judged by their voices, earnest in dispute, +ascended the hill. + +"I was not sensible that any inconvenience could possibly +have flowed from my former exertion; yet it was followed with +compunction, because it was a deviation from a path which I had +assigned to myself. Now my aversion to this means of escape was +enforced by an unauthorized curiosity, and by the knowledge of +a bushy hollow on the edge of the hill, where I should be safe +from discovery. Into this hollow I thrust myself. + +"The propriety of removal to Europe was the question eagerly +discussed. Pleyel intimated that his anxiety to go was +augmented by the silence of Theresa de Stolberg. The temptation +to interfere in this dispute was irresistible. In vain I +contended with inveterate habits. I disguised to myself the +impropriety of my conduct, by recollecting the benefits which it +might produce. Pleyel's proposal was unwise, yet it was +enforced with plausible arguments and indefatigable zeal. Your +brother might be puzzled and wearied, but could not be +convinced. I conceived that to terminate the controversy in +favor of the latter was conferring a benefit on all parties. +For this end I profited by an opening in the conversation, and +assured them of Catharine's irreconcilable aversion to the +scheme, and of the death of the Saxon baroness. The latter +event was merely a conjecture, but rendered extremely probable +by Pleyel's representations. My purpose, you need not be told, +was effected. + +"My passion for mystery, and a species of imposture, which I +deemed harmless, was thus awakened afresh. This second lapse +into error made my recovery more difficult. I cannot convey to +you an adequate idea of the kind of gratification which I +derived from these exploits; yet I meditated nothing. My views +were bounded to the passing moment, and commonly suggested by +the momentary exigence. + +"I must not conceal any thing. Your principles teach you to +abhor a voluptuous temper; but, with whatever reluctance, I +acknowledge this temper to be mine. You imagine your servant +Judith to be innocent as well as beautiful; but you took her +from a family where hypocrisy, as well as licentiousness, was +wrought into a system. My attention was captivated by her +charms, and her principles were easily seen to be flexible. + +"Deem me not capable of the iniquity of seduction. Your +servant is not destitute of feminine and virtuous qualities; but +she was taught that the best use of her charms consists in the +sale of them. My nocturnal visits to Mettingen were now +prompted by a double view, and my correspondence with your +servant gave me, at all times, access to your house. + +"The second night after our interview, so brief and so little +foreseen by either of us, some daemon of mischief seized me. +According to my companion's report, your perfections were little +less than divine. Her uncouth but copious narratives converted +you into an object of worship. She chiefly dwelt upon your +courage, because she herself was deficient in that quality. You +held apparitions and goblins in contempt. You took no +precautions against robbers. You were just as tranquil and +secure in this lonely dwelling, as if you were in the midst of +a crowd. +"Hence a vague project occurred to me, to put this courage to +the test. A woman capable of recollection in danger, of warding +off groundless panics, of discerning the true mode of +proceeding, and profiting by her best resources, is a prodigy. +I was desirous of ascertaining whether you were such an one. + +"My expedient was obvious and simple: I was to counterfeit +a murderous dialogue; but this was to be so conducted that +another, and not yourself, should appear to be the object. I +was not aware of the possibility that you should appropriate +these menaces to yourself. Had you been still and listened, you +would have heard the struggles and prayers of the victim, who +would likewise have appeared to be shut up in the closet, and +whose voice would have been Judith's. This scene would have +been an appeal to your compassion; and the proof of cowardice or +courage which I expected from you, would have been your +remaining inactive in your bed, or your entering the closet with +a view to assist the sufferer. Some instances which Judith +related of your fearlessness and promptitude made me adopt the +latter supposition with some degree of confidence. + +"By the girl's direction I found a ladder, and mounted to +your closet window. This is scarcely large enough to admit the +head, but it answered my purpose too well. + +"I cannot express my confusion and surprize at your abrupt +and precipitate flight. I hastily removed the ladder; and, +after some pause, curiosity and doubts of your safety induced me +to follow you. I found you stretched on the turf before your +brother's door, without sense or motion. I felt the deepest +regret at this unlooked-for consequence of my scheme. I knew +not what to do to procure you relief. The idea of awakening the +family naturally presented itself. This emergency was critical, +and there was no time to deliberate. It was a sudden thought +that occurred. I put my lips to the key-hole, and sounded an +alarm which effectually roused the sleepers. My organs were +naturally forcible, and had been improved by long and assiduous +exercise. + +"Long and bitterly did I repent of my scheme. I was somewhat +consoled by reflecting that my purpose had not been evil, and +renewed my fruitless vows never to attempt such dangerous +experiments. For some time I adhered, with laudable +forbearance, to this resolution. + +"My life has been a life of hardship and exposure. In the +summer I prefer to make my bed of the smooth turf, or, at most, +the shelter of a summer-house suffices. In all my rambles I +never found a spot in which so many picturesque beauties and +rural delights were assembled as at Mettingen. No corner of +your little domain unites fragrance and secrecy in so perfect a +degree as the recess in the bank. The odour of its leaves, the +coolness of its shade, and the music of its water-fall, had +early attracted my attention. Here my sadness was converted +into peaceful melancholy--here my slumbers were sound, and my +pleasures enhanced. + +"As most free from interruption, I chose this as the scene of +my midnight interviews with Judith. One evening, as the sun +declined, I was seated here, when I was alarmed by your +approach. It was with difficulty that I effected my escape +unnoticed by you. + +"At the customary hour, I returned to your habitation, and +was made acquainted by Judith, with your unusual absence. I +half suspected the true cause, and felt uneasiness at the danger +there was that I should be deprived of my retreat; or, at least, +interrupted in the possession of it. The girl, likewise, +informed me, that among your other singularities, it was not +uncommon for you to leave your bed, and walk forth for the sake +of night-airs and starlight contemplations. + +"I desired to prevent this inconvenience. I found you easily +swayed by fear. I was influenced, in my choice of means, by the +facility and certainty of that to which I had been accustomed. +All that I forsaw was, that, in future, this spot would be +cautiously shunned by you. + +"I entered the recess with the utmost caution, and +discovered, by your breathings, in what condition you were. The +unexpected interpretation which you placed upon my former +proceeding, suggested my conduct on the present occasion. The +mode in which heaven is said by the poet, to interfere for the +prevention of crimes,** was somewhat analogous to my province, +and never failed to occur to me at seasons like this. It was +requisite to break your slumbers, and for this end I uttered the +powerful monosyllable, "hold! hold!" My purpose was not +prescribed by duty, yet surely it was far from being atrocious +and inexpiable. To effect it, I uttered what was false, but it +was well suited to my purpose. Nothing less was intended than +to injure you. Nay, the evil resulting from my former act, was +partly removed by assuring you that in all places but this you +were safe. + + +*BILOQUIUM, or ventrilocution. Sound is varied according +to the variations of direction and distance. The art of the +ventriloquist consists in modifying his voice according to all +these variations, without changing his place. See the work of +the Abbe de la Chappelle, in which are accurately recorded the +performances of one of these artists, and some ingenious, though +unsatisfactory speculations are given on the means by which the +effects are produced. This power is, perhaps, given by nature, +but is doubtless improvable, if not acquirable, by art. It may, +possibly, consist in an unusual flexibility or exertion of the +bottom of the tongue and the uvula. That speech is producible +by these alone must be granted, since anatomists mention two +instances of persons speaking without a tongue. In one case, +the organ was originally wanting, but its place was supplied by +a small tubercle, and the uvula was perfect. In the other, the +tongue was destroyed by disease, but probably a small part of it +remained. + +This power is difficult to explain, but the fact is +undeniable. Experience shews that the human voice can imitate +the voice of all men and of all inferior animals. The sound of +musical instruments, and even noises from the contact of +inanimate substances, have been accurately imitated. The +mimicry of animals is notorious; and Dr. Burney (Musical +Travels) mentions one who imitated a flute and violin, so as to +deceive even his ears. + + +**--Peeps through the blanket of the dark, and cries Hold! +Hold!--SHAKESPEARE. + + + +Chapter XXIII + + +"My morals will appear to you far from rigid, yet my conduct +will fall short of your suspicions. I am now to confess actions +less excusable, and yet surely they will not entitle me to the +name of a desperate or sordid criminal. + +"Your house was rendered, by your frequent and long absences, +easily accessible to my curiosity. My meeting with Pleyel was +the prelude to direct intercourse with you. I had seen much of +the world, but your character exhibited a specimen of human +powers that was wholly new to me. My intercourse with your +servant furnished me with curious details of your domestic +management. I was of a different sex: I was not your husband; +I was not even your friend; yet my knowledge of you was of that +kind, which conjugal intimacies can give, and, in some respects, +more accurate. The observation of your domestic was guided by +me. + +"You will not be surprized that I should sometimes profit by +your absence, and adventure to examine with my own eyes, the +interior of your chamber. Upright and sincere, you used no +watchfulness, and practised no precautions. I scrutinized every +thing, and pried every where. Your closet was usually locked, +but it was once my fortune to find the key on a bureau. I +opened and found new scope for my curiosity in your books. One +of these was manuscript, and written in characters which +essentially agreed with a short-hand system which I had learned +from a Jesuit missionary. + +"I cannot justify my conduct, yet my only crime was +curiosity. I perused this volume with eagerness. The intellect +which it unveiled, was brighter than my limited and feeble +organs could bear. I was naturally inquisitive as to your ideas +respecting my deportment, and the mysteries that had lately +occurred. + +"You know what you have written. You know that in this +volume the key to your inmost soul was contained. If I had been +a profound and malignant impostor, what plenteous materials were +thus furnished me of stratagems and plots! + +"The coincidence of your dream in the summer-house with my +exclamation, was truly wonderful. The voice which warned you to +forbear was, doubtless, mine; but mixed by a common process of +the fancy, with the train of visionary incidents. + +"I saw in a stronger light than ever, the dangerousness of +that instrument which I employed, and renewed my resolutions to +abstain from the use of it in future; but I was destined +perpetually to violate my resolutions. By some perverse fate, +I was led into circumstances in which the exertion of my powers +was the sole or the best means of escape. + +"On that memorable night on which our last interview took +place, I came as usual to Mettingen. I was apprized of your +engagement at your brother's, from which you did not expect to +return till late. Some incident suggested the design of +visiting your chamber. Among your books which I had not +examined, might be something tending to illustrate your +character, or the history of your family. Some intimation had +been dropped by you in discourse, respecting a performance of +your father, in which some important transaction in his life was +recorded. + +"I was desirous of seeing this book; and such was my habitual +attachment to mystery, that I preferred the clandestine perusal +of it. Such were the motives that induced me to make this +attempt. Judith had disappeared, and finding the house +unoccupied, I supplied myself with a light, and proceeded to +your chamber. + +"I found it easy, on experiment, to lock and unlock your +closet door without the aid of a key. I shut myself in this +recess, and was busily exploring your shelves, when I heard some +one enter the room below. I was at a loss who it could be, +whether you or your servant. Doubtful, however, as I was, I +conceived it prudent to extinguish the light. Scarcely was this +done, when some one entered the chamber. The footsteps were +easily distinguished to be yours. + +"My situation was now full of danger and perplexity. For +some time, I cherished the hope that you would leave the room so +long as to afford me an opportunity of escaping. As the hours +passed, this hope gradually deserted me. It was plain that you +had retired for the night. + +"I knew not how soon you might find occasion to enter the +closet. I was alive to all the horrors of detection, and +ruminated without ceasing, on the behaviour which it would be +proper, in case of detection, to adopt. I was unable to +discover any consistent method of accounting for my being thus +immured. + +"It occurred to me that I might withdraw you from your +chamber for a few minutes, by counterfeiting a voice from +without. Some message from your brother might be delivered, +requiring your presence at his house. I was deterred from this +scheme by reflecting on the resolution I had formed, and on the +possible evils that might result from it. Besides, it was not +improbable that you would speedily retire to bed, and then, by +the exercise of sufficient caution, I might hope to escape +unobserved. + +"Meanwhile I listened with the deepest anxiety to every +motion from without. I discovered nothing which betokened +preparation for sleep. Instead of this I heard deep-drawn +sighs, and occasionally an half-expressed and mournful +ejaculation. Hence I inferred that you were unhappy. The true +state of your mind with regard to Pleyel your own pen had +disclosed; but I supposed you to be framed of such materials, +that, though a momentary sadness might affect you, you were +impregnable to any permanent and heartfelt grief. Inquietude +for my own safety was, for a moment, suspended by sympathy with +your distress. + +"To the former consideration I was quickly recalled by a +motion of yours which indicated I knew not what. I fostered the +persuasion that you would now retire to bed; but presently you +approached the closet, and detection seemed to be inevitable. +You put your hand upon the lock. I had formed no plan to +extricate myself from the dilemma in which the opening of the +door would involve me. I felt an irreconcilable aversion to +detection. Thus situated, I involuntarily seized the door with +a resolution to resist your efforts to open it. + +"Suddenly you receded from the door. This deportment was +inexplicable, but the relief it afforded me was quickly gone. +You returned, and I once more was thrown into perplexity. The +expedient that suggested itself was precipitate and inartificial. +I exerted my organs and called upon you TO HOLD. + +"That you should persist in spite of this admonition, was a +subject of astonishment. I again resisted your efforts; for the +first expedient having failed, I knew not what other to resort +to. In this state, how was my astonishment increased when I +heard your exclamations! + +"It was now plain that you knew me to be within. Further +resistance was unavailing and useless. The door opened, and I +shrunk backward. Seldom have I felt deeper mortification, and +more painful perplexity. I did not consider that the truth +would be less injurious than any lie which I could hastily +frame. Conscious as I was of a certain degree of guilt, I +conceived that you would form the most odious suspicions. The +truth would be imperfect, unless I were likewise to explain the +mysterious admonition which had been given; but that explanation +was of too great moment, and involved too extensive consequences +to make me suddenly resolve to give it. +"I was aware that this discovery would associate itself in +your mind, with the dialogue formerly heard in this closet. +Thence would your suspicions be aggravated, and to escape from +these suspicions would be impossible. But the mere truth would +be sufficiently opprobrious, and deprive me for ever of your +good opinion. + +"Thus was I rendered desperate, and my mind rapidly passed to +the contemplation of the use that might be made of previous +events. Some good genius would appear to you to have interposed +to save you from injury intended by me. Why, I said, since I +must sink in her opinion, should I not cherish this belief? Why +not personate an enemy, and pretend that celestial interference +has frustrated my schemes? I must fly, but let me leave wonder +and fear behind me. Elucidation of the mystery will always be +practicable. I shall do no injury, but merely talk of evil that +was designed, but is now past. + +"Thus I extenuated my conduct to myself, but I scarcely +expect that this will be to you a sufficient explication of the +scene that followed. Those habits which I have imbibed, the +rooted passion which possesses me for scattering around me +amazement and fear, you enjoy no opportunities of knowing. That +a man should wantonly impute to himself the most flagitious +designs, will hardly be credited, even though you reflect that +my reputation was already, by my own folly, irretrievably +ruined; and that it was always in my power to communicate the +truth, and rectify the mistake. + +"I left you to ponder on this scene. My mind was full of +rapid and incongruous ideas. Compunction, self-upbraiding, +hopelesness, satisfaction at the view of those effects likely to +flow from my new scheme, misgivings as to the beneficial result +of this scheme took possession of my mind, and seemed to +struggle for the mastery. + +"I had gone too far to recede. I had painted myself to you +as an assassin and ravisher, withheld from guilt only by a voice +from heaven. I had thus reverted into the path of error, and +now, having gone thus far, my progress seemed to be irrevocable. +I said to myself, I must leave these precincts for ever. My +acts have blasted my fame in the eyes of the Wielands. For the +sake of creating a mysterious dread, I have made myself a +villain. I may complete this mysterious plan by some new +imposture, but I cannot aggravate my supposed guilt. + +"My resolution was formed, and I was swiftly ruminating on +the means for executing it, when Pleyel appeared in sight. This +incident decided my conduct. It was plain that Pleyel was a +devoted lover, but he was, at the same time, a man of cold +resolves and exquisite sagacity. To deceive him would be the +sweetest triumph I had ever enjoyed. The deception would be +momentary, but it would likewise be complete. That his delusion +would so soon be rectified, was a recommendation to my scheme, +for I esteemed him too much to desire to entail upon him lasting +agonies. + +"I had no time to reflect further, for he proceeded, with a +quick step, towards the house. I was hurried onward +involuntarily and by a mechanical impulse. I followed him as he +passed the recess in the bank, and shrowding myself in that +spot, I counterfeited sounds which I knew would arrest his +steps. + +"He stopped, turned, listened, approached, and overheard a +dialogue whose purpose was to vanquish his belief in a point +where his belief was most difficult to vanquish. I exerted all +my powers to imitate your voice, your general sentiments, and +your language. Being master, by means of your journal, of your +personal history and most secret thoughts, my efforts were the +more successful. When I reviewed the tenor of this dialogue, I +cannot believe but that Pleyel was deluded. When I think of +your character, and of the inferences which this dialogue was +intended to suggest, it seems incredible that this delusion +should be produced. + +"I spared not myself. I called myself murderer, thief, +guilty of innumerable perjuries and misdeeds: that you had +debased yourself to the level of such an one, no evidence, +methought, would suffice to convince him who knew you so +thoroughly as Pleyel; and yet the imposture amounted to proof +which the most jealous scrutiny would find to be +unexceptionable. + +"He left his station precipitately and resumed his way to the +house. I saw that the detection of his error would be +instantaneous, since, not having gone to bed, an immediate +interview would take place between you. At first this +circumstance was considered with regret; but as time opened my +eyes to the possible consequences of this scene, I regarded it +with pleasure. + +"In a short time the infatuation which had led me thus far +began to subside. The remembrance of former reasonings and +transactions was renewed. How often I had repented this kind of +exertion; how many evils were produced by it which I had not +foreseen; what occasions for the bitterest remorse it had +administered, now passed through my mind. The black catalogue +of stratagems was now increased. I had inspired you with the +most vehement terrors: I had filled your mind with faith in +shadows and confidence in dreams: I had depraved the +imagination of Pleyel: I had exhibited you to his understanding +as devoted to brutal gratifications and consummate in hypocrisy. +The evidence which accompanied this delusion would be +irresistible to one whose passion had perverted his judgment, +whose jealousy with regard to me had already been excited, and +who, therefore, would not fail to overrate the force of this +evidence. What fatal act of despair or of vengeance might not +this error produce? + +"With regard to myself, I had acted with a phrenzy that +surpassed belief. I had warred against my peace and my fame: +I had banished myself from the fellowship of vigorous and pure +minds: I was self-expelled from a scene which the munificence +of nature had adorned with unrivalled beauties, and from haunts +in which all the muses and humanities had taken refuge. + +"I was thus torn by conflicting fears and tumultuous regrets. +The night passed away in this state of confusion; and next +morning in the gazette left at my obscure lodging, I read a +description and an offer of reward for the apprehension of my +person. I was said to have escaped from an Irish prison, in +which I was confined as an offender convicted of enormous and +complicated crimes. + +"This was the work of an enemy, who, by falsehood and +stratagem, had procured my condemnation. I was, indeed, a +prisoner, but escaped, by the exertion of my powers, the fate to +which I was doomed, but which I did not deserve. I had hoped +that the malice of my foe was exhausted; but I now perceived +that my precautions had been wise, for that the intervention of +an ocean was insufficient for my security. + +"Let me not dwell on the sensations which this discovery +produced. I need not tell by what steps I was induced to seek +an interview with you, for the purpose of disclosing the truth, +and repairing, as far as possible, the effects of my misconduct. +It was unavoidable that this gazette would fall into your hands, +and that it would tend to confirm every erroneous impression. + +"Having gained this interview, I purposed to seek some +retreat in the wilderness, inaccessible to your inquiry and to +the malice of my foe, where I might henceforth employ myself in +composing a faithful narrative of my actions. I designed it as +my vindication from the aspersions that had rested on my +character, and as a lesson to mankind on the evils of credulity +on the one hand, and of imposture on the other. + +"I wrote you a billet, which was left at the house of your +friend, and which I knew would, by some means, speedily come to +your hands. I entertained a faint hope that my invitation would +be complied with. I knew not what use you would make of the +opportunity which this proposal afforded you of procuring the +seizure of my person; but this fate I was determined to avoid, +and I had no doubt but due circumspection, and the exercise of +the faculty which I possessed, would enable me to avoid it. + +"I lurked, through the day, in the neighbourhood of +Mettingen: I approached your habitation at the appointed hour: +I entered it in silence, by a trap-door which led into the +cellar. This had formerly been bolted on the inside, but Judith +had, at an early period in our intercourse, removed this +impediment. I ascended to the first floor, but met with no one, +nor any thing that indicated the presence of an human being. + +"I crept softly up stairs, and at length perceived your +chamber door to be opened, and a light to be within. It was of +moment to discover by whom this light was accompanied. I was +sensible of the inconveniencies to which my being discovered at +your chamber door by any one within would subject me; I +therefore called out in my own voice, but so modified that it +should appear to ascend from the court below, 'Who is in the +chamber? Is it Miss Wieland?" + +"No answer was returned to this summons. I listened, but no +motion could be heard. After a pause I repeated my call, but no +less ineffectually. + +"I now approached nearer the door, and adventured to look in. +A light stood on the table, but nothing human was discernible. +I entered cautiously, but all was solitude and stillness. + +"I knew not what to conclude. If the house were inhabited, +my call would have been noticed; yet some suspicion insinuated +itself that silence was studiously kept by persons who intended +to surprize me. My approach had been wary, and the silence that +ensued my call had likewise preceded it; a circumstance that +tended to dissipate my fears. + +"At length it occurred to me that Judith might possibly be in +her own room. I turned my steps thither; but she was not to be +found. I passed into other rooms, and was soon convinced that +the house was totally deserted. I returned to your chamber, +agitated by vain surmises and opposite conjectures. The +appointed hour had passed, and I dismissed the hope of an +interview. + +"In this state of things I determined to leave a few lines on +your toilet, and prosecute my journey to the mountains. +Scarcely had I taken the pen when I laid it aside, uncertain in +what manner to address you. I rose from the table and walked +across the floor. A glance thrown upon the bed acquainted me +with a spectacle to which my conceptions of horror had not yet +reached. + +"In the midst of shuddering and trepidation, the signal of +your presence in the court below recalled me to myself. The +deed was newly done: I only was in the house: what had lately +happened justified any suspicions, however enormous. It was +plain that this catastrophe was unknown to you: I thought upon +the wild commotion which the discovery would awaken in your +breast: I found the confusion of my own thoughts unconquerable, +and perceived that the end for which I sought an interview was +not now to be accomplished. + +"In this state of things it was likewise expedient to conceal +my being within. I put out the light and hurried down stairs. +To my unspeakable surprize, notwithstanding every motive to +fear, you lighted a candle and proceeded to your chamber. + +"I retired to that room below from which a door leads into +the cellar. This door concealed me from your view as you +passed. I thought upon the spectacle which was about to present +itself. In an exigence so abrupt and so little foreseen, I was +again subjected to the empire of mechanical and habitual +impulses. I dreaded the effects which this shocking exhibition, +bursting on your unprepared senses, might produce. + +"Thus actuated, I stept swiftly to the door, and thrusting my +head forward, once more pronounced the mysterious interdiction. +At that moment, by some untoward fate, your eyes were cast back, +and you saw me in the very act of utterance. I fled through the +darksome avenue at which I entered, covered with the shame of +this detection. + +"With diligence, stimulated by a thousand ineffable emotions, +I pursued my intended journey. I have a brother whose farm is +situated in the bosom of a fertile desert, near the sources of +the Leheigh, and thither I now repaired. + + + +Chapter XXIV + + +"Deeply did I ruminate on the occurrences that had just +passed. Nothing excited my wonder so much as the means by which +you discovered my being in the closet. This discovery appeared +to be made at the moment when you attempted to open it. How +could you have otherwise remained so long in the chamber +apparently fearless and tranquil? And yet, having made this +discovery, how could you persist in dragging me forth: persist +in defiance of an interdiction so emphatical and solemn? + +"But your sister's death was an event detestable and ominous. +She had been the victim of the most dreadful species of +assassination. How, in a state like yours, the murderous +intention could be generated, was wholly inconceivable. + +"I did not relinquish my design of confessing to you the part +which I had sustained in your family, but I was willing to defer +it till the task which I had set myself was finished. That +being done, I resumed the resolution. The motives to incite me +to this continually acquired force. The more I revolved the +events happening at Mettingen, the more insupportable and +ominous my terrors became. My waking hours and my sleep were +vexed by dismal presages and frightful intimations. + +"Catharine was dead by violence. Surely my malignant stars +had not made me the cause of her death; yet had I not rashly set +in motion a machine, over whose progress I had no controul, and +which experience had shewn me was infinite in power? Every day +might add to the catalogue of horrors of which this was the +source, and a seasonable disclosure of the truth might prevent +numberless ills. + +"Fraught with this conception, I have turned my steps hither. +I find your brother's house desolate: the furniture removed, +and the walls stained with damps. Your own is in the same +situation. Your chamber is dismantled and dark, and you exhibit +an image of incurable grief, and of rapid decay. + +"I have uttered the truth. This is the extent of my +offences. You tell me an horrid tale of Wieland being led to +the destruction of his wife and children, by some mysterious +agent. You charge me with the guilt of this agency; but I +repeat that the amount of my guilt has been truly stated. The +perpetrator of Catharine's death was unknown to me till now; +nay, it is still unknown to me." + +At that moment, the closing of a door in the kitchen was +distinctly heard by us. Carwin started and paused. "There is +some one coming. I must not be found here by my enemies, and +need not, since my purpose is answered." + +I had drunk in, with the most vehement attention, every word +that he had uttered. I had no breath to interrupt his tale by +interrogations or comments. The power that he spoke of was +hitherto unknown to me: its existence was incredible; it was +susceptible of no direct proof. + +He owns that his were the voice and face which I heard and +saw. He attempts to give an human explanation of these +phantasms; but it is enough that he owns himself to be the +agent; his tale is a lie, and his nature devilish. As he +deceived me, he likewise deceived my brother, and now do I +behold the author of all our calamities! + +Such were my thoughts when his pause allowed me to think. I +should have bad him begone if the silence had not been +interrupted; but now I feared no more for myself; and the +milkiness of my nature was curdled into hatred and rancour. +Some one was near, and this enemy of God and man might possibly +be brought to justice. I reflected not that the preternatural +power which he had hitherto exerted, would avail to rescue him +from any toils in which his feet might be entangled. Meanwhile, +looks, and not words of menace and abhorrence, were all that I +could bestow. + +He did not depart. He seemed dubious, whether, by passing +out of the house, or by remaining somewhat longer where he was, +he should most endanger his safety. His confusion increased +when steps of one barefoot were heard upon the stairs. He threw +anxious glances sometimes at the closet, sometimes at the +window, and sometimes at the chamber door, yet he was detained +by some inexplicable fascination. He stood as if rooted to the +spot. + +As to me, my soul was bursting with detestation and revenge. +I had no room for surmises and fears respecting him that +approached. It was doubtless a human being, and would befriend +me so far as to aid me in arresting this offender. + +The stranger quickly entered the room. My eyes and the eyes +of Carwin were, at the same moment, darted upon him. A second +glance was not needed to inform us who he was. His locks were +tangled, and fell confusedly over his forehead and ears. His +shirt was of coarse stuff, and open at the neck and breast. His +coat was once of bright and fine texture, but now torn and +tarnished with dust. His feet, his legs, and his arms were +bare. His features were the seat of a wild and tranquil +solemnity, but his eyes bespoke inquietude and curiosity. + +He advanced with firm step, and looking as in search of some +one. He saw me and stopped. He bent his sight on the floor, +and clenching his hands, appeared suddenly absorbed in +meditation. Such were the figure and deportment of Wieland! +Such, in his fallen state, were the aspect and guise of my +brother! + +Carwin did not fail to recognize the visitant. Care for his +own safety was apparently swallowed up in the amazement which +this spectacle produced. His station was conspicuous, and he +could not have escaped the roving glances of Wieland; yet the +latter seemed totally unconscious of his presence. + +Grief at this scene of ruin and blast was at first the only +sentiment of which I was conscious. A fearful stillness ensued. +At length Wieland, lifting his hands, which were locked in each +other, to his breast, exclaimed, "Father! I thank thee. This is +thy guidance. Hither thou hast led me, that I might perform thy +will: yet let me not err: let me hear again thy messenger!" + +He stood for a minute as if listening; but recovering from +his attitude, he continued--"It is not needed. Dastardly +wretch! thus eternally questioning the behests of thy Maker! +weak in resolution! wayward in faith!" + +He advanced to me, and, after another pause, resumed: "Poor +girl! a dismal fate has set its mark upon thee. Thy life is +demanded as a sacrifice. Prepare thee to die. Make not my +office difficult by fruitless opposition. Thy prayers might +subdue stones; but none but he who enjoined my purpose can shake +it." + +These words were a sufficient explication of the scene. The +nature of his phrenzy, as described by my uncle, was remembered. +I who had sought death, was now thrilled with horror because it +was near. Death in this form, death from the hand of a brother, +was thought upon with undescribable repugnance. + +In a state thus verging upon madness, my eye glanced upon +Carwin. His astonishment appeared to have struck him motionless +and dumb. My life was in danger, and my brother's hand was +about to be embrued in my blood. I firmly believed that +Carwin's was the instigation. I could rescue me from this +abhorred fate; I could dissipate this tremendous illusion; I +could save my brother from the perpetration of new horrors, by +pointing out the devil who seduced him; to hesitate a moment was +to perish. These thoughts gave strength to my limbs, and energy +to my accents: I started on my feet. +"O brother! spare me, spare thyself: There is thy betrayer. +He counterfeited the voice and face of an angel, for the purpose +of destroying thee and me. He has this moment confessed it. He +is able to speak where he is not. He is leagued with hell, but +will not avow it; yet he confesses that the agency was his." + +My brother turned slowly his eyes, and fixed them upon +Carwin. Every joint in the frame of the latter trembled. His +complexion was paler than a ghost's. His eye dared not meet +that of Wieland, but wandered with an air of distraction from +one space to another. + +"Man," said my brother, in a voice totally unlike that which +he had used to me, "what art thou? The charge has been made. +Answer it. The visage--the voice--at the bottom of these +stairs--at the hour of eleven--To whom did they belong? To +thee?" + +Twice did Carwin attempt to speak, but his words died away +upon his lips. My brother resumed in a tone of greater +vehemence-- + +"Thou falterest; faltering is ominous; say yes or no: one +word will suffice; but beware of falsehood. Was it a stratagem +of hell to overthrow my family? Wast thou the agent?" + +I now saw that the wrath which had been prepared for me was +to be heaped upon another. The tale that I heard from him, and +his present trepidations, were abundant testimonies of his +guilt. But what if Wieland should be undeceived! What if he +shall find his acts to have proceeded not from an heavenly +prompter, but from human treachery! Will not his rage mount +into whirlwind? Will not he tare limb from limb this devoted +wretch? + +Instinctively I recoiled from this image, but it gave place +to another. Carwin may be innocent, but the impetuosity of his +judge may misconstrue his answers into a confession of guilt. +Wieland knows not that mysterious voices and appearances were +likewise witnessed by me. Carwin may be ignorant of those which +misled my brother. Thus may his answers unwarily betray himself +to ruin. + +Such might be the consequences of my frantic precipitation, +and these, it was necessary, if possible, to prevent. I +attempted to speak, but Wieland, turning suddenly upon me, +commanded silence, in a tone furious and terrible. My lips +closed, and my tongue refused its office. + +"What art thou?" he resumed, addressing himself to Carwin. +"Answer me; whose form--whose voice--was it thy contrivance? +Answer me." + +The answer was now given, but confusedly and scarcely +articulated. "I meant nothing--I intended no ill--if I +understand--if I do not mistake you--it is too true--I did +appear--in the entry--did speak. The contrivance was mine, +but--" + +These words were no sooner uttered, than my brother ceased to +wear the same aspect. His eyes were downcast: he was +motionless: his respiration became hoarse, like that of a man +in the agonies of death. Carwin seemed unable to say more. He +might have easily escaped, but the thought which occupied him +related to what was horrid and unintelligible in this scene, and +not to his own danger. + +Presently the faculties of Wieland, which, for a time, were +chained up, were seized with restlessness and trembling. He +broke silence. The stoutest heart would have been appalled by +the tone in which he spoke. He addressed himself to Carwin. + +"Why art thou here? Who detains thee? Go and learn better. +I will meet thee, but it must be at the bar of thy Maker. There +shall I bear witness against thee." + +Perceiving that Carwin did not obey, he continued; "Dost thou +wish me to complete the catalogue by thy death? Thy life is a +worthless thing. Tempt me no more. I am but a man, and thy +presence may awaken a fury which may spurn my controul. +Begone!" + +Carwin, irresolute, striving in vain for utterance, his +complexion pallid as death, his knees beating one against +another, slowly obeyed the mandate and withdrew. + + + +Chapter XXV + + +A few words more and I lay aside the pen for ever. Yet why +should I not relinquish it now? All that I have said is +preparatory to this scene, and my fingers, tremulous and cold as +my heart, refuse any further exertion. This must not be. Let +my last energies support me in the finishing of this task. Then +will I lay down my head in the lap of death. Hushed will be all +my murmurs in the sleep of the grave. + +Every sentiment has perished in my bosom. Even friendship is +extinct. Your love for me has prompted me to this task; but I +would not have complied if it had not been a luxury thus to +feast upon my woes. I have justly calculated upon my remnant of +strength. When I lay down the pen the taper of life will +expire: my existence will terminate with my tale. + +Now that I was left alone with Wieland, the perils of my +situation presented themselves to my mind. That this paroxysm +should terminate in havock and rage it was reasonable to +predict. The first suggestion of my fears had been disproved by +my experience. Carwin had acknowledged his offences, and yet +had escaped. The vengeance which I had harboured had not been +admitted by Wieland, and yet the evils which I had endured, +compared with those inflicted on my brother, were as nothing. +I thirsted for his blood, and was tormented with an insatiable +appetite for his destruction; yet my brother was unmoved, and +had dismissed him in safety. Surely thou wast more than man, +while I am sunk below the beasts. + +Did I place a right construction on the conduct of Wieland? +Was the error that misled him so easily rectified? Were views +so vivid and faith so strenuous thus liable to fading and to +change? Was there not reason to doubt the accuracy of my +perceptions? With images like these was my mind thronged, till +the deportment of my brother called away my attention. + +I saw his lips move and his eyes cast up to heaven. Then +would he listen and look back, as if in expectation of some +one's appearance. Thrice he repeated these gesticulations and +this inaudible prayer. Each time the mist of confusion and +doubt seemed to grow darker and to settle on his understanding. +I guessed at the meaning of these tokens. The words of Carwin +had shaken his belief, and he was employed in summoning the +messenger who had formerly communed with him, to attest the +value of those new doubts. In vain the summons was repeated, +for his eye met nothing but vacancy, and not a sound saluted his +ear. + +He walked to the bed, gazed with eagerness at the pillow +which had sustained the head of the breathless Catharine, and +then returned to the place where I sat. I had no power to lift +my eyes to his face: I was dubious of his purpose: this +purpose might aim at my life. + +Alas! nothing but subjection to danger, and exposure to +temptation, can show us what we are. By this test was I now +tried, and found to be cowardly and rash. Men can deliberately +untie the thread of life, and of this I had deemed myself +capable; yet now that I stood upon the brink of fate, that the +knife of the sacrificer was aimed at my heart, I shuddered and +betook myself to any means of escape, however monstrous. + +Can I bear to think--can I endure to relate the outrage which +my heart meditated? Where were my means of safety? Resistance +was vain. Not even the energy of despair could set me on a +level with that strength which his terrific prompter had +bestowed upon Wieland. Terror enables us to perform incredible +feats; but terror was not then the state of my mind: where then +were my hopes of rescue? + +Methinks it is too much. I stand aside, as it were, from +myself; I estimate my own deservings; a hatred, immortal and +inexorable, is my due. I listen to my own pleas, and find them +empty and false: yes, I acknowledge that my guilt surpasses +that of all mankind: I confess that the curses of a world, and +the frowns of a deity, are inadequate to my demerits. Is there +a thing in the world worthy of infinite abhorrence? It is I. +What shall I say! I was menaced, as I thought, with death, +and, to elude this evil, my hand was ready to inflict death upon +the menacer. In visiting my house, I had made provision against +the machinations of Carwin. In a fold of my dress an open +penknife was concealed. This I now seized and drew forth. It +lurked out of view: but I now see that my state of mind would +have rendered the deed inevitable if my brother had lifted his +hand. This instrument of my preservation would have been +plunged into his heart. + +O, insupportable remembrance! hide thee from my view for a +time; hide it from me that my heart was black enough to meditate +the stabbing of a brother! a brother thus supreme in misery; +thus towering in virtue! + +He was probably unconscious of my design, but presently drew +back. This interval was sufficient to restore me to myself. +The madness, the iniquity of that act which I had purposed +rushed upon my apprehension. For a moment I was breathless with +agony. At the next moment I recovered my strength, and threw +the knife with violence on the floor. + +The sound awoke my brother from his reverie. He gazed +alternately at me and at the weapon. With a movement equally +solemn he stooped and took it up. He placed the blade in +different positions, scrutinizing it accurately, and +maintaining, at the same time, a profound silence. + +Again he looked at me, but all that vehemence and loftiness +of spirit which had so lately characterized his features, were +flown. Fallen muscles, a forehead contracted into folds, eyes +dim with unbidden drops, and a ruefulness of aspect which no +words can describe, were now visible. + +His looks touched into energy the same sympathies in me, and +I poured forth a flood of tears. This passion was quickly +checked by fear, which had now, no longer, my own, but his +safety for their object. I watched his deportment in silence. +At length he spoke: + +"Sister," said he, in an accent mournful and mild, "I have +acted poorly my part in this world. What thinkest thou? Shall +I not do better in the next?" + +I could make no answer. The mildness of his tone astonished +and encouraged me. I continued to regard him with wistful and +anxious looks. + +"I think," resumed he, "I will try. My wife and my babes +have gone before. Happy wretches! I have sent you to repose, +and ought not to linger behind." + +These words had a meaning sufficiently intelligible. I +looked at the open knife in his hand and shuddered, but knew not +how to prevent the deed which I dreaded. He quickly noticed my +fears, and comprehended them. Stretching towards me his hand, +with an air of increasing mildness: "Take it," said he: "Fear +not for thy own sake, nor for mine. The cup is gone by, and its +transient inebriation is succeeded by the soberness of truth. + +"Thou angel whom I was wont to worship! fearest thou, my +sister, for thy life? Once it was the scope of my labours to +destroy thee, but I was prompted to the deed by heaven; such, at +least, was my belief. Thinkest thou that thy death was sought +to gratify malevolence? No. I am pure from all stain. I +believed that my God was my mover! + +"Neither thee nor myself have I cause to injure. I have done +my duty, and surely there is merit in having sacrificed to that, +all that is dear to the heart of man. If a devil has deceived +me, he came in the habit of an angel. If I erred, it was not my +judgment that deceived me, but my senses. In thy sight, being +of beings! I am still pure. Still will I look for my reward in +thy justice!" + +Did my ears truly report these sounds? If I did not err, my +brother was restored to just perceptions. He knew himself to +have been betrayed to the murder of his wife and children, to +have been the victim of infernal artifice; yet he found +consolation in the rectitude of his motives. He was not devoid +of sorrow, for this was written on his countenance; but his soul +was tranquil and sublime. + +Perhaps this was merely a transition of his former madness +into a new shape. Perhaps he had not yet awakened to the memory +of the horrors which he had perpetrated. Infatuated wretch that +I was! To set myself up as a model by which to judge of my +heroic brother! My reason taught me that his conclusions were +right; but conscious of the impotence of reason over my own +conduct; conscious of my cowardly rashness and my criminal +despair, I doubted whether any one could be stedfast and wise. + +Such was my weakness, that even in the midst of these +thoughts, my mind glided into abhorrence of Carwin, and I +uttered in a low voice, O! Carwin! Carwin! What hast thou to +answer for? + +My brother immediately noticed the involuntary exclamation: +"Clara!" said he, "be thyself. Equity used to be a theme for +thy eloquence. Reduce its lessons to practice, and be just to +that unfortunate man. The instrument has done its work, and I +am satisfied. + +"I thank thee, my God, for this last illumination! My enemy +is thine also. I deemed him to be man, the man with whom I have +often communed; but now thy goodness has unveiled to me his true +nature. As the performer of thy behests, he is my friend." + +My heart began now to misgive me. His mournful aspect had +gradually yielded place to a serene brow. A new soul appeared +to actuate his frame, and his eyes to beam with preternatural +lustre. These symptoms did not abate, and he continued: + +"Clara! I must not leave thee in doubt. I know not what +brought about thy interview with the being whom thou callest +Carwin. For a time, I was guilty of thy error, and deduced from +his incoherent confessions that I had been made the victim of +human malice. He left us at my bidding, and I put up a prayer +that my doubts should be removed. Thy eyes were shut, and thy +ears sealed to the vision that answered my prayer. + +"I was indeed deceived. The form thou hast seen was the +incarnation of a daemon. The visage and voice which urged me to +the sacrifice of my family, were his. Now he personates a human +form: then he was invironed with the lustre of heaven.-- + +"Clara," he continued, advancing closer to me, "thy death +must come. This minister is evil, but he from whom his +commission was received is God. Submit then with all thy wonted +resignation to a decree that cannot be reversed or resisted. +Mark the clock. Three minutes are allowed to thee, in which to +call up thy fortitude, and prepare thee for thy doom." There he +stopped. + +Even now, when this scene exists only in memory, when life +and all its functions have sunk into torpor, my pulse throbs, +and my hairs uprise: my brows are knit, as then; and I gaze +around me in distraction. I was unconquerably averse to death; +but death, imminent and full of agony as that which was +threatened, was nothing. This was not the only or chief +inspirer of my fears. + +For him, not for myself, was my soul tormented. I might die, +and no crime, surpassing the reach of mercy, would pursue me to +the presence of my Judge; but my assassin would survive to +contemplate his deed, and that assassin was Wieland! + +Wings to bear me beyond his reach I had not. I could not +vanish with a thought. The door was open, but my murderer was +interposed between that and me. Of self-defence I was +incapable. The phrenzy that lately prompted me to blood was +gone; my state was desperate; my rescue was impossible. + +The weight of these accumulated thoughts could not be borne. +My sight became confused; my limbs were seized with convulsion; +I spoke, but my words were half-formed:-- + +"Spare me, my brother! Look down, righteous Judge! snatch me +from this fate! take away this fury from him, or turn it +elsewhere!" + +Such was the agony of my thoughts, that I noticed not steps +entering my apartment. Supplicating eyes were cast upward, but +when my prayer was breathed, I once more wildly gazed at the +door. A form met my sight: I shuddered as if the God whom I +invoked were present. It was Carwin that again intruded, and +who stood before me, erect in attitude, and stedfast in look! +The sight of him awakened new and rapid thoughts. His recent +tale was remembered: his magical transitions and mysterious +energy of voice: Whether he were infernal or miraculous, or +human, there was no power and no need to decide. Whether the +contriver or not of this spell, he was able to unbind it, and to +check the fury of my brother. He had ascribed to himself +intentions not malignant. Here now was afforded a test of his +truth. Let him interpose, as from above; revoke the savage +decree which the madness of Wieland has assigned to heaven, and +extinguish for ever this passion for blood! + +My mind detected at a glance this avenue to safety. The +recommendations it possessed thronged as it were together, and +made but one impression on my intellect. Remoter effects and +collateral dangers I saw not. Perhaps the pause of an instant +had sufficed to call them up. The improbability that the +influence which governed Wieland was external or human; the +tendency of this stratagem to sanction so fatal an error, or +substitute a more destructive rage in place of this; the +sufficiency of Carwin's mere muscular forces to counteract the +efforts, and restrain the fury of Wieland, might, at a second +glance, have been discovered; but no second glance was allowed. +My first thought hurried me to action, and, fixing my eyes upon +Carwin I exclaimed-- + +"O wretch! once more hast thou come? Let it be to abjure thy +malice; to counterwork this hellish stratagem; to turn from me +and from my brother, this desolating rage! + +"Testify thy innocence or thy remorse: exert the powers +which pertain to thee, whatever they be, to turn aside this +ruin. Thou art the author of these horrors! What have I done +to deserve thus to die? How have I merited this unrelenting +persecution? I adjure thee, by that God whose voice thou hast +dared to counterfeit, to save my life! + +"Wilt thou then go? leave me! Succourless!" + +Carwin listened to my intreaties unmoved, and turned from me. +He seemed to hesitate a moment: then glided through the door. +Rage and despair stifled my utterance. The interval of respite +was passed; the pangs reserved for me by Wieland, were not to be +endured; my thoughts rushed again into anarchy. Having received +the knife from his hand, I held it loosely and without regard; +but now it seized again my attention, and I grasped it with +force. + +He seemed to notice not the entrance or exit of Carwin. My +gesture and the murderous weapon appeared to have escaped his +notice. His silence was unbroken; his eye, fixed upon the clock +for a time, was now withdrawn; fury kindled in every feature; +all that was human in his face gave way to an expression +supernatural and tremendous. I felt my left arm within his +grasp.-- + +Even now I hesitated to strike. I shrunk from his assault, +but in vain.-- + +Here let me desist. Why should I rescue this event from +oblivion? Why should I paint this detestable conflict? Why not +terminate at once this series of horrors?--Hurry to the verge of +the precipice, and cast myself for ever beyond remembrance and +beyond hope? + +Still I live: with this load upon my breast; with this +phantom to pursue my steps; with adders lodged in my bosom, and +stinging me to madness: still I consent to live! + +Yes, I will rise above the sphere of mortal passions: I will +spurn at the cowardly remorse that bids me seek impunity in +silence, or comfort in forgetfulness. My nerves shall be new +strung to the task. Have I not resolved? I will die. The +gulph before me is inevitable and near. I will die, but then +only when my tale is at an end. + + + +Chapter XXVI + + +My right hand, grasping the unseen knife, was still +disengaged. It was lifted to strike. All my strength was +exhausted, but what was sufficient to the performance of this +deed. Already was the energy awakened, and the impulse given, +that should bear the fatal steel to his heart, when--Wieland +shrunk back: his hand was withdrawn. Breathless with affright +and desperation, I stood, freed from his grasp; unassailed; +untouched. + +Thus long had the power which controuled the scene forborne +to interfere; but now his might was irresistible, and Wieland in +a moment was disarmed of all his purposes. A voice, louder than +human organs could produce, shriller than language can depict, +burst from the ceiling, and commanded him--TO HOLD! + +Trouble and dismay succeeded to the stedfastness that had +lately been displayed in the looks of Wieland. His eyes roved +from one quarter to another, with an expression of doubt. He +seemed to wait for a further intimation. + +Carwin's agency was here easily recognized. I had besought +him to interpose in my defence. He had flown. I had imagined +him deaf to my prayer, and resolute to see me perish: yet he +disappeared merely to devise and execute the means of my relief. + +Why did he not forbear when this end was accomplished? Why +did his misjudging zeal and accursed precipitation overpass that +limit? Or meant he thus to crown the scene, and conduct his +inscrutable plots to this consummation? + +Such ideas were the fruit of subsequent contemplation. This +moment was pregnant with fate. I had no power to reason. In +the career of my tempestuous thoughts, rent into pieces, as my +mind was, by accumulating horrors, Carwin was unseen and +unsuspected. I partook of Wieland's credulity, shook with his +amazement, and panted with his awe. + +Silence took place for a moment; so much as allowed the +attention to recover its post. Then new sounds were uttered +from above. + +"Man of errors! cease to cherish thy delusion: not heaven or +hell, but thy senses have misled thee to commit these acts. +Shake off thy phrenzy, and ascend into rational and human. Be +lunatic no longer." + +My brother opened his lips to speak. His tone was terrific +and faint. He muttered an appeal to heaven. It was difficult +to comprehend the theme of his inquiries. They implied doubt as +to the nature of the impulse that hitherto had guided him, and +questioned whether he had acted in consequence of insane +perceptions. + +To these interrogatories the voice, which now seemed to hover +at his shoulder, loudly answered in the affirmative. Then +uninterrupted silence ensued. + +Fallen from his lofty and heroic station; now finally +restored to the perception of truth; weighed to earth by the +recollection of his own deeds; consoled no longer by a +consciousness of rectitude, for the loss of offspring and +wife--a loss for which he was indebted to his own misguided +hand; Wieland was transformed at once into the man OF SORROWS! + +He reflected not that credit should be as reasonably denied +to the last, as to any former intimation; that one might as +justly be ascribed to erring or diseased senses as the other. +He saw not that this discovery in no degree affected the +integrity of his conduct; that his motives had lost none of +their claims to the homage of mankind; that the preference of +supreme good, and the boundless energy of duty, were +undiminished in his bosom. + +It is not for me to pursue him through the ghastly changes of +his countenance. Words he had none. Now he sat upon the floor, +motionless in all his limbs, with his eyes glazed and fixed; a +monument of woe. + +Anon a spirit of tempestuous but undesigning activity seized +him. He rose from his place and strode across the floor, +tottering and at random. His eyes were without moisture, and +gleamed with the fire that consumed his vitals. The muscles of +his face were agitated by convulsion. His lips moved, but no +sound escaped him. + +That nature should long sustain this conflict was not to be +believed. My state was little different from that of my +brother. I entered, as it were, into his thought. My heart was +visited and rent by his pangs--Oh that thy phrenzy had never +been cured! that thy madness, with its blissful visions, would +return! or, if that must not be, that thy scene would hasten to +a close! that death would cover thee with his oblivion! + +What can I wish for thee? Thou who hast vied with the great +preacher of thy faith in sanctity of motives, and in elevation +above sensual and selfish! Thou whom thy fate has changed into +paricide and savage! Can I wish for the continuance of thy +being? No. + +For a time his movements seemed destitute of purpose. If he +walked; if he turned; if his fingers were entwined with each +other; if his hands were pressed against opposite sides of his +head with a force sufficient to crush it into pieces; it was to +tear his mind from self-contemplation; to waste his thoughts on +external objects. + +Speedily this train was broken. A beam appeared to be darted +into his mind, which gave a purpose to his efforts. An avenue +to escape presented itself; and now he eagerly gazed about him: +when my thoughts became engaged by his demeanour, my fingers +were stretched as by a mechanical force, and the knife, no +longer heeded or of use, escaped from my grasp, and fell +unperceived on the floor. His eye now lighted upon it; he +seized it with the quickness of thought. + +I shrieked aloud, but it was too late. He plunged it to the +hilt in his neck; and his life instantly escaped with the stream +that gushed from the wound. He was stretched at my feet; and my +hands were sprinkled with his blood as he fell. + +Such was thy last deed, my brother! For a spectacle like +this was it my fate to be reserved! Thy eyes were closed--thy +face ghastly with death--thy arms, and the spot where thou +liedest, floated in thy life's blood! These images have not, +for a moment, forsaken me. Till I am breathless and cold, they +must continue to hover in my sight. + +Carwin, as I said, had left the room, but he still lingered +in the house. My voice summoned him to my aid; but I scarcely +noticed his re-entrance, and now faintly recollect his terrified +looks, his broken exclamations, his vehement avowals of +innocence, the effusions of his pity for me, and his offers of +assistance. + +I did not listen--I answered him not--I ceased to upbraid or +accuse. His guilt was a point to which I was indifferent. +Ruffian or devil, black as hell or bright as angels, thenceforth +he was nothing to me. I was incapable of sparing a look or a +thought from the ruin that was spread at my feet. + +When he left me, I was scarcely conscious of any variation in +the scene. He informed the inhabitants of the hut of what had +passed, and they flew to the spot. Careless of his own safety, +he hasted to the city to inform my friends of my condition. + +My uncle speedily arrived at the house. The body of Wieland +was removed from my presence, and they supposed that I would +follow it; but no, my home is ascertained; here I have taken up +my rest, and never will I go hence, till, like Wieland, I am +borne to my grave. + +Importunity was tried in vain: they threatened to remove me +by violence--nay, violence was used; but my soul prizes too +dearly this little roof to endure to be bereaved of it. Force +should not prevail when the hoary locks and supplicating tears +of my uncle were ineffectual. My repugnance to move gave birth +to ferociousness and phrenzy when force was employed, and they +were obliged to consent to my return. + +They besought me--they remonstrated--they appealed to every +duty that connected me with him that made me, and with my +fellow-men--in vain. While I live I will not go hence. Have I +not fulfilled my destiny? + +Why will ye torment me with your reasonings and reproofs? +Can ye restore to me the hope of my better days? Can ye give me +back Catharine and her babes? Can ye recall to life him who +died at my feet? + +I will eat--I will drink--I will lie down and rise up at your +bidding--all I ask is the choice of my abode. What is there +unreasonable in this demand? Shortly will I be at peace. This +is the spot which I have chosen in which to breathe my last +sigh. Deny me not, I beseech you, so slight a boon. + +Talk not to me, O my revered friend! of Carwin. He has told +thee his tale, and thou exculpatest him from all direct concern +in the fate of Wieland. This scene of havock was produced by an +illusion of the senses. Be it so: I care not from what source +these disasters have flowed; it suffices that they have +swallowed up our hopes and our existence. + +What his agency began, his agency conducted to a close. He +intended, by the final effort of his power, to rescue me and to +banish his illusions from my brother. Such is his tale, +concerning the truth of which I care not. Henceforth I foster +but one wish--I ask only quick deliverance from life and all the +ills that attend it.-- + +Go wretch! torment me not with thy presence and thy +prayers.--Forgive thee? Will that avail thee when thy fateful +hour shall arrive? Be thou acquitted at thy own tribunal, and +thou needest not fear the verdict of others. If thy guilt be +capable of blacker hues, if hitherto thy conscience be without +stain, thy crime will be made more flagrant by thus violating my +retreat. Take thyself away from my sight if thou wouldest not +behold my death! + +Thou are gone! murmuring and reluctant! And now my repose is +coming--my work is done! + + + +Chapter XXVII + + +[Written three years after the foregoing, and dated at Montpellier.] + + +I imagined that I had forever laid aside the pen; and that I +should take up my abode in this part of the world, was of all +events the least probable. My destiny I believed to be +accomplished, and I looked forward to a speedy termination of my +life with the fullest confidence. + +Surely I had reason to be weary of existence, to be impatient +of every tie which held me from the grave. I experienced this +impatience in its fullest extent. I was not only enamoured of +death, but conceived, from the condition of my frame, that to +shun it was impossible, even though I had ardently desired it; +yet here am I, a thousand leagues from my native soil, in full +possession of life and of health, and not destitute of +happiness. + +Such is man. Time will obliterate the deepest impressions. +Grief the most vehement and hopeless, will gradually decay and +wear itself out. Arguments may be employed in vain: every +moral prescription may be ineffectually tried: remonstrances, +however cogent or pathetic, shall have no power over the +attention, or shall be repelled with disdain; yet, as day +follows day, the turbulence of our emotions shall subside, and +our fluctuations be finally succeeded by a calm. + +Perhaps, however, the conquest of despair was chiefly owing +to an accident which rendered my continuance in my own house +impossible. At the conclusion of my long, and, as I then +supposed, my last letter to you, I mentioned my resolution to +wait for death in the very spot which had been the principal +scene of my misfortunes. From this resolution my friends +exerted themselves with the utmost zeal and perseverance to make +me depart. They justly imagined that to be thus surrounded by +memorials of the fate of my family, would tend to foster my +disease. A swift succession of new objects, and the exclusion +of every thing calculated to remind me of my loss, was the only +method of cure. + +I refused to listen to their exhortations. Great as my +calamity was, to be torn from this asylum was regarded by me as +an aggravation of it. By a perverse constitution of mind, he +was considered as my greatest enemy who sought to withdraw me +from a scene which supplied eternal food to my melancholy, and +kept my despair from languishing. + +In relating the history of these disasters I derived a +similar species of gratification. My uncle earnestly dissuaded +me from this task; but his remonstrances were as fruitless on +this head as they had been on others. They would have withheld +from me the implements of writing; but they quickly perceived +that to withstand would be more injurious than to comply with my +wishes. Having finished my tale, it seemed as if the scene were +closing. A fever lurked in my veins, and my strength was gone. +Any exertion, however slight, was attended with difficulty, and, +at length, I refused to rise from my bed. + +I now see the infatuation and injustice of my conduct in its +true colours. I reflect upon the sensations and reasonings of +that period with wonder and humiliation. That I should be +insensible to the claims and tears of my friends; that I should +overlook the suggestions of duty, and fly from that post in +which only I could be instrumental to the benefit of others; +that the exercise of the social and beneficent affections, the +contemplation of nature and the acquisition of wisdom should not +be seen to be means of happiness still within my reach, is, at +this time, scarcely credible. + +It is true that I am now changed; but I have not the +consolation to reflect that my change was owing to my fortitude +or to my capacity for instruction. Better thoughts grew up in +my mind imperceptibly. I cannot but congratulate myself on the +change, though, perhaps, it merely argues a fickleness of +temper, and a defect of sensibility. + +After my narrative was ended I betook myself to my bed, in +the full belief that my career in this world was on the point of +finishing. My uncle took up his abode with me, and performed +for me every office of nurse, physician and friend. One night, +after some hours of restlessness and pain, I sunk into deep +sleep. Its tranquillity, however, was of no long duration. My +fancy became suddenly distempered, and my brain was turned into +a theatre of uproar and confusion. It would not be easy to +describe the wild and phantastical incongruities that pestered +me. My uncle, Wieland, Pleyel and Carwin were successively and +momently discerned amidst the storm. Sometimes I was swallowed +up by whirlpools, or caught up in the air by half-seen and +gigantic forms, and thrown upon pointed rocks, or cast among the +billows. Sometimes gleams of light were shot into a dark abyss, +on the verge of which I was standing, and enabled me to +discover, for a moment, its enormous depth and hideous +precipices. Anon, I was transported to some ridge of AEtna, and +made a terrified spectator of its fiery torrents and its pillars +of smoke. + +However strange it may seem, I was conscious, even during my +dream, of my real situation. I knew myself to be asleep, and +struggled to break the spell, by muscular exertions. These did +not avail, and I continued to suffer these abortive creations +till a loud voice, at my bed side, and some one shaking me with +violence, put an end to my reverie. My eyes were unsealed, and +I started from my pillow. + +My chamber was filled with smoke, which, though in some +degree luminous, would permit me to see nothing, and by which I +was nearly suffocated. The crackling of flames, and the +deafening clamour of voices without, burst upon my ears. +Stunned as I was by this hubbub, scorched with heat, and nearly +choaked by the accumulating vapours, I was unable to think or +act for my own preservation; I was incapable, indeed, of +comprehending my danger. + +I was caught up, in an instant, by a pair of sinewy arms, +borne to the window, and carried down a ladder which had been +placed there. My uncle stood at the bottom and received me. I +was not fully aware of my situation till I found myself +sheltered in the HUT, and surrounded by its inhabitants. + +By neglect of the servant, some unextinguished embers had +been placed in a barrel in the cellar of the building. The +barrel had caught fire; this was communicated to the beams of +the lower floor, and thence to the upper part of the structure. +It was first discovered by some persons at a distance, who +hastened to the spot and alarmed my uncle and the servants. The +flames had already made considerable progress, and my condition +was overlooked till my escape was rendered nearly impossible. + +My danger being known, and a ladder quickly procured, one of +the spectators ascended to my chamber, and effected my +deliverance in the manner before related. + +This incident, disastrous as it may at first seem, had, in +reality, a beneficial effect upon my feelings. I was, in some +degree, roused from the stupor which had seized my faculties. +The monotonous and gloomy series of my thoughts was broken. My +habitation was levelled with the ground, and I was obliged to +seek a new one. A new train of images, disconnected with the +fate of my family, forced itself on my attention, and a belief +insensibly sprung up, that tranquillity, if not happiness, was +still within my reach. Notwithstanding the shocks which my +frame had endured, the anguish of my thoughts no sooner abated +than I recovered my health. + +I now willingly listened to my uncle's solicitations to be +the companion of his voyage. Preparations were easily made, and +after a tedious passage, we set our feet on the shore of the +ancient world. The memory of the past did not forsake me; but +the melancholy which it generated, and the tears with which it +filled my eyes, were not unprofitable. My curiosity was +revived, and I contemplated, with ardour, the spectacle of +living manners and the monuments of past ages. + +In proportion as my heart was reinstated in the possession of +its ancient tranquillity, the sentiment which I had cherished +with regard to Pleyel returned. In a short time he was united +to the Saxon woman, and made his residence in the neighbourhood +of Boston. I was glad that circumstances would not permit an +interview to take place between us. I could not desire their +misery; but I reaped no pleasure from reflecting on their +happiness. Time, and the exertions of my fortitude, cured me, +in some degree, of this folly. I continued to love him, but my +passion was disguised to myself; I considered it merely as a +more tender species of friendship, and cherished it without +compunction. + +Through my uncle's exertions a meeting was brought about +between Carwin and Pleyel, and explanations took place which +restored me at once to the good opinion of the latter. Though +separated so widely our correspondence was punctual and +frequent, and paved the way for that union which can only end +with the death of one of us. + +In my letters to him I made no secret of my former +sentiments. This was a theme on which I could talk without +painful, though not without delicate emotions. That knowledge +which I should never have imparted to a lover, I felt little +scruple to communicate to a friend. + +A year and an half elapsed when Theresa was snatched from him +by death, in the hour in which she gave him the first pledge of +their mutual affection. This event was borne by him with his +customary fortitude. It induced him, however, to make a change +in his plans. He disposed of his property in America, and +joined my uncle and me, who had terminated the wanderings of two +years at Montpellier, which will henceforth, I believe, be our +permanent abode. + +If you reflect upon that entire confidence which had +subsisted from our infancy between Pleyel and myself; on the +passion that I had contracted, and which was merely smothered +for a time; and on the esteem which was mutual, you will not, +perhaps, be surprized that the renovation of our intercourse +should give birth to that union which at present subsists. When +the period had elapsed necessary to weaken the remembrance of +Theresa, to whom he had been bound by ties more of honor than of +love, he tendered his affections to me. I need not add that the +tender was eagerly accepted. + +Perhaps you are somewhat interested in the fate of Carwin. +He saw, when too late, the danger of imposture. So much +affected was he by the catastrophe to which he was a witness, +that he laid aside all regard to his own safety. He sought my +uncle, and confided to him the tale which he had just related to +me. He found a more impartial and indulgent auditor in Mr. +Cambridge, who imputed to maniacal illusion the conduct of +Wieland, though he conceived the previous and unseen agency of +Carwin, to have indirectly but powerfully predisposed to this +deplorable perversion of mind. + +It was easy for Carwin to elude the persecutions of Ludloe. +It was merely requisite to hide himself in a remote district of +Pennsylvania. This, when he parted from us, he determined to +do. He is now probably engaged in the harmless pursuits of +agriculture, and may come to think, without insupportable +remorse, on the evils to which his fatal talents have given +birth. The innocence and usefulness of his future life may, in +some degree, atone for the miseries so rashly or so +thoughtlessly inflicted. + +More urgent considerations hindered me from mentioning, in +the course of my former mournful recital, any particulars +respecting the unfortunate father of Louisa Conway. That man +surely was reserved to be a monument of capricious fortune. His +southern journies being finished, he returned to Philadelphia. +Before he reached the city he left the highway, and alighted at +my brother's door. Contrary to his expectation, no one came +forth to welcome him, or hail his approach. He attempted to +enter the house, but bolted doors, barred windows, and a silence +broken only by unanswered calls, shewed him that the mansion was +deserted. + +He proceeded thence to my habitation, which he found, in like +manner, gloomy and tenantless. His surprize may be easily +conceived. The rustics who occupied the hut told him an +imperfect and incredible tale. He hasted to the city, and +extorted from Mrs. Baynton a full disclosure of late disasters. + +He was inured to adversity, and recovered, after no long +time, from the shocks produced by this disappointment of his +darling scheme. Our intercourse did not terminate with his +departure from America. We have since met with him in France, +and light has at length been thrown upon the motives which +occasioned the disappearance of his wife, in the manner which I +formerly related to you. + +I have dwelt upon the ardour of their conjugal attachment, +and mentioned that no suspicion had ever glanced upon her +purity. This, though the belief was long cherished, recent +discoveries have shewn to be questionable. No doubt her +integrity would have survived to the present moment, if an +extraordinary fate had not befallen her. + +Major Stuart had been engaged, while in Germany, in a contest +of honor with an Aid de Camp of the Marquis of Granby. His +adversary had propagated a rumour injurious to his character. +A challenge was sent; a meeting ensued; and Stuart wounded and +disarmed the calumniator. The offence was atoned for, and his +life secured by suitable concessions. + +Maxwell, that was his name, shortly after, in consequence of +succeeding to a rich inheritance, sold his commission and +returned to London. His fortune was speedily augmented by an +opulent marriage. Interest was his sole inducement to this +marriage, though the lady had been swayed by a credulous +affection. The true state of his heart was quickly discovered, +and a separation, by mutual consent, took place. The lady +withdrew to an estate in a distant county, and Maxwell continued +to consume his time and fortune in the dissipation of the +capital. + +Maxwell, though deceitful and sensual, possessed great force +of mind and specious accomplishments. He contrived to mislead +the generous mind of Stuart, and to regain the esteem which his +misconduct, for a time, had forfeited. He was recommended by +her husband to the confidence of Mrs. Stuart. Maxwell was +stimulated by revenge, and by a lawless passion, to convert this +confidence into a source of guilt. + +The education and capacity of this woman, the worth of her +husband, the pledge of their alliance which time had produced, +her maturity in age and knowledge of the world--all combined to +render this attempt hopeless. Maxwell, however, was not easily +discouraged. The most perfect being, he believed, must owe his +exemption from vice to the absence of temptation. The impulses +of love are so subtile, and the influence of false reasoning, +when enforced by eloquence and passion, so unbounded, that no +human virtue is secure from degeneracy. All arts being tried, +every temptation being summoned to his aid, dissimulation being +carried to its utmost bound, Maxwell, at length, nearly +accomplished his purpose. The lady's affections were withdrawn +from her husband and transferred to him. She could not, as yet, +be reconciled to dishonor. All efforts to induce her to elope +with him were ineffectual. She permitted herself to love, and +to avow her love; but at this limit she stopped, and was +immoveable. + +Hence this revolution in her sentiments was productive only +of despair. Her rectitude of principle preserved her from +actual guilt, but could not restore to her her ancient +affection, or save her from being the prey of remorseful and +impracticable wishes. Her husband's absence produced a state of +suspense. This, however, approached to a period, and she +received tidings of his intended return. Maxwell, being +likewise apprized of this event, and having made a last and +unsuccessful effort to conquer her reluctance to accompany him +in a journey to Italy, whither he pretended an invincible +necessity of going, left her to pursue the measures which +despair might suggest. At the same time she received a letter +from the wife of Maxwell, unveiling the true character of this +man, and revealing facts which the artifices of her seducer had +hitherto concealed from her. Mrs. Maxwell had been prompted to +this disclosure by a knowledge of her husband's practices, with +which his own impetuosity had made her acquainted. + +This discovery, joined to the delicacy of her scruples and +the anguish of remorse, induced her to abscond. This scheme was +adopted in haste, but effected with consummate prudence. She +fled, on the eve of her husband's arrival, in the disguise of a +boy, and embarked at Falmouth in a packet bound for America. + +The history of her disastrous intercourse with Maxwell, the +motives inducing her to forsake her country, and the measures +she had taken to effect her design, were related to Mrs. +Maxwell, in reply to her communication. Between these women an +ancient intimacy and considerable similitude of character +subsisted. This disclosure was accompanied with solemn +injunctions of secrecy, and these injunctions were, for a long +time, faithfully observed. + +Mrs. Maxwell's abode was situated on the banks of the Wey. +Stuart was her kinsman; their youth had been spent together; and +Maxwell was in some degree indebted to the man whom he betrayed, +for his alliance with this unfortunate lady. Her esteem for the +character of Stuart had never been diminished. A meeting +between them was occasioned by a tour which the latter had +undertaken, in the year after his return from America, to Wales +and the western counties. This interview produced pleasure and +regret in each. Their own transactions naturally became the +topics of their conversation; and the untimely fate of his wife +and daughter were related by the guest. + +Mrs. Maxwell's regard for her friend, as well as for the +safety of her husband, persuaded her to concealment; but the +former being dead, and the latter being out of the kingdom, she +ventured to produce Mrs. Stuart's letter, and to communicate her +own knowledge of the treachery of Maxwell. She had previously +extorted from her guest a promise not to pursue any scheme of +vengeance; but this promise was made while ignorant of the full +extent of Maxwell's depravity, and his passion refused to adhere +to it. + +At this time my uncle and I resided at Avignon. Among the +English resident there, and with whom we maintained a social +intercourse, was Maxwell. This man's talents and address +rendered him a favorite both with my uncle and myself. He had +even tendered me his hand in marriage; but this being refused, +he had sought and obtained permission to continue with us the +intercourse of friendship. Since a legal marriage was +impossible, no doubt, his views were flagitious. Whether he had +relinquished these views I was unable to judge. + +He was one in a large circle at a villa in the environs, to +which I had likewise been invited, when Stuart abruptly entered +the apartment. He was recognized with genuine satisfaction by +me, and with seeming pleasure by Maxwell. In a short time, some +affair of moment being pleaded, which required an immediate and +exclusive interview, Maxwell and he withdrew together. Stuart +and my uncle had been known to each other in the German army; +and the purpose contemplated by the former in this long and +hasty journey, was confided to his old friend. + +A defiance was given and received, and the banks of a +rivulet, about a league from the city, was selected as the scene +of this contest. My uncle, having exerted himself in vain to +prevent an hostile meeting, consented to attend them as a +surgeon.--Next morning, at sun-rise, was the time chosen. + +I returned early in the evening to my lodgings. +Preliminaries being settled between the combatants, Stuart had +consented to spend the evening with us, and did not retire till +late. On the way to his hotel he was exposed to no molestation, +but just as he stepped within the portico, a swarthy and +malignant figure started from behind a column. and plunged a +stiletto into his body. + +The author of this treason could not certainly be discovered; +but the details communicated by Stuart, respecting the history +of Maxwell, naturally pointed him out as an object of suspicion. +No one expressed more concern, on account of this disaster, than +he; and he pretended an ardent zeal to vindicate his character +from the aspersions that were cast upon it. Thenceforth, +however, I denied myself to his visits; and shortly after he +disappeared from this scene. + +Few possessed more estimable qualities, and a better title to +happiness and the tranquil honors of long life, than the mother +and father of Louisa Conway: yet they were cut off in the bloom +of their days; and their destiny was thus accomplished by the +same hand. Maxwell was the instrument of their destruction, +though the instrument was applied to this end in so different a +manner. + +I leave you to moralize on this tale. That virtue should +become the victim of treachery is, no doubt, a mournful +consideration; but it will not escape your notice, that the +evils of which Carwin and Maxwell were the authors, owed their +existence to the errors of the sufferers. All efforts would +have been ineffectual to subvert the happiness or shorten the +existence of the Stuarts, if their own frailty had not seconded +these efforts. If the lady had crushed her disastrous passion +in the bud, and driven the seducer from her presence, when the +tendency of his artifices was seen; if Stuart had not admitted +the spirit of absurd revenge, we should not have had to deplore +this catastrophe. If Wieland had framed juster notions of moral +duty, and of the divine attributes; or if I had been gifted with +ordinary equanimity or foresight, the double-tongued deceiver +would have been baffled and repelled. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Etext of Wieland, by Charles Brockden Brown + diff --git a/old/welnd10.zip b/old/welnd10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..940262e --- /dev/null +++ b/old/welnd10.zip |