928 a singular adventure: Oct: 305 | 
a moment’s reflection, this kind of solitude has much al- 
tered my principles and my ideas. I have long ago re- — 
signed myself to my fate; why fhould I then quit this. 
precstul abode, to expose myself again to the vicifsitudes 
of ‘lve world ?—My lot is cast : I thal] die here.” 
‘ Are you dreaming, teplied Je come, we have-not a | 
moment to lose; the night is advancing.’ 
“Your zeal moves me: but I have only a few days ty 
live ; and liberty gives me but little temptation. Why | 
fhould I go to enjoy it only for a few days, and difhonour | 
my son all the rest of his life, which may otherwise be 
long and prosperous?” ‘ He has difhonoured himself.’ 
“ Ah! what has his young daughterdone? that young in- 
nocent is now in the arms of her spouse. I fhould cover- 
both with disgrace, and render the remainder: of their 
lives miserable ; Ah, if fate but permitted me to see her, 
to fold her in my arms, and to bathe her with my tears !— 
But I am talking to no purpose. I never fhall see her ! 
Adieu :~-the day beginsto break, we fhall be heard, there-_ 
fore I will return to my prison.” - - -\ ‘ No, said I, 
taking hold of his arm} I will never suffer you to depart; 
long confinement has weakened. your spirits - - - it — 
is my duty to give you courage, and lend you afsistance, 
We will endeavour to conceal who you are: in the 
interim my house, name, and fortune are at your service ; 
but first let us secure liberty. The world will be igno_ 
rant who you are; and the crime of Vildac may be™ 
concealed 5 . therefore what have you to fear ?? “ No- 
thing, I am affected with gratitude :—-I admire your — 
benevolent disposition ; 3 yet all your entreaties are in 
vain,—I cannot follow your advice.” ‘ Well, if you — 
rather choose that I fhould leave you here, and go to the 
governor of the province, I-will lay before him your ~ 
