arguments and mine removed. I
did not even suppress the tenor and destruction of the will, and the
antipathy which Eliza had conceived for her uncle, and which I declared
myself unable to explain. It presently appeared that Mr. Curling had
some knowledge of Philip Hadwin, and that the latter had acquired the
repute of being obdurate and profligate. He employed all means to
accomplish his selfish ends, and would probably endeavour to usurp the
property which his brother had left. To provide against his power and
his malice would be particularly incumbent on us, and my new friend
readily promised his assistance in the measures which we should take to
that end.

CHAPTER XXXII.

The state of my feelings may be easily conceived to consist of mixed,
but, on the whole, of agreeable, sensations. The death of Hadwin and his
elder daughter could not be thought upon without keen regrets. These it
was useless to indulge, and were outweighed by reflections on the
personal security in which the survivor was now placed. It was hurtful
to expend my unprofitable cares upon the dead, while there existed one
to whom they could be of essential benefit, and in whose happiness they
would find an ample compensation.

This happiness, however, was still incomplete. It was still exposed to
hazard, and much remained to be done before adequate provision was made
against the worst of evils, poverty. I now found that Eliza, being only
fifteen years old, stood in need of a guardian, and that the forms of
law required that some one should make himself her father's
administrator. Mr. Curling, being tolerably conversant with these
subjects, pointed out the mode to be pursued, and engaged to act on this
occasion as Eliza's friend.

There was another topic on which my happiness, as well as that of my
friend, required us to form some decision. I formerly mentioned, that,
during my abode at Malverton, I had not been insensible to the
attractions of this girl. An affection had stolen upon me, for which it
was easily discovered that I should not have been denied a suitable
return. My reasons for stifling these emotions, at that time, have been
mentioned. It may now be asked, what effect subsequent events had
produced on my feelings, and how far partaking and relieving her
distresses had revived a passion which may readily be supposed to have
been, at no time, entirely extinguished.

The impediments which then existed were removed. Our union woul