unfavourable to me, but those appearances are false. I
have concurred in no plot against your reputation or your fortune. I
have told you nothing but the truth. I came hither to promote no selfish
or sinister purpose. I have no favour to entreat, and no petition to
offer, but that you will suffer me to clear up those mistakes which you
have harboured respecting me.

"I am poor. I am destitute of fame and of kindred. I have nothing to
console me in obscurity and indigence, but the approbation of my own
heart and the good opinion of those who know me as I am. The good may be
led to despise and condemn me. Their aversion and scorn shall not make
me unhappy; but it is my interest and my duty to rectify their error if
I can. I regard your character with esteem. You have been mistaken in
condemning me as a liar and impostor, and I came to remove this mistake.
I came, if not to procure your esteem, at least to take away hatred and
suspicion.

"But this is not all my purpose. You are in an error in relation not
only to my character, but to the situation of your nephew Clavering. I
formerly told you, that I saw him die; that I assisted at his burial:
but my tale was incoherent and imperfect, and you have since received
intelligence to which you think proper to trust, and which assures you
that he is still living. All I now ask is your attention, while I relate
the particulars of my knowledge.

"Proof of my veracity or innocence may be of no value in your eyes, but
the fate of your nephew ought to be known to you. Certainty, on this
head, may be of much importance to your happiness, and to the regulation
of your future conduct. To hear me patiently can do you no injury, and
may benefit you much. Will you permit me to go on?"

During this address, little abatement of resentment and scorn was
visible in my companion.

"I will hear you," she replied. "Your invention may amuse if it does not
edify. But, I pray you, let your story be short."

I was obliged to be content with this ungraceful concession, and
proceeded to begin my narration. I described the situation of my
father's dwelling. I mentioned the year, month, day, and hour of her
nephew's appearance among us. I expatiated minutely on his form,
features, dress, sound of his voice, and repeated his words. His
favourite gestures and attitudes were faithfully described.

I had gone but a little way in my story, when the effects were visible
in her demeanour which I expecte