my possession. I will therefore pay you your due,
and take the consequences of an act of justice on myself. I was prepared
for you. Sign that receipt, and there is a _check_ for the amount."

CHAPTER XLIII.

This unexpected and agreeable decision was accompanied by an invitation
to supper, at which we were treated by our host with much affability and
kindness. Finding me the author of Williams's good fortune as well as
Mrs. Maurice's, and being assured by the former of his entire conviction
of the rectitude of my conduct, he laid aside all reserve and distance
with regard to me. He inquired into my prospects and wishes, and
professed his willingness to serve me.

I dealt with equal unreserve and frankness. "I am poor," said I. "Money
for my very expenses hither I have borrowed from a friend, to whom I am,
in other respects, much indebted, and whom I expect to compensate only
by gratitude and future services.

"In coming hither, I expected only an increase of my debts; to sink
still deeper into poverty; but happily the issue has made me rich. This
hour has given me competence, at least."

"What! call you a thousand dollars competence?"

"More than competence. I call it an abundance. My own ingenuity, while I
enjoy health, will enable me to live. This I regard as a fund, first to
pay my debts, and next to supply deficiencies occasioned by untoward
accidents or ill health, during the ensuing three or four years at
least."

We parted with this new acquaintance at a late hour, and I accepted
Williams's invitation to pass the time I should spend at Baltimore,
under his sister's roof. There were several motives for prolonging this
stay. What I had heard of Miss Fanny Maurice excited strong wishes to be
personally acquainted with her. This young lady was affectionately
attached to Mrs. Watson, by whose means my wishes were easily
accomplished.

I never was in habits of reserve, even with those whom I had no reason
to esteem. With those who claimed my admiration and affection, it was
impossible to be incommunicative. Before the end of my second interview,
both these women were mistresses of every momentous incident of my life,
and of the whole chain of my feelings and opinions, in relation to every
subject, and particularly in relation to themselves. Every topic
disconnected with these is comparatively lifeless and inert.

I found it easy to win their attention, and to render them communicative
in their turn.