I shall write, however, to a lady who possesses much
influence with Miss Gourlay; but, alas, to what purpose? Miss Gourlay
herself has no influence whatever; and, as to her father, he does not
live who could divert him from his object. His vile ambition only in
the matter of his daughter could influence him, and it will do so to her
destruction, for she cannot survive this marriage long."
"You look thin, and a good deal careworn," observed Birney, "which,
indeed, I am sorry to see. Constant anxiety, however, and perpetual
agitation of spirits will wear any man down. Well, I must bid you good
morning; but I had almost forgotten to inquire about poor Fenton. Any
trace of him during my absence?"
"Not the slightest. In fact, every point is against us. Lady Gourlay has
relapsed into her original hopelessness, or nearly so, and I myself am
now more depressed than I have ever been. Parish register, documents,
corrupt knaves, and ungrateful traitors--perish all the machinery of
justice on the one hand, and of villainy on the other; only let us
succeed in securing Miss Gourlay's happiness, and I am contented.
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