Anonymous

“ No sooner did he behold the dreadful effects of his crime, than he sunk, overpowered by the violence of his feelings. The shock, however, was temporary, and he recovered himself sufficiently to escape before any person appeared in sight: after having rested himself a little while, he called a coach, and in a short time was with Milwood.—From the moment of his departure on the dreadful errand, Milwood had been in a continual state of trepidation, both of body and mind. ”

“ Milwood exclaimed, "In this madness you will discover all, and involve me in your ruin." After pausing awhile, she said, "To preserve myself, I must hand him over to justice," and immediately called in a servant, requesting an officer to be brought to seize Barnwell; 'for,' said she, 'if I suffer the villain to escape, I may be thought as bad as he.' The servant having left the room, Barnwell begged Milwood to stop the messenger, exclaiming: "'Tis fit I die, indeed, but not by you.—I will this instant throw myself into the hands of justice; for death is all I wish. ”

“ Many were the unhappy hours which the discovery cost Maria.
But notwithstanding our youth appeared still attentive to the duties of his business, his visits to his wicked mistress were observed with the most rigid punctuality. She never failed to drain him closely, whenever she found he had received money; and often-times was he compelled to draw upon the liberality of his uncle, in order to support her extravagance, and gratify: her rapacity. The time however was at hand, when Milwood began to extend her views, and to discover still deeper designs upon her ill-fated victim. ”

“ Milwood summoned her servant, and by their united efforts he was restored to his reason; while his mistress was counting over the dear-bought plunder, convulsive sobs rent the agonized frame of the murderer. Milwood upbraided him for his villainy in murdering his uncle; to rob him of life, nature's first, last, clear prerogative; telling him she would not hazard her life by screening him. At this treatment Barnwell became almost frantic. "Oh, Milwood!" ”

“ Barnwell's attention was abstracted from earthly things. His old employer came to see him, who displayed a father's feelings, wishing that he had known his situation before the fatal murder. Ah! the moment of separation, was such as to render force necessary to divide them. The feelings of Maria, who accompanied her father, may better be imagined than described. ”

“ Christmas arrived, and the liberality of his uncle and his master enabled Barnwell to make handsome presents to his mistress, which rendered her more loving and attentive than ever.
Soon after this Milwood proposed to give up the lodgings, and make her own house the scene of their future affection, as, she said much expence would be saved. She then continued to urge for more money, which the infatuated youth complied with; having received a considerable sum, which he should not have to account for for some time, he took two hundred pounds, to Milwood. ”

“ Whilst an inmate in his uncle's house, he gained the affections of the old man, who often declared, that after his death he should inherit his fortune.
The person of George was tall, and his whole behaviour marked with an elegance, rather uncommon in persons who, like himself, had been secluded from the scenes of life.—With these qualifications he entered into the counting-house of Mr. Striekland, a very considerable woollen-draper in Cheapside. For some time our hero's assiduity and punctuality were so conspicuous, as to render him, in the eyes of Mr. ”

“ Milwood overwhelmed him with caresses, and praised the generous affection which animated his bosom. She continued to strengthen his mind by her arguments, and, before bed-time, it was resolved that Barnwell should sally forth to accomplish the diabolical purpose.—The next day Milwood gradually revived the subject of the intended murder. The resolution of the youth seemed to be wound up to a desperate pitch, and he frequently exclaimed, "Yes, yes, give me a weapon that cannot err." About 8 o'clock the wretched victim arose ”

“ Strickland, worry of the most implicit confidence; while, by his indefatigable exertion, he obtained a complete proficiency in the counting-house department: a perfect knowledge in mercantile transactions; and a degree of prudence in his dealings with others rarely attained by persons of his age. ”