His object was the property, and so was that of his mother; but I
absolve all the other members of the family from any knowledge of, or
participation in, their schemes. As it is, if you wish to see yourselves
childless you will allow his, visits, or, if not, you will never permit
his presence under this roof again. I fear, however, that it is now
too late--you see that I am already on the brink of the grave, in
consequence of the evil influence which the dreadful villain has gained
over me, and, indeed," she added, bursting into tears, "I have, at this
moment, no hopes of recovery. My strength, both bodily and mental, is
gone--I am as weak as an infant, and I see nothing before me but an
early grave. I have also other sorrows, but even to you I will not
disclose them--perhaps on my bed of death I may."
The last words were scarcely uttered when she fainted. Her parents were
dreadfully alarmed--in a moment both were in tears, but they immediately
summoned assistance. Sarah Sullivan made her appearance, attended by
others of the servants; the usual remedies were applied, and in the
course of about ten or twelve minutes she recovered, and was weeping in
a paroxysm bordering on despair when Harry Woodward entered the room.
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