Jane Talbot | Page 5

the decent maintenance of a student at the Temple; and
Risberg's conduct had always been represented, by those under whose

eye he had been placed, as regular and exemplary.
This intimation surprised me a good deal. I could easily imagine the
embarrassments to which a failure of this kind must subject a generous
spirit, and thought it my duty to remove them as soon as possible. I
supposed that some miscarriage or delay had happened to the money,
and that my father would instantly rectify any error, or supply any
deficiency. I hastened, therefore, to his house, with the opened letter. I
found him alone, and immediately showed him that page of the letter
which related to this affair. I anxiously watched his looks while he read
it.
I observed marks of great surprise in his countenance, and, as soon as
he laid down the letter, I began to expatiate on the inconveniences
which Risberg had suffered. He listened to me in gloomy silence, and,
when I had done, made no answer but by a deep sigh and downcast
look.
"Pray, dear sir," continued I, "what could have happened to the money
which you sent? You had not heard, I suppose, of its miscarriage."
"No, I had not heard of it before. I will look into it, and see what can be
done." Here further conversation was suspended by a visitant. I waited
with impatience till the guest had retired; but he had scarcely left the
room when my brother entered. I supposed my father would have
immediately introduced this subject, and, as my brother usually
represented him in every affair of business, and could of course throw
some light upon the present mystery, I saw no reason why I should be
excluded from a conference in which I had some interest, and was
therefore somewhat surprised when my father told me he had no need
of my company for the rest of the day, and wished to be alone with
Francis. I rose instantly to depart, but said, "Pray, sir, tell my brother
what has happened. Perhaps he can explain the mystery."
"What!" cried my brother, with a laugh, "has thy silly brain engendered
a mystery which I am to solve? Thou mayest save thyself the trouble of
telling me, for, really, I have no time to throw away on thee or thy
mysteries."

There was always something in my brother's raillery which my infirm
soul could never support. I ought always to have listened and replied
without emotion, but a fluttering indignation usually deprived me of
utterance. I found my best expedient was flight, when I could fly, and
silence when obliged to remain: I therefore made no answer to this
speech, but hastily withdrew.
Next morning, earlier than usual, I went to my father. He was
thoughtful and melancholy. I introduced the subject that was nearest
my heart; but he answered me reluctantly, and in general terms, that he
had examined the affair, and would take the necessary measures.
"But, dear sir," said I, "how did it happen? How did the money
miscarry?"
"Never mind," said he, a little peevishly: "we shall see things put to
rights, I tell you; and let that satisfy you."
"I am glad of it. Poor fellow! Young, generous, disdaining obligation,
never knowing the want of money, how must he have felt on being left
quite destitute, penniless, running in arrear for absolute necessaries; in
debt to a good woman who lived by letting lodgings, and who dunned
him, after so long a delay, in so indirect and delicate a manner!--What
must he have suffered, accustomed to regard you as a father, and
knowing you had no personal calls for your large revenue, and being so
solemnly enjoined by you not to stir himself in any rational pleasure!
for you would be always ready to exceed your stated remittances, when
there should be just occasion. Poor fellow! my heart bleeds for him.
But how long will it be before he hears from you? His letter is dated
seven weeks ago. It will be another six or eight weeks before he
receives an answer,--at least three months in all; and during all this
time he will be without money. But perhaps he will receive it sooner."
My father frequently changed countenance, and showed great solicitude.
I did not wronder at this, as Risberg had always been loved as a son. A
little consideration, therefore, ought to have shown me the impropriety
of thus descanting on an evil without remedy; yet I still persisted. At
length, I asked to what causes I might ascribe his former

disappointments, in the letter to Risberg, which I proposed writing
immediately.
This question threw him into much confusion. At last he said, peevishly,
"I wish, Jane, you would leave these matters