Jane Talbot | Page 8

but, in truth, I
merely came to caution you against inter-meddling in my affairs, to tell
you to beware of sowing jealousy and ill-will between the old man and
me. Prate away on other subjects as much as you please; but on this
affair of Risberg's hold your tongue for the future."
"I thank you for your brotherly advice, but I am afraid I never shall
bring myself to part with the liberty of prating on every subject that
pleases me; at least, my forbearance will flow from my own discretion,
and not from the imperious prohibition of another."
He laughed. "Well said, oddity. I am not displeased to see you act with
some spirit: but I repeat my charge; be quiet. Your interference will do
no good."
"Indeed, I firmly believe that it will not; and that will be a motive for

my silence that shall always have its due weight with me. Risberg, I see,
must look elsewhere for a father and a brother."
"Poor thing! do; put its finger in its eye and weep. Ha! ha! ha! poor
Risberg! how would he laugh to see these compassionate tears! It seem
she has written in a very doleful strain to thee,--talked very pathetically
about his debts to his laundress and his landlady. I have a good mind to
leave thee in this amiable ignorance; but I'll prove for once a kind
brother, by telling you that Risberg is a profligate and prodigal; that he
neglects every study but that of dice; that this is the true reason why I
have stood in the way of the old man's bounty to him. I have
unquestionable proof of his worthlessness, and see no reason to throw
away money upon London prostitutes and gamblers. I never mentioned
this to the old man, because I would not needlessly distress him, for I
know he loves Jack at least as well as his own children. I tell it you to
justify my conduct, and hope that I may for once trust to your good
sense not to disclose it to your father."
My heart could not restrain its indignation at these words.
"'Tis false!" I exclaimed; "'tis a horrid calumny against one who cannot
defend himself! I will never believe the depravity of my absent brother,
till I have as good proof of it as my present brother has given me of
his."
"Bravo, my girl! who could have thought you could give the lie with
such a grace? Why don't you spit in the face of the vile calumniator?
But I am not angry with you, Jane; I only pity you; yet I'll not leave you
before I tell you my mind. I have no doubt Risberg means to return. He
knows on what footing you are with Mrs. Fielder, and will take care to
return; but, mind me, Jane, you shall never throw yourself and your
fortune away upon Risberg, while I have a voice or an arm to prevent it.
And now--good-by to you."
So ended this conversation. He left me in a hurry and confusion of
spirits not to be described. For a time I felt nothing but indignation and
abhorrence for what I thought a wicked and cruel calumny; but in
proportion as I regained my tranquillity, my reflections changed. Did

not my brother speak truth? Was there not something in his manner
very different from that of an impostor? How unmoved was he by the
doubts which I ventured to insinuate of his truth! Alas! I fear 'tis too
true.
I told you before that we parted at an age when love could not be
supposed to exist between us. If I know myself, I felt no more for him
than for a mere brother; but then I felt all the solicitude and tenderness
of a sister. I knew not scarcely how to act in my present situation; but at
length determined to disclose the whole affair to my mother. With her
approbation I enclosed an order on a London merchant in a letter to this
effect:--
"I read your letter, my friend, with the sentiments of one who is
anxious for your happiness. The difficulties you describe will, I am
afraid, be hereafter prevented only by your own industry. My father's
and brother's expenses consume the whole of that income in which you
have hitherto had a share, and I am obliged to apprize you that the usual
remittances will no longer be made. You are now advancing to
manhood, and, I hope, will soon be able to subsist upon the fruits of
your own learning and industry.
"I have something more to say to you, which I scarcely know how to
communicate. Somebody here has loaded your character with very
heavy imputations. You are said to be