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trieving all if I were but once more enabled to attempt fortune, I thought I should contrive to repay the sum, before the fraud could be discovered. This fatal idea came into my head in my despair, was rejected, yet still returned to me again, and, at last, an irresistible temptation fastened itself upon my miserable imbecility.

YOUNG ARDEN (in a half-choked voice).

But you resisted it?

ARDEN.

Alas! I did not. (Young Arden staggers back some paces, then sinks down upon a chair, and from that upon the ground, where he throws himself along, covering his face with his hands, while Arden strides to and fro on the front of the Stage, in violent agitation.)

Enter Mrs. Arden.

MRS. ARDEN (to her husband, not perceiving her son, who is partly concealed by the chair from which he sank).

Ha! how is it now? Thou art more overcome than I have ever seen thee before. Alas! if thy strength fail thee now, when thou hast such exertions to make, what will become of us?

ARDEN.

Let me alone—let me alone: thoughts of unutterable anguish are dealing with me.