"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