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.