I listened to this kind of discourse with great avidity, and
regretted when he thought proper to introduce new topics. He ended
by requesting me to visit him, which I eagerly consented to do.
When left alone, my imagination was filled with the images
suggested by this conversation. The hopelessness of better
fortune, which I had lately harboured, now gave place to cheering
confidence. Those motives of rectitude which should deter me from
this species of imposture, had never been vivid or stable, and were
still more weakened by the artifices of which I had already been
guilty. The utility or harmlessness of the end, justified, in my
eyes, the means.

No event had been more unexpected, by me, than the bequest of
my aunt to her servant. The will, under which the latter claimed,
was dated prior to my coming to the city. I was not surprised,
therefore, that it had once been made, but merely that it had never
been cancelled or superseded by a later instrument. My wishes
inclined me to suspect the existence of a later will, but I had
conceived that, to ascertain its existence, was beyond my power.

Now, however, a different opinion began to be entertained.
This woman like those of her sex and class was unlettered and
superstitious. Her faith in spells and apparitions, was of the
most lively kind. Could not her conscience be awakened by a voice
from the grave! Lonely and at midnight, my aunt might be
introduced, upbraiding her for her injustice, and commanding her to
attone for it by acknowledging the claim of the rightful
proprietor.

True it was, that no subsequent will might exist, but this was