First led away by fashionable associations, into
the allurements with which our city is filled, from small vices I
have been hurried onward, step by step, deeper and deeper, until now
I have arrived at the dark abyss. Those who have watched me through
each sin, been my supposed friends, and hurried me onwards to this
sad climax, have proved my worst enemies. I have but just learned
the great virtue of human nature,--mistrust him who would make
pleasure of vice. I have ruined my father, and have involved you by
the very act which you have committed for my relief to-night. In my
vain struggle to relieve myself from the odium which must attach to
my transactions, I have only added to your sorrows. I cannot ask you
to forgive me, nor can I disclose all my errors-they are manifold."
"This is an unexpected blow-one which I was not prepared to meet. I
am ready to save your honour, but there is something beyond this
which the voice of rumour will soon spread. You know our society,
and the strange manner in which it countenances certain things, yet
shuts out those who fall by them. But what is to be done? Although
we may discharge the obligation with Graspum, it does not follow
that he retains the stigma in his own breast. Tell me, Lorenzo, what
is the amount?" inquired Marston, anxiously.
"My father has already discharged a secret debt of fourteen thousand
dollars for me, and there cannot be less than thirty thousand
remaining. Uncle, do not let it worry you; I will leave the country,
bear the stigma with me, and you can repudiate the obligation," said
he, pleading nervously, as he grasped his uncle's hand firmer and
firmer.
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