You have been kindly pleased to request I would give you some account
of the means we are pursuing, in hopes to obtain traces that should
lead to a discovery of the very strange affair by which we are all
perplexed and afflicted. I am sorry to say that I can do little more
than narrate the distress of the various parties, who think themselves
interested in the loss of the dear friend of my heart, and of the youth
so well worthy of her affections.
Of the grief of Sir Arthur, madam, you have yourself been a witness:
nor does it seem to abate. I should wonder indeed if it could; for
though I wish to cherish hope, I own that the secrecy and silence with
which this black stratagem has been carried into effect are truly
terrifying.
Highly as I esteem and reverence the virtues of young Mr. Henley, I
have been free enough to own to you, madam, I never was any admirer of
the qualities and proceedings of his father. Justice however obliges me
to say that he at present expresses a regret so deep, for the loss of
his son, as to prove that he has a considerable sense of his worth.
Money has been the sole object of his efforts: yet, though his son had
so great a sum in his possession at the time he disappeared, he seems
to think but little of the money, compared to the loss which is indeed
so infinitely more deplorable.
While I live I shall love and esteem Mrs. Clarke, and her niece Peggy;
whose kind hearts overflow with affection, both for my Anna St. Ives
and young Mr. Henley. Well indeed may Peggy remember poor Frank. He was
her saviour in the hour of her distress. She takes no rest herself, nor
will she suffer her husband or her brother to take any. They are all
continually on the watch; and to do the men justice, they do not need a
spur.
Mr. Webb, her brother, with whose unfortunate history I suppose you are
acquainted, gives proofs of zeal which are very affecting. The tears
have frequently gushed from me, at seeing the virtuous anxiety of his
mind, and at recollecting what that mind was, how and by whom it was
preserved, and that its whole activity is now exerted, with the strong
and cheering hope of returning some portion of the good it has
received!
I know, madam, how great your sorrow must be, as well as that of all
the once happy relations of a young lady of endowments and virtues so
rare. Yet deep as this sorrow is, I think it scarcely can exceed the
anguish I feel; convinced as I am that my mistaken, my unhappy brother
is the cause of this much dreaded misery.
I told you, madam, I would go to him. I have been, and could gain no
admission. I have written; and have received no answer. These
circumstances, added to the perturbation of mind which was so
discoverable in him when he was last at Rose-Bank, do but confirm my
fears of his guilt.
But as it becomes us to act, and not to lament, while there is any
possibility that action should give us relief, I joined Mr. Abimelech
Henley in his opinion, that we ought to apply to the civil power for
redress. We first indeed prevailed on Lord Fitz-Allen to speak to Mr.
Clifton; but it was to no purpose: my brother behaved, as I prophesied
he would, with disdainful silence. I own I had some hopes that my
letter would have touched his heart: I am sorry to find they were so
ill-founded.
Mr. Clifton having refused even to deny his knowledge of the affair to
his Lordship, he consented that application should be made to a civil
magistrate. But Lord Fitz-Allen is strangely prejudiced, and is
persuaded, or affects to be, that Mr. Clifton, being a gentleman, is
incapable of a dishonourable act; and that young Mr. Henley and Anna
St. Ives have eloped. The sum of money Mr. Henley had in his possession
confirms him in this opinion: and he has several times half persuaded
Sir Arthur, and some others, to be of his sentiments.
Hearing this, and finding no positive accusation, and that nothing but
surmise could be preferred against Mr. Clifton, whose character was
understood to be highly vindictive, the magistrate refused to do any
thing more than send a polite request, that he would come and speak in
his presence to the parties concerned.
My brother refused in terms of menace and defiance; and we returned
home hopeless; yet again having recourse to watching the door of my
brother's lodgings, as has been done for these several days. But we
have learnt nothing. And what indeed can we learn? Mr. Webb and his
brother-in-law have twice followed him on foot, to the livery stables;
and have seen him mount his horse, and ride out of town: but the speed
with which he went quickly took him out of sight.
The roads he chose were in opposite directions: but that they might
easily be, and yet lead to the same place. They are out at present; for
their industry is unwearied.
It is in vain to think of pursuing my brother on horseback; for he must
infallibly see his pursuer. He went one time over Westminster-bridge,
and the other through Tyburn-turnpike up to Paddington. Their present
project is, the first time he goes out, to waylay both these roads, and
to get assistants. Mr. Webb is a swift runner: but the chance of
success I am afraid is very small indeed! However it becomes them, and
us, and indeed every body, not to desist, till the whole of this dark
transaction be brought to light.