 to improve; the shorter its duration may be found, the more
speedy am I obliged to be in the use of it. In a word, I took the resolution,
because I already stood in fear of the vengeance of Mr. Falkland, to risque the
possibility of provoking it in a degree still more inexpiable, and terminate at
once my present state of uncertainty. I had now opened my case to Mr. Forester,
and he had given me positive assurances of his protection. I determined
immediately to address the following letter to Mr. Falkland. The consideration
that, if he meditated any thing tragical, such a letter would only tend to
confirm him, did not enter into the present feelings of my mind.
 
        Sir,
            I have conceived the intention of quitting your service. This is a
        measure we ought both of us to desire. I shall then be, what it is my
        duty to be, master of my own actions. You will be delivered from the
        presence of a person, whom you cannot prevail upon yourself to behold
        without unpleasing emotions.
            Why should you subject me to an eternal penance? Why should you
        consign my youthful hopes to suffering and despair? Consult the
        principles of humanity that have marked the general course of your
        proceedings, and do not let me, I intreat you, be made the subject of a
        useless severity. My heart is impressed with gratitude for your favours.
        I sincerely ask your forgiveness for the many errors of my conduct. I
        consider the treatment I have received under your roof as one almost
        uninterrupted scene of kindness and generosity. I shall never forget my
        obligations to you, and will never betray them.
            I remain, Sir,
                                                  your most grateful, respectful
                                                            and dutiful servant,
                                                                 Caleb Williams.
 
Such was my employment of the evening of a day, which will be ever memorable in
the history of my life. Mr. Falkland not being yet returned, though expected
every hour, I was induced to make use of the pretext of fatigue to avoid an
interview. I went to bed. It may be imagined that my slumbers were neither deep
nor refreshing. The next morning I was informed, that my patron did not come
home till late, that he had enquired for me, and, being told that I was in bed,
had said nothing farther upon the subject. Satisfied in this respect, I went to
the breakfasting parlour, and though full of anxiety and trepidation,
endeavoured to busy myself in arranging the books and a few other little
occupations, till Mr. Falkland should come down. After a short time I heard his
step,
