 charity. Rely, therefore, on your hopes; and if these friends are good
and amiable, do not despair.
    They are kind - they are the most excellent creatures in the world; but,
unfortunately, they are prejudiced against me. I have good dispositions; my life
has been hitherto harmless, and in some degree beneficial; but a fatal prejudice
clouds their eyes, and where they ought to see a feeling and kind friend, they
behold only a detestable monster.
    That is indeed unfortunate; but if you are really blameless, cannot you
undeceive them?
    I am about to undertake that task; and it is on that account that I feel so
many overwhelming terrors. I tenderly love these friends; I have, unknown to
them, been for many months in the habits of daily kindness towards them; but
they believe that I wish to injure them, and it is that prejudice which I wish
to overcome.
    Where do these friends reside?
    Near this spot.
    The old man paused, and then continued, If you will unreservedly confide to
me the particulars of your tale, I perhaps may be of use in undeceiving them. I
am blind, and cannot judge of your countenance, but there is something in your
words, which persuades me that you are sincere. I am poor, and an exile; but it
will afford me true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human creature.
    Excellent man! I thank you, and accept your generous offer. You raise me
from the dust by this kindness; and I trust that, by your aid, I shall not be
driven from the society and sympathy of your fellow-creatures.
    Heaven forbid! even if you were really criminal; for that can only drive you
to desperation, and not instigate you to virtue. I also am unfortunate; I and my
family have been condemned, although innocent: judge, therefore, if I do not
feel for your misfortunes.
    How can I thank you, my best and only benefactor? From your lips first have
I heard the voice of kindness directed towards me; I shall be for ever grateful;
and your present humanity assures me of success with those friends whom I am on
the point of meeting.
    May I know the names and residence of those friends?
    I paused. This, I thought, was the moment of decision, which was to rob me
of, or bestow happiness on me for ever. I struggled vainly for firmness
sufficient to answer him, but the effort destroyed all my remaining strength; I
sank on the chair, and sobbed aloud. At
