 prescription, for he had made the
study of physic his amusement, and was more than moderately skilled in the
profession: this being sent to an apothecary who lived in the place, my arm was
dressed, and I found almost instantaneous relief We were waited upon at dinner
by the gaoler himself, who was willing to do our guest all the honour in his
power. But before we had well dined, another message was brought from his
nephew, desiring permission to appear, in order to vindicate his innocence and
honour, with which request the Baronet complied, and desired Mr. Thornhill to be
introduced.
 

                                  Chap. XXXI.

Former benevolence now repaid with unexpected interest.
 
Mr. Thornhill made his entrance with a smile, which he seldom wanted, and was
going to embrace his uncle, which the other repulsed with an air of disdain. »No
fawning, Sir, at present,« cried the Baronet, with a look of severity, »the only
way to my heart is by the road of honour; but here I only see complicated
instances of falsehood, cowardice, and oppression. How is it, Sir, that this
poor man, for whom I know you professed a friendship, is used thus hardly? His
daughter vilely seduced, as a recompence for his hospitality, and he himself
thrown into a prison perhaps but for resenting the insult? His son too, whom you
feared to face as a man -«
    »Is it possible, Sir,« interrupted his nephew, »that my uncle could object
that as a crime which his repeated instructions alone have persuaded me to
avoid.«
    »Your rebuke,« cried Sir William, »is just; you have acted in this instance
prudently and well, though not quite as your father would have done: my brother
indeed was the soul of honour; but thou - yes you have acted in this instance
perfectly right, and it has my warmest approbation.«
    »And I hope,« said his nephew, »that the rest of my conduct will not be
found to deserve censure. I appeared, Sir, with this gentleman's daughter at
some places of public amusement; thus what was levity, scandal called by a
harsher name, and it was reported that I had debauched her. I waited on her
father in person, willing to clear the thing to his satisfaction, and he
received me only with insult and abuse. As for the rest, with regard to his
being here, my attorney and steward can best inform you, as I commit the
management of business entirely to them. If he has contracted
