Lewis [reading]. "Original documents relating to my design: one copy is in my red pocketbook, another in possession of Dr. Arends."——Ha! now we shall soon see clearly.—[Opens the packet and reads] "Attestation of Dr. Aarbach, in behalf of my uncle."—"At the gates of eternity, being still sound in mind though weak in body—in order to relieve my conscience, I declare that I have given wicked and false evidence in the case of your uncle, seduced thereto by bribes, as the inclosed original letters will shew. He was thus declared mad, having never been so, and is treated like a condemned criminal. Pity his old-age, save him, and forgive me, and pray to God to forgive me, to whose righteous judgment I look with deep repentance."——Signed Aarbach.
Now for the letters—[opens a paper containing a portrait]. My uncle's portrait! He was my mother's dearest brother, [takes another paper] How! Letters in your father's own hand-writing, full of bribes! [Takes another packet] "Letters of Mr. Verrini at Petersburgh, shewing that the expences of the corn distributed, amounted to only to 20,000 rix-dollars; and the attestations of the clerks employed, shewing that 38,000 were charged." [Looks at another packet] What is this? "My will, in case I should die suddenly." [Opens it] "On condition that my brother Lewis Brook saves and supports my uncle, in case I shall not have done it, I declare him the sole heir of all my property."
Lewis [after a pause, to the Counsellor]. Look at me.
Counsellor [with coldness, and slowly]. Why?
Lewis [with rising passion]. Do you observe nothing?
Counsellor. What? No!
Lewis. You have no presentiment?
Counsellor. Why?
Lewis. Does no secret foreboding tell you, that some, merciful angel comes to bring back a deluded heart?—You see, observe nothing? Approach—feel here—feel how my heart beats—repentance, compassion on my unhappy uncle; and perdition, revenge on you!
Counsellor. What? what, Lewis!