Page:Adventures of Susan Hopley (Volume 1).pdf/244

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SUSAN HOPLEY.
229

that one must guard against; especially where the reputation, and probably the life of a fellow creature are at stake. The fact is," continued he, unfolding the letter he held in his hand, "there has been something wrong about a letter—a money letter, sent from the country by a worthy friend of mine—at least, he was the esteemed servant of a very dear friend who is unfortunately dead—and he has written to me to request I will go to the post-office, and inquire into the business. The letter came from a place called Mapleton, and contained ten pounds; and it was addressed to a woman in Parliament Street. My friend Jeremy says, that he has no suspicion of the people at the country post-office, and that he put the letter in himself. He therefore feels assured that the delinquent is to be looked for in London; either at the office, or amongst the men that deliver the letters. Now, Sir, no man respects the laws more than I do; and I am aware of the great importance in a commercial country of viewing breach of confidence as a capital crime. Still, I confess, I am one of those who think we are apt to make too free with human life—very young men are sometimes placed in situations of great temptation—a single error, and perhaps the hope of a family—the only son of a widowed mother—a kind brother,