The novels of Charles Brockden Brown, consisting of Wieland;or, The transformation. Arthur Mervyn; or, Memoirs of the year 1793. Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a sleep-walker. Jane Talbot. Ormond; or, The secret witness. Clara Howard; or, The enthusiasm of love. With a memoir of the author.

THE SECRET WITNESS.

99

conceal his poverty from the world,-had made this change
in his name.)
" That, indeed," said the lady, "is the name which my
father at present bears. His real name is Dudley.
His abode was formerly in Queen Street, New York.
Your conjecture, sir, is not erroneous. This is not the
first time we have seen each other. I well recollect your
having been at my father's house in the days of his
prosperity."
"Is it possible?" exclaimed Mr. Melbourne, starting
from his seat in the first impulse of his astonishment.
"Are you the daughter of my friend Dudley, by whom
I have so often been hospitably entertained? I have
heard of his misfortunes, but knew not that he was alive,
or in what part of the world he resided.
"You are summoned on a very disagreeable affair;
but I doubt not you will easily exculpate your father. I
am told that he is blind, and that his situation is by no
means as comfortable as might be wished. I am grieved
that he did not confide in the friendship of those that
knew him. What could prompt him to conceal himself?"
"My father has a proud spirit. It is not yet broken
by adversity. He disdains to beg, but I must now assume that office for his sake. I came hither this morning to lay before you his situation, and to entreat your
assistance to save him from a prison. He cannot pay
for the poor tenement he occupies, and our few goods
are already under distress. He has, likewise, contracted
a debt. He is, I suppose, already sued on this account,
and must go to jail unless saved by the interposition of
some friend."
"It is true," said Melbourne, "I yesterday granted a
warrant against him at the suit of Malcolm M'Crea.
Little did I think that the defendant was Stephen Dudley; but you may dismiss all apprehensions on that
score. That affair shall be settled to your father's satisfaction. Meanwhile, we will, if you please, despatch
this unpleasant business respecting a counterfeit note
received in payment from you by this M'Crea."
Miss Dudley satisfactorily explained that affair. She
stated the relation in which Craig had formerly stood to