On the contrary, it strengthens my
suspicions against Mr. Jay and his confederates, because it
suggests a distinct motive for their stealing the money. A
gentleman who is going to spend his honeymoon at Richmond wants
money; and a gentleman who is in debt to all his tradespeople
wants money. Is this an unjustifiable imputation of bad motives?
In the name of outraged Morality, I deny it. These men have
combined together, and have stolen a woman. Why should they not
combine together and steal a cash-box? I take my stand on the
logic of rigid Virtue, and I defy all the sophistry of Vice to
move me an inch out of my position.
Speaking of virtue, I may add that I have put this view of the
case to Mr. and Mrs. Yatman. That accomplished and charming woman
found it difficult at first to follow the close chain of my
reasoning. I am free to confess that she shook her head, and shed
tears, and joined her husband in premature lamentation over the
loss of the two hundred pounds. But a little careful explanation
on my part, and a little attentive listening on hers, ultimately
changed her opinion. She now agrees with me that there is nothing
in this unexpected circumstance of the clandestine marriage which
absolutely tends to divert suspicion from Mr. Jay, or Mr.
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