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"'That is indeed unfortunate; but if you are really blameless,

cannot you undeceive them?'

"'I am about to undertake that task; and it is on that account

that I feel so many overwhelming terrors. I tenderly love these

friends; I have, unknown to them, been for many months in the

habits of daily kindness towards them; but they believe that I

wish to injure them, and it is that prejudice which I wish to

overcome.'

"'Where do these friends reside?'

"'Near this spot.'

"The old man paused and then continued, 'If you will unreservedly

confide to me the particulars of your tale, I perhaps may be of

use in undeceiving them. I am blind and cannot judge of your

countenance, but there is something in your words which persuades

me that you are sincere. I am poor and an exile, but it will

afford me true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human

creature.'