He could not build up the coveted
temple stone by stone, but wished it to rise like a fairy castle. With
such views, he had wandered about the country with his wife (whom he had
married since his arrival), in search of the philosopher's stone. He
had several times engaged in subordinate capacities, but his impatient
hopes would not brook the distance between him and the goal. He had been
to New Orleans, but the city was almost deserted. On his arrival at
Vicksburg, Jaspar had been pointed out to him as a person who could
probably favor his wishes, and he had obtained an introduction to him.
Jaspar's thoughts and feelings he read. He discovered the nature of the
relations between the uncle and niece,--which required but little
sagacity, under the circumstances. Determined to profit by the knowledge
he had obtained, his first step was to satisfy Jaspar of the death of
Emily, of whom, in reality, he knew nothing. The initial letter of his
wife's name in the ring had suggested the means, and he had convinced
Jaspar as related. How Dalhousie's sense of moral rectitude would allow
him to use the deception, we will not say; but he seemed to tolerate the
idea that the great purpose he had in view would justify any little
peccadilloes he might commit in obtaining it.
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