was on the island). I stated in my despatches that my
wound would probably confine me for some weeks; but as soon as I was
able to be moved, I should return to England to await their orders. I
also wrote to my mother and Mr Warden. I informed the latter of what
had passed, and the delay which would be occasioned by my wound, and
requested him to write to me more fully as to the death of Lord de
Versely, and any other particulars which might interest me.

Having sealed these despatches, and entrusted them to the care of Mr
Vanderwelt, my mind was relieved, and I had nothing to do but to think
of and talk to Minnie. That my progress in her affections was rapid,
was not to be wondered at, her attachment to me having commenced so
early; and as her father was evidently pleased at our increasing
intimacy, in a fortnight after my arrival at Hamburg, Minnie had
consented to be mine, and her father had joined our hands, and given us
his blessing.

As I now had no secrets from them, I detailed my whole history, the
cause of Lord de Versely's patronage, and the mystery of my birth. I
opened the seal-skin pouch to show them Lord de Versely's letter to my
mother, and stated what had been the object of my ambition through life,
and how great was my disappointment at my hopes being overthrown by the
death of his lordship.

"My dear Percival," said old Mr Vanderwelt, after I had concluded my
narrative, "you have been pursuing a shadow, although the pursuit has
called forth all your energies, and led to your advancement. You have
the substance. You have wealth more than sufficient, for you know how
rich I am. You have reputation, which is better than wealth, and you
have now, I trust, a fair prospect of domestic happiness; for Minnie
will be as good a wife as she has been a daughter. What, then, do you
desire? A name. And what is that? Nothing. If you do not like your
present name, from its association with your putative father of low
origin, change it to mine. You will receive the fortune of an heiress,
which will fully warrant your so doing. At all events, let not your
pride stand in the way of your happiness. We cannot expect everything
in this world. You have much to be thankful to Heaven for, and you must
not repine because you cannot obtain all."

"I have so ardently desired it all my life; it has been the sole object
of my ambition," replied I, "and I cannot but severely feel the
disappointment."

"Granted;