en's and put it
into his own hands." I then took off the seal-skin pouch containing
Lord de Versely's letter to my mother, and confided it to his care. At
the same time I wrote a long letter to Mr Warden explaining as far as I
could the means which the colonel had used to get possession of the
letters, and the reason which induced me to make his lordship believe
that my mother was dead. I did not attempt to extenuate my conduct; on
the contrary, I severely blamed myself for my deception, and
acknowledged that if I lost the estate it was nothing more than I
deserved.

Cross made all haste, and sailed the next morning. Having put this
affair in train, I had nothing to do but to give all my thoughts to
Minnie. In another fortnight I was completely recovered, and then I
mentioned to Mr Vanderwelt my anxiety that the marriage should take
place. No difficulties were raised; and it was settled that on that day
week I should lead my Minnie to the altar. I thought that the week
would never expire; but, like all other weeks, it died a natural death
at last, and we were united. The _fete_ was over, the company had all
left us, and we were again alone, and I held my dearest Minnie in my
arms, when Mr Vanderwelt brought me in a letter from England. It was
from Mr Warden, and I hastily opened it. Minnie shared my impatience,
and read over my shoulder. The contents were as follows:--

"MY DEAR CAPTAIN KEENE,

"Most fortunate it was for you that you have preserved that letter;
but I must not anticipate. On receiving it from Cross I immediately
went with it to the old lady, and presented it to her. I did more,--I
read over your letter in which you stated your reasons for making Lord
de Versely believe that your mother was dead. The old lady, who is
now very far gone in her intellect, could hardly understand me.
However, her nephew's handwriting roused her up a little, and she
said, `Well, well--I see--I must think about it. I won't decide. I
must hear what the colonel says.' Now, this is what I did not wish
her to do; but she was positive, and I was obliged to leave her. The
colonel was sent for; but I do not know what the result was, or rather
might have been, as fortune stood your friend in a most unexpected
way.

"As I went out, I perceived two gentlemen arrive in a post-chaise.
One of them appeared very ill and feeble, hardly able to walk up the
steps. They inquired for Colon