ugh intimidated by the last
insinuation, scruple to declare, that I would not allow him to squander
the money left to me for far different purposes, but offered him five
hundred pounds, if he would sign a bond not to torment me any more. My
maternal anxiety made me thus appear to waver from my first
determination, and probably suggested to him, or his diabolical agent,
the infernal plot, which has succeeded but too well.

"The bond was executed; still I was impatient to leave England. Mischief
hung in the air when we breathed the same; I wanted seas to divide us,
and waters to roll between, till he had forgotten that I had the means of
helping him through a new scheme. Disturbed by the late occurrences, I
instantly prepared for my departure. My only delay was waiting for a
maid-servant, who spoke French fluently, and had been warmly recommended
to me. A valet I was advised to hire, when I fixed on my place of
residence for any time.

"My God, with what a light heart did I set out for Dover!--It was not my
country, but my cares, that I was leaving behind. My heart seemed to
bound with the wheels, or rather appeared the centre on which they
twirled. I clasped you to my bosom, exclaiming 'And you will be
safe--quite safe--when--we are once on board the packet.--Would we were
there!' I smiled at my idle fears, as the natural effect of continual
alarm; and I scarcely owned to myself that I dreaded Mr. Venables's
cunning, or was conscious of the horrid delight he would feel, at forming
stratagem after stratagem to circumvent me. I was already in the snare--I
never reached the packet--I never saw thee more.--I grow breathless. I
have scarcely patience to write down the details. The maid--the plausible
woman I had hired--put, doubtless, some stupifying potion in what I ate
or drank, the morning I left town. All I know is, that she must have
quitted the chaise, shameless wretch! and taken (from my breast) my babe
with her. How could a creature in a female form see me caress thee, and
steal thee from my arms! I must stop, stop to repress a mother's anguish;
left, in bitterness of soul, I imprecate the wrath of heaven on this
tiger, who tore my only comfort from me.

"How long I slept I know not; certainly many hours, for I woke at the
close of day, in a strange confusion of thought. I was probably roused to
recollection by some one thundering at a huge, unwieldy gate. Attempting
to ask where I was, my voice died away, and I tri