to
everything--I noted time no more--the change of seasons was
unperceived--even the day and the night followed without my regarding
them.

I was in this unfortunate situation, when one day the door was opened,
and, as had been often the custom during my imprisonment, visitors were
going round the establishment, to indulge their curiosity, in witnessing
the degradation of their fellow-creatures, or to offer their
commiseration. I paid no heed to them, not even casting up my eyes.
"This young man," said the medical gentleman who accompanied the party,
"has entertained the strange idea that his name is Simple, and that he
is the rightful heir to the title and property of Lord Privilege."

One of the visitors came up to me, and looked me in the face. "And so
he is," cried he, to the doctor, who looked with astonishment. "Peter,
don't you know me?" I started up. It was General O'Brien. I flew into
his arms, and burst into tears.

"Sir," said General O'Brien, leading me to the chair, and seating me
upon it, "I tell you that _is_ Mr Simple, the nephew of Lord Privilege;
and, I believe the heir to the title. If, therefore, his assertion of
such being the case, is the only proof of his insanity, he is illegally
confined. I am here, a foreigner, and a prisoner on parole; but I am
not without friends. My Lord Belmore," said he, turning to another of
the visitors who had accompanied him, "I pledge you my honour that what
I state is true; and I request you will immediately demand the release
of this poor young man."

"I assure you, sir, that I have Lord Privilege's letter," observed the
doctor.

"Lord Privilege is a scoundrel," replied General O'Brien. "But there is
justice to be obtained in this country, and he shall pay dearly for his
_lettre de cachet_. My dear Peter, how fortunate was my visit to this
horrid place! I have heard so much of the excellent arrangements of
this establishment, that I agreed to walk round with Lord Belmore; but I
find that it is abused."

"Indeed, General O'Brien, I have been treated with kindness," replied I;
"and particularly by this gentleman. It was not his fault."

General O'Brien and Lord Belmore then inquired of the doctor if he had
any objection to my release.

"None whatever, my lord, even if he were insane; although I see now how
I have been imposed upon. We allow the friends of any patient to remove
him, if they think that they can pay him more attention. He may lea