e, a new performer was to come
out of whom report spoke highly. Celeste consented, and after an early
dinner, we joined his lordship in his private box, which was above the
stage, on the first tier. The first piece was played, and Celeste, who
had never seen the performance of Young, was delighted. The curtain
then drew up for the second piece. In the second act, the new
performer, a Miss Henderson, was led by the manager on the stage; she
was apparently much frightened and excited, but three rounds of applause
gave her courage, and she proceeded. At the very first notes of her
voice I was startled, and O'Brien, who was behind, threw himself forward
to look at her; but as we were almost directly above, and her head was
turned the other way, we could not distinguish her features. As she
proceeded in her song, she gained courage, and her face was turned
towards us, and she cast her eyes up--saw me--the recognition was
mutual--I held out my arm, but could not speak--she staggered, and fell
down in a swoon.

"'Tis Ellen!" cried O'Brien, rushing past me; and, making one spring
down on the stage, he carried her off, before any other person could
come to her assistance. I followed him, and found him with Ellen still
in his arms, and the actresses assisting in her recovery. The manager
came forward to apologise, stating that the young lady was too ill to
proceed, and the audience, who had witnessed the behaviour of O'Brien
and myself, were satisfied with the romance in real life which had been
exhibited. Her part was read by another, but the piece was little
attended to, every one trying to find out the occasion of this uncommon
occurrence. In the meantime, Ellen was put into a hackney-coach by
O'Brien and me, and we drove to the hotel, where we were soon joined by
the general and Celeste.

CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE.

IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS, WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR BAD NEWS--I SUCCEED
IN EVERYTHING, AND TO EVERYTHING, MY WIFE, MY TITLE, AND ESTATE--AND
"ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL."

I shall pass over the scenes which followed, and give my sister's
history in her own words.

"I wrote to you, my dear Peter, to tell you that I had considered it my
duty to pay all my father's debts with your money, and that there were
but sixty pounds left when every claim had been satisfied; and I
requested you to come to me as soon as you could, that I might have your
counsel and assistance as to my future arrangements."

"I rece