his hands, and fell. Assistance
now came out, but there was more than one to help up. The violence of
his emotion had brought on an apoplectic fit, and my uncle, although he
breathed, never spoke again.

It was in consequence of this tragical event, of which we did not know
the particulars until afterwards, that the next morning my solicitor
called, and put a letter into my hand, saying, "Allow me to congratulate
your lordship." We were all at breakfast at the time, and the general,
O'Brien, and myself jumped up, all in such astonishment at this
unexpected title being so soon conferred upon me, that we had a heavy
bill for damages to pay; and had not Ellen caught the tea-urn, as it was
tipped over, there would, in all probability, have been a doctor's bill
into the bargain. The letter was eagerly read--it was from my uncle's
legal adviser, who had witnessed the catastrophe, informing me, that all
dispute as to the succession was at an end by the tragical event that
had taken place, and that he had put seals upon everything awaiting my
arrival or instructions. The solicitor, as he presented the letter,
said that he would take his leave, and call again in an hour or two,
when I was more composed. My first movement, when I had read the letter
aloud, was to throw my arms round Celeste and embrace her--and O'Brien,
taking the hint, did the same to Ellen, and was excused in consideration
of circumstances; but, as soon as she could disengage herself her arms
were entwined round my neck, while Celeste was hanging on her father's.
Having disposed of the ladies, the gentlemen now shook hands, and
although we had not all appetites to finish our breakfasts, never was
there a happier quintette.

In about an hour my solicitor returned, and congratulated me, and
immediately set about the necessary preparations. I desired him to go
down immediately to Eagle Park, attend to the funeral of my uncle, and
the poor little boy who had paid so dearly for his intended advancement,
and take charge from my uncle's legal adviser, who remained in the
house. The "dreadful accident in high life" found its way into the
papers of the day, and before dinner-time a pile of visiting cards was
poured in, which covered the table. The next day, a letter arrived from
the First Lord, announcing that he had made out my commission as
post-captain, and trusted that I would allow him the pleasure of
presenting it himself at his dinner-hour, at half-past