more evidence was required, whether Fleta was her child or not. To
allow her to remain in such a state of anxiety was impossible, Mr
Masterton agreed, and we posted to --, where we arrived in the evening.
"Now, gentlemen, leave me but one minute with the child, and when I ring
the bell, you may enter." Lady de Clare was in so nervous and agitated
a state, that she could not walk into the parlour without assistance.
We led her to a chair, and in a minute Fleta was called down.
Perceiving me in the passage, she ran to me. "Stop, my dear Fleta,
there is a lady in the parlour, who wishes to see you."

"A lady, Japhet?"

"Yes, my dear, go in."

Fleta obeyed, and in a minute we heard a scream, and Fleta hastily
opened the door, "Quick! quick! the lady has fallen down."

We ran in and found Lady de Clare on the floor, and it was some time
before she returned to her senses. As soon as she did, she fell down on
her knees, holding up her hands as in prayer, and then stretched her
arms out to Fleta. "My child! my long-lost child! it is--it is,
indeed!" A flood of tears poured forth on Fleta's neck relieved her,
and we then left them together; old Masterton observing, as we took our
seats in the back parlour, "By Gad, Japhet, you deserve to find your own
father!"

In about an hour Lady de Clare requested to see us. Fleta rushed into
my arms and sobbed, while her mother apologised to Mr Masterton for the
delay and excusable neglect towards him.

"Mr Newland, madam, is the person to whom you are indebted for your
present happiness. I will now, if you please, take my leave, and will
call upon you to-morrow."

"I will not detain you, Mr Masterton; but Mr Newland will, I trust,
come home with Cecilia and me; I have much to ask of him." I consented,
and Mr Masterton went back to town; I went to the principal hotel to
order a chaise and horses, while Fleta packed up her wardrobe.

In half an hour we set off, and it was midnight before we arrived at
Richmond. During my journey I narrated to Lady de Clare every
particular of our meeting with Fleta. We were all glad to go to bed;
and the kind manner in which Lady de Clare wished me good night, with
"God bless you, Mr Newland!" brought the tears into my eyes.

I breakfasted alone the next morning, Lady de Clare and her daughter
remaining up stairs. It was nearly twelve o'clock when they made their
appearance, both so apparently happy, that I could not help thinking,
"W