sistance. I followed him, and found him with Ellen still in his
arms, and the actresses assisting in her recovery. The manager came
forward to apologize, 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 LXV

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 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 received your letter, Ellen, and was hastening to you, when--but no
matter, I will tell my story afterwards."

"Day after day I waited with anxiety for a letter, and then wrote to the
officers of the ship to know if any accident had occurred. I received an
answer from the surgeon, informing me that you had quitted Portsmouth to
join me, and had not since been heard of. You may imagine my distress at
this communication, as I did not doubt but that something dreadful had
occurred, as I knew, too well, that nothing would have detained you from
me at such a time. The new vicar appointed had come down to look over
the house, and to make arrangements for bringing in his family. The
furniture he had previously agreed to take at a valuation, and the sum
had been appropriated in liquidation of your father's debts. I had
already been permitted to remain longer than was usual, and had no
alternative but to quit, which I did not do until the last moment. I
could not leave my address, for I knew not where I was to go. I took my
place in the coach, and arrived in London. My first object was to secure
the means of livelihood, by offering myself as a governess; but I found
great difficulties