is tragical event, of which we did not know
the particulars until afterwards, that the next morning my solicitor
called upon me, 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 tipping 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 though 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 seven. Very much
obliged to him, the "fool of the family" might have waited a long while
for it.

While I was reading this letter, the waiter came up to say that a young
woman below wanted to speak to me. I desired her to be shown