e, and the
fleeting Spirit, directed by them, looks upward to the realms from which
these heaven-born passions have been permitted to descend on earth, to
cheer us through our weary pilgrimage.

What, then, had Admiral De Courcy to support him in his last moments?--A
good conscience?--faith?--hope?--love?--duty?--or even sympathy?--
Wanting all, he breathed his last. But, let us--

Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all;
Close up his eyes, and draw the curtains
close.
And let us all to meditation.

The vicar affixed seals upon the drawers, to secure the remainder of the
property (for the example of the old nurse had been followed by many
others), and, having given directions for the funeral, returned to his
own home.

The second day after the admiral's death, a carriage and four drove
furiously up the avenue and stopped at the entrance door. The occupants
descended, and rang the bells with an air of authority; the summons was
answered by several of the male domestics, who were anxiously looking
out for the new proprietor of the domain. A tall man, of very
gentlemanlike appearance, followed by a mean-looking personage in black,
walked in, the latter as he followed, proclaiming the other to the
servants as the heir-at-law, and present owner of the property. By this
time the whole household were assembled, lining the hall for the
visitors to pass, and bowing and curtseying to the ground. The vicar,
who had expected the appearance of these parties, had left directions
that he might be immediately acquainted with their arrival. On receipt
of the information, he proceeded to the hall, and was ushered into the
library, where he found them anxiously awaiting his arrival, that the
seals might be withdrawn which had been placed upon the drawers.

"Whom have I the honour of addressing, sir?" said the vicar to the
taller of the two, whom he presumed, by his appearance, to be the
superior.

"Sir," replied the little man, in a pompous manner, "you are speaking to
Mr Rainscourt, the heir-at-law, of this entailed property."

"I am sorry, truly sorry, sir," replied the vicar, "that from not having
been well informed, you should be subjected to such severe
disappointment. I am afraid, sir, that, the grandchild of Admiral De
Courcy will have a prior claim."

The two parties started from their chairs and looked at each other in
amazement.

"The grandchild!" replied the little man--"never even heard that there