No one," replied Captain M---. "Still, such is the scepticism of the
present age, that travellers must be content with having justice done to
them after they are dead."

"That's but cold comfort, sir," replied the first-lieutenant, rising
from the table, which movement was immediately followed by the remainder
of the guests, who bowed, and quitted the cabin.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note. It is singular that the almost incredible story in the above
chapter is, perhaps, the only real fact in the whole book. It will be
found in the log of the ship, and signed by all the officers; and yet
many of my readers will be inclined to reject this, and believe a
considerable portion of the remainder of the composition to have been
drawn from living characters; if so, they will be like the old woman.

CHAPTER FIFTY.

_Cym_.
Guiderius had
Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star.
_Bel_.
This is he,
Who hath upon him still that stamp.
SHAKESPEARE.

When Mr Rainscourt left Cheltenham, he wrote a hasty note to the
McElvinas, requesting that they would take charge of Emily, whose
presence would be necessary at the Hall--and, when they had arranged
their own affairs, would bring her with them over to Ireland, where it
was his intention to reside for some time. A few days after Rainscourt
had quitted Cheltenham, Emily, who, since her mother's death, had
remained with the McElvinas, was accompanied by them to that home which,
for the first time, she returned to with regret.

It may be inquired by the reader, whether Rainscourt was not harassed by
his conscience. I never heard that he showed any outward signs.
Conscience has been described as a most importunate monitor, paying no
respect to persons, and making cowards of us all. Now, as far as I have
been able to judge from external evidence, there is not a greater
courtier than conscience. It is true, that, when in adversity, he
upbraids us, and holds up the catalogue of our crimes so close to our
noses, that we cannot help reading every line. It is true, that, when
suffering with disease, and terrified with the idea of going we know not
where, he assails the enfeebled mind and body, and scares away the
little resolution we have left. But in the heydey of youth, in the
vigour of health, with the means of administering to our follies, and
adding daily and hourly to our crimes, "he never mentions hell to ears