The object of my visit to Caraccas having been completed in a manner which seemed almost miraculous, I was impatient to return to Paramaribo, and take counsel as to what steps should be adopted for the discovery of my uncle. I therefore took passage in the first vessel bound for that port; and in the space of twenty-four days, found myself again sailing up the Surinam. We soon landed, and after despatching a letter to Mr. Hartley, informing him of my success, and requesting him immediately to repair to Paramaribo, I hastened to the house of M. Scager, my uncle’s father-in-law; I had seen the old gentleman before my departure for Caraccas, but had not consulted him as to the object of my expedition. Such, indeed, had been the bitterness of his feelings towards my uncle, on account of the disgrace associated with his name, that even an allusion to him excited his anger. I had, however, seen my black-eyed cousin Mirabel, and imparted to her my scheme, and the hopes I entertained of rescuing her father’s name from reproach, and if successful in this, my determination to range the world until I might discover him. Young as she was, Mirabel entered into my views with ardor, and I believe that my own resolution was quickened in no small degree by the feelings which animated her own bosom, and which I saw vividly painted upon her countenance. When I reached the house, M. Scager was absent, and my first interview was with Mirabel. She saw me, indeed, before I reached the door, and was about to fly towards me; but she suddenly stopped and gazed earnestly in my face. Seeming to be satisfied with the tidings it bore, she rushed forward, and I received her in my arms. It may seem that this proceeding suited my name better than my age and condition; but it must be considered that Mirabel was my cousin, that I had achieved a great service in behalf of her father, and that the girl had very handsome black eyes. My story was soon told, and I cannot describe the happiness that shone in Mirabel’s face. But in a short time I perceived that it was shaded by a look of the deepest sorrow. I inquired the cause, and begging me to excuse her seeming ingratitude, she told me that her anxiety to know her father’s fate, and to see him if living, was now so great as even to drown the enjoyment derived from knowing that his name would now be rescued from the shame which had long attended it. I spoke cheeringly to her in reply, and promised again to compass sea and land in search of him. While we were thus engaged, M. Scager returned. I hesitated as to the manner in which I should communicate the intelligence I had brought. Mirabel, seeing my embarrassment, took the papers which I had obtained from Caraccas, and placing them in her grandfather’s hands, begged him to read them at his leisure. The old man sat down, and while he was taking out his spectacles, Mirabel slipped out of the room, beckoning me with a fairy sweep of her finger to follow her.