a post-chaise and four--and we repaired to Paris, where I remember that the Earl of Ellingham and Jacob Smith joined us.[4] Next we went to Havre-de-Grace--I remember it was that town, because I have seen it since; and there Mr. de Medina, Esther, and the Earl of Ellingham left us--Mr. Rainford, Tamar, Jacob Smith, and myself going on board of a ship.[5] We were not very long at sea, but the next incident which I remember was travelling alone with Tamar to London, where we took up our abode at the country-seat of Mr. de Medina.[6] That was at Finchley. We never went out, I remember--but kept close to our own room, Esther and Mr. de Medina frequently visiting us. How long we lived in this manner I cannot recollect: but now my mind settles with horror on the never-to-be-forgotten lamentation which, child as I was, struck horror to my soul as it echoed through the dwelling! For Mr. de Medina and Esther had suddenly learnt that Tamar--the good, kind Tamar--who had been absent a considerable time that day, was foully and brutally murdered. Oh! how I cried--how bitterly I wept: but if I asked any questions--which I must naturally suppose that I did--they were not answered, or were answered vaguely. Yes--all particulars were carefully kept from me;--and this was doubtless nothing more than a mere matter of prudence--for I was but a child of between six and seven! Mr. Rainford now came back to live at Finchley; but how unhappy he was! I remember well one evening--a very few days only after the dreadful death of her whom I was wont to call ‘_my mamma_’--that Mr. Rainford, after a long conversation in whispers with Lord Ellingham, suddenly turned towards me--caught me up in his arms--and covered me with kisses. Yes--that incident has ever remained indelibly impressed upon my memory![7] It was followed very soon by Tamar’s funeral; and almost immediately afterwards I was sent to a school at a great distance--for I remember that Mr. de Medina and Esther themselves took me there, and that we travelled all day in a post-chaise. Ah! and now I recollect too--yes--it flashes to my mind, that before they left me they charged me never to mention the name of Rainford at the school;--for my own name was at that time Charles Watts. For three years did I remain there, Mr. de Medina and Esther frequently visiting me, even after she had become the Countess of Ellingham. Every six months I went home to Finchley for the holidays, and found Mr. Rainford always staying at Mr. de Medina’s house, and always ready to receive me with kindness. Then Mr. de Medina died; and we all went into mourning for him. I returned to school for another year; and when between ten and eleven I was suddenly sent for home--that is, to the manor-house at Finchley, which Mr. Rainford had continued to occupy after Mr. de Medina’s death. But instead of meeting Mr. Rainford, as I had expected, I was taken into the presence of a gentleman and a lady, neither of whom I had ever beheld before.