The colour fled the interesting face of Louise at this account: with a trembling hand she took the miniature, and compared it with that she constantly wore; the resemblance was exact. "Oh, Sir Henry!" she exclaimed; "tell me, I conjure you, whence this picture? You seek a child--say, do you know my parents, or the reason of their cruel desertion of me in my infancy?" "Cruel desertion indeed!" said Sir Henry; "arising from shame to acknowledge their offspring! But no longer shall you be a dependent! My heart claimed you the moment I beheld you; and a view of your mother's picture, last night, but confirmed my suspicion, that you were--my sister!" He clasped her in his arms in an affectionate embrace, unresisted by Louise; who, surprised and bewildered at the unexpected claim, was for some moments incapable of speaking. "Your sister!" exclaimed the Captain and the Marchioness. "Good God! Sir Henry, by what strange circumstances?" "Seek not an explanation, now," said Sir Henry, "which must expose the frailties of a parent. The time is approaching, when every action must be revealed; but till then, spare me--spare Louise!" Louise now disengaged herself from the arms of Sir Henry, and, throwing herself into those of the Marchioness, cried--"Oh, Madam, congratulate your Louise; she is no longer the child of desertion: she has found a relation--she has found a brother!" The Marchioness embraced her affectionately; and Sir Henry then presented her to the Captain and Frederick, as his sister. "And will not you too participate in the happiness of this moment?" said the smiling Louise, advancing to Harland; who had witnessed the discovery with sensations of horror rather than surprise. Roused from his torpor by this address, he regarded her a moment, then, wildly dashing his forehead, exclaimed--"By Heavens, my brain is on fire!" and ran precipitately out of the room. This incoherent behaviour of Harland repressed the joy arising in the bosom of Louise: she looked round as entreating an explanation. "Do not be alarmed, my sweet girl," said the Captain: "these flights of Harland's are not unfrequent: reflection will restore him to himself." The Marchioness would have urged the particulars of Louise's birth: but Sir Henry again entreated to be spared the relation, at the same time expressing a wish that Louise should accompany him to England. The validity of his claim, the Marchioness could not doubt: the account she had received of him from the Captain would not admit the idea; yet she declared she could not consent to part with Louise till the difficulties in which he appeared involved, were terminated; she would then with pleasure resign the office of guardian. With this determination Sir Henry was obliged to comply, and, after passing an interesting and agreeable day, returned with Frederick on board.