waiting for the advent of a little midnight visitor, beguiled the
weary hours with a narrative of some of my experiences, and have
been amused at the expression on the faces of my fair patients when
told that my memory, and not my imagination, had been drawn upon for
materials. Enquiry having frequently been made as to whether my
recollections were published, I have been induced to print this
volume, changing only names of persons and localities, so as to
avoid identification. Many persons will find it hard to believe some
of the occurrences which are herein mentioned, but those who have
been concerned (directly or indirectly) with any of the parties to
my narratives, will recognize, under the disguise of a false name,
some person with whose history they are familiar. Should any
discover his own actions here narrated, let him not think that I have
wantonly endeavored to open old sores, but rather to warn others
from taking that first false step which so often leads to future
misery and bitter remorse.

MONTREAL, May, 1881





CHAPTER I.


Early Life and Professional Struggles.

My father, an officer in the Hanoverian Army, having died while I
was almost a child, I found myself, at the age of 17, governess in