peril and of death. Mr. Elliott doted on his grandchild, and she
remained with him. Those were times that tried men's hearts, and my
father-in-law was chivalrous as he was generous--he gave the bulk of his
fortune to his country's need, and confiding my daughter, then a child
some two years old, to a distant relative, carried his grey head and
feeble limbs to join the ranks of those who fought for liberty. He fell
gloriously in battle, and when, after years of active service, peace was
declared, and I came home to seek my daughter, the lady who had her in
charge had died of fever, and my child had been taken away, no one could
tell me by whom or where:--all traces of her were lost. I now longed to
see my father, peace was declared, the Independence of America admitted,
and as I had fought under an assumed name, I anticipated no danger. I
was received as one from the grave. I never mentioned my marriage, even
to my father, but accounted for my absence and my silence, by saying
that, ashamed to come home after being dismissed, I had gone in a
merchant vessel to India, and had there been taken prisoner by the
Lootees, a species of banditti, while on an excursion inland. My tale
was easily believed; to please my father, I married again. The sister of
good Mrs. Ally, my second wife, was a good and kind woman, and after the
birth of my daughter Mary, I again hoped for happiness. Vain hope. The
malice of the De Montford family was again let loose upon me. Your
grandfather was dead. I knew nothing of the events that had occurred
during my absence, and supposed that his first wife had died in Italy,
and her son also. But the countess had found among her husband's papers,
so I suppose, at least, for on this point I am uninformed, something
which threw light upon the past, and, supposing that I knew of the
existence of your father resolved on removing me. I was fond of
shooting, and one day shot a hare in a distant part of the manor. I had
been watched, by her orders, and a charge of poaching was instituted
against me. Her son was absent then, upon his murderous errand, as I