'That is a question,' replied Elvira 'much easier for you to ask, than
it will be for me to answer, but, as some of the events connected with
the sad history of my presence here, may be found to be somewhat
connected with your present mysterious situation, I will lose no time in
making you acquainted with the story of my past life, that is, if you
think you possess strength enough to listen to the recital, which as it
is to me a painful theme, I shall make as brief as possible.'

A strange and unaccountable interest in the words of the dejected being
who stood before her, having taken possession of the sympathizing mind
of our heroine, she signified to Elvira, that she felt strong enough to
listen to any thing which might serve to explain the horrible mystery
connected with her sudden captivity, and the subsequent events attendant
upon it.

As Ellen finished speaking, Elvira, commenced her narration as follows:

'I was born in Lincoln, near fifty years ago. My parents were poor, but
respectable trades-people, who, had they been permitted to live, until
I, their only child, had reached the age of womanhood, might have, by
religious counsel and strict government checked, if not wholly
obliterated the reckless propensities of my passionate temper and wild,
wayward disposition. But before my years had numbered ten, my parents
both died within a few weeks of each other, leaving me to the care of a
tyrannical old aunt, who I soon afterwards found, managed to hide, under
an artful affection of religion and prudery, a base malignant and
sensual character. I was immediately sent by my aunt to the
parish-school, where, being naturally tractable and apt to learn I soon
acquired the rudiments of a good education, and besides, I learnt also