to save his life, I laid down my head upon the floor of the cell in
which I was confined, and prayed that Heaven might end my days
before the morning."

* * *

This was the conclusion of the letter, except four or five lines
which (with his name) were so much blotted, apparently with tears,
that they were illegible.



CHAPTER XI.



While the dean was reading to himself this letter, his countenance
frequently changed, and once or twice the tears streamed from his
eyes. When it was finished, he exclaimed,

"My brother has sent his child to me, and I will be a parent to
him." He was rushing towards the door, when Lady Clementina stopped
him.

"Is it proper, do you think, Mr. Dean, that all the servants in the
house should be witnesses to your meeting with your brother and your
nephew in the state in which they must be at present? Send for them
into a private apartment."

"My brother!" cried the dean; "oh! that it WERE my brother! The man