Whether it was through the fear of conscience or the hope of reward, no sooner had Meg learnt the dangerous state of my poor mother, the constant grief, which they said had been the sole though slow cause of her disease, and the large sums which had been repeatedly offered for my recovery; no sooner, I say, did Meg ascertain all these particulars than she fought her way up to the sick-chamber, fell on her knees before the bed, owned her crime, and produced myself.

Various little proofs of time, place, circumstance; the clothing I had worn when stolen, and which was still preserved, joined to the striking likeness I bore to both my parents, especially to my father, silenced all doubt and incredulity: I was welcomed home with a joy which it is in vain to describe.

My return seemed to recall my mother from the grave; she lingered on for many months longer than her physicians thought it possible, and when she died her last words commended me to my father's protection." "My surviving parent needed no such request.

He lavished upon me all that superfluity of fondness and food of which those good people who are resolved to spoil their children are so prodigal.

He could not bear the idea of sending me to school; accordingly he took a tutor for me,--a simple-hearted, gentle, kind man, who possessed a vast store of learning rather curious than useful.