CHAPTER XVIII.
-- Last scene of all, To close this strange eventful history .-- AS YOU LIKE IT.
On the next morning, Mr.Ratcliffe presented Miss Vere with a letter from her father, of which the following is the tenor:-- "MY DEAREST CHILD, The malice of a persecuting government will compel me, for my own safety, to retreat abroad, and to remain for some time in foreign parts.

I do not ask you to accompany, or follow me; you will attend to my interest and your own more effectually by remaining where you are.

It is unnecessary to enter into a minute detail concerning the causes of the strange events which yesterday took place.

I think I have reason to complain of the usage I have received from Sir Edward Mauley, who is your nearest kinsman by the mother's side; but as he has declared you his heir, and is to put you in immediate possession of a large part of his fortune, I account it a full atonement.

I am aware he has never forgiven the preference which your mother gave to my addresses, instead of complying with the terms of a sort of family compact, which absurdly and tyrannically destined her to wed her deformed relative.