This pigeon I had unluckily brought into the house the preceding day; and had been feeding and trying to tame it for my young nephews.

I little thought it would be the cause of such disasters.

My brother, though he endeavoured to conceal his anxiety from me, was much disturbed at the idea of meeting the favourite's displeasure, who would certainly be grievously disappointed by the loss of her splendid looking- glass.

I saw that I should inevitably be his ruin if I continued in his house; and no persuasions could prevail upon me to prolong my stay.

My generous brother, seeing me determined to go, said to me, 'A factor, whom I have employed for some years to sell merchandise for me, died a few days ago.