arrived at the hotel, where we remained for him. Monsieur de
Villereine cross-questioned him narrowly, and on his producing the coral
I spoke of, any doubts he might have entertained vanished.

"My dear boy," he exclaimed, embracing me, "you are indeed my long-lost
son. Your recovery will, I trust, be the means of preserving your poor
mother's life, for she has, I fear, a great grief in store for her; for,
although she hoped for the best, I cannot but see that your poor brother
Henri's days are numbered."

I need not repeat what more my father said. Taking Dick in the
carriage, we drove rapidly home. My father hurried in first to prepare
my mother, and in a few minutes I had the happiness of being clasped in
her arms, and receiving the affectionate kisses of my sister Emilie and
the warm congratulations of poor Henri.

"I always loved you as a brother," he exclaimed; "and now I am indeed
delighted to find that you are so in reality."

I was scarcely aware how quickly the time had gone by, when carriage
wheels were heard approaching the house.

"I sent off a note to your uncle and aunt," said Emilie to me, "as I was
sure they would be glad to hear the news, and here they are."

They entered the room directly afterwards, followed by Sophie. The
formal manner my uncle had assumed had vanished. After he and my aunt
had cordially welcomed me, the whole party disappeared from the room
with the exception of Sophie.

"Papa has withdrawn his objection," she whispered; "and I told him I
would never marry any one but you."

I must bring my yarn to a conclusion.

My first mate was so trustworthy a man, that I felt justified in sending
the _Ellen_ back to Barbadoes under his charge to receive her cargo.

Poor Henri entreated that I would not delay my marriage, and Sophie
having no objections, in the course of a few weeks we were united. My
brother's death, which all expected, took place, to our great grief, a
short time afterwards.

I was thankful to find that the consignees of the _Ellen_ consented to
allow my mate to take her home. On her next voyage my parents and
sister, as well as my uncle and aunt, agreed to accompany me to England,
leaving my brothers-in-law in charge of their two estates.

We had a prosperous passage, and having been invited by Mr and Mrs
Dear to pay them a visit, we on our arrival repaired to their house,
where Captain and Mrs Falconer had come to receive us; and I had the
happiness of