could an opportunity have been afforded
him of making something like amends to the representatives of the
injured, even though the injured had been long asleep in the grave. When
all at once, therefore, the intelligence burst upon him, that one was
living in whom he possessed an interest, and over whose destiny he
should have watched, but whom he had neglected and forgotten, he felt
his soul melt within him; and well it was for him that he found relief
in tears. Surprised beyond measure was Colonel Rivolta, when he observed
the effect produced on Mr. Martindale, and heard the old gentleman say
with trembling voice:--"And that orphan, sir, is my daughter." He paused
for a minute or two, and his companion was too much astonished and
interested to interrupt him: recovering himself, he continued: "For many
years after that child was born, I had not the means of making any other
provision for it than placing it under the care of the old woman of whom
we have been speaking. I gave her such compensation as my circumstances
then allowed; and as the mother died soon after the birth of the infant,
I thought myself freed from all farther responsibility when I had made
provision for the infant. I endeavoured, indeed, to forget the event
altogether; and as I wished to form a respectable connexion in marriage,
I took especial care to conceal this transgression. However, various
circumstances prevented me from time to time from entering into the
married state; and having within the last twelve years come into the
possession of larger property than I had ever anticipated, it occurred
to me that there should be living at Genoa a child of mine, then indeed
long past childhood. I wrote to Genoa, and had no answer; I went to
Genoa, and could find no trace either of my child or of the old woman to
whose care I had entrusted her; and I was grieved not so much for the
loss of my child, as for the lack of an opportunity of making some
amends for my crime. I am delighted to hear that she lives. To-morrow I
will see her."

Upon this interesting disclosure hinge the principal incidents. In the
course of these are some admirable pleasantries; especially a
horse-race, and the description of Trimmerstone, in vol. i.; and the
clerical prig, and a slight sketch of the dangle Tippetson, in vol. ii.

The Earl of Trimmerstone's portrait, after old Martindale's death is
well drawn:

The Earl of Trimmerstone was depressed in spirits; it is indeed very