In a lonely cottage, without money--without family or friends to apply to--without anyone near her being made acquainted with her unfortunate history, what would have become of her?
It was this reflection which determined me, if my life was spared, as soon as my health would permit, to come to you, the only relative I was certain of still having in the world, that I might acquaint you with her existence, and, with her history, confide to you the few articles of dress which she wore when rescued, and which may eventually lead to her recognition--a case of extreme doubt and difficulty, I grant; but the ways of Providence are mysterious, and her return to the arms of her friends will not be more wonderful than her preservation on that dreadful night.

Brother! I never have applied to you in my own behalf, although conscious how ample are your means--and I never will; but I do now plead in favour of this dear child.

Worn out as I am, my pilgrimage on earth can be but short; and if you would smooth the pillow of a dying brother, promise him now that you will extend your bounty to this poor orphan, when I'm no more!" Edward Forster's voice was tremulous at the close of his appeal, and his brother appeared to be affected.

There was a silence of a minute, when the customary "humph!" was ejaculated, and John Forster then continued: "A very foolish business, brother--very foolish, indeed.

When Nicholas and his son came here the other day and applied to me--why it was all very well--there was relationship; but really, to put another man's child upon me!" "Not while it pleases heaven to spare _my_ life, brother." "'May you live a thousand years!' then, as the Spanish say; but, however, brother Edward, as you say, the poor thing must not starve; so, if I am to take care of a child of another man's begetting, as soon as you are dead, I can only say, it will very much increase my sorrow at your loss.