Opposite Neighbours. 89 



plished without personal danger. Sir Charles was a shot. I had seen a 

 case of pistols arrive from John Marton and Son, Dover-street; besides, he 

 was big enough to eat me, so that putting mysel f forward was out of the 

 question. I had it I would write to the Times and the True Sun, 

 under the signature of " a Friend to Morality." That very night I con- 

 densed these notes into three columns, as I said to the editor, not to 

 occupy too great a space in his valuable journal ; and early on the 

 following morning I arose to dispatch my letters, when, what should 

 greet my astonished senses, but, at the door of the Seymours, their 

 travelling carriage with four post horses ! What could it mean ? I had 

 seen no signs of packing ; no trunks, or waggons ! What could it mean ? 

 I stood perfectly aghast ; my eyes were fixed intently upon the carriage. 

 Oh ! I had it again, my wits never fail me the murder was out. I need 

 not write to the Times. Miss Ellen was discovered, and going to be sent 

 off to school, or perhaps to " dull aunts and croaking rooks" in 

 the country! I was glad to be spared the pain of forwarding the 

 explanation ; and yet Good heavens ! what was my surprise and 

 profound mystification when Sir Charles appeared, handing in, first Lady 

 Seymour, a beautiful flush on her countenance, radiant with smiles, and 

 almost as quick and light in her movements as Ellen herself then the 

 old nurse with the new baby : then Ellen, smiling as usual ; and 

 last of all Sir Charles got upon the box, followed by the Viscount ! ! 

 and then off they drove as fast as the horses could carry them. My eyes 

 and mouth continued wide open long after they had turned the corner 

 into Park Lane. I was at my wits end ; at sea without a rudder. What 

 could all this possibly portend ? The little boy was left behind too ! and 

 all the servants, with the exception of one of the lady's maids, and Sir 

 Charles's own man. Could it be that Ellen was going to be palmed off 

 upon the poor deceived Viscount ? But why then should they go out 

 of town to be married ? why had not I seen the least glimpse of a 

 lawyer, or any preparation for a trousseau ? and why did the new baby 

 go with them ? that could not be of much use at a wedding. No, that 

 could not be it. Where could they be going ? I passed a restless day, 

 a sleepless night. The next morning I grew desperate, and was on the 

 point of sallying forth in my cap and dressing gown, to knock at the 

 door of the deserted mansion, and demand satisfaction of the butler, 

 when who should I pounce upon at the door, but my old friend General 

 Crossby. It was devilish unlucky, but I was obliged to ask him up. 

 " I intended to call on my friends, the St. Legers, over the way, this 

 morning," said he, " but I find they are gone to Portsmouth." 



" To Portsmouth, are they ? that 's very curious," said I, interrupting 

 him. "Do you know the family?" asked I, with something like agi- 

 tation. 



" I have known Sir Charles St. Leger all his life ; he married Fanny 

 Spenser, a daughter of Admiral Spenser." 



" Good God l " 



" Why are you surprised ? " asked he gravely. 



" Why, General, I must be candid with you j truth and honour compel 

 me to a disclosure, which, I am sure will, as a friend of the family, cause 

 you exceeding pain." The General was now surprised in his turn. 



' Good heavens ! he ejaculated, '< Nothing has happened to Mrs. 

 Murray or the child, I hope." 



