DISTRESS. 29 



tioned ; and then, after an additional two 

 hours' ride through and over the downs, 

 occasionally catching a glimpse of the 

 element that has added so much to the 

 glory and safety of our country ; we 

 enjoyed a most splendid view from Ports- 

 down Hill, comprising Portsmouth harbour, 

 Spithead, and the Isle of Wight and at 

 last arrived safely at Portsmouth. 



My father having a very good house 

 in the High Street, was residing there 

 during some addition or repairs he was 

 making at his place in the country. Some- 

 thing appeared to have disturbed him, for I 

 had scarcely had time to enjoy the welcome 

 with which I was received by other mem- 

 bers of my family, when somewhat harshly 

 he intimated the necessity of my preparing 

 at once to do something in the way of 

 earning my own subsistence ; and stated 

 that he had already made arrangements for 

 my quitting home with this object. At this 

 unexpected announcement I burst into tears, 



