A FRIEND IN ¥ BED. AOS

wreparable disgrace. But who was the man, and
what did my brother say to it ?”

“Why, sur, I cannot say, but it was partly my
father’s own fault; for he took a sort of liking to the
young man, who was a drawing-master employed in
the family, and would not forbid him the house after
we had informed him of the danger of an attach-
ment between Amelia and him. So, when it was
too late, he fell into a violent passion about it,
which had no other effect than to drive the girl
directly into her lover’s arms. They married, and
soon fell into difficulties. My father, of course, would
do nothing for them; and when he died, he not only
disinherited her, but made us promise no longer to
look upon her as a sister.”

“ And you did make that promise?” said the cap-
tain, in a tone of surprise and displeasure.

“We could not disobey our parent,’ replied the
other sister ; “ but we have several times sent her relief
in her necessities, though it was improper for us to
see her.”’

“ And pray, what is become of her at last—where ig
she now ?”

“ Really, she and her husband have shifted their
lodgings so often, that it is some time since we heard
anything about them.”

“ Some time! how long P”

“ Perhaps half a year, or more.”

“ Poor outcast!’ cried the captain, in a sort of mut-
tered half voice. “ I have made no promise, however,
to renounce thee. Be pleased, madam,” he continued,
addressing himself gravely to the married niece, “to
favour me with the dast direction you had to this un-
fortunate sister.”

She blushed, and looked confused; and at length,
after a good deal of searching, presented it to her
uncle. “ But, my dear sir,” said she, “ you will not
think of leaving us to-day. My servant shall make all

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