I write this by desire of my brothers and sisters, that if any reportsof our strange family history should come down to after generations thething may be properly understood.
The old times at Trevorsham seem to me so remote, that I can hardlybelieve that we are the same who were so happy then. Nay, Jaquettalaughs, and declares that it is not possible to be happier than we havebeen since, and Fulk would have me remember that all was not alwayssmooth even in those days.
Perhaps not—for him, at least, dear fellow, in those latter times; butwhen I think of the old home, the worst troubles that rise before meare those of the back-board and the stocks, French in the school-room,and Miss Simmonds' "Lady Ursula, think of your position!"
And as to Jaquetta, she was born under a more benignant star. Nobodycould have put a back-board on her any more than on a kitten.
Our mother had died (oh! how happily for herself!) when Jaquetta was ababy, and Miss Simmonds most carefully ruled not only over us, but overAdela Brainerd, my father's ward, who was brought up with us becauseshe had no other relation in the world.
Besides, my father wished her to marry one of my brothers. It wouldhave done very well for either Torwood or Bertram, but unluckily, as itseemed, neither of them could take to the notion. She was a dearlittle thing, to be sure, and we were all very fond of her; but, asBertram said, it would have been like marrying Jaquetta, and Torwoodhad other views, to which my father would not then listen.
Then Bertram's regiment was ordered to Canada, and that was the realcause of it all, though we did not know it till long after.
Bertram was starting out on a sporting expedition with a Canadiangentleman, when about ten miles from Montreal they halted at a farmwith a good well-built house, named Sault St. Pierre, all lookingprosperous and comfortable, and a young farmer, American in hisways—free-spoken, familiar, and blunt—but very kindly and friendly,was at work there with some French-Canadian labourers.
Bertram's friend knew him and often halted there on huntingexpeditions, so they went into the house—very nicely furnished, apretty parlour with muslin curtains, a piano, and everything pleasant;and Joel Lea called his wife, a handsome, fair young woman. Bertramsays from the first she put him