The Mysteries of Montreal Part 11

At length the _s.h.i.+pping Gazette_ announced the Glenalpine as "homeward bound," and in due time she was entered at the Custom House. George rushed with all speed to Mrs. Whitcher's, and was met with open arms by his intended bride. She was not very demonstrative, it is true, but she was glad to see him, and as her face lit up at his approach, the poor weather-beaten tar forgot all about a fearful gale he had just came through and its attendant perils, and wondered whether Heaven could possibly be an improvement on Mrs. Whitcher's front garden.

The wedding took place (as previously arranged) the next day, and the young couple took up their quarters at their new abode, George voting the cottage a decided improvement on the s.h.i.+p and Agnes smiling with delight at the thought of leaving Mrs. Whitcher's for ever. The s.h.i.+p remained in port about three weeks, and during that time the young couple lived not only figuratively but literally "in clover," as the cottage they had taken was on the margin of a clover meadow, the sweet perfume of which pervaded the atmosphere with its health-giving gases, gladdening the hearts and adding to the vitality of all who came under its influence.

But no earthly joys can last forever. George received a telegram ordering him to be in readiness to sail at any moment and finally an order for embarkation.

With a heavy heart he parted from his young and beautiful wife, the hope, however, of returning a richer man, better able to make her comfortable, cheered his manly spirit, and, clasping her once more in his fond embrace, he jumped into the boat and gave the men the order to pull to his vessel. His wife stood on the sh.o.r.e wistfully gazing at the s.h.i.+p till she was no longer visible, then, with a heavy step, she turned slowly homewards. She thought of the long weary hours she would have to count ere she would see him again, and, although she had never loved him pa.s.sionately, she felt his departure so keenly that she wept long and bitterly. For days she sat moodily looking out at the sea in the direction his vessel had taken, and a sad foreboding filled her heart that she would never see him more. Her comforter in her fitful hours was her maid, a French-Canadian girl, who had some years previously come to England in the capacity of stewardess on an ocean steamer, but, having taken fever during the vessel's stay in port, and been conveyed to the hospital, she was obliged to take service till she could again procure a situation on board s.h.i.+p. This girl--she was named Arline Bertrand--was a native of Montreal, and at this time about twenty-four years of age and rather good-looking. Bending over her mistress she would say: "Ah, Madame, Monsieur Fairfield he come back _riche, riche_, with plentee nice thing for you!"

A few weeks after the vessel's departure Mrs. Fairfield received news from the agents of the safe arrival of the vessel at Montreal, and shortly afterwards she received a letter from her husband, full of joy at the prospect of seeing her again, and of clasping her in his arms.

But, though "man proposes, G.o.d disposes," and the programme which poor George Fairfield had so fondly laid out and hoped to execute was destined to be sadly altered. Weighing anchor late on Sat.u.r.day night they proceeded slowly down the river, and on the following Tuesday were out at sea. The wind was blowing a little fresh, but that suited Captain Fairfield admirably, for as it was a strong westerly wind, and blowing right astern it only sent his s.h.i.+p on all the faster, so, crowding on nearly all the canvas his experience had taught him was safe, he bent over the taffrail and whistled for more wind to bear him joyously along.

All day long they scudded gaily onward, and although towards evening the wind moderated a little still they went along at a pretty fair pace, and Captain Fairfield and his s.h.i.+p's company drank their grog heartily, antic.i.p.ating a pleasant and speedy voyage. At bedtime the Captain went on deck, and, ordering the mate to keep a good lookout, went below and "turned in." He was not long in his berth when he heard a great running and shouting over his head, and then the cry of "Ice ahead!" from the look-out met his ears. With one bound he rushed on deck, and gave the order, to "'Bout s.h.i.+p," which the mate had already given; but there was no time to do more than port helm, and so avoid the direct shock from the ma.s.sive iceberg, into which at that moment they rushed with terrible force, the water pouring in torrents, and many of the men being killed by falling pieces of ice which towered several feet above the mast-head.

The boats were lowered with all speed, and were hardly clear of the "Glenalpine" when she went down with a plunge head first, and not a vestige of hull, spars or masts was to be seen. A few of the men had jumped or fallen into the water; these were all picked up, and on counting heads it was found that none were missing except the mate and two sailors, who had been killed by the falling ice.

So great had been the hurry of shoving off that they found themselves without chart, compa.s.s, or provisions, save a little keg of water and a small flask of brandy. However, judging by the direction of the wind, which the Captain had noted carefully before retiring, the boats' heads were put in the direction of the island of Anticosti, and, keeping as nearly as possible together (there were three boats' crews), they pulled hard all night for sh.o.r.e. When the morning broke they fancied they observed the loom of the land in the distance, and a shout of joy involuntarily burst from the whole company; they were doomed, however, to disappointment, for, on the mist clearing away, they could observe nothing but sky and sea for miles on every hand. The Captain was completely puzzled how to act, so, summoning a council of war in the gig, they came to the conclusion that, as they might, instead of pulling toward the land, pull farther away from it, there was no use wasting their strength pulling at all, and that they had better keep a careful look out for vessels either going to or coming from America, and trust in Providence. The water was served carefully out, and the Captain took the brandy into his own charge, the men encouraging each other with tales of their past experience in situations equally trying and still more dangerous.

All day they bobbed about on the dancing waves, the oarsmen pulling just sufficiently to keep headway on their respective boats, but not a sign of either land or pa.s.sing vessel was visible. The last round of water was served out, and the men tried hard to induce the Captain to hand them over the brandy, some of them sullenly, and intimating an inclination to take the bottle by force; but the Captain c.o.c.king his revolver, which he had fortunately retained, they subsided into silence, and lay moodily at the bottom of the boat. They pa.s.sed the night with heavy hearts, and when morning dawned despair seized every man of them, for not a vestige of land was to be seen, neither was there a boat of any kind in sight. Fortunately the weather was remarkably calm and clear, so they had no difficulty in keeping together, and in sharing equally their little supply of water, but now that that was gone what were they to do?

Just as they were about to give up all hope a cry of joy from the boat further to windward caused the occupants of the other two boats to rest on their oars, and turn in that direction; they strained their eyes in the endeavor to descry something beyond, but could see nothing. However, those nearest the point in question evidently could, and so they turned back and pulled against the wind with all their might, and in a few minutes the boatswain sung out, "A sail ahead"! causing their hearts to jump for joy. It was indeed a vessel which was rapidly coming towards them. It proved to be an American brig called "Frances Smith," which was bound for the Mediterranean, and the Captain no sooner sighted the signals of distress which were waved from the boats than he immediately hove to and picked the exhausted party up. The brig was rather crowded, as she was of small tonnage; however, the crew never murmured at the new-comers, but consented to accept a reduction in their rations, so that the half-famished men might receive a daily allowance.

The brig proceeded on her way, the rescued men insisting on doing their share of the work, and greatly lightened the labors of the crew. Within a few days, however, their powers were tried to the uttermost; the wind freshened to a gale, and threatened to annihilate the poor old brig, which was not in extra seaworthy condition. They were by this time more than half-way across the Atlantic, where the seas run sometimes as high as the yard-arm, and take several days to calm down when they have once been lashed into fury. The s.h.i.+p's timbers creaked and groaned, and the carpenter and his men had much ado to stop the numerous leaks which sprung in her sides. The next day it blew a hurricane, taking the fore mast and mainmast away, together with most of the rigging, and leaving the vessel almost a total wreck. As they were not far from the southern coast of Ireland, the Captain ordered the boats to be got ready with sails, arms and provisions; he also took with him a chart and compa.s.s, by which he was enabled to steer for the Fastnat Rock. There was scarcely room for the large party in the boats, but they all got safely in, a few minutes before the waterlogged brig went down like a lump of lead. They had not much to eat, but they had a good supply of water, and, as all the boats were well fitted with sails, the Captain hoped to make the Irish coast within a few days, the wind being much more moderate and in their favor.

Poor George Fairfield was sick at heart. He was so anxious to get home to his darling wife, and there he was for the second time at sea in an open boat, without the means of communicating with his loved Agnes, or of telling her why he was not at her side. Nevertheless he accepted the state of affairs with calm resignation, and he and the American Captain laid their heads together to find out exactly where they were and what course they had best pursue.

As they had had time to take with them a s.e.xtant chromometer and Palinurus, they had no difficulty next day in taking observations, and found themselves about five hundred miles W.N.W. of Mizen Head. As it was no use depending on being picked up they made all sail in that direction, and so rapidly did the strong west wind propel them that on taking observations the next day they found themselves nearly one hundred and fifty miles nearer land. It was fortunate that they made such headway, for they had only one day's provisions left, and the water was getting pretty scarce; however, the wind continued favorable, and in less than three days more, half famished and thoroughly chilled from exposure, they found themselves at midnight a few miles from the entrance of Queenstown Harbor.

Furling their sales, they took to the oars with a will and pulled wildly towards the landing-place, where they were pleased to hear voices in conversation. Just then a long whistle was heard from sh.o.r.e, and a husky voice half whispered, "Boat ahoy!" "Aye, aye," was the glad response as the s.h.i.+pwrecked men threw the painter to the owner of the voice, and taking their arms and instruments, bounded on sh.o.r.e. Imagine their surprise to find themselves surrounded, their muskets knocked from their hands, and the latter speedily encircled with a pair of manacles. The Captain of the Brig tried to remonstrate with the commander of the party, but a navy revolver was pointed at his head, and he was forbidden to utter a word. Finding resistance and remonstrance altogether out of the question, the unfortunate men marched on silently as directed, mentally endeavoring to explain this sample of Irish hospitality, and confident that there must be a mistake somewhere, but of the precise nature of that error they had not the faintest idea.

Arrived at the gaol, they were severally incarcerated and their handcuffs taken off. Then, as they signified that they were hungry, they were liberally supplied with b.u.t.termilk and oatmeal porridge, which many of them thought the best and most sensible part of the whole proceeding.

As it was past midnight, and they were all nearly exhausted they allowed their curiosity to wait till the morrow, and, without any questioning or speculation, fell fast asleep, most of them remaining quiescent unfed late the following afternoon. When they awoke they found a warm meal awaiting them, but no reply as to the reason for their detention could be got out of the turnkey, who seemed to think their question one of the greatest jokes ever perpetrated within the precincts of that edifice. At last Fairfield summoned the turnkey. There was something commanding in his tone which bade the gaoler treat him with respect, and to his enquiry as to whether he could see a lawyer the man replied that he could send for one immediately, but would vouchsafe no information.

In a short time Councillor Quinn called in answer to Captain Fairfield's summons, when the latter asked him to explain what reason the authorities had for treating him in this fas.h.i.+on. The eminent legal pract.i.tioner evidently thought this as great a joke as did Mr.

Fitzgerald, the turnkey, for he thrust his tongue in his cheek, and remained silent. On Fairfield reiterating the question in a stern tone he became more serious and said affably "My dear sir, do you not know what you are arrested for?"

Fairfield then became angry and said "If I did, why would I send for you to tell me? Is this your boasted Irish hospitality, in the exercise of which you lock up every man who happens to be cast away on your sh.o.r.es, and then laugh at him when he asks you a civil question?"

On seeing that Fairfield had really lost his temper, the astonished barrister said "Did you not command the party of armed men who were captured last night in the harbor?"

"I commanded a crew of s.h.i.+pwrecked sailors, as also did my companion in ill-treatment, Captain Westover."

"Ah! Well of course you can put in that plea if you wish at your trial, but I am afraid it will avail you little. Your arms, too, are of an American pattern, similar to that known to be used by the Fenians."

"Good Heavens! do they take me for a Fenian?" said Fairfield,--"why, I am an English officer, captain of a merchant vessel of the port of Glasgow."

"Have you any papers to prove this?" said the lawyer.

"No, they all went down with the vessel, but they can easily find out whether my statements be correct by communicating with the agents."

"That will be for you to do, when you are brought to trial, which may not be for some time, as there is a surplus of work on hand this session."

"But can I not demand a trial?"

"No, the _Habeas Corpus_ Act is suspended, and you must just make yourself as comfortable as you can under the circ.u.mstances."

Poor Fairfield wrung his hands and stamped the floor with rage. He cursed Ireland and her people and laws, or rather the want of them; then, as reason took the place of pa.s.sion, he sat down and wrote a letter to his wife, informing her of his deplorable condition, and urging her to communicate with the agents of his vessel immediately.

This letter never reached her, for, having heard of the wreck of the Glenalpine (some portions of the bows being found by a homeward-bound steamer imbedded in a large block of ice), she never doubted for an instant but that her husband had gone down with the vessel. The poor girl now felt almost broken down. But for the sake of the child which she expected she would have likely died with grief. The Canadian girl, Arline Bertrand, had told her so much of Canada, especially of Montreal, that she decided to follow the girl to her native land, and try to earn a living for herself and child, should G.o.d spare it, there, particularly as her aunt, Mrs. Whitcher, seemed to be afraid poor Agnes should return to her. Mrs. Fairfield accordingly sold her little household goods, and soon after bid her aunt and sister farewell, and took pa.s.sage on a Montreal steamer, Bertrand having secured for herself a place as stewardess. Arrived in Montreal, she visited the girl's parents, hoping to find reasonable lodgings during her approaching sickness, but the girl's mother did not believe her daughter's story about her young mistress, but thought her a young unfortunate girl who had come to Canada to hide her shame. She offered kindly to bring and introduce her to the nuns of St. Pelagie as the most proper place for her in her condition. Mrs. Fairfield, thanking her, was glad to find so suitable a shelter. Paying her board a week in advance, she retired to her room, but found to her surprise that room had several more occupants all in the same condition. The manner and language of those unfortunate creatures did not suit Mrs. Fairfield at all, and as she mentioned her disappointment at not having a room to herself to one of the nuns, she was informed that a private room was three times the amount. The sister also told her that the babe when born could not be cared for there, but would have to be sent to the Grey Nunnery, and that she had better part with it as soon as born. This frightened poor Agnes so much that she resolved not to stay there, come what might. Asking the next morning permission to take a walk, she had great trouble to get it granted, the nun informing her that the people in Montreal were so very bad, and that she would run great danger to go out alone. But Agnes thought she would risk this danger. She accordingly went up Campeau street, at which corner St. Pelagie is situated. She walked and walked till she came to St. Mary street. There inquiring for the residence of a physician, some kind person directed her to Dr. P----'s drug store on Notre Dame street.

To him she told her story and her desire to find a more suitable place.

He gave her the address of my house, and advised her to come under my care. On hearing her story I could not for a moment doubt her truthfulness, and received her gladly at, my place, sending the servant with a note for Mrs. F----'s things to St. Pelagie in the afternoon, which were, after some little delay and trouble, handed out to her, no doubt the sisters feeling sorry that the fair young English lady did not return. Her former servant, Arline Bertrand, having returned as stewardess to England again, Mrs. Fairfield did not care to let the girl's mother know that she had left the convent, hoping to find means to let Arline know her whereabouts later, as the old lady had certainly meant well enough when bringing her to St. Pelagie. Mrs. Fairfield was only three weeks at my house when a baby boy was born to her. Then her sorrows seemed to be greater than ever. She thought of having lost her husband, the father of the innocent baby, so early seemed almost to kill her, and I frequently heard her implore G.o.d to take them both. But it was not in his wise ordination to grant her wish. She regained her strength gradually, and with it grew the love for her child which in all unconsciousness grew quite a stout little fellow who wanted to be fed, clothed and cared for, which obligations fell alone on its mother, and as her means became always smaller, she decided to take a situation with a wealthy family from Savannah who were staying at this time at my house, the Southern lady having taken a great interest from the beginning of their meeting in Mrs. Fairfield, offered her a comfortable home and fair compensation if she would accompany them, attend to the wants of the lady and her baby during their travels, and act as companion and housekeeper when at their Southern home. Mrs. Fairfield took it very hard to part from her little boy, but leaving it with a reliable nurse, and under my special observation, she was reconciled at last. Hoping to return in one year, she left. Every thing went on well.

Her letters were full of grat.i.tude. Her Southern friends never allowed her to feel her subordinate position for a moment. She also remitted regularly the wages for the nurse, and little George was, when fifteen months old, a lovely fair boy, and as large as a child two years old.

Some months pa.s.sed during which I did not hear from Mrs. Fairfield, nor did the nurse receive her payment. I wrote to Savannah, but received no answer. The nurse, poor woman, naturally could not keep the child without payment, and brought him one fine afternoon to my house to leave him, and also demanding the back pay. My own children, being delighted with the dear little fellow, we decided to keep and bring him up as our own child should his mother never return. And many of my fair patients will remember the lovely, little curly-headed fellow who would run into the parlor uninvited, but whose large blue eyes would appeal so sweetly to be allowed to stay. Indeed we all became so attached to him that we hoped n.o.body would ever claim him. And, as twelve months had pa.s.sed, I gave up all hope of ever hearing from Mrs. Fairfield again.

Fairfield had been confined in Pentenville, having been convicted on a charge of felony-treason, and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. His wife and, friends not having heard of his trial, no one was present to bear testimony in his favor, and both he and his men (many of whom happened to be Irishmen) were imprisoned. The Americans claimed the protection of their flag, a covering which proved sufficiently substantial to protect them, but the only flag which could have been claimed by poor unfortunate George was the very one he was accused of attacking.

As the British Government did not wish to deal harshly with Fenian prisoners, or, as its enemies said, was afraid to trample any longer on the Irish people, George Fairfield and his companions, in common with many real Fenians, were liberated some years before the expiration of their term of servitude. Fairfield at once sought his late home, hoping to find his wife and child still alive, and cursing his fate, which had cast him twice on the pitiless ocean, only to be arrested and imprisoned as soon as he got to land. But the worst had yet to come. When he arrived at his old home and found it occupied by strangers his heart sank within him; on enquiring for Mrs. Fairfield he was informed that she had gone to America with her servant Bertrand. Grasping the railings to keep himself from falling, the poor stricken man gazed wildly at his informant, as though stunned by a severe blow; then gasping out an apology of some kind he rushed along the street like a madman, stopping not till he had got far out into the open country. There, throwing himself headlong on the gra.s.s, he shed tears of anguish, moaning as if in bodily pain. "Why did I not go down with the s.h.i.+p?" he cried bitterly; "Was it for this I toiled twice over on the open sea? Ah, why was I ever born to be tossed about, imprisoned, and deserted?"

For hours he lay insensible on the gra.s.s, till the cool evening air, bringing his mind once more into activity, he arose with a groan, and slowly retraced his steps, not caring whither he went. Pa.s.sing along the quay he looked at the dark, sullen water, and for a moment was impelled to cast himself in and so put an end to his misery, but something in his better nature restrained him, and he walked moodily along to where an ocean steamer lay preparing for sea. Anything was better than inaction, so, as his money was all gone and he would have some difficulty in obtaining a position as Captain or even as mate, he s.h.i.+pped as a foremast hand, and took his place with the crew. Right glad would he have been to have changed places with any one of the jolly tars around him; their songs and jests, however, diverted the current of his thoughts and kept him from his bitter reflections for a time at least.

In a short time they were out at sea and, having plenty of work to do handing sails, reefing and steering, he almost forgot his great and deep heart-wound, and, although he could not be prevailed upon to sing a song or even to join in a chorus, yet he listened attentively to the yarns of the sailors, and always applauded their songs.

The vessel was trading between Glasgow and Montreal, and within a short time they were anch.o.r.ed at the latter port; the sailors all went ash.o.r.e as soon as the vessel was safely moored, and Fairfield having nothing else to occupy his mind, went up the wharf in search of Bertrand's parents house. He was directed to a house on St. Bonaventure street, where he found the mother of Arline Bertrand all right, but her daughter was not at home. She had gone as stewardess abroad again and married there. She had promised to visit her parents at some future time. When Captain Fairfield enquired about the lady she had come out with three years previous, the old lady broke out into sobs, and told him that the lady had died during her confinement in St. Pelagie, but that the nuns would give him more information about it if he would go there. If the babe had lived she did not know, but the sisters had offered to give to her daughter the lady's clothes and trunk if she came herself to demand it. This last blow seemed to be the hardest in all his sorrow. Thinking himself so near to find his beloved wife, and now all gone and forever, it seemed to hard. But he would go and see the nuns and hear how she had died, and if his child had lived or was alive now. This thought gave him new hopes, and, Madame Bertrand offering to accompany him, they proceeded to St. Pelagie to obtain an interview with the Lady Superioress. He had never thought of the child before, but now it was his whole thought and hope to find it alive.

Arriving at the convent he had not to wait very long to see the desired lady, and on informing her of his wishes she most kindly consented to search all records, but, as the number of patients received every year is very large he had to content himself till the following day when she would give him all the information he desired. The next day seemed never coming. But at last poor George felt as if his worst doom would be sealed now. The lady in waiting informed him that she felt happy to be able to tell him that his child (a little girl) was alive and at that present moment at a convent in Cemetery street, where he could see it and take it out on payment of its maintenance. The lady's clothes had been disposed of. As already stated, a long time had elapsed since her death. Capt. Fairfield, with a few lines from the sisters of St.

Pelagie, proceeded to the St. Joseph's Home, on Cemetery street, and, on handing the note, a little girl about three years old was shown to him to be his child. The poor little girl seemed afraid to look at him, and as the child could only speak French he felt as if a board was between him and the child; but her looks, he thought, were somewhat like his beloved Agnes. The child's little curls had been cut a few days before, so a nun told him. What was he to do with the child? He was not a Captain now, and would have to make first a position for himself again, and then he could claim his child. The child seemed happy, and the nuns offering to keep it for a moderate price he decided to give what money he had earned during his pa.s.sage and come again and again till the little girl could speak English to him, which the nuns promised to teach her, and then, to take her home to his native land. He had no parents alive, but he thought when going back to England he would call and see Mrs. Taylor, Agnes' sister Alice. He had never visited her, and he felt so bad to think that she had not helped her sister in distress. He well remembered his wife's spirit and independence, and that made him think that his wife had never made her wants known to them. However, the s.h.i.+p sailed again. He brought toys and sweetmeats to his darling little girl, to whom he felt with every visit more and more attached, and the parting was harder than he could have imagined.

Returned to Glasgow. On a later voyage, he proceeded at once to Mrs. Taylor's house, and was struck at the happy appearance of his sister-in-law, who, when she recognized him, became quite alarmed and was near fainting. When Mr. Taylor, who was struck for a moment also, regained his self-possession, he allowed poor George to tell his sad story, both listening with interest. But when he related how his wife had died and he had at last found his child--Alice broke out, "She is not dead! She is not dead, George! We had a letter only a week ago. She is in Paris." George Fairfield was thunderstruck at this revelation.

Alice brought the letter, which he saw was from his Agnes. But how could be this mistake with the deceased lady in the convent and the child,--whose child was it!

Agnes wrote to her sister that she had intended travelling with the Southern family to the Continent. When on the oceans the Franco-Prussian war was declared. They had to stop at Southampton and, instead of going to Germany, they went to the South of France, and, as she had no letters from me for some time, she was almost beside herself. The Southern lady being in such delicate state of health she could not think of leaving her, but had to accompany her. All letters sent from or sent to France were carefully inspected by the Government, and thus it happened that I had not received any communication for a long time. She had at last expected that her letters had gone astray, then she had written to her sister, Mrs. Taylor, asking her to write to me and try to obtain in this way information about her boy.

Captain Fairfield would have liked to start at once in search of his darling wife, but Mr. Taylor, who saw the danger for him in going to France at this time, prevented him from acting rashly, also fearing that the sudden shock to Agnes in seeing her husband whom she had bemoaned so long would be of great injury to her health, so it was decided that Alice should write first, saying in her letter that there were some hopes of Captain Fairfield being alive. The next mail should bring a letter from the Captain himself to his wife. Both letters were duly posted, but when the steamer on which George Fairfield was mate was ready to sail again no answer had been received from, France, and George had to cross the ocean again.

Having received my address from Mrs. Taylor he intended to come and see me on his arrival in this port, and this time he was more fortunate: the s.h.i.+p made a quick voyage, and as Mrs. Taylor had written to me by a previous steamer, informing me of all these strange incidents, I looked out for him.

One afternoon in the month of August, 1871, when I was driving along the wharf, I saw a steamer coming in, and on enquiring the name of it I found it was the one with which I expected Mr. Fairfield. I drove home with all speed, and as it was late in the afternoon Master George had his little white frock pretty well soiled; but, on telling him his papa would soon, be here to see him, he consented readily to leave his play and undergo an extra bathing--his little skin being so fair the least speck would show--and scarcely had we finished the operation when the door-bell rang and a weather-beaten gentlemen inquired for me. His surprise was great when he found I had expected him, and on seeing his beautiful child his happiness knew no bounds.

As soon as he had a little rested he related to us all his trials and miseries, which seemed like a fairy tale. But when would Mrs. Fairfield return and meet her husband, was the next question, and where? He came every day and spent many an hour at our house playing with his child and wis.h.i.+ng for his wife to return. He often said it would be almost too much happiness for him; that he was afraid something might cross his plans again. I had written to Savannah again to hear if the family would return from Europe soon. At last a letter came informing me that the family, as also Mrs. Fairfield, had embarked on a New York steamer, and would be expected home within a short time. When Captain Fairfield heard the good news he made arrangements not to return with his vessel to Glasgow but await the arrival of his long lost wife. He telegraphed to the agents in New York, desiring them to deliver a telegram at once to Mrs. Fairfield on her arrival. The message read thus: "Mrs. Capt.

Fairfield is wanted in Montreal immediately. Important business.

Answer." In two days we had an answer which read: "Will start at once, hope all well, Agnes Fairfield." Late in the evening the same day the New York train arrived rather late, but with it Captain Fairfield's wife. When the Captain saw his wife approaching he dropped the boy and ran towards her, calling her by her name, but she no sooner saw him than she fell senseless just inside the hall door. I would have raised her; but shoving me aside he took her tenderly in his arms and carried her upstairs. Then calling her by all sorts of endearing terms he conjured here to open her eyes and speak to him. After a time she revived.

When she came to herself, she gazed wildly around the room, enquiring eagerly, Where is he? I had persuaded Captain Fairfield to retire to an adjoining room for a while, and then brought little George to her pretending her enquiries were meant for him; but her mind was perfectly clear, and she demanded an explanation. I then told her in short what had occurred, when she broke out in an hysterical cry. I called Captain Fairfield to her, imploring him to try and dry her tears. But he let his head sink into his hands and wept like a child himself. Little George did not care for this proceeding at all, so he said he rather would keep me for his mamma because I did not cry. I hope he never will have the tenth part of the trial both his parents had.

For some time the now happy family stayed at Montreal, but at last Captain Fairfield had to resume his duties, but as he would never part from his wife and child again, he took both on the steams.h.i.+p with him.

The parting from the dear little child George nearly broke my children's hearts, who had looked upon him as their baby brother, and I promised to myself then never to take a strange child into my house if I could not keep it for ever, for even my old heart fretted after him.

The little girl in the asylum whom Captain Fairfield thought his child he did not forget, but took with him to England on a later trip, where Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, who had no family, adopted her. The nuns at St.

Pelagie were surprised when they heard of the mistake which was made, but could never find out who was the young English girl who died alone there. G.o.d has certainly taken care of her child, for it is in a good home, well provided for, and much beloved. Captain, Mrs., and little George Fairfield visited, before their final departure, the parents of Arline Bertrand, on Bonaventure street, and informed them of their existence. The old lady was so surprised that it took a long time to explain, but she promised to let her daughter know all about it.

Captain Fairfield is not crossing the ocean any more, having received the appointment as harbor-master in an English port. He does not want his son George, who is in College yet, to show any liking for the sea.

But I hope to see once more before I die the young man whom we all loved so dearly when a baby-boy.