Anonymous

The adventures of Lady Harpur Vol.2

CHAPTER 1

My adopted father and protector

Passing over for the present the events immediately succeeding our landing, behold me, settled in Government House, the favoured guest of the respected governor, and the chosen companion of his only daughter.

My rooms are luxuriously fitted out in the cheeriest part of the building; I have almost a little suite to myself; a comfortable bedchamber, with a commodious bathroom adjoining, and the snuggest possible little boudoir opening through a veranda on to a portion of the grounds especially set apart for my enjoyment and supervision.

For attendants, I have my own maid Zilla and an intelligent black boy, called Davy, to work the grounds and run errands.

The old gentleman himself pays me every attention and visits me often on the sly; in public he is most circumspect, yet always exceedingly kind and indulgent.

I have grown very fond of him, and do everything in my power to please and gratify him.

Blanche and I are very good friends; we read and work together and receive joint instruction from various masters.

I am not sure whether she is fully aware of the connection between her father and me, but if she is, she takes no notice of it, wisely judging that it is at all events better for her than if he married again. In due course, letters were received from my father, thanking the governor for his attention to me and gladly consenting to our present arrangements.

Carlo obtained from the English government the pardon he sought, together with a substantial reward; and being found efficient as a seaman and a navigator, he was appointed captain of the good old ship Cammarilla.