CHAPTER XIX. THE CONDEMNED CELL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume III, Issue 133, 19 November 1875, Page 6

CHAPTER XIX. THE CONDEMNED CELL.

Some time after the Prince of Orange arrived here, when it was expected that, according to his own declaration, and the King's letter to the Convention, an exact search and enquiry was to have been made into the birth of the Prince of Wales, there was a scheme of the whole matter drawn up, and of the proofs that were then and are are still ready to be produced, to prove his royal highness' legitimacy j "but no public examination being- ever had, and the violence of the times, as well as interest of the present government, not permitting any private person to move in it, these papers have yver since lain by. " But it being now thought advisable by some to have them printed, as they were at first designed, addressed to the Lords and Commons, entreating them to enquire into that weighty affair, and to call forward, examine, and protect, for who else dares to appear, the many witnesses to the several particulars therein affixed to be legally proved, I was ordered to carry those papers to the king, my master, for his inspection, that this leave and approbation might go along with the desire of his good subjects here, and they being taken with me, with so<ne other papers of accounts in a small ti'unk, amongst linen and other private things of my own, and not in ike packet, by this means fell into the hands of our present governors. " They waived the producing of them as evidence at my trial, yet I have just reason to believe my greatest crimes were contained therein." Having read this document, Florence concealed it in her bosom, wisely resolving to consign it to the care of Mrs. Ashton, whilst she contintied a resident at the court. On her arrival at the house she speedily changed her dress, and told her that, sad as the interview had been, she felt gratified that she had seen her husband; also that she was to take what steps she pleated with regard to her children, for the expenses of whose education she would make herself chargeable, and requested her wbtn she had any communication to make, to convey it to her thimgh the means ot her uncle. Amidst manny tears and the warmest expression of thanks, Florence thai left tho house in a coach which Mrs. Ashton had provided dor her use. It was just three o'clock when she re-entered her uncle' b cln.rn.ber. She was pale, tearful, dispirited ; how could it be otherwise ? Hie only circuiiiblance iv the whole sad afiair that cheered her up was the knowledge that she had been able to do an act of charity, and thereby to soothe poor Ashton' s last hours. It was impossible, however, to deceive her uncle. He handed

her a glass of wine. She thankfully accepted it, but her hand shook as she held the glass, and then setting it down untasted, she burst into tears. " Florence, my child, what is the matter ? " said the old man, much alarmed. " You are faint and ill ; you have waited too long for your food, I will order refreshments immediately. I have longed so to see you back. I have, been wishing I could get you here to live with me, without the chance of giving offence in high quarters ; it cannot be done, however." "Oh, that I could ! Oh, that I could! " said Florence, passionately, wringing her hands. " But what has happened to distress you so since you left me this morning ? " enquired her uncle. Oh, uncle, Ashton is to be executed at Tyburn the day after to-morrow, and I knew nothing of it till I called on his wretched wife." " But I did, my child, and I hid it from you purposely. But, my love, did you not tell me you would be prudent, and yet you went straight from me to poor Ashton' s house, the last place you should have gone to, and you attached to the court." Fearing the effect it might have on her uncle, Florence did not tell him of the visit she had paid to Ashton himself. Moreoves^Jk case of harm happening to her, she judged it best that he shoqfc. be able, if qtiestioned, to declare, with a safe conscience, that he did not know what her movements had been during her absence from his house. At length she rewarded his care and solicitude by brightening up a little, ate her dinner with compostiTe, took wine with him, and sang him one or two favorite songs, and when she took leave of him late in the evening he was gratified at seeing her as cheerful, apparently, as when she came to visit him in the morning.