Page:An authentic narrative of the extraordinary career of James Allen, the female husband.djvu/18

 joying in the same degree the pleasures of the repast. It did not, however, call forth any particular observation, some attributing it to one cause, some to another; but the real foundation of it was never glanced at by any. The party separated at an early hour expressing their best wishes for the prosperity of the young couple. James and his deluded bride left Camberwell immediately, for town, it having been previously arranged that they should spend the short time that Abigail could remain in town at a mutual friend's, in Gray's Inn Lane. To that friend they repaired, when they had the mortification to learn, that a sudden occasion had put it out of that friend's power to accommodate them with a sleeping-room; and, in consequence of this unforeseen accident, a lodging was procured for them at the public house known by the sign of the Bull, in Gray's Inn Lane. We would willingly pass over many particulars connected with this night, from an anxious desire we feel to avoid every thing that can possibly give offence to the most fastidious mind. Still, as this first night of their married life has very much to do with that explanation which the public are so desirous to obtain, and as we feel ourselves bound to give as faithful a relation as we can of the subject, we have no alternative than to give the facts as they are delivered to us.

Shortly after they had retired to bed, James complained of being very unwell, alleging that he had taken something in the course of the day which had disagreed with him: he arose frequently during the night, and groaned and sighed much; so that his wife had not the most remote idea but that his illness was positively real. On the following night he still remained indisposed; the third day and night found him no better; and to this cause, and no other Mrs. A. now solemnly avers she imputed the total ab-