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 THE FLEAS firing of cannon for prizes, a general illumination, &c. On our visit to the convent, we were received at the gate by the prioress, a tall handsome English lady, a Mrs. Skerratt, whom they called St. Edward, and there my sisters were left. Among the amusements that made the most impression on me, though a boy, not understanding a word of French, was the opera of the Déserteur; it was so well acted, that with difficulty I could refrain from crying: when often seeing it since, whether the mind was dissipated with variety of amusements I know not, and though perfectly acquainted with dénouement, they were not like my juvenile feelings. At our return to England, we left Lisle for Dunkirk. Arrived there in the evening, walking on the quay, we were informed that a vessel was to leave the port that night, at twelve o'clock. Having permission from the superintendent to quit after the gates were closed, we were punctual at the time to embark. Captain George, an Englishman, having the command, though a small vessel, yet assured us he could give us excellent accommodation. To relate them would be the reverse of our expectations, a very small cabin, and cots, with blankets only The first two hours, however, we reconciled ourselves (par force), but our patience was afterwards exhausted; such a heavy sea rolling over us, close confined under deck, huddled together, that, what with the heat and the pitching of the vessel, being sick the whole time, feeling continual twinges all over me, impatient too for daylight, my situation was affreua, myself most aflicted with the motion, was, as the French called it, the first to payer le tribut, accompanied as I found myself when daylight appeared, no candles being suffered during the night. I found that all sorts of vermin were my bedfellows, fleas, &c. &c. My white stockings 52