tionate brother. Relations, said he, in which, | appeared to be my friend. She had been whoever discharges his duty well, gives us greatly assisting to Amelia in making her a well-grounded hope, that he will behave escape, which I had no opportunity of menas properly in all the rest. He concluded tioning to you before, and in all things bewith saying, that Amelia's happiness, her haved so well, outwardly at least, to myself heart, nay her very reputation, were all as well as to her sister, that we regarded concerned in this matter, to which, as he her as our sincerest friend. had been made instrumental, he was resolved 'About half a year after our marriage. to carry her through it; and then taking two additional companies were added to the license from his pocket, declared to Mrs. | our regiment, in one of which I was preHarris, that he would go that instant and marry her daughter wherever he found her. This speech, the doctor's voice, his look, and his behaviour, all which are sufficiently calculated to inspire awe, and even terror, when he pleases, frightened poor Mrs. Harris, and wrought a more sensible effect than it was in his power to produce by all his arguments and entreaties: and I have already

related what followed.

ferred to the command of a lieutenant. Upon this occasion, Miss Betty gave the first intimation of a disposition which we have since so severely experienced.'

Your servant, sir,' says Miss Matthews, then I find I was not mistaken in my opinion of the lady.-No, no, show me any goodness in a censorious prude, and—'

As Miss Matthews hesitated for a simile or an execration, Booth proceeded: You Thus the strange accident of our want- will please to remember, madam, there was ing pen, ink, and paper, and our not trust-formerly an agreement between myself and ing the boy with our secret, occasioned the Mrs. Harris, that I should settle all my discovery to Mrs. Harris; that discovery Amelia's fortune on her, except a certain put the doctor upon his mettle, and pro- sum, which was to be laid out in my adduced that blessed event which I have re-vancement in the army; but as our marcounted to you, and which, as my mother riage was carried on in the manner you have hath since confessed, nothing but the spirit heard, no such agreement was ever exewhich he had exerted after the discovery, cuted. And since I was become Amelia's could have brought about. husband, not a word of this matter was Well, madam, you now see me married ever mentioned by the old lady; and as for to Amelia; in which situation you will, per-myself, I declare I had not yet awakened haps, think my happiness incapable of ad- from that delicious dream of bliss in which dition. Perhaps it was so; and yet I can the possession of Amelia had lulled me.' with truth say, that the love which I then bore Amelia, was not comparable to what I bear her now.'-' Happy Amelia!' cried Miss Matthews. If all men were like you, all women would be blessed; nay, the whole world would be so in a great measure: for upon my soul, I believe that from the damned inconstancy of your sex to ours proceeds half the miseries of mankind.'

That we may give the reader leisure to consider well the foregoing sentiment, we will here put an end to this chapter.

CHAPTER VIII.

Here Miss Matthews sighed, and cast the tenderest of looks on Booth, who thus continued his story:

'Soon after my promotion, Mrs. Harris one morning took an occasion to speak to me on this affair. She said, that as I had been promoted gratis to a lieutenancy, she would assist me with money to carry me a step higher; and if more was required than was formerly mentioned, it should not be wanting, since she was so perfectly satisfied with my behaviour to her daughter. Adding, that she hoped I had still the same inclination to settle on my wife the remainder of her fortune.

'I answered with very warm acknowIn which our readers will probably be divided in ledgments of my mother's goodness, and their opinions of Mr. Booth's conduct.

Bоотн proceeded as follows:

The first months of our marriage produced nothing remarkable enough to mention. I am sure I need not tell Miss Matthews that I found in my Amelia every perfection of human nature. Mrs. Harris at first gave us some little uneasiness. She had rather yielded to the doctor than given a willing consent to the match; however, by degrees, she became more and more satisfied, and at last seemed perfectly reconciled. This we ascribe a good deal to the kind offices of Miss Betty, who had always

declared, if I had the world, I was ready to lay it at my Amelia's feet. And so, heaven knows, I would ten thousand worlds.

Mrs. Harris seemed pleased with the warmth of my sentiments, and said, she would immediately send to her lawyer and give him the necessary orders; and thus ended our conversation on this subject.

From this time, there was a very visible alteration in Miss Betty's behaviour. She grew reserved to her sister as well as to me. She was fretful and captious on the slightest occasion: nay, she affected much to talk on the ill consequences of an imprudent mar,

1

"This letter convinced me in every point.

riage, especially before her mother; and if a letter by that very post, from the officer ever any little tenderness or endearments with whom I had exchanged, insisting, that escaped me in public towards Amelia, she though his majesty had not signed the comnever failed to make some malicious remark missions, that still the bargain was valid, on the short duration of violent passions; partly urging it as a right, and partly desirand when I have expressed a fond sentiment ing it as a favour, that he might go to Gifor my wife, her sister would kindly wish braltar in my room. she might hear as much seven years hence. 'All these matters have been since sug-I was now informed that the commissions gested to us by reflection; for while they were not signed, and, consequently, that the actually past, both Amelia and myself had exchange was not completed: of conseour thoughts too happily engaged to take quence, the other could have no right to notice of what discovered itself in the mind insist on going; and as for granting him of any other person. such a favour, I too clearly saw I must do it at the expense of my honour. I was now reduced to a dilemma, the most dreadful which, I think, any man can experience; in which, I am not ashamed to own, I found love was not so overmatched by honour as he ought to have been. The thoughts of leaving Amelia in her present condition, to misery, perhaps death, or madness, were insupportable; nor could any other situation but that which now tormented me on the other side, have combatted them a moment.'

Unfortunately for us, Mrs. Harris's lawyer happened at this time to be at London, where business detained him upwards of a month; and as Mrs. Harris would on no occasion employ any other, our affair was under an entire suspension till his return.

'No woman upon earth,' cries Miss Matthews, 'can despise want of spirit in a man more than myself; and yet, I cannot help thinking you was rather too nice on this occasion."

'Amelia, who was now big with child, had often expressed the deepest concern at her apprehensions of my being some time commanded abroad; a circumstance, which she declared if it should ever happen to her, even though she should not then be in the same situation as at present, would infallibly break her heart. These remonstrances were made with such tenderness, and so much affected me, that to avoid any probability of such an event, I endeavoured to get an ex- 'You will allow, madam,' answered Booth, change into the horse-guards, a body of that whoever offends against the laws of troops which very rarely goes abroad, un- honour, in the least instance, is treated as less where the king himself commands in the highest delinquent. Here is no excuse, person. I soon found an officer for my pur- no pardon; and he doth nothing who leaves pose, the terms were agreed on, and Mrs. any thing undone. But if the conflict was Harris had ordered the money which I was so terrible with myself alone, what was my to pay to be ready, notwithstanding the op- situation in the presence of Amelia? how position made by Miss Betty, who openly could I support her sighs, her tears, her dissuaded her mother from it; alleging that agonies, her despair! could I bear to think that exchange was highly to my disadvan-myself the cruel cause of her sufferings, for tage; that I could never hope to rise in the army after it; not forgetting, at the same time, some insinuations very prejudicial to my reputation as a soldier.

When every thing was agreed on, and the two commissions were actually made out, but not signed by the king, one day, at my return from hunting, Amelia flew to me, and eagerly embracing me, cried out, "O Billy, I have news for you which delights my soul. Nothing sure was ever so fortunate as the exchange which you have made. The regiment you was formerly in, is ordered for Gibraltar."

so I was! could I endure the thought of having it in my power to give her instant relief, for so it was, and refuse it her!

'Miss Betty was now again become my friend. She had scarce been civil to me for a fortnight last past; yet now she commended me to the skies, and as severely blamed her sister, whom she arraigned of the most contemptible weakness, in preferring my safety to my honour: she said many ill-natured things on the occasion, which I shall not now repeat.

matter.'

In the midst of this hurricane, the good doctor came to dine with Mrs. Harris, and, 'I received this news with far less trans-at my desire, delivered his opinion on the port than it was delivered. I answered coldly, Since the case was so, I heartily Here Mr. Booth was interrupted in his hoped the commissions might be both signed. narrative, by the arrival of a person, whom What do you say? replied Amelia, eager-we shall introduce in the next chapter. ly; sure you told me every thing was entirely settled. That look of yours frightens me to death.-But I am running into too minute particulars. In short, I received

THE gentleman who now arrived was the keeper; or, if you please, (for so he pleased to call himself,) the governor of the prison.

He used so little ceremony at his approach, that the bolt, which was very slight on the inside, gave way, and the door immediately flew open. He had no sooner entered the room, then he acquainted Miss Matthews that he had brought her very good news, for which he demanded a bottle of wine as his due.

them half so well, let me tell them that, Captain Booth, tell them that.'

'I see, sir,' answered Booth, a little discomposed, that you are acquainted with my title as well as my name.'

'Ay, sir,' cries the keeper, and I honour you the more for it. I love the gentlemen of the army. I was in the army myself formerly; in the lord of Oxford's horse. It is true I rode private; but I had money enough to have bought in quarter-master, when I took it into my head to marry, and my wife she did not like that I should continue a soldier, she was all for a private life; and so I came to this business.'

Upon my word, sir,' answered Booth, This demand being complied with, he 'you consulted your wife's inclinations very acquainted Miss Matthews, that the wound-notably; but, pray, will you satisfy my curiosity in telling me, how you became acquainted that I was in the army; for my dress, I think, could not betray me."

ed gentleman was not dead, nor was his wound thought to be mortal: that loss of blood, and, perhaps, his fright, had occasioned his fainting away; but I believe, Betray!' replied the keeper; there is madam,' said he, if you take the proper no betraying here, I hope-I am not a permeasures, you may be bailed to-morrow. I son to betray people-But you are so shy expect the lawyer here this evening, and if and peery, you would almost make one susyou put the business into his hands, I war-pect there was more in the matter. And if rant it will be done. Money, to be sure, must be parted with; that's to be sure. People, to be sure, will expect to handle a little in such cases. For my own part, I never desire to keep a prisoner longer than the law allows, not I: I always inform them they can be bailed as soon as I know it. I never make any bargain, not I; I always love to leave those things to the gentlemen and ladies themselves. I never suspect gentlemen and ladies of wanting generosity.'

there be, I promise you, you need not be afraid of telling it me. You will excuse me giving you a hint; but the sooner the better, that's all. Others may be beforehand with you, and, first come first served on these occasions, that's all. Informers are odious, there's no doubt of that, and no one would care to be an informer if he could help it, because of the ill usage they always receive from the mob; yet it is dangerous to trust too much; and when safety and a good part of the reward too are on one side, and the gallows on the other-I know which a wise man would choose.'

'What the devil do you mean by all this?' cries Booth.

'No offence, I hope,' answered the keeper; 'I speak for your good, and if you have been upon the snaffling lay-you understand me, I am sure.'

'Not I,' answered Booth, 'upon my honour.'

Miss Matthews made a very slight answer to all these friendly professions. She said, she had done nothing she repented of, and was indifferent as to the event. 'All I can say,' cries she, 'is, that if the wretch is alive, there is no greater villain in life than himself;' and instead of mentioning any thing of the bail, she begged the keeper to leave her again alone with Mr. Booth. The keeper replied, 'Nay, madam, perhaps it may be better to stay a little longer here, if you have not bail ready, than to buy them too dear. Besides, a day or two hence, when the gentleman is past all danger of recovery, to be sure, some folks that would expect an extraordinary fee now, would be glad to touch any thing. And to be sure you shall want nothing here. The best of all things are to be had here for money, both eatable 'And you don't know Robinson!' answered and drinkable; though I say it, I shan't turn the keeper with great emotion. To which my back to any of the taverns for either Booth replying in the negative, the keeper, eatables or wine. The captain there need after some tokens of amazement, cried out: not have been so shy of owning himself Well, captain, I must say you are the best when he first came in; we have had cap- at it, of all the gentlemen I ever saw. Howtains and other great gentlemen here be- ever, I will tell you this: the lawyer and fore now; and no shame to them, though I Mr. Robinson have been laying their heads say it. Many a great gentleman is some-together about you above half an hour this times found in places that don't become afternoon. I overheard them mention Cap

'Nay, nay,' replied the keeper, with a contemptuous sneer, if you are so peery as that comes to, you must take the consequences.-But for my part, I know I would not trust Robinson with two pence untold.' 'What do you mean?' cries Booth; 'who is Robinson?

Y

tain Booth several times; and for my part,, suit,)' and besides, as the lawyer says, nosci

I would not answer that Mr. Murphy is not now gone about the business; but if you will impeach any to me of the road, or any thing else, I will step away to his worship Thrasher this instant, and I am sure I have interest enough with him to get you admitted an evidence.'

'And so,' cries Booth, 'you really take me for a highwayman.'

'No offence, captain, I hope,' said the keeper: as times go, there are many worse men in the world than those. Gentlemen may be driven to distress, and when they are, I know no more genteeler way than the road. It hath been many a brave man's case, to my knowledge, and men of as much honour too as any in the world.'

'Well, sir,' said Booth, 'I assure you I am not that gentleman of honour you imagine me.'

tur a sosir, is a very good rule. And I don't believe there is a greater rascal upon earth than that same Robinson that I was talking of. Nay, I assure you, I wish there may be no mischief hatching against you. But if there is, I will do all I can with the lawyer to prevent it. To be sure, Mr. Murphy is one of the cleverest men in the world at the law; that even his enemies must own; and as I recommend him to all the business I can, (and it is not a little to be sure that arises in this place,) why one good turn deserves another. And I may expect that he will not be concerned in any plot to ruin any friend of mine; at least when I desire him not. I am sure he could not be an honest man if he would.'

Booth was then satisfied that Mr. Robinson, whom he did not yet know by name, was the gamester who had won his money at play. And now, Miss Matthews, who had very impatiently borne this interruption, prevailed on the keeper to withdraw.

Miss Matthews, who had long understood the keeper no better than Mr. Booth, no sooner heard his meaning explained, than she was fired with greater indignation than As soon as he was gone, Mr. Booth bethe gentleman had expressed. How dare gan to felicitate her upon the news of the you, sir,' said she to the keeper, insult a wounded gentleman being in a fair likeliman of fashion, and who hath had the ho-hood of recovery. To which, after short nour to bear his majesty's commission in the silence, she answered, There is something, army? as you yourself own, you know. If perhaps, which you will easily guess, that his misfortunes have sent him hither, sure makes your congratulation more agreeable we have no laws that will protect such a fel- to me than the first account I heard of the low as you in insulting him? Fellow!' villain's having escaped the fate he deserves; muttered the keeper, I would not advise for, I do assure you, at first, it did not make you, madam, to use such language to me.' me amends for the interruption of my cuDo you dare threaten me replied Miss riosity. Now, I hope, we shall be disturbed Matthews in a rage; venture in the least no more, till you have finished your whole instance to exceed your authority with re-story.-You left off, I think, somewhere in gard to me, and I will prosecute you with the utmost vengeance.'

The blackest ink of fate was sure my lot,
And when fate writ my name, it made a blot.

the struggle about leaving Amelia, the happy Amelia. And can you call her happy at A scene of very high altercation now en- such a period?' cries Booth. Happy, ay, sued, till Booth interposed, and quieted the happy, in any situation,' answered Miss keeper, who was, perhaps, enough inclined Matthews, with such a husband. I, at to an accommodation; for, in truth, he least, may well think so, who have expewaged unequal war. He was besides unwil-rienced the very reverse of her fortune; but ling to incense Miss Matthews, whom he I was not born to be happy. I may say expected to be bailed out the next day, and with the poet: who had more money left than he intended she should carry out of the prison with her; and as for any violent or unjustifiable methods, the lady had discovered a much too 'Nay, nay, dear Miss Matthews,' angreat a spirit to be in danger of them. The swered Booth, you must, and shall banish governor, therefore, in a very gentle tone, such gloomy thoughts. Fate hath, I hope, declared, that if he had given any offence to many happy days in store for you.'the gentleman, he heartily asked his pardon; you believe it, Mr. Booth?' replied she, inthat if he had known him to be really a cap-deed, you know the contrary-You must tain, he should not have entertained any such suspicions; but the captain was a very common title in that place, and belonged to several gentlemen that had never been in the army, or at most, had rid private like himself. To be sure, captain,' said he, as you yourself own, your dress is not very Booth so immediately complied with this military;' (for he had on a plain_fustian|request, that it is possible he was pleased

- Do

know--For you can't have forgot. No Amelia in the world can have quite oblitera ted-Forgetfulness is not in our own power. If it was, indeed, I have reason to thinkBut I know not what I am saying.-Pray do proceed in that story.'

with it. To say the truth, if all which un-I could not convey a very agreeable idea to a wittingly dropped from Miss Matthews was constant husband. Booth, therefore, proput together, some conclusions might, it ceeded to relate what is written in the third seems, be drawn from the whole, which book of this history.

CHAPTER I.

BOOK III.

In which Mr. Booth resumes his story.

'IF I am not mistaken, madam,' continued Booth, I was just going to acquaint you with the doctor's opinion, when we were interrupted by the keeper.

The doctor having heard counsel on both sides, that is to say, Mrs. Harris for my staying, and Miss Betty for my going, at last delivered his own sentiments. As for Amelia, she sat silent, drowned in her tears; nor was I myself in a much better situation.

Betty. "Yes, I do hear it," answered Amelia, with more spirit than I ever saw her exert before, "and would preserve his honour at the expense of my life. I will preserve it if it should be at that expense; and since it is Doctor Harrison's opinion that he ought to go, I give my consent. Go, my dear husband," cried she, falling upon her knees, "may every angel of Heaven guard and preserve you."-I cannot repeat her words without being affected,' said he, wiping his eyes, 'the excellence of that woman, no words can paint: Miss Matthews, she hath every perfection in human

nature.

'I will not tire you with the repetition of any more that passed on that occasion; nor with the quarrel that ensued between Mrs. Harris and the doctor; for the old lady could not submit to my leaving her daughter in her present condition. She fell severely on the army, and cursed the day in which her daughter was married to a soldier, not sparing the doctor for having had some share in the match. I will omit, likewise, the tender scene, which passed between Amelia and myself previous to my departure.'

"As the commissions are not signed, said the doctor, I think you may be said to remain in your former regiment; and therefore I think you ought to go on this expedition; your duty to your king and country, whose bread you have eaten, requires it; and this is a duty of too high a nature to admit the least deficiency. Regard to your character likewise requires you to go; for the world, which might justly blame your staying at home, if the case was even fairly stated, will not deal so honestly by you; you must expect to have every circumstance against you heightened, and most of what 'Indeed, I beg you would not,' cries Miss makes for your defence omitted; and thus Matthews, 'nothing delights me more than you will be stigmatized as a coward, with-scenes of tenderness. I should be glad to out any palliation. As the malicious dispo- know, if possible, every syllable which was sition of mankind is too well known, and the uttered on both sides.' cruel pleasure which they take in destroying the reputations of others; the use we are to make of this knowledge is to afford no handle to reproach; for bad as the world is, it seldom falls on any man who hath not given some slight cause for censure, though this, perhaps, is often aggravated ten thousand fold; and when we blame the malice of the aggravation, we ought not to forget our own imprudence in giving the occasion. Remember, my boy, your honour is at stake; and you know how nice the honour of a soldier is in these cases. This is a treasure which he must be your enemy indeed who would attempt to rob you of. Therefore, you ought to consider every one as your enemy, who, by desiring you to stay, would rob you of your honour."

"Do you hear that, sister?' cries Miss

'I will indulge you, then,' cries Booth, 'as far as is in my power. Indeed, I believe, I am able to recollect much the greatest part; for the impression is never to be effaced from my memory.'

He then proceeded, as Miss Matthews desired; but lest all our readers should not be of her opinion, we will, according to our usual custom, endeavour to accommodate ourselves to every taste, and shall therefore place this scene in a chapter by itself, which we desire all our readers who do not love, or who, perhaps, do not know the pleasure of tenderness, to pass over; since they may do this without any prejudice to the thread of the narrative.