hailed, and waved his cap to the gentleman who made signs for him to approach, and on hearing the state of my master, gave the soldier a doubloon to try and buy some nourishment, lamenting, at the same time, that he could not then stop, being charged with a message from Lord Wellington, which must not be delayed, but promising to send a party to the relief of Lieutenant Forester, which he accordingly did; and my poor master, laid on the back of a mule, the best conveyance they had, was removed to the nearest English quarters, put into a warm bath and provided with a comfortable bed in the hospital. The Doctors then gave strict charge that he should not get too much food, for fear of overcoming his stomach; yet one of the nurses, more goodnatured than wise, allowed him to eat such a large quantity of boiled meat, that he got into a high fever, and very narrowly escaped with life: but the poor Grenadier never re covered his hardships, and died shortly after which my master accounted the greatest misfortune of all that happened to himself."* The soldier concluded. Harriet, with tearful eyes, and a faltering voice, thanked him; and expressed her astonishment that a government, for the support of which Kennedy had endured so much, should have abandoned him to the distress in which she originally knew him. Mr. Vernon replied, that it was impos sible to make provisions for all; that the liberality exhibited towards the military of this kingdom should be a precedent for every nation of Europe; and that the petition of the widow and orphan was ever The reader may rest assured that the narrative of the officer is authentic, the author having had it from the lips of the military gentleman to whom the circumstances occurred, a particular friend, who, fortunately, survives to relate them. treated with a consideration, and replied to with a promptitude and kindness, which assured the British soldier, marching to battle, and, perhaps, death, that, were he to fall, his wife and children should be nourished in the bosom of their country. To this Kennedy assented; and Mr. Vernon, having determined what gifts were likely to be most acceptable to the family, bade a kind farewell, and,' with Harriet, quitted the cottage." 132 CHAP. VII. Oh! what a tangled web we weave THREE times, during your absence, has Mr. Courtney been here,' said Maria to her father; and the servant informs me, that he has signified his intention to call again, having some very particular business, upon which he is anxious to speak with you.' Mr. Vernon desired he might be shewn into the library when he should return, and in a few moments he appeared, his countenance inflamed, swollen, and apparently betraying such symptoms of overexertion, that, although the day wore a wintery aspect, Mr. Vernon, supposing him fatigued and heated by the exercise of riding, requested he might be seated and> take some refreshment. This offer he declined; then, pacing the room for some minutes with heavy' and unequal steps, at length stopped precisely opposite his alarmed spectator, and with a glance meant to convey to the soul' the lightning's flash, which awes whilst it strikes, abruptly vociferated, if my son marry your daughter, he shall not have. one penny during my life.' Mr. Vernon started, and silently viewed his enraged visitant. Yes, Sir,' he continued, I repeat it, he shall starve whilst I live, should he so degrade himself and me.' 'Degrade!' echoed Mr. Vernon. Yes, Sir, degrade,' replied the now infuriate Mr. Courtney, irritated that the attack, by which he intended to overwhelm a supposed guilty conspirator, should be |