an older look, and had a good deal diminished her beauty; of which, youug as she was, she plainly appeared to have only the remains in her present possession. She was in one particular the very reverse of Mrs Ellison, being altogether as remarkably grave as the other was gay. This gravity was not, however, attended with any sourness of temper; on the contrary, she had much sweetness in her countenance, and was perfectly well bred. In short, Amelia imputed her grave deportment to her ill health, and began to entertain a compassion for her which, in good minds, that is to say, in minds capable of compassion, is certain to introduce some little degree of love or friendship.

Amelia was, in short, so pleased with the conversation of this lady, that, though a woman of no impertinent curiosity, she could not help taking the first opportunity of enquiring who she was. Mrs Ellison said, that she was an unhappy lady, who had married a young clergyman for love, who, dying of a consumption, had left her a widow in very indifferent circumstances. This account made Amelia still pity her the more, and consequently added to the liking which she had already conceived for her.

Amelia therefore desired Mrs Ellison to bring her acquainted with Mrs Bennet, and said she would go any day with her to make that lady a visit. "There need be no ceremony," cried Mrs Ellison," she is a woman of no form: and, as I saw plainly she was extremely pleased with Mrs Booth, I am convinced I can bring her to drink tea with you any afternoon you please."

The two next days Booth continued at home, highly to the satisfaction of his Amelia, who really knew no happiness out of his company, nor scarce any misery in it. She had indeed at all times so much of his company when in his power, that she had no occasion to assign any particular reason for his staying with her, and consequently it could give her no cause of suspicion. The Saturday one of her children was a little disordered with a feverish complaint, which confined her to her room, and prevented her drinking tea in the afternoon with her hus

band in Mrs Ellison's apartment, where a noble lord, a cousin of Mrs Ellison's, happened to be present: for though that lady was reduced in her circumstances, and obliged to let out part of her house in lodgings, she was born of a good family, and had some considerable relations.

His lordship was not himself in any office of state; but his fortune gave him great authority with those who were. Mrs Ellison, therefore, very bluntly took an opportunity of recommending Booth to his consideration. She took the first hint from my lord's calling the gentleman Captain-To which she answered-" Ay, I wish your lordship would make him so. It would be but an act of justice, and I know it is in your power to do much greater things."-She then mentioned Booth's services, and the wounds he had received at the siege, of which she had heard a faithful account from Amelia.-Booth blushed, and was as silent as a young virgin at the hearing her own praises. His lordship answered, "Cousin Ellison, you know you may command my interest; nay, I shall have a pleasure in serving one of Mr Booth's character; for my part I think merit in all capacities ought to be encouraged; but I know the ministry are greatly pestered with solicitations at this time. However, Mr Booth may be assured I will take the first opportunity; and, in the meantime, I shall be glad of seeing him any morning he pleases." For all these declarations, Booth was not wanting in acknowledgments to the generous peer, any more than he was in secret gratitude to the lady, who had shewn so friendly and uncommon a zeal in his favour.

The reader, when he knows the character of this nobleman, may, perhaps, conclude that his seeing Booth alone was a lucky circumstance; for he was so passionate an admirer of women, that he could scarce have escaped the attraction of Amelia's beauty. And few men, as I have observed, have such disinterested generosity, as to serve a husband the better, because they are in love with his wife, unless she will condescend to pay a price beyond the reach of a virtuous

woman,

CHAP. I.

In which the Reader will meet with an old Acquaintance.

BOOTH's affairs now put on a better aspect than they had ever worn before, and he was willing to make use of the opportunity of one day in seven to taste the fresh air.

At nine in the morning he went to pay a visit to his old friend Colonel James, resolving, if possible, to have a full explanation of that behaviour which appeared to him so mysterious; but the Colonel was inaccessible as the best defended fortress, and it was as impossible for Booth to pass beyond his entry, as the Spaniards found it to take Gibraltar. He received the usual answers; first, that the Colonel was not stirring, and an hour after that he was gone out. All that he got by asking further questions was only to receive still ruder and ruder answers; by which, if he had been very sagacious, he might have been satisfied how little worth his while it was to desire to go in; for the porter at the great man's door is a kind of thermometer, by which you may discover the warmth or coldness of his master's friendship. Nay, in the highest stations of all, as the great man himself hath his different kinds of salutation, from an hearty embrace with a kiss, and my dear lord, or dear Sir Charles, down to, well Mr what would you have me do? so the porter, to some bows with respect, to others with a smile, to some he bows more, to others less low, to others not at all. Some he just lets in, and others he just shuts out; and in all this they so well correspond, that one I would be inclined to think that the great man and his porter had compared their lists together, and like two actors, concerned to act different parts in the same scene, had rehearsed their parts privately together, before they ventured to perform in public.

Though Booth did not, perhaps, see the whole matter in this just light, for that in reality it is, yet he was discerning enough to conclude from the behaviour of the servant, especially when he considered that of the master likewise, that he had entirely lost the friendship of James; and this conviction gave him a concern, that not only the flattering prospect of his lordship's favour

was not able to compensate, but which even opliterated, and made him for a while forget, the situation in which he had left his Amelia, and he wandered about almost two hours, scarce knowing where he went, till at last he dropt into a coffee-house near St James's, where he sat himself down.

He had scarce drank his dish of coffee, before he heard a young officer of the guards cry to another, "Oh d-n me, Jack, here he comeshere's old honour and dignity, faith."-Upen which he saw a chair open, and out issued a most erect and stately figure indeed, with a vast periwig on his head, and a vast hat under his arm. This august personage having entered the room, walked directly up to the upper end, where having paid his respects to all present of any note, to each according to seniority, he at last cast lis eyes on Booth, and very civilly, though somewhat coldly, asked him how he did.

Booth, who had long recognized the features of his old acquaintance Major Bath, returned the compliment with a very low bow; but did not venture to make the first advance to familiarity, as he was truly possessed of that quality which the Greeks considered in the highest light of honour, and which we term modesty: though, indeed, neither ours nor the Latin language hith any word adequate to the idea of the original.

The Colonel, after having discharged himself of two or three articles of news, and made his comments upon them, when the next chair to him became vacant, called upon Booth to fill it. He then asked him several questions relating to his affairs; and when he heard he was out of the army, advised him earnestly to use all means to get in again, saying, that he was a pretty lad, and they must not lose him.

Booth told him in a whisper, that he had a great deal to say to him on that subject, if they were in a more private place. Upon this the Colonel proposed a walk in the Park, which the other readily accepted.

During their walk Booth opened his heart, and, among other matters, acquainted Colonel Bath, that he feared he had lost the friendship of Colonel James, "though I am not," said he, "conscious of having done the least thing to deserve it."

Bath answered, "You are certainly mistaken, Mr Booth. I have indeed scarce seen my brother since my coming to town, for I have been

here but two days; however, I am convinced he is a man of too nice honour to do any thing inconsistent with the true dignity of a gentleman." Booth answered, "he was far from accusing him of any thing dishonourable."-"D-n me," said Bath, "if there is a man alive can or dare accuse him if you have the least reason to take any thing ill, why don't you go to him? you are a gentleman, and his rank doth not protect him from giving you satisfaction."-"The affair is not of any such kind," says Booth; "I have great obligations to the Colonel, and have more reason to lament than complain; and if I could but see him, I am convinced I should have no cause for either, but I cannot get within his house; it was but an hour ago a servant of his turned me rudely from the door."-"Did a servant of my brother use you rudely?" said the Colonel, with the utmost gravity. "I do not know, sir, in what light you see such things; but to me, the affront of a servant is the affront of the master, and if he doth not immediately punish it, by all the dignity of a man, I would see the master's nose between my fingers."-Booth offered to explain, but to no purpose; the Colonel was got into his stilts, and it was impossible to take him down, nay, it was as much as Booth could possibly do to part with him without an actual quarrel; nor would he, perhaps, have been able to have accomplished it, had not the Colonel by accident turned at last to take Booth's side of the question; and before they separated, he swore many oaths that James should give him proper satisfaction.

Such was the end of this present interview, so little to the content of Booth, that he was heartily concerned he had ever mentioned a syllable of the matter to his honourable friend.

CHAP. II.

In which Booth pays a visit to the noble Lord.

WHEN that day of the week returned in which Mr Booth chose to walk abroad, he went to wait on the noble peer, according to his kind invitation.

Booth now found a very different reception with this great man's porter, from what he had met with at his friend the Colonel's. He no sooner told his name, than the porter, with a bow, told him his lordship was at home; the door immediately flew wide open, and he was conducted to an antichamber, where a servant told him he would acquaint his lordship with his arrival: nor did he wait many minutes before the same servant returned, and ushered him to his lordship's apartment.

He found my lord alone, and was received by him in the most courteous manner imaginable. After the first ceremonials were over, his lord

ship began in the following words: "Mr Booth, I do assure you, you are very much obliged to my cousin Ellison. She hath given you such a character, that I shall have a pleasure in doing any thing in my power to serve you. But it will be very difficult, I am afraid, to get you a rank at home. In the West Indies, perhaps, or in some regiment abroad, it may be more easy; and when I consider your reputation as a soldier, I make no doubt of your readiness to go to any place where the service of your country shall call you." Booth answered, that he was highly obliged to his lordship, and assured him, he would with great chearfulness attend his duty in any part of the world. "The only thing grievous in the exchange of countries," said he, "in my opinion, is to leave those I love behind me ; and I am sure I shall never have a second trial equal to my first. It was very hard, my lord, to leave a young wife big with her first child, and so affected with my absence, that I had the utmost reason to despair of ever seeing her more. After such a demonstration of my resolution to sacrifice every other consideration to my duty, I hope your lordship will honour me with some confidence, that I shall make no objection to serve in any country."-"My dear Mr Booth,” answered the lord, "you speak like a soldier, and I greatly honour your sentiments. Indeed, I own the justice of your inference from the example you have given; for, to quit a wife, as you say, in the very infancy of marriage, is, I acknowledge, some trial of resolution." Booth answered with a low bow; and then, after some immaterial conversation, his lordship promised to speak immediately to the minister, and appointed Mr Booth to come to him again on the Wednesday morning, that he might be acquainted with his patron's success. The poor man now blushed and looked silly, till, after some time, he summoned up all his courage to his assistance, and relying on the other's friendship, he opened the whole affair of his circumstances, and confessed that he did not dare to stir from his lodgings above one day in seven. His lordship expressed great concern at this account, and very kindly promised to take some opportunity of calling on him at his cousin Ellison's, when he hoped, he said, to bring him comfortable tidings.

Booth soon afterwards took his leave with the most profuse acknowledgments for so much goodness, and hastened to acquaint his Amelia with what had so greatly overjoyed him. She highly congratulated him on his having found so generous and powerful a friend, towards whom both their bosoms burnt with the warmest sentiments of gratitude. She was not, however, contented, till she had made Booth renew his promise, in the most solemn manner, of taking her with him. After which they sat down with their little children to a scrag of mutton and

broth, with the highest satisfaction; and very heartily drank his lordship's health in a pot of porter.

In the afternoon this happy couple, if the reader will allow me to call poor people happy, drank tea with Mrs Ellison, where his lordship's praises being again repeated by both the husband and wife, were very loudly echoed by Mrs Ellison. While they were here, the young lady, whom we have mentioned at the end of the last book to have made a fourth at whist, and with whom Amelia seemed so much pleased, came in; she was just returned to town from a short visit in the country, and her present visit was unexpected; it was, however, very agreeable to Amelia, who liked her still better upon a second interview, and was resolved to solicit her further acquaintance.

Mrs Bennet still maintained some little reserve, but was much more familiar and communicative than before. She appeared, moreover, to be as little ceremonious as Mrs Ellison had reported her, and very readily accepted Amelia's apology for not paying her the first visit, and agreed to drink tea with her the very next after

noon.

Whilst the above-mentioned company were sitting in Mrs Ellison's parlour, Serjeant Atkinson passed by the window, and knocked at the door. Mrs Ellison no sooner saw him, than she said, "Pray, Mr Booth, who is that genteel serjeant? he was here every day last week to enquire after you.” This was indeed a fact; the serjeant was apprehensive of the design of Murphy; but as the poor fellow had received all his answers from the maid or Mrs Ellison. Booth had never heard a word of the matter. he was however greatly pleased with what he was now told, and burst forth into great praises of the serjeant, which were seconded by Amelia, who added, that he was her foster-brother, and, she believed, one of the honestest fellows in the world.

"And I'll swear," cries Mrs Ellison," he is one of the prettiest.-Do, Mr Booth, desire him to walk in. A serjeant of the guards is a gentleman; and I had rather give such a man as you describe a dish of tea, than any Beau Fribble of them all."

ter's opinion, that dancing is the rudiments of polite education, as he would, I apprehend, exclude every other art and science; yet it is certain, that persons whose feet have never been under the hands of the professors of that art, are apt to discover this want in their education in every motion, nay, even when they stand or sit still. They seem, indeed, to be overburdened with limbs, which they know not how to use, as if, when Nature hath finished her work, the dancing-master still is necessary to put it in motion.

Atkinson was at present an example of this observation, which doth so much honour to a profession for which I have a very high regard. He was handsome and exquisitely well made; and yet, as he had never learnt to dance, he made so awkward an appearance in Mrs Ellison's parlour, that the good lady herself, who had invited him in, could at first scarce refrain from laughter at his behaviour.

He had not, however, been long in the room, before admiration of his person got the better of such risible ideas. So great is the advantage of beauty in men as well as women, and so sure is this quality in either sex of procuring some regard from the beholder.

The exceeding courteous behaviour of Mrs Ellison, joined to that of Amelia and Booth, at length dissipated the uneasiness of Atkinson; and he gained sufficient confidence to tell the company some entertaining stories of accidents that had happened in the army within his knowledge; which, though they greatly pleased all present, are not, however, of consequence enough to have a place in this history.

Mrs Ellison was so very importunate with her company to stay supper, that they all consented. As for the serjeant, he seemed to be none of the least welcome guests. She was, indeed, so pleased with what she had heard of him, and what she saw of him, that when a little warmed with wine, for she was no flincher at the bottle, she began to indulge some freedoms in her discourse towards him, that a little offended Amelia's delicacy; nay, they did not seem to be highly relished by the other lady; though I am far from insinuating that these exceeded the bounds of decorum, or were, indeed, greater liberties than ladies of the middle age, and especially widows, do frequently allow to themselves.

CHAP. III.

Though I do not entirely agree with the late learned Mr Essex, the celebrated dancing-mas

Atkinson.

The next day, when all the same company, Atkinson only excepted, assembled at Amelia's apartment, Mrs Ellison presently began to discourse of him, and that in terms not only of ap

probation, but even of affection. She called him her clever serjeant, and her dear serjeant; repeated often that he was the prettiest fellow in the army, and said it was a thousand pities he had not a commission; for that if he had, she was sure he would become a general.

"I am of your opinion, madam," answered Booth; "and he hath got one hundred pound of his own already; if he could find a wife now to help him to two or three hundred more, I think he might easily get a commission in a marching regiment; for I am convinced there is no colonel in the army would refuse him."

"Refuse him, indeed!" said Mrs Ellison; "No! He would be a very pretty colonel that did. And, upon my honour, I believe there are very few ladies who would refuse him, if he had but a proper opportunity of soliciting them. The Colonel and the lady both would be better off, than with one of those pretty masters that I see walking about, and dragging their long swords after them, when they should rather drag their leading-strings."

"Well said," cries Booth, " and spoken like a woman of spirit. Indeed, I believe they would

be both better served."

"True, Captain," answered Mrs Ellison, “I would rather leave the two first syllables out of the word gentleman than the last."

"Nay, I assure you," replied Booth, "there is not a quieter creature in the world. Though the fellow hath the bravery of a lion, he hath the meekness of a lamb. I can tell you stories enow of that kind, and so can my dear Amelia when he was a boy."

"O, if the match sticks there," cries Amelia, "I positively will not spoil his fortune by my silence. I can answer for him from his infancy, that he was one of the best-natured lads in the world. I will tell you a story or two of him, the truth of which I can testify from my own knowledge. When he was but six years old, he was at play with me at my mother's house, and a great pointing-dog bit him through the leg. The poor lad, in the midst of the anguish of his wound, declared he was overjoyed it had not happened to Miss, (for the same dog had just before snapped at me, and my petticoats had been my defence.) Another instance of his goodness, which greatly recommended him to my father, and which I have loved him for ever since, was this my father was a great lover of birds, and strictly forbade the spoiling of their nests. Poor Joe was one day caught upon a tree, and being concluded guilty, was severely lashed for it; but it was afterwards discovered that another boy, a friend of Joe's, had robbed the nest of its young ones, and poor Joe had climbed the tree in order to restore them, notwithstanding which, he submitted to the punishment, rather than he would impeach his companion. But if these stories appear childish and trifling, the duty and

kindness he hath shewn to his mother must recommend him to every one. Ever since he hath been fifteen years old, he hath more than half supported her; and when my brother died, I remember particularly Joe, at his desire, for he was much his favourite, had one of his suits given him; but instead of his becoming finer on this occasion, another young fellow came to church in my brother's clothes, and my old nurse appeared the same Sunday in a new gown, which her son had purchased for her with the sale of his legacy."

"Well, I protest he is a very worthy creature," said Mrs Bennet.

"He is a charming fellow," cries Mrs Ellison; "but then the name of serjeant, Captain Booth; there, as the play says, my pride brings me off again.

And whatsoever the sages charge on pride, The angels fall, and twenty other good faults beside;

On earth, I'm sure—I'm sure—something-calling Pride saves man, and our sex too from falling."

Here a footman's rap at the door shook the room. Upon which Mrs Ellison, running to the window, cried out, "Let me die if it is not my lord; what shall I do? I must be at home to him. But suppose he should enquire for you, Captain, what shall I say? or will you go down with me?"

The company were in some confusion at this instant, and before they had agreed on any thing, Booth's little girl came running into the room, and said, "There was a prodigious great gentleman coming up stairs." She was immediately followed by his lordship, who, as he knew Booth must be at home, made very little or no enquiry at the door.

Amelia was taken somewhat at a surprise, but she was too polite to shew much confusion; for though she knew nothing of the town, she had had a genteel education, and kept the best company the country afforded. The ceremonies, therefore, passed as usual, and they all sat down.

His lordship soon addressed himself to Booth, saying, "As I have what I think good news for you, sir, I could not delay giving myself the pleasure of communicating it to you. I have mentioned your affair where I promised you, and I have no doubt of my success. One may easily perceive, you know, from the manner of people's behaving upon such occasions; and indeed, when I related your case, I found there was much inclination to serve you. Great men, Mr Booth, must do things in their own time; but I think you may depend on having something done very soon."

Booth made many acknowledgments for his lordship's goodness, and now a second time paid