ing more terrible than Cepheus' court found the petrifying power of the head of Neptune's mistress." The admiral, after breakfast, wrote to his solicitor to attend him at two o'clock, and in the mean time he waited upon Charles's cousin, whom he invited to dinner that day. The solicitor was punctual to the time, and received his instructions to prepare the marriage-settlement, by which, on his marriage with Miss Caroline Springfield, Charles was to receive seventeen thousand pounds, the admiral's townhouse with all its appurtenaces, the furniture and cellar of wine; and when Mrs. Stuart's first child should lisp "grand pa," a moiety of the remainder of the admiral's fortune should be the child's, if a boy, but a sub-moiety if a girl; and from the hour that the child, be it male or female, lisped these words, the principal and interest of that VOL. II. moiety or sub-moiety should go on to accumulate till the child was of age: the remainder of his fortune, the admiral by will bequeathed to the other child or children of his son and daughter, to be shared equally amongst them when of age, if himself were dead. The admiral would still give no more to Charles, as there was plenty of room for him to rise in the service; and if he were fortunate in two or three rich prizes, he might realize as pretty an independency as his father-in-law enjoyed. His estates, which were but small, should be the lieutenant's at the admiral's death." - Instructions similar to these, interJarded with many questions, and much extraneous matter on the battles he had fought, the forts he had stormed in his early life, and especially the conquering stratagem of his daughter and Dr. Boston, made it six o'clock ere the solicitor could depart. It was dinner-time. The clock had gone six. George Wallace (that was the name of our hero's cousin) was introduced. "Captain Wallace," said the admiral," let me introduce you to a lieutenant of our navy; a brave fellow: yes, by Heavens! he has outsailed his admiral.” "I have the pleasure of knowing the lieutenant, admiral; and I believe both he and I feel very proud in the honour you do us by so much friendship." "Pho, pho, captain, you jest. You don't think as you speak for yourself; but come, come, let's to the diningroom, and take pot-luck to-day." Captain!" exclaimed Caroline : she had not heard the surname, as her father ushered him into her presence. "What, posted already, Charles?" when the admiral cried out, "Take care, Captain Wallace, this daughter of mine will make a prize of you too. She has captured one of our fleet already." "I am very happy to see you. I hope Miss Springfield is very well." Very well indeed, sir; you'll forgive me, I took you for Lieutenant Stuart. I was overjoyed to hear the word Captain; I really thought it had been prefixed to Mr. Stuart's name: still I am very happy to see Captain Wallace." Caroline pronounced these last three words with very great emphasis, but in so sweet and affectionate an inflexion of voice, that George was puzzled to account for so familiar a welcome from the admiral, and so much of the friend and relation in the looks and words and gait of Miss Caroline. Charles was now visible. The admiral; "Come, lieutenant, take your prize in tow, and let's go and get provisioned." Charles offered his arm to the dear girl; George looked very queer; she linked herself to the lieutenant; the admiral took the captain by the arm. Well, captain, what's the--these seamen don't stick at little things: no, no, they can't put off time, fighting the enemy at the guns' range; your cousin, sir, I do assure you, stormed my castle; and you see how he marches along the gallery a-la-fois the governor, with the Springfield diamond under his arm." 66 Upon my honour, admiral, you are very gay and very enigmatical; why do you not speak intelligibly? My head-piece is too dull to comprehend all nautical metaphors." your They were now arrived at the eat ing-room; the admiral turned off the |