Lord Seemington had cropped his whiskers; but he talked, trifled, and tattled as usual, till the party were of the Commons' opinion," that there was nothing in him." Perhaps there is not a more delightful sensation, or more rational pleasure, than that which is derived by a parent's observing the combined effect of education and common sense of his progeny, and Mr. Dunstanville had that gratification on the present occasion. The evening passed most agreeably; and while the Dunstanvilles took leave, pleased with their visit, the party were loud in praise of the two fine boys; in which Lady Lovell cordially agreed, with the English qualifying remark of, but-except -however it was a thousand pities that Mrs. Dunstanville, that poor, dear, departed creature, should so soon have ruined the fortune of so amiable a man, who now had but little to live on, and was obliged to be eternally cooped up in the country. CHAPTER V. Where'er I roam, whatever realms I see, IT is usual for those who are intended for officers of the navy to leave their homes, at the age of thirteen,-a period of life at which most boys are glad to escape from Latin and Greek, to visit countries they have heard or read of, little dreaming that in some of his Majesty's ships they are likely to be pushed on in their learning, as well as their voyage, not under the influence of unpleasing calms, but by fresh breezes and occasional storms. directed to the minor branches of mathematics and nautical astronomy, which were necessary in that profession, and the day of his departure being fixed, Mr. Dunstanville took that opportunity of calling with his boys on his neighbours. They alighted at the mansion, and were presently ushered into a very handsome room, where Lady Lovel was seated on a sofa, with a table before her, interspersed with books, letters, &c. while her daughter and governess were engaged with drawing utensils near the window. The meeting of the party was as courteous, friendly, and agreeable, as the every things and nothings of salutation could be supposed to make it and when they were seated, Lady Lovel had not finished telling Mr. Dunstanville that it was an age since she had either seen or heard of him; indeed, that he had been a perfect hermit, but a bad neighbour; and that she hoped this visit augured better for her. "I have brought Morland to pay his respects to your Ladyship previous to his departure," said Mr. Dunstanville. "He leaves to-morrow, to join the ship his uncle commands." "Oh! Captain his mother's brother, I presume," said Lady Lovel. "I remember him in town; a very agreeable man. I am sorry to hear you are to lose the society of one of your sons so soon, and presume the other will shortly go to Eton; but pray, Mr. Dunstanville, do us the favour to dine here to-day. Lord and Lady Seemington are here, whom you remember, and two or three other friends; indeed, you must stay." Mr. Dunstanville assented to the proposal; and after having given the necessary orders to his servant, returned to the conversation with Lady Lovel. "I have just been much amused with my housemaid," said her Ladyship, "who, by the way, was several years in your service, Mr. Dunstanville." "What is her name ?" asked Mr. Dunstan ville. "Oh! Sally Biddikin," said the boys, laughing. "A very excellent servant, I assure you, Lady Lovel; she left me only on account of her father's illness. My boys ought to be grateful to her for all the care and nursing she so long and willingly bestowed upon them." "She has," continued Lady Lovel, "a particular habit of designating people of title by the first letter of their names, which she occasionally pronounces most ludicrously. She asked me this morning "if my Lord and Lady S. or Ass (as she said) would choose a fire in their bed-room ?" The party laughed, and Lady Lovel proceeded. "Apropos, Mr. D.: do you remember what a curious description Mrs. Dunstanville's brother gave of Lord Seemington's maiden speech in Parliament-that is, before his Lordship came to the title ?" |