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bella and Mr. Edmund-had unanimously decreed, that it was especially prudential the espousal should be kept profoundly secret from the baronet, his household, and all, save the relative before-mentioned.

"Victory and sheet anchors!" exclaimed Joe one morning some weeks after, while discussing a tit-bit with a draught of the very best stingo in the housekeeper's room, after rowing from the ship, with a letter to Edmund from the captain, and a kiss three days hoarded for the lip of Mrs. Frances. "By all that's good and comfortable, I swear Joe Keel is the happiest dog in the world— aye, and for aught I know, out of it!"

"Hush!" murmured Mrs. Frances rebukingly, on perceiving the handle of the lock move, and the door fly open.

"Devil a bit on't-it's only Muster Edmund; and he knows well enough, ever since you and I were grappled together, there's not a single Jack in the fleet as is half so happy as your Joearn't it true?"

"Long-very long-my good fellow, may you enjoy all the advantages and consolations of matrimony," said Edmund.

"Thankye-and the same to you with all my heart and soul!” saying this, Joe emptied the tankard, wiped his lips, and kissed Mrs. Frances with a fervour that drew blushes into her cheek, at least half as deep as the colour of her own cherry brandy.

Edmund was an instant mute-then, pressing the housekeeper's hand with a friendly assurance, a smile lit up his still wan features as he cried, "You have brought rare news Joe-news from the Admiralty.'

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"Luck be praised. It wasn't for nothing those white-shirted birds came veering round the top-mast this morning when I was on the look out-more Mounseers to pepper I hope-or a little more prize-money to rig Fan with a new petticoat :-eh?"

"A Lieutenancy

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"Hurrah!-Lieutenant Fortescue for ever." Here Joe stood erect and uncovered, saluting the young officer with due formality; then, snatching his hand, with a broken voice proceeded, "Lieutenant!-no-Muster Edmund,-no:-shiver my tongue -my dear Ned-avast there! why Fan, I say, why don't you sarve out an allowance to drink health and long life to his honour? -my dear heart! how immortal glad I is, and yet-no, I ought to be sorry-for your honour, in climbing the shrouds of prefarment, will soon heave out of sight of your poor ship relative in

the hold."

Harkye, Joe:-when two ropes are well spliced, the more tort they are strained, the stronger is the joint;--such are you and I;-you may snap the yarn, but the union-never!"

"Never-never!" cried Joe with a bubble in his throat, as though his breast were a boiling kettle, "physic and long sarmons punish me for the notion!-no, I feel sartin, whether aloft or

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below, your lieutenant's three cornered scraper cannot hide Joe from your thoughts, nor will the goold lace shoulder-knot of your admiral's coat ever send him adrift from the heart beneath it.' A grip of recognition ensued: the cherry brandy was touched by the young lieutenant, and tossed off by his exulting friend; while Mrs. Frances gave and received a shower of the most cordial compliments.

Edmund now enquired what craft was ashore, and learned that the captain's gig was ready to convey him, with Sir Bernard and Arabella, to dine on board the ship, pursuant to an invitation contained in the letter.

The day passed off delightfully, perhaps the happiest and proudest of Edmund's life, cheered as it was by the caresses of the captain, the hearty_congratulations of his messmates, the grateful flatteries of Sir Bernard, and the smiles of a countenance that had lately been the reanimating sun of his system.

It was on the evening of that day, while ruminating on the pillow of the green damask bed-for Sir Bernard and the worthy captain had agreed that a little more nursing was indispensableas he retraced the various pleasurable circumstances that had occurred, Joe's hopeful benediction, touching the " advantages and consolations of matrimony," came back to his thoughts; and, for the first time, except on the moment when the hearty wish had been expressed, he felt that such a consummation was most desirable-nay, most important to his well being. He therefore questioned himself as to his pretensions, qualities, attractions, worldly prospects, and hopes of a responsive feeling in the lady -we all love flattery dearly, though we will not confess it; and we all flatter ourselves, too, from the urchin Miss to the matured philosopher; not excepting the lover, whose peculiar sensations seem to elevate him above, or at all events to place him without the ordinary pale of mortality-so, naturally enough, each interrogatory received a favourable response; and the catechist fell into a slumber redolent of all that makes sleep a blessing.

A suitable opportunity was soon found. The gentle but manly declaration was made-the half fearful answer was thrillingly entreated. Arabella hesitated-fluttered-blushed-her speaking silence might easily have been construed, but its affirmation was too arid for the greedy hopes of her lover. "Tell me, I conjure you, tell me; let your lips confirm what your actions have evinced, and my heart gratefully credited: that I am not indifferent to you-that I have grown beneath your own sunshine into something superior to an ordinary acquaintance, or even a friend— that I may aspire to breathe a sacred vow into your bosom-that you will accept the heart you have won-that you will be mine!"

"Edmund-believe that I have said it all," was the reply; and the animated glow, and the impassioned firmness which it infused over the petitioner were from that moment fixed and

confirmed into the most solid and blooming health both of person and of mind.

The ship, which had, during four months' stay at anchor, been completely re-fitted for service, now received sailing orders; and the young lieutenant necessarily took up his quarters on board, as third officer, under his experienced and paternal commander.

While preparations were making for departure, Edmund addressed Sir Bernard, offering his sincere acknowledgments for the generous hospitality he had received at Ledger Court, and soliciting with modesty, but fervour, the ratification of that sweet contract which had been sealed upon Arabella's lips.

The baronet's answer was commendatory, flattering, and courteous-speaking with undiminished gratitude of his rescue from the Exe; and promising his unremitted influence with the Court and the Government in the advancement of Lieutenant Fortescue's professional career, yet declining the tender of his alliance, not from any personal objection, but from the circumstance of a similar proposal having been negotiated and assented to in a higher quarter.

(To be concluded next month.)

MEMORIAL SONNETS,

No. 2.

The electric chain is struck, and lo! arise

Forms and young smiles, the links of cronied loves

Life's best affections, school-boy sympathies

Which time, nor tide of good or ill removes

Sweet play-day dalliance in our favourite groves

Or home-returns endear'd with mother's kiss

Long treasur'd for her bright-eyed petling's lips—

The clinging gladness of old nurse's press,

Whose faithful cheek with tears of welcome drips-
Dear sister's ringing laugh-night's merry hours-
The song of infancy once fondly heard-

The garden-spot still fresh with boyhood's flowers-
Gushing in living springs of light, afford

The heart its liveliest joy, the tongue its weakliest word.

DD R- -N

CLEVELAND; OR, THE MAN OF PRINCIPLE.
(CONTINUED)

CLEVELAND was astonished at what he heard. Miss Avondale knew all, had attempted to heal the dispute, had failed, and now was only anxious to save the life of Lord Delaware. He faithfully promised her, whatever might be the result of the encounter of the morning, if one breath of life remained within him, he would not permit his friend to enter the lists. With this assurance, he bade her an affectionate farewell, and left her, returning to his apartments to make many arrangements necessary, should any fatal accident befal him. Looking over papers that had been long neglected, and which, either the want of leisure, or the indolence of his father, had suffered to accumulate; he observed a packet curiously tied up, and after some little examination, perceived the name of Avondale; he carefully untied it, and found written ;"This packet is to be opened by Mr. Cleveland, in the event of Mrs. Avondale marrying after the decease of John Avondale." It was directed to his father; as whose representative, he opened and found it a regular will, bequeathing everything to Miss Avondale, if the mother-in-law should have married. It was legally signed, and was intended to prevent the alienation of the property. Cleveland was delighted with this discovery on many accounts; since it would take away the poignancy from the feelings of the daughter, restore regard for the father, and disappoint the avaricious views of Aubrey. He enclosed this document to the care of Lord Exeter, in the event of any fatal result arising from the expected meeting.

At seven o'clock the carriage was at the door; and he called on Lord Delaware, whom he took with him, together with an experienced surgeon: they arrived on the ground specified, a little before the appointed time. Lord Bristol was accompanied by Mr. Charles Aubrey, who wore a most vindictive aspect, and appeared prepared for mortal combat. Cleveland addressed Lord Bristol with a mild but undaunted look: he regretted very much that the insult offered him had been such, and so intentionally given, as to demand explanation; which having been refused, no alternative was left him; and as this was not the place for conversation, he must call upon his lordship to give him the satisfaction generally expected.

Lord Bristol appeared much pleased with his manner: he said, "Young man-for such I may call you-I am to blame in this affair, I acted under the influence of passion-I was too proud to acknowledge it to your friend; but that I do not want the courage to face an enemy, my readiness to meet you must show; nor is it the first time it has been proved: yet, I am most willing to offer you

any apology that may be consistent with my own honour,and shall appear satisfactory to you as a gentleman."

The frankness with which this was expressed, had its immediate influence upon Cleveland; who declared himself most completely satisfied: if no insult had been intended, none could have been received. They shook hands; and Lord Bristol in a whisper, said, "Miss Avondale pointed out to me the folly of my conduct." "I hope," said Cleveland, quickly, "her interference has not been the cause of your conduct."

"Thus far," replied his lordship, "it has; she dared to tell me that which my own reason should have explained, and I owe her much for the instruction she has given me :-but," turning to the seconds-he said, "how is this? you seem to be in hostile prepation?"

"Yes," said Aubrey, "I cannot leave the field without some conversation, and that not of an amicable nature, with Lord Delaware; I believe it is to him I owe my being thwarted on every side by this young gentleman," looking contemptuously at Cleveland; "and he must pay me a long score, only to be washed out by blood."

"I am very ready," said Delaware: "that I never gave you cause for this conduct, is of no consequence; I disdain your friendship, and accept your enmity."

He took the loaded pistol, and was on the point of preparing for this encounter, when Cleveland rushed forward and exclaimed, "This quarrel is mine-it is with me Aubrey is offended, not with you-he calls upon me for satisfaction, and from me shall obtain it."

A warm altercation then ensued between the friends, as to which should expose himself to the fire of Aubrey. The promise Cleveland had given Miss Avondale was imperative; and as Aubrey declared he should certainly prefer meeting that gentleman, it was decided he should be his antagonist. Everything, notwithstanding Lord Bristol's attempt to arrange the affair amicably, was now prepared for the encounter. The parties took their ground. Aubrey frowned-Cleveland was calm and collected. The signal was given-Aubrey immediately fired. Cleveland staggeredrecovered himself-fired his pistol in the air, lifting his hand with coolness and decision: immediately this effort had been made he fell. The bullet had entered his left shoulder; the surgeon expressed his fear that it had found its way to a vital part. Cleveland smiled, and said whatever his fate was, he felt perfectly resigned; and called them to witness he took all blame from Aubrey, who seemed now to have some pity for his victim. Lord Bristol was kind and humane; he staunched the wound, and with the aid of Lord Delaware, bore the sufferer gently off the field and placed him in the carriage. Arriving in town, at his own request he was conveyed to Dover-street; where the dreadful task was

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