maternal duties, with a strength of mind surpassing all praise. The question that occurred to me was, when would she break down, and what then but desolation and ruin would the poor Captain have to encounter? It would certainly be his death, or worse; and I trembled for the critical position of all parties.

With a mind naturally so well constituted as his, cultivated by a philosophical as well as a classical and worldly education, it might reasonably be expected that, the fever once tempered down, it would recover itself sooner than in ordinary cases of delirium tremens, brought on as this was as much by the affliction at the loss of his son, as by the destructive remedy he had flown to for a false relief, and to drown that sorrow which was sure to rise up with tenfold gloom.

So indeed it turned out; for by the excessive attention of all around him, and a strict line of conduct being marked out and adhered to, at the end of three weeks I had the great gratification of seeing him once more convalescent, and directing his mind to the readjustment of his affairs, and contending against the calamities that had well nigh engulfed him.

During the latter part of his illness, daily communication had been regularly kept up between himself and Ellen, who, forewarned of her father's agony, was in every way prepared to meet him, and assist at his perfect recovery.

One remarkable feature in his conduct was that he never upon any occasion referred to the loss of his son, upon whom he doated; nor did he by the slightest hint allude to cither that cruel sweeping-off, or the sad death of his wife. He would sit for hours together, with his hand pressed tightly across his eyes, and on its withdrawal tears were distinctly visible; but spoke not, neither did he give anyone cause to guess the reason of his oppression. In this melancholy state we at last started, with faded hopes to cheer us, on our return to the Happy Valley.

Prolonging my visit, I almost became an inmate at the house. But what a change in this little community since my first arrival! The Captain's health was fast departing, and it soon became as evident to all who saw him as to myself and Ellen that he could not long survive the terrible shock to body and mind that his constitution had received. Shaken as it was previously, the foundation had now given way. Of this fact I soon perceived that no one was more aware than himself. However full of adventure and warning, the details of the life of a man so high-born, so elegantly trained, so naturally sensitive, and so calculated in every way to please and captivate as was the unfortunate Captain, might no doubt prove to our readers, yet in so limited a space as is granted to an article of this description, it would be impossible to do more than give an abridged history of his stirring career.

"My friend," said he, one evening, whilst chatting over events of bygone days, in which both had been participators; "my friend, you are the only man of the world I have associated with since I left the world. You know my secret, and, I fear not, will keep it. I am indeed the son of his Lordship, than whom it may be justly said a truer patriot, a keener sportsman, or a more popular gentleman never lived. I, as the youngest son, engrossed my mother's affection. She was proud of my appearance, laughed at my doubtful morals and my idle

braggadocia. At Eton I was always in mischief; at Oxford the delight of my College, and the spotted one' amongst the dons and proctors. I hunted, wined, and gambled as much as I could. Horses were my passion, sport of any kind my delight. Still I was esteemed by the tutors, and looked upon as too clever for anything, possessing such a powerful memory, that it saved me all labour.

"The first bet I ever booked on the turf out of college occurred thus: It was a win, and ruined me. I went one afternoon, shortly before the St. Leger, to the Corner.' It was Elis's year, and Lord George led the ring by the nose like a refractory bull.

Well,' young gentleman,' said the kind-hearted old Mr. Tattersall, what do you do here?' My father and he were on intimate terms. "I want,' I replied, to find out the winner of the St. Leger, and perhaps you can tell me.'

6

"And if I should,' he replied, will you promise me not to bet again.'

"I'll compromise with you,' said I, and promise not to bet again -until next time.'

"The good-natured 'Tat.' laughed, and lectured me on the folly of my beginning such a game, and then tapping me on the shoulder, said, Go and back Elis; he will win. You'll see Jemmy Bland sitting in the "Room" ask him, and he will lay you.'

"I walked across the yard for the Room,' then adjoining the pri vate house, and there discovered a dry wrinkle-faced old man, with a turn-up hat, top-boots, and corduroy breeches: he was quite alone. I introduced myself, referred him to Tat.' and took twelve hundred to one hundred against Elis. I kept it to myself until all was over, and when I received my money I was filled with the soul of a gambler. My excitement was not so great as you might expect. It threw me into a thoughtful and calculating mood-I felt it was all over with me, and I was determined to set about the thing as coolly as I could.

"The following year I betted with immense success. The year after I won £14,000 on the Derby, and found myself famous, fashionable, and followed. My mother delighted in me; my father shook his head. I was now fairly launched, but not initiated; still, I dreaded nothing, and became the owner of five race-horses. My ambition was at its height, but I was soon to be humbled-I was sold in the first 'certainty. The legs had been busy, and the favourite was nobbled." I had my revenge shortly, through one of their own kidney, and broke three of them. Thus I went on, up and down the current; fortune sometimes smiling, sometimes frowning, until, venturing out of my depth, I received my coup de grace, and went' for £30,000. My mother came to my aid, and I settled; but kept out of the Corner for twelve months. One day I again rubbed the lamp, and the genii appeared before me in the questionable shape of Israelite money-lenders. With the borrowed treasure I again won. I again reached the pinnacle of sporting fame and envy. With my run of luck my imprudence returned in full force. I was carried away in the vortex, I know not where. Surrounded by trainers, jockeys, blacklegs, touts, and gamblers of every description, I was soon obliged to fall back upon the tribe, and sought repose in the coffers of Abraham. I obtained the temporary relief-I dread to name the consequences. I became so hopelessly en

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tangled with usurious bills, that I had no peace day or night. Lost to everything but my salvation on the turf, I seemed to care not what I did. I was desperate within, but outwardly calm and collected.

"I cannot explain to you the feeling that possessed me, for on lookiug back it seems between a dream and madness. Self-respect and control had fled me, and I was tortured by a feeling of self-preservation that is now unaccountable. Determined to make one more effort to regain my position, and avoid the abyss that was yawning before me, I resolved to risk £2,000 on a certainty,' over which I imagined I was master. The day came-the fatal day: the race was run, and it came off against me. How to meet it I knew not; what I did I scarcely remember. I flew to a discounter, bill in hand; he carefully examined it, turned it over and over, looked thoughtful, stared hard at me for a minute, said nothing, then gave me the money. It was a forgery, and he knew it; it was the name of my bosom friend, and my hand had trembled. I rushed into the street, blind with fear and dishonour; I could not face the Corner,' I was a thief and forger, so I turned away disgraced and broken.' The same night I and my loving, gentle, and faithful wife left England; but society and the world refused me admittance; the finger of scorn pointed at me firmly and coldly; except by her, I was deserted and alone, so I sought a hiding-place, and found one here. No living soul but my aged mother and her trustee know of my existence or whereabouts, and her undying affection for me has never varied, never even diminished. My debts of honour have long been paid, but that torturing witness of my crime we cannot reach. Every endeavour to negotiate for it brings forth fresh demands for silence, further extortion; all efforts at recovery have totally failed, and as the utmost caution is necessary for fear of the slightest exposure, we are compelled to submit to the cruel tyranny of the blood-sucking Jew. My death has been advertised, my title assumed by another; I have not only been dead, but absolutely buried; still no relaxation; by some unknown means he laughs us to scorn, and at each vain attempt at deception, presses us for a further douceur, for hush money! The villain. has grown rich on it, thrives, and fattens on it; and, although the amount has been ten times paid, he yields not a point, is inexorable and invincible. Oh, how willingly and gratefully would I this moment give £5,000 to hold that terrible and damning evidence in this now feeble hand!"

Two days after this serious and astounding revelation beheld me in the gloomy back-office of the celebrated Warrant, the Old Bailey bully, the Theodore of police courts. A man so well known needs little description. I had had the pleasure of his acquaintance in private life for many years, and in his domestic circle no one could be more amiable or better beloved; add to which, he was an accomplished scholar and gentleman. I laid the case plainly and unvarnished before him, told him all particulars, the sums that had been paid, the misery endured for years, and the prospect of future tyranny and suffering, out of which there seemed no hope of escape, but in death. I showed him my friend's blank cheque, and begged him earnestly to reflect if there could

be any mans hit upon for the recovery of the fatal document, without the world's knowledge of the facts. He listened attentively and patintly; when I had done he rose up hurriedly, saying "There was a heavy ease at Guildhall waiting for him, and that he had no more time to share me then." As we reached the door, he whispered me gently, "I think I can get it. Ha, ha, ha! how strange things come round. Who would have thought I should have my revenge on that old cutthroat? I'll see to it to-day."

The next morning's post brought the following pithy note from tim:

"Hatton Garden. "Dear B.-Be here before ten o'clock. What I hold in my hand is worth a Jew's eye. Don't forget the eheque! "Yours faithfully,

"6 p.m.

"A. WARRANT."

Punctually at half-past nine I was with him. From his breast-pocket he slowly and tantalisingly drew forth the long-lived punishment, the excruciating instrument of poor James' agony. My own happiness at the sight of it could not be equalled; I longed to grasp it, to call it mine, and lay it before the longing eyes of the guilty, but repentant forger; I would soothe his bursting heart, I would free his angelie daughter from the bonds of a life, loaded with the chains of a crime too terrible to contemplate. I asked the price it was the value of the bill £2,000. I hurriedly filled up the cheque for the desired amount, presenting the talented negociator with the most willing and grateful fee that ever passed between solicitor and client. On parting, he said, "he bought it of his confidential clerk; ha, ha! burn it as soon as possible. But there is no fear, he can't holloa-the villain!” Devoured with impatience, I remember nothing but folding the precious scrip, and placing it securely in my pocket-book, which I deposited in my interior waistcoat-pocket, never to be disturbed until I could offer it in silence and alone, to cheer the last days of a fallen and disgraced sportsman.

I reached the "Happy Valley" the same night; though late, I fulfilled my mission. He at first was dumb-founded with surprise; but as he held the deadly evidence to the candle, and saw it gradually perish in the flame, and fall to ashes in his hand, his joy and gratitude knew no bounds; he burst into a flood of tears, and sank senseless on the couch.

The matchless china was at last mended; the crockery of honour was again firmly cemented, and in a short time none but its owner would have known it had ever been "broken."

Southampton.

A. II. B.

THE

LATE LORD FITZHARDINGE.

None of the brothers Berkeley were very particular in their choice of language, especially when their tempers, by nature easily excited to outbursts of passion, got the better of their reason; but the habits of his profession, in those days coarse and violent, gave Captain Berkeley a pre-eminence in the art of tongue vituperation. Of this blemish in the latter periods of his life he was thoroughly sensible under the convictions of moral responsibility and Christian principle, he struggled to overcome the inveterate habit of his youth and manhood. Apologising at a hunt dinner for the occasional rudeness of his behaviour, and for the heat of his invective when in the field he was obliged to reprimand an offending sportsman, he said, in effect, that he found it to be the most difficult task in his life to keep his constitutional irritability within bounds, and to curb his unruly tongue; he felt the evil habits of speech he had acquired in the cockpit clinging to him with a pertinacity he could not entirely resist, and therefore he begged gentlemen to attribute his strong epithets, should he be at any time surprised into using unbecoming expressions, not to his own personal feelings, but to the still uneradicated influence of midshipman-life. His attachment to hunting at one time nearly cost him his life. Mr. Grantley Berkeley thus describes the accident: "My brother Frederick, the present Lord Fitzhardinge, on a rushing beast of a horse he had, caught a terrible fall at a small blind place, not far from Redwood. The hounds were not running hard. I saw him fall, and that the horse fell on him, and that he remained on the ground. Dismounting, it was at once apparent to me that he was so much hurt that a carriage must be sent for as well as a doctor. ......... Admiral Berkeley was then brought to the Castle, terribly shaken and bruised, and apparently with some damage to the ribs. He was confined to his bed, and suffered the most intense agony." The sick-bed became one of danger; the Admiral was anxious, in his great pain and depression both of mind and body, for the presence of his wife, Lady Charlotte, to whom he was indebted for the religious impressions he had received, and for the softening of his whole character and demeanour. At first Earl Fitzhardinge would not hear of the request, pleading the equivocal society he had quartered in the Castle, and the dislike he entertained for the lady in question. Happily the objection was removed after much difficulty; Lady Charlotte came, and remained in the Castle till her husband's convalescence. Although the Admiral was impetuous, and, sailor-like, more ready to settle a quarrel at once with blows and knocks than by pacific means, he had abundance of good sense, and in affairs of honour would never back wrong against right. "The most concise settlement of a quarrel I ever heard of," says Mr. G. Berkeley, 66 was that wherein the present Lord Fitzhardinge was called in by the Squire' Osbaldeston, to be his friend in a personal affair that took place in the stand at Goodwood. The Squire had been too violent, and had struck a gentleman, if my remembrance serves me rightly, which necessitated an appeal to arms. Lord Fitzhardinge at that time I think he was Captain Berkeley-on being

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