o find himself a man of so
much mark when he showed himself in Bath. He had quite an ovation
when first he appeared at the Pump Room; and although he was in a
measure accustomed to lead a public life, and to be the object of
attention and even admiration, he shrank from having this carried
into his private life, and was happiest at home with his mother and
friend, and with bright Kate Lowther, with whom he soon became
wonderfully intimate.

The girl's sincere affection for his frail and delicate mother
would in any case have won his heart; but there was something
exceedingly attractive in her whole personality and in her eager
interest in his past career and in the fortunes of the war. She
would sit for hours beside him whilst he related to his mother the
incidents of the campaign, and her questions and comments showed a
quick intelligence and ready sympathy that were a never-failing
source of interest to him.

Her strength and vitality were refreshing to one who was himself
almost always weak and suffering. He would watch her at play with
the dogs in the garden, or up and down the staircase, and delight
in the grace and vigour of her movements. She would come in from
her walks and rides with a glow upon her face and a light in her
eyes, and sitting down beside him would relate all that had
befallen her since her departure an hour or two before--telling
everything in so racy and lively a fashion that it became the
chiefest pleasure of Wolfe's life to lie and look at her and listen
to her conversation.

Christmas was close upon them. It would be a bright and happy
season for mother and son, spent together after their long
separation. Upon the eve of that day Kate came eagerly in with a
large official letter in her hand, addressed to the soldier. It was
a moment of excitement whilst he opened it, for it was known that
he had been corresponding latterly with several ministers
respecting the proposed expedition against Quebec, and all knew how
dear to his heart was the fulfilment of that daring scheme.

As he read the document his cheek flushed. He sat up more erect in
his chair, and there came into his face a look which his soldiers
well knew. It was always to be seen there when he led them into
battle.

"Mother," he said very quietly, "Mr. Pitt has chosen me to command
the expedition now fitting out against Quebec."

Mrs. Wolfe gave a little gasp, the tears springing to her eyes; but
over Kate's face there sprea