uaker parents--at all events, I was born a Quaker in
disposition; but I will come to-morrow early, and then, if you will
give your man something to do out of the way, I will tell you my history.
I know that you will keep my secret."

The next morning he came, and as soon as we were alone he imparted to me
what follows.

"I recollect well, Newland, when you were one of the leaders of fashion,
I was then in the Dragoon Guards, and although not very intimate with
you, had the honour of a recognition when we met at parties. I cannot
help laughing, upon my soul, when I look at us both now; but never mind.
I was of course a great deal with my regiment, and at the club. My
father, as you may not perhaps be aware, was highly connected, and all
the family have been brought up in the army; the question of profession
has never been mooted by us, and every Talbot has turned out a soldier
as naturally as a young duck takes to the water. Well, I entered the
army, admired my uniform, and was admired by the young ladies. Before I
received my lieutenant's commission, my father, the old gentleman, died,
and left me a younger brother's fortune of four hundred per annum; but,
as my uncle said, 'It was quite enough for a Talbot, who would push
himself forward in his profession, as the Talbots had ever done before
him.' I soon found out that my income was not sufficient to enable me
to continue in the Guards, and my uncle was very anxious that I should
exchange into a regiment on service. I therefore, by purchase, obtained
a company in the 23rd, ordered out to reduce the French colonies in the
West Indies, and I sailed with all the expectation of covering myself
with as much glory as the Talbots had done from time immemorial. We
landed, and in a short time the bullets and grape were flying in all
directions, and then I discovered, what I declare never for a moment
came into my head before, to wit--that I had mistaken my profession."

"How do you mean, Talbot?"

"Mean why, that I was deficient in a certain qualification, which never
was before denied to a Talbot--courage."

"And you never knew that before?"

"Never, upon my honour; my mind was always full of courage. In my mind's
eye I built castles of feats of bravery, which should eclipse all the
Talbots, from him who burnt Joan of Arc, down to the present day. I
assure you, that surprised as other people were, no one was more
surprised than myself. Our regiment was ordered to advance