name of one I so much love and
respect! Oh, that I was a Delmar!" I was just about to turn over the
leaf and continue, when the waiter tapped at the door, and informed me
that the tailor was come to try on the clothes which I had ordered. I
went into the bed-room, which opened into the sitting-room, and was busy
with the foreman, who turned me round and round, marking alterations
with a piece of chalk, when the waiter tapped at the bed-room door, and
said Lord de Versely was in the sitting-room. I took off the coat which
was fitting as fast as I could, that I might not keep his lordship
waiting, and put on my own.

Desiring the man to wait my return, I opened the door, and found his
lordship on the sofa, and then for the first time, when I again saw it,
recollected that I had left the letter on the table. The very sight of
it took away my breath. I coloured up as I approached his lordship. I
had quite forgotten that I had addressed my grandmother. I stammered
out, "This is an honour, my lord."

"I came to wish you joy of your promotion and appointment to a fine
frigate, Keene," said Lord de Versely. "I have just received this from
the Admiralty; and as I have business unexpectedly come to hand, I
thought I would be the bearer myself of the good news. I leave you the
letter, and shall of course see you to dinner."

"Many thanks, my lord," replied I. "I am, indeed, grateful."

"I believe you are, Keene," replied his lordship. "By the bye, you
leave your letters so exposed, that one cannot help seem them. I see
you are writing to your grandmother. I hope the old lady is well?"

My grandmother! Oh, what a relief to my mind it was when I then
recollected that it was to my grandmother that I had written! I replied
that she was very well when I last heard from her.

"If I can be of any use in arranging your money affairs, Keene, let me
know."

"I thank you, my lord; but I found that my agent perfectly understands
business," replied I. "I will not trouble your lordship, who has so
many important affairs to attend to."

"Very good," replied he. "Then now I'll leave you to read what I have
given you; and I shall expect you at eight. Goodbye." His lordship
again shook me warmly by the hand, and left me.

I was quite giddy with the reaction produced upon my feelings. When his
lordship left the room I dropped down on the sofa. I forgot the letter
in my hand and its contents, and the tailor in the next