f a great deal of his previous
melancholy. He learnt at any rate to bear his fate cheerfully. He
brought back a browned face, a heart resolute enough, and a little
pleasant store of knowledge and observation, from that expedition, which
was over with the autumn, when the troops were back in England again;
and Esmond giving up his post of secretary to General Lumley, whose
command was over, and parting with that officer with many kind
expressions of good will on the General's side, had leave to go to
London, to see if he could push his fortunes any way further, and found
himself once more in his dowager aunt's comfortable quarters at Chelsey,
and in greater favor than ever with the old lady. He propitiated her
with a present of a comb, a fan, and a black mantle, such as the ladies
of Cadiz wear, and which my Lady Viscountess pronounced became her style
of beauty mightily. And she was greatily edified at hearing of that
story of his rescue of the nun, and felt very little doubt but that her
King James's relic, which he had always dutifully worn in his desk, had
kept him out of danger, and averted the shot of the enemy. My lady made
feasts for him, introduced him to more company, and pushed his fortunes
with such enthusiasm and success, that she got a promise of a company
for him through the Lady Marlborough's interest, who was graciously
pleased to accept of a diamond worth a couple of hundred guineas, which
Mr. Esmond was enabled to present to her ladyship through his aunt's
bounty, and who promised that she would take charge of Esmond's fortune.
He had the honor to make his appearance at the Queen's drawing-room
occasionally, and to frequent my Lord Marlborough's levees. That
great man received the young one with very especial favor, so Esmond's
comrades said, and deigned to say that he had received the best reports
of Mr. Esmond, both for courage and ability, whereon you may be sure
the young gentleman made a profound bow, and expressed himself eager to
serve under the most distinguished captain in the world.

Whilst his business was going on thus prosperously, Esmond had his
share of pleasure too, and made his appearance along with other young
gentlemen at the coffee-houses, the theatres, and the Mall. He longed to
hear of his dear mistress and her family: many a time, in the midst of
the gayeties and pleasures of the town, his heart fondly reverted to
them; and often as the young fellows of his society were making mer