on, many women would have thought
the game worth the candle; although Lady Nelson did not then know that
her husband expected soon to be a father, by the woman whom he at once
brought to her apartments and presented to her.

In the scanty details that have been transmitted to us concerning Lady
Nelson, there is little to appeal to the imagination, or to impress
one strongly with her attractions; but candor to her surely compels
the admission that, to await her husband in their own home, to greet
him alone, without the observation even of beloved outsiders, was no
singular impulse in a tender and reserved woman. A seaside hotel and
the inevitable clamor of the multitude do not fit in well with the
emotions that would naturally stir her, and a very little tact, a very
little sympathy, would have induced Nelson to let the Hamiltons go
their way for one evening, while he went directly and alone to her and
his father. She had been sorely tried, and as far as is known had
restrained herself patiently in her letters. The latest one that is
now accessible is dated the 29th of March, 1800, seven months
therefore before they now met, and is lacking neither in dignity,
affection, nor pathos.

"I have this instant received a note from Admiral Young, who tells me
if I can send him a letter for you in an hour, he will send it,
therefore, I have only time to say I have at last had the pleasure of
receiving two letters from you, dated January 20th and 25th. I rejoice
exceedingly I did not follow the advice of the physician and our good
father to change the climate, and I hope my health will be established
by hot sea-bathing and the warmth of the summer.

"I can with safety put my hand on my heart and say it has been my
study to please and make you happy, and I still flatter myself we
shall meet before very long. I feel most sensibly all your kindnesses
to my dear son, and I hope he will add much to our comfort. Our good
father has been in good spirits ever since we heard from you; indeed,
my spirits were quite worn out, the time had been so long. I thank God
for the preservation of my dear husband, and your recent success off
Malta. The taking of the Genereux seems to give great spirits to all.
God bless you, my dear husband, and grant us a happy meeting, and
believe me," etc.[14]

From the difficulties attendant upon the mails in those days, this
letter would not be likely to reach Nelson till towards the end of
May, when he was