appearance in the
course of these pages:--

Captain M--- was the son of a north-country gentleman--one of the
numerous class still existing in this world, who have inherited large
ideas and small fortunes. As usual, the latter were got rid of much
sooner than the former. The consequence was, that although young
M--- was an only son, it was considered advisable that he should be
brought up to some profession. The naval service was selected by
himself, and approved of by his father, who, although he had no money,
had some interest, that is to say, he had powerful and wealthy
connections, who, for their own sakes, rather than have to support their
young relation, would exert themselves to make him independent.

M--- rose to the rank of post-captain as fast as his friends could wish,
and did credit to their patronage. Having once obtained for him the
highest rank that the profession could offer, until he became an admiral
from seniority, they thought that they had done enough; and had it not
been that Captain M---, by his zeal and abilities, had secured a
personal interest at the Board, he might have languished on half-pay;
but his services were appreciated, and he was too good an officer not to
be employed. His father was dead, and the payment of debts which he had
contracted, and the purchase of an annuity for his mother, had swallowed
up almost all the prize-money which Captain M---, who had been very
successful, had realised; but he was single from choice, and frugal from
habit. His pay, and the interest of the small remains of prize-money in
the funds, were more than adequate to his wants. He was enthusiastic in
his profession, and had the bad taste to prefer a fine ship to a fine
lady.

Having entered the service at a later period than was usual, he had the
advantage of an excellent education, which being naturally of a serious
disposition, and fond of reading, he had very much improved by study.
As an officer he was a perfect master of his profession, both in theory
and practice, and was what is termed afloat, "all for the service."
Indeed, this feeling was so powerful in him, that, like Aaron's rod, it
swallowed up all the rest. If there was any blemish in his character,
it was in this point. Correct himself, he made no allowance for
indiscretion; inflexibly severe, but always just, he in no instance ever
spared himself, nor would he ever be persuaded to spare others. The
rules and regulations of the s