voking! Must I recapitulate the depth and length

of my attachment to Colonel Taylor's daughter, to make you comprehend that I want a son's and brother's interest in my behalf, to request that her hand may be bestowed where her heart has long been fixed? I know you have thought me fickle and inconstant, wild, and, for what I know, fifty other things; but that, Conrad, was before I had any true affection. From the moment I pledged myself to Emily, though fate has frowned, I have not harboured a thought derogatory to my vow. What I now say is for Taylor to hear as well as yourself; and all I can add, to what you already know, is, that for nothing on earth, but the hope of living to obtain Emily's hand, would I have given up my sword to the Frenchman when I lay disabled on the field of Salamanca. Her image alone could make me endure two years' captivity, or impel me to the dangers or difficulties of my escape. Judge then my anxiety, when I find myself arrived at the moment, and in the actual presence of one who has a legitimate right to give or withhold the blessing for which I live. Speak, Conrad, will you relieve my suspense?" Conrad, who feared the worst consequences

from his vehemence, took his hand, saying, "Compose yourself, Bonner; you shall not want a friend in me: I will speak to my father; but you must promise to remain quiet until I return, for your present violence renders you quite incapable of conversing: I shall be back again in an hour, when we will discuss the merits of the case, and see if we cannot find a verdict of damages for the loss of your heart." He smiled kindly as he spoke; and then, turning to Colonel Taylor, he again urged repose for both, to which he assented, and Conrad took his departure.

He immediately repaired to the regimental surgeon who attended the Colonel, and learnt, with the deepest concern, that his case was considered hopeless, as it was found impossible to extract the ball; but some days might elapse before the last sad struggle took place. This circumstance imparted a ray of satisfaction to our hero's mind, as his father would have time to arrange his affairs, and prepare his mind for the hour that all must arrive at sooner or later for the pang that each must undergo, from the highest to the lowest. However great and powerful, or poor and wretched, from the

prince and despot to the vilest reptile that crawls, all still must fall before the omnipotent and unsparing scythe of the common enemy.

Conrad's mind had ample food for meditation, during the interval that elapsed ere he again sought the temporary hospital, whether he considered the sorrowful tale and approaching death of his new-found parent, or the recent appeal and dangerous state of his friend: but he had not much time to indulge his musing mood, as the expiration of the second hour found him again in attendance on his friends.

"I hope," said he, as he entered, "my injunctions for perfect rest have been attended to, otherwise, I fear, I must again absent myself."

"There has not been much rest for either of us, my dear Conrad," replied his father; "what with pain and approaching dissolution on one side, and delirium on the other, little could be expected; however, I feel perfectly able to continue my instructions. There! - place yourself out of that poor fellow's sight, or his fever will infallibly augment; for he has been raving about you ever since you left us. Emily's case, Conrad, I can have no voice. Mr.

In

Yorke's family will not recognise the promise of one whom its members knew only for a few weeks; therefore it is useless for me to usurp a power I have no right to, by bestowing Emily upon Bonner. Be their happiness your care, and, if possible, and you judge it essential, promote the marriage: you know, as he said, his conduct lately has been irreproachable. I, who know what his habits were at the commencement of our acquaintance, may safely say he is greatly changed, in this respect, for the better." Certainly, sir, he is improved, and I will most willingly attend to your and his request. I know my sister's affections are deeply involved, and to see her happy is one of my dearest wishes."

"I do not doubt it, my son: from what I saw of her, she is worthy of her brother; but it is my next request that embodies a tax upon your duty and friendship,—yes, friendship,for our connection has never known any other name: it demands no less, as I before intimated, than the care of my little Charles. I lost my girl about twelve months since, therefore he is now alone; to you, Conrad, I commit him, both as to his present and future welfare.

Bring him up with a just abhorrence of those passions and vices which have been the destruction of his father's happiness: let him early comprehend that the path of duty and obedience is the certain road to peace and honour; and that extravagance, in every circumstance, whether in passion or expenditure, will entail misery and destruction on his present and future well-being. But I know, Conrad, I have no occasion to impress on your mind. the necessity of a virtuous education: your conduct, during the time I have had the pleasure of knowing you, has borne ample testimony to the efficacy of that you have received; and if my boy but tread in the steps of his brother, I shall be fully satisfied. Among all my crimes, I have yet served my country faithfully, and to her I bequeath him. May his future success shed a lustre on the name of which he is the only scion !"

The dying soldier paused, and Conrad took that opportunity again to assure him his injunctions with him should be laws: he smiled a mournful acknowledgment of his son's words, and resumed: "As concerns yourself, Conrad, one thing alone disturbs me, which is the