CHAPTER XIII.

Hopes of all passions, most befriend, us here;
Joy has her tears, and Transport has her death:
Hope, like a cordial, innocent tho' strong,
Man's heart at once inspirits and serenes;
Nor makes him pay his wisdom for his joys.
'Tis all our present state can safely bear:
Health to the frame and vigor to the mind,
And to the modest eye, chastised delight,
Like the fair summer evening, mild and sweet,
'Tis man's full cup-his paradise below.

YOUNG.

WITH what feelings of delight did Newton Forster walk the deck of the Windsor Castle, as she scudded before a fine breeze across the Bay of Biscay! His happiness in anticipation was so great, that at times he trembled lest the cup should be dashed from his lips; and at the same time that he thanked God for blessings received, he offered up his prayer that his pros

pects might not be blighted by disappointment. How happy did he feel when he escorted Isabel on deck, and walked with her during the fine summer evenings, communicating those hopes and fears, recurring to the past, or anticipating the future, till midnight warned them of the rapidity with which time had flown away! The pirate vessel, which had been manned by the crew of the neutral and part of the ship's company of the Windsor Castle, under charge of the fourth-mate, sailed round and round them, until at last the Channel was entered, and, favoured with a westerly breeze, the Windsor Castle and her prize anchored in the Downs. Here Mrs. Enderby and Isabel quitted the ship, and Newton received orders to proceed round to the river. Before the Windsor Castle had anchored, the newspapers were put into his hands containing a report of the two actions, and he had the gratification of acknowledging that his countrymen were not niggardly in the encomiums upon his meritorious conduct.

Newton presented himself to the Court of

Directors, who confirmed his rank, and promised him the command of the first ship which was brought forward, with flattering commendations for his gallantry in protecting property of so much value. Newton took his leave of the august Leaden-all board, and hastened to his uncle's house. The door was opened by a servant who did not know him: Newton passed him, and ran up to the drawing-room, where he found Amber in company with William Avelyn, who was reading to her the dispatch containing the account of the action with Surcouf.

Amber sprung into his arms. She had grown into a tall girl of nearly fifteen, budding into womanhood and beauty; promising perfection, although not yet attained to it. William Avelyn was also nearly half a foot taller; and a blush which suffused his handsome face at being surprised alone with Amber, intimated that the feelings of a man were superseding those of boyhood.

"Where is my mother?" inquired Newton.

"She is not at home, dear Newton," replied

Amber; "she walked out with your father. They

are both well."

"And my uncle?"

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Quite well, and most anxious to see you. He talks of nobody but you, and of nothing but your actions, which we were just reading about when you came in. Pray, Captain Newton, may I inquire after your French friends? What has become of them?"

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They are at Sablonniere's hotel, Miss Amber; they have obtained their parole at the Alien-office." The conversation was interrupted by the return of Newton's father and mother, and shortly afterwards Mr. John Forster made his appearance. After the first greeting and congratulations were over"Well, Newton," observed Nicholas, "so you beat off a pirate, I hear.”

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No, my

dear father, we boarded one."

"Ah! very true; I recollect—and you killed Surcœuf."

"No, father, only beat him off."

"So it was; I recollect now. v.-Brother John, isn't it almost dinner-time?"

"Yes, brother Nicholas, it is; and I'm not sorry for it. Mr. William Avelyn, perhaps you'd like to wash your hands? A lad's paws are never

the worse for a little clean water.”

William Avelyn blushed; his dignity was hurt : but he had lately been very intimate at Mr. Forster's, and he therefore walked out to comply with the recommendation.

"Well, brother Nicholas, what have you been doing all day?"

"Doing all day, brother? really, I don't exactly know. My dear," said Nicholas, turning to his wife, "what have I been doing all day?"

"To the best of my recollection," replied Mrs. Forster, smiling, " you have been asking when dinner would be ready.”

"Uncle Nicholas," said Amber, "you promised to buy me a skein of blue silk."

"Did I, my dear? Well, so I did, I declare.. I'm very sorry-dear me, I forgot, I did buy it. I passed by a shop where the windows were full