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could eradicate genteel observances, which were bound up in his very nature.

Before joining the officers' table, Godfrey paid particular attention to his toilet, nor was he less scrupulous with regard to the appearance of his son.

CHAPTER IV.

"That star of the field, which so often has poured
Its beam on the battle's not set;

And enough of its glory remains on each sword
To light us to victory yet!"

TOM MOORE.

"I was about to think long of you," said Colonel Sommerton, who was walking backwards and forwards in the spacious entrancehall of the barracks, and then cordially greeting his visitors. "I hope you have enjoyed yourself to-day, Mr. Moreton, " addressing himself complacently to the junior. "Allow me to introduce you to one of my friends," continued he, and at the same time stopping a handsome young officer

who was passing along the lobby towards the mess-room. The ensign courteously acknowledged the introduction, and expressed his pleasure at the acquaintance. The ensign had not long been in the service, nor did he seem much older than young De Bohun; but some of that bashfulness of youth had worn off, and his greater intercourse with the world had confirmed an ease and dignity which Moreton did not yet possess, as he was at first somewhat shy and reserved; but it must be remembered he had not long left school, and the little society which the circumstances of his father had constrained him to keep had been disadvantageous to his family. They had not possessed those opportunities which people of their standing had a right to expect. It is true the young ladies were accomplished and had, under an intelligent governess, acquired much useful knowledge-but the education resulting from a communion with society they lacked. At school Moreton had been taught that a dumb and stupid silence was strictly to be observed as the most proper

deportment for persons of his age, and that to join in rational conversation, especially at table, was not suitable for young folks— egregious mistake on the part of his pedagogues, and one too common.

The ensign paid attention, as his new acquaintance was the friend of the colonel; and Moreton felt pleased he had found so agreeable a companion. On entering the dining-hall, Godfrey sat at the colonel's right hand, and Moreton by the side of the ensign.

The table was crowded with all the luxuries that gastronomical ability can supply to gratify fastidious palates. The elegance, the high-bred manners, the valuable plate, the rare delicacies, the recherché wines, possess imposing features in the mess-room of an English garrison not, to be met with, on the same scale of display, in any other country in Christendom. Those who enter our army are, with rare exceptions, of high connections or in affluent circumstances. Humble ap

pearance and thrifty economy cannot be practised, whilst fashion and gaiety, expensive amusements, and diversions that the

wealthy alone can pursue, are zealously followed.

Amongst the officers of the regiment now spoken of, those sports and pastimes which only the rich can indulge in were constantly sought after to relieve the tedium of garrison life. It is true, much depended on personal inclination, and certain extravagances and expensive follies could be avoided without the sacrifice of station; yet it too often happened, that those on entering, who then had little or no inclination to join in such, were, in the process of time, won over by their associates, and at length were as partial to the acquired vices as those who had seduced them in the meshes of ruinous

practises. The bottle and the gaming-table became alluring, and ere long held their victims by breakless chains.

scene.

I have said the mess-table was a taking On the evening of the De Bohuns' visit, the gentlemen who sat around were a fine sample of warlike fellows. Some there were in the opening bloom of youth, whose smooth cheeks, calm brows, and merry eyes,

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