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on this occasion he not only postponed at the tradesmen's club, and the old felas long as he could the acknowledgment low's emotion, it strikes me that he may of the flattering gift, but when he did get have had a sense of a hard and laborious up, he took refuge at first in alittle fun. life devoted to duty according to his Gentlemen," said he, "I have been in lights, with mighty small material reward, the habit of giving boxes for many ears, and with only the consciousness that he but never till this year has a box like this was useful in his generation to support been given to me." This brightened the him; also, that deep down in his breast whole company again in a moment; there under the stony and scarifying strata, lay was scarcely a pair of ears among them a yearning for an encouraging word or that didn't tingle at the jeu d'esprit. The two, for some small appreciation of the laughter was loud, and the applause very devotion which kept him like a mill-horse hearty. The merriment had a composing forever at his grinding labour. effect on the speaker, who, being quite in Well, everybody was affected, and, forhis element, spoke of his early acquaint- tunately for Mr. Saunders, it was his alance with Wetton, and told one or two of lotted duty to break the awkward silence his very best stories, with voice imita- by rising to propose the health of Mrs. tions, about some of the local characters. Coryton. The subduing influence of the Though this was very effective, and de- recent scene kept him within bounds, lighted his audience, he knew very well and he made his little speech very nicely, that he was only postponing the dreaded and was rewarded by a glance out of old response to the genial old hardware- Coryton's eyes such as he had never man's gracious personalities. It had to before seen proceeding from those orbe made, however, and as soon as he got gans. They finished the evening very on that subject, it was evident that he merrily: the schoolmaster wrung everywould, even in the presence of his old body's hand at parting; and when Saunscholars, betray a weakness most deroga- ders offered his company on the walk tory to the character which he had hith-home it was graciously accepted. In that erto maintained among them. He made auspicious quarter of an hour the young two or three acknowledgments, very man opened his mind. feebly, and in a somewhat broken voice; took a pinch of snuff and a sip of punch; went at it again; got out one or two sentences with great gulps in them; and at last old Carryten broke down utterly and ignominiously, subsided into his seat and covered his eyes with his hands, while the table rang with plaudits, Kentish fire, the jingling of glasses, and finally a very boisterous performance of the chorus, "For he is a jolly good fellow." Poor old Carryten! perhaps if more kindness had come his way before, more expression of feeling might have come out of him! But how could that have been, I should like to know? To all of my generation, and to all our mothers, who saw our welts and bruises, he was the very impersonation of cane and rod. He has cut the buttons from my jacket aforetime, and sent me to my seat with my shirt sticking to my back. All admitted that he would drive knowledge into any mind whatever capable of receiving it, and I suspect that Maga's compositors have been indebted to him for the legible MSS. of more than one contributor; but it has taken a long life to raise in my mind a suspicion even that any feeling softer than fear and obedience would have been acceptable from his scholars. And yet, when I come now to think of that night

I

"I don't think," said the old gentleman, "that it would be well for either you or Tom, Benjamin, that he should be your proposer," and he gave reasons for this opinion similar to those which Tom had given. "But," added he, "perhaps if Tom can't manage it, I can. assure you we both desire to serve you, - he an old friend, I an old scholar; and, provided you obtain your wish, Í don't suppose you mind exactly by what agency the thing is worked. Leave it to me. And now, good night: I hope the evening has been as pleasant to you as it has been to me."

He

Ben knew that old Carryten wouldn't talk in that way unless he saw his way pretty clearly to attainment; but how he was to pass a not quite eligible friend into a society of which he wasn't himself a member wasn't quite apparent. went to sleep, however, very tranquilly upon the assurance which he had received, but before doing so, had very much fortified his resolution to realize the dream.

We will not follow old Carryten through his negotiations on Benjamin's behalf. There might be some amusement in doing so, but it would carry us too far from the trunk-line of our story. His mode of operating was this. There were

in Wetton, as there are in most places, | Benjamin Saunders had his foot on the certain gentlemen who managed to parti- ladder. cipate in the amusements and indulgences This step achieved, our hero of the that were to be had there, without being dream followed it up by dissociating himas remarkable for prompt payment as self more and more from the business, for prompt fruition. Such as these, one except the office part thereof, and by being may be sure, were in the club, and were seen now and then out with the harriers its most regular attendants; and they on a good-looking horse. Through his were also in the books of a good many exhibitions of himself on the outside of tradesmen, whom to reconcile to the sys- this same horse arose a little adventure, tem of small profits and slow returns was which he looked upon as arranged by the a feat which they all achieved with more good genius who had sent him the dream, or less brilliancy, though sometimes at but which did not seem so fortunate to the the imminent risk of being "taken by the other actors in it as it did to him. He insolent foe." Now, the schoolmaster, was out on the road one afternoon, when from his long intimacy with Saunders's he met a drayman who was conveying two affairs, knew pretty well who they were huge logs of timber to his building-yard. that stood indebted to the estate. He The logs were lashed on to a rest formed knew also that some of the debtors were by timbers, which were supported by the of the free-and-easy class which I have axles of two pairs of immense wheels, just mentioned. He contrived to let such as the reader has often seen used a few of them know that the books of in a similar way. Benjamin stopped the the estate were likely soon to be put in drayman, to whom he had something to the hands of a man of business, with a say; but his steed fidgeted so at the view of clearing off all old scores, and neighbourhood of the tall wheels that it starting afresh under the new owners. was a difficult matter to converse, and a He likewise hinted at Mr. Benjamin good deal of time was lost through the Saunders's ambition to be elected a mem- animal edging away, and then being ber of the worshipful society known as forced up again. While this little scene the Wetton Club; whereat these exclu- was going on, a lady on horseback hove sive aristocrats laughed scornfully, asked in sight, as the Admiral would have said, if he didn't wish he might get it (which and came on at a canter towards the dray. was then considered a smart form of When she was near enough to be distinspeech), and remarked, that though the guished, the youth saw that it was Miss club had got deuced low, yet, by Jupiter! Fulford; upon which recognition he it hadn't quite come down to that yet. coloured very much, ceased to attend to The better part of their nature, however, the man, and patting and soothing his prevailed, when they perceived that to horse, tried to make it stand quiet while do Saunders a kindness might secure for the young lady passed. But the rapid the doer of it exemption from the pres- approach of another horse is not calcusure that was to be apprehended; and lated to make a horse already restive retwo or three of these genial fellows, after main motionless. He plunged and sidled putting aside the crabbed air with which more and more, but did not prevent him they first pretended to meet the propo- from showing the efforts he was making sal, entered heartily into the design, and to subdue these capers, nor from raising even vied with each other in showing his hat as the young lady passed. their zeal for it. These were really the Whether Miss Fulford knew him or not ruling members of the club, who were was not clear; but she had reined in her there continually, fussing and complain- horse to a walk as she came up to the ing and managing. They knew how to unsightly vehicle, and, keeping to the beat about and get promises not to op- side opposite to Benjamin and his gyrapose; also how to bring on the election tions, slightly inclined her head in acat a favourable time. In short, they car- knowledgment of his salute; then ried in their man; and though a good thanks to the steadiness of the beast many independent members raged and which carried her, which did little more stormed afterwards, yet, as the rules had than prick his ears, she got clear of the in a fashion been complied with, they obstruction, and stretched into a canter were given to understand that it was their again. So far well; but her groom, who own fault that they didn't attend and had not slackened his pace, and who atblack-ball. It ended in growling only, tempted to dash past, was not destined and the growling died away, and Mr. to be so successful. The groom's horse

shied wildly at the wheels, and, upon a sight of the house showed this to be being pressed, made a sharp wheel with impossible. There were fellows drinking his fore legs in the air, which brought the rider off upon the top rail of a gate, across which he fell heavily, while the animal galloped off. By the time Saunders and the carter got up to him, he had fallen to the ground. The man could speak to them in gasps, but he was evidently severely shaken, and in great pain. Several of his ribs, he said, were broken. Now, it was a question what was to be done; for, after they had supported him into a sitting posture against the gate, and picked up his hat and replaced it upon his head, he said he could not sit upon Saunders's horse if he were lifted thereon. Then the drayman said he knew of no better plan than to make a bed of some hay which he carried with him for his horses, spread it on the logs, and let the poor fellow be stretched upon it till they could reach a wayside inn about half a mile on. While they were by very slow motions raising him to this rude bed (for he was in great agony, and could hardly bear to be touched), Miss Fulford, who had missed her attendant and turned to see what had become of him, rode up.

all over the place, and a decent sitting. room was not to be had. Saunders said that he would have been quite ready to stay, but then Miss Fulford would have had to ride home alone; and, through the delay caused by the accident, it was getting late, and would be dusk before she could reach Colkatton. There was nothing for it but that Benjamin should attend her. If he would have taken the groom's place, and followed her at a distance, the arrangement might have been very well; but there was no chance of that. Benjamin thought that he would be able to lift her on to her horse; but she, too quick for him, went to the stock and swung herself into the saddle in a moment, earning a commendation from the ostler, who said, as he drew his hand across his upper lip after letting go her reins, "Yew be a lightsome one, Miss; darned if yew ban't. Yew oft to be in Powell's trewp, yew did. I've a seed heavier maidens that they thought wo'th puttin' into pantalewns." But it is a question whether this panegyric was not due entirely to the fear she was in of Benjamin touching even the sole of her boot. "He'll go home safe enough, Miss; he She had an instinctive perception that he won't come to no hurt," feebly moaned was a person to be kept at a considerable the poor man, in reply to her alarmed distance. Ben, however, by this time "Good heavens, Corder! what is this?"quite understood the necessity of greatly "Dear me, never mind the horse; are you much hurt?"

"Feared I be, Miss."

restraining himself, and intended this time to make an impression by extreme deference, curbing his vivacious fancy. Then Mr. Saunders explained the man- And when he got a chance of saying anyner of the accident, and what they pro- thing at all, he said nothing that any one posed to do, to which, as no alternative could object to; but his chances were presented itself, she was fain to assent. exceedingly limited, for Miss Fulford He also said that he would ride forward kept at something more than a canter to, the little inn, send a more comfortable whenever the ground permitted it; and conveyance if he could get one, and order in a very short time they were in the a bed to be prepared for the sufferer. outskirts of Wetton, and at the door Permitting him to do so, Miss Fulford of Mr. Pound the Apothecary and Sursaid she would remain with the dray. A geon. That practitioner himself imlittle way on, Saunders met a farmer re-mediately appeared at the door of turning in his tax-cart from town, and his pharmacy, and received directions, made him promise to turn back and bring up the injured groom when he should meet the dray. He then pricked on to the inn, called out the landlady, and told her to prepare a bed. It was some time before the tax-cart came up, for Corder could not bear to be driven at more than a slow walk. They lifted the patient carefully out, and promised to have him as tenderly undressed and put to bed till a doctor should arrive. Miss Fulford's intention had been to remain at the inn till a carriage could be sent for her; but

first, to go himself to see her servant immediately; second, to send for a carriage for herself; third, to let one of his men lead her horse to Colkatton; fourth, to afford Miss Fulford the shelter of his house till the carriage should be ready. On the appearance of Pound's man she lighted off her horse, thanked Mr. Saunders very impressively for the great trouble he had been at on her account, said she would not detain him another minute, and disappeared into the house. Thus, you see, she shook off her cavalier

55

might be the means of conveying a lesson against overweening pretensions. When Mr. Norcott escorted her home in the dusk of the evening, she told him what she had seen.

From The Spectator.

COLONEL CHESNEY'S ESSAYS.*

almost as soon as they were among the houses Pound, the most prudent of pestle-drivers, would be sure to make no remark concerning her being so escorted: and so the whole annoying adventure would be at an end, with no gossiping body cognizant of it. But Gertrude reckoned without her host. Owing to the pace at which she had travelled, there was still plenty of light in the sky when she reached Wetton, and there was a pair of eyes in the window of the house opposite to Pound's, which in a moment Charles Chesney is entitled to a high AMONG modern essayists, Colonel perceived all the circumstances of the rank, because he not only possesses a arrival. Old Mrs. Yeo, the owner of the power of clear statement, but what many house, was infirm and purblind: she of the so-called brilliant writers lack, he could seldom go to church, and she is remarkable for accurate knowledge could not see to read; so she received a and sound judgment. Sometimes, indeed, visit once or twice a-week from the vicar he strains a point a little too far, in his or his curate, who read to her, and gave anxiety to reach that judicial impartialher ghostly advice and comfort. Thus ity which, if it tempers the ardours of Mr. Norcott was with her at this time, but composition, is an error on the right side. the eyes I spoke of didn't belong to him Order, lucidity, vigour, are the salient then. Moreover, Mrs. Yeo was aunt qualities of his style, as a thirst for truth, - I believe I ought to say grand-aunt to Miss Lydia Tarraway, and that young trained, dispassionate faculty, which enhabits of exact investigation, and a lady it was, who, having accidentally ables him to form sound conclusions, are called in to see how her dear old aunty the qualities of his well-balanced mind. did, was the owner of the eyes in ques- The essays collected and published in tion. It was with the greatest difficulty this volume are not only of a nature to that she suppressed an exclamation which interest the military, but the general would have been highly inopportune reader. Whether he carries us into the while the reading was going on. can Gertrude Fulford be about?" said Army on Muscovite soil, guided by the "What camps, or along the track of the Grand Lydia to herself. She perceived the accomplished De Fezensac, or throws a manner of Saunders's dismissal, and light on guessed that the occurrence must have while sketching the career of Henry von Suchet's Spanish compaigns, been accidental; at the same time she Brandt; whether he draws a picture of considered it only her duty to regard it Cornwallis, or renders the exploits of as "strange." Her feeling towards Ger- Chinese Gordon intelligible-not his trude was friendly rather than otherwise. easiest task- or whether he finds a She had quite retired from the Hardinge theme in recent American warfare, Colcontest, since it was ascertained that the onel Chesney is always entertaining and Lieutenant's days in Wetton were num- instructive. But we call especial attenbered, and that Norcott had an uncle, a tion to the four essays which relate to bishop, and a cousin, in the House of the American war, not only because they Commons; for there would be many ri- are well done, but for the reason stated vals in this quest also, and fine exercise in the author's preface, namely, that the for Lydia's talents. She did not imagine military excellence displayed during the that there was the smallest chance of mighty struggle "has been unduly deGertrude's obtaining Hardinge's regard; preciated by comparison with the late but then why was Gertrude so silly and events on the Continent;" and, indeed, so vain as to fancy that she could capti- we may add, unduly depreciated from the vate a man who was probably pre- very first, notably by soldiers who should engaged, and at any rate not going to have known better than to surrender at lose his heart in Wetton? It must have discretion their judgment to their politibeen impatience at her friend's manifest cal prejudices. Colonel Chesney was alfolly, or else I know not what it was, that made Lydia feel quite a complacent glow when she saw the riders together at Pound's gate, and made her resolve with the severity of a censor that the matter

wallis Chesney, Colonel in the Army, and Lieutenant-
Essays in Military Biography. By Charles Corn-
from the Edinburgh Review.
Colonel in the Royal Engineers.
and Co.
Reprinted chiefly
London: Longmans

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a is preface he whole war, Gettysburg, decisively freed peak sque striking the North from invasion, and forced the acer wildt Confederates thenceforth to stand on the no matter defensive. Against the troops they posave gen- sessed and the country on which they measured by fought, Napoleon himself could not have won anything like an Austerlitz, still less conscripts a Waterloo. out con2 is on war on a , "were il a the conMore recent

The strange disposition to carp at American Generals must be mainly the fruit of a very imperfect study of their campaigns and the conditions under which they were fought. It is all the te justly more remarkable, because America posredag and sessed what England did not, a first-rate ed, de Amer-military school. Whence could you hope nac douity as to get good Captains, if not from West Maxas egards | Point? We also had excellent establishwas far ments in our Artillery and Engineers, te organ- but the untrained and uneducated Infanwere diedor, com- try and Cavalry monopolized all the comnox cex vet consid-mands, and laughed to scorn scientific Tex ea bed sides were soldiership. And out of the genuine Ne vec sitess of col- Military Academy on the Hudson came má de dest troops really educated soldiers, although so which have been many of them, absorbed in commercial and Colonel Chesney industrial pursuits, or engaged in obscure Aix were snçoaclusive, duties, lived comparatively unknown. soked side would When the war broke out they came to the a good order, front as natural leaders, and with one exrode i ide victor. “Inception, they alone did anything great or dece aux be some one decisive. It was West Point, divided cade coeit of Amer-against itself, which fought the camcoaccoax of Euro-paigns, and we say they are worthy of crescket were usually being compared with any campaigns of greke Suttles fought modern times. Men of transcendent

It may be added genius, since the very dawn of recorded de codacy Livoured ¦ history, have been so few that they may whee Cofobel Chesney be counted on the fingers. But among -betéed gaab enabled those who stand in the second rank, Lee, Docxenea, and check a Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan must find aad Rech arcangements a place; and of these four, beyond quesA de Coaguerors There tion, the man who approached most near4 Gedelcacy of cavalry, ly to the highest genius, the man who vmeel, bad he been showed the profoundest insight into Napakaryan, would have been strategy, was General Sherman. There à đạo tàệm m an American were many bright strokes in that proAks Ge were relatively in- longed war, but the brightest, the most Seoriae. De troon on both Napoleonic, the greatest, as well as the wwwk and the country truest conceptions, were the march A macskal võstacles, and be-through Georgia, and subsequently from Hovenerox were impossible the Savannah to Cape Fear River. And dox yxeð orsögòt resistance. Yet they were purely Sherman's own inspikc coax were quite as decisive rations, or rather, to speak correctly, inthe excesben al nights in Europe. ventions, and he obtained permission to Poioso end the much criticised execute both only after considerable hesitwading really cleared an im- tation at head-quarters. If Marlborough County Grant took deserves credit for marching through a Vicoding when he deteated Pemberton peaceful country to the Danube; if Naor die Bg Back, he saved Tennessee poleon is exalted because, crossing the When he wong Monary Ridge. Meade, Alps, he suddenly placed an army on the m one of the best fought battles of the Ticino and Po, then also is Sherman en