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368 therefore expressed to the marshal a wish to obtain an audience of the Empress Queen. The marshal highly approved of this undertaking, and immediately procured him that honour, her majesty being always easy of access.

When introduced to her majesty, he expressed, in a very animated speech in the French language, his resolution to devote himself entirely and for ever to her service, and his determination either to rise to a distinguished command in her armies, or to die in the attempt.

The empress was so much pleased with this spirited yet modest address, that she told him she did not at all doubt of his efforts in her service, and said some obliging things of the Irish; inquired very graciously after his brother, and concluded by saying, that she had recommended him to Marshal Konigsegg for preferment, who was himself very much inclined to serve him.

After quitting the empress, be repaired to the marshal, and begged to be sent to his regiment, where he said he would serve and improve himself in learning the language and his duty, till his excellency should think proper to honour him with a commission. The marshal gave him a letter of recommendation in the strongest terms to the colonel of the regiment who was then at the head-quarters at Coningsgratz.

Hume immediately went to his lodgings, discharged his servants, and paid all his debts after which, to his surprise, he found he had but two gold ducats left. This was a blow that completely disconcerted all his measures, as it disabled him from appearing as a volunteer in the army a station very incompatible with his present circumstances as he continued firm in his resolution not to touch his letter of credit. Still, however, determined upon learning the language and military discipline of the country, without losing time in fruitless regret, he packed up his clothes and other ornaments, and deposited them all at his banker’s except the worst suit, which he wore; even 