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Rh of Sir Aubrey, for the future aggrandisement of his son, did not fail to meet with a prosperous beginning; and his having obtained for him an ensigncy in the Guards, (equivalent to a company in the line,) was truly a happy omen of future promotion in his military career. But, alas! ere long, these flattering prospects faded—the ambitious projects of the father were frustrated by the youthful levities of the son. It seemed as if, in every quality of his mind, De Brooke differed from his father.

The one possessing cool deliberation, solidity of judgment, and inflexible perseverance; the other, of a warm imagination, volatile, and unreflecting. Pleasure, like a brilliant meteor, danced before his eyes; and never did he think how transient was the beam. A few indiscretions, of but trifling consequence, led to the commission of others of more serious import; which, when represented to Sir Aubrey, under, possibly, exaggerated details, incensed and irritated him to the highest degree. Little disposed to seek the confidence and friendship of his son, in order to instil into him better precepts, to advise and reclaim him by timely