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14 father, the late Lord Deloraine, had devised almost the whole of his immense revenue to support the title of his eldest son; leaving Douglas only a confined annuity, but what he deemed a handsome competency if aided by a lucrative yet honourable profession. His intentions however, such as he might have formed relative to the future career of his youngest son, had been unfortunately interrupted by his decease; and Douglas was of a character too lofty and aspiring, humbly to seek resources from a brother whose disposition to avarice was but too well known to him. He preferred rather to launch himself at once upon the world, and seek in it his future destiny,—whether prosperous or otherwise, time would best determine. Contrary to his interests, however, his scanty portion was soon exhausted by those habits of extravagance he had acquired, and which to support without fortune was impossible. To languish in privacy he could not.

Thus situated, he turned his thoughts towards a military life, as the most suited to favour his inclinations. Three-and-twenty was somewhat late, he conceived, to begin a professional career; but having no alternative, through the interests of his friends he procured an ensigncy in a regiment then under orders for India.