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28 It described two persons, officers of superior and equal rank; in the one the General might have perceived himself depicted in colours flattering to his feelings, as relating to his conscious rectitude, his mercy, condescension, lenity—in a word, all his amiable virtues were extolled and even exaggerated. In the other were portrayed the opposite qualities, rigour, heartless pride, and ambition—his enemy! to be guarded against with the greatest circumspection. Concluding with an earnest exhortation to be on his guard ere it was too late, and endeavour to parry, if possible, the blow already levelled to overthrow him, the writer had subscribed himself—A Lover of Humanity!

Such were the contents of that singular epistle, perused and reperused, and, however the General might be disposed to question its veracity, with increased inquietude. On referring to the date, he found it had been designed to reach his hand at a much earlier period. That it had not done so doubly distressed him, and was an additional motive for hastening his departure; taking leave accordingly of his family, he set off to embark for Ireland.

In the meanwhile Mrs. De Brooke, participating in the uneasiness of her husband, confined herself