nour to command the regiment of which you are second major, I hope you will not take amiss my friendly advice to you. Sincerely as I wish well to Miss Airey, and sincerely happy as I shall be, as well as Mrs. Melbourne, to see her advantageously settled in life, it might appear that I acted a very self-interested part, if I gave my immediate sanction, or proceeded to make advances in this affair, without at the same time remarking, that I fear you have been led to act with some precipitation; the benefits derived from such a match being entirely on the lady's side, and none whatever upon your own. Think also, on the score of fortune: few, in such expectations, may boast higher than yourself. That they are distant, and even more precarious, you have ever been the first to admit: supposing, therefore, the regiment to be shortly disbanded, in case of peace, and put upon half-pay,—a large family the result of your union;—my dear Douglas, weigh again the subject, for really it appears to me, by the sudden manner of your address, that you have been too hasty in your decision."
"You mistake. Colonel. The subject has been duly considered by me. I am but doing justice to the merits of Miss Airey; and what Captain Sutton ought long since to have done, had he the spi-
