CHAPTER VIII.
"And who can chase the sorrowing sigh
When discord's voice sounds loud and nigh;
When fortune, sportive, makes display,
Beguiles, and then withdraws her ray?
In early life, alas! thus doomed
To see thy fairest hopes entombed."
The object which had detained the General in London now no longer existing, he would have returned to his country villa. But previous to his departure he addressed a letter of condolence to her Ladyship, the widow of his lamented father, couched in terms the most respectful, and deeply expressive of participating in the loss she had sustained. The performance of this duty, so incumbent upon him, could not but be supposed to conciliate her Ladyship's future favour and esteem.
Nevertheless, how confounded, how amazed he
