The Merry Past 



mouriez's army, and the disaffection then prevaiUng 

 therein, that he was received in full confidence. 

 He styled himself Major Delle. At the battle of 

 Tirlemont he was put at the head of a squadron of 

 Hussars, and performed the memorable service of 

 driving the French from their strong battery, and 

 taking three pieces of cannon. After this singular 

 exploit he was received at head-quarters in a manner 

 most flattering to his wishes. He was afterwards 

 constantly at the table of the hereditary Prince of 

 Orange, at Brussels, and had the honour to hand the 

 Princess to her carriage, in preference to most of the 

 military suite. He was at this time received by Lord 

 Auckland, the British Minister ; and on the Stadt- 

 holder's arrival at Brussels he was introduced at his 

 court, where he became so great a favourite that a 

 command of a regiment of Dutch Chasseurs was 

 promised him. 



He wore a hussar uniform, which set off the ele- 

 gance of figure to the utmost advantage, and this, 

 with the polished style of his address, gave him no 

 small influence in the female circles of Brussels. Un- 

 fortunately, however, the career of his singular 

 glory was blasted by the arrival of a Scotch gentle- 

 man of great respectability, who immediately recog- 

 nised in the fashionable pet the celebrated Major 

 Semple. 



Mr. Rose, Charge d'Affaires at the Hague, then 

 also at Brussels, being informed of the discovery, 

 immediately waited on the Prince of Orange, and 

 made him acquainted with the character who had 



258 



