1G2 LIBERAL TO A FAULT. 



they effected a precipitate and perilous retreat to 

 Huanuco. From thence Dombey returned alone 

 to Lima, where various difficulties awaited him. 

 He had lost all his outfit, and his pecuniary income 

 was quite inadequate to his wants. The celebrated 

 Necker, then in power, increased his salary, but 

 still his funds were by no means so large as those 

 of his Spanish associates. It is said that, notwith- 

 standing this, he contrived to lend them, when 

 they found themselves embarrassed, a considerable 

 sum. The truth is, like many men of his stamp, 

 Dombey was liberal to a fault when he had money 

 in hand, and was frequently in difficulties owing to 

 his imprudence and want of consideration. His 

 kindly heart prompted him ever to do generous 

 actions; and he frequently assisted the unfortu- 

 nate, and bestowed on others what he could ill 

 spare. He loved to spend ; but, on the other 

 hand, he knew how to bear privations. Sometimes 

 he lived merrily, and had a numerous escort ; at 

 another time he would be content with a solitary 

 attendant, and with poor fare. 



That which most perturbed him, and upset his 

 equanimity, was the opposition he encountered 

 from the rich and ignorant, who despised his know- 

 ledge and thwarted him in his scientific objects. 

 However, his medical information proved of great 

 use to him during his residence in Lima ; it aug- 



