284 A SMILE. 



" Indeed ! What did you know of 

 him ? " 



" I only know that he commanded the 

 cavalry in the Peninsula, and was always 

 considered the best-dressed man in the 

 army." 



Upon this he put down his pen, turned 

 towards me, and smiled. I perfectly re- 

 member that smile, and it may appear 

 simple in me to record so simple an 

 occurrence; but Sir Astley's was no com- 

 mon smile. It was not that of conde- 

 scensionit was not that of a courtier ; 

 neither was it one of withering contempt, 

 or of specious, designing villany ; but it 

 was one that lit up his fine and manly 

 features with goodfellowship and benevo- 

 lence. I fancied, too, there was a mark 

 of silent recognition in it when he 

 said 



" And pray, what brings you here this 

 morning ? " 



