AN ADMIRAL. 143 



in the county of Herts* had just bade 

 me good morning, I replied in the affir- 

 mative. 



" I should like to sit beside you, Sir," 

 said he, getting up. 



"I shall feel honoured with your com- 

 pany, although not for the first time, I 

 think." 



I knew his fine veteran features, though 

 age, and long service in the Navy, had 

 wrought some few furrows in his weather- 

 beaten cheeks; and, contrary to my usual 

 custom, I told him my name and the place 

 of my former habitation. 



" Oh, I know you/' he exclaimed, " and 

 all your family : I ought to do, for I have 

 frequently had you on my knee when you 

 were an infant. Pray, tell me, do you 

 know my son ? " 



"No, Admiral, I cannot say I do, per- 

 sonally." 



* The sons of the late N, Calvert, Esq., of Huns- 

 don. 



