GOSSIP 225 



tained at times with this sort of conversation, which 

 would lay open family secrets, intended family alliances, 

 friendships, Uaisous, disagreements and disputes in very 

 high quarters — in one of which I remember the character 

 of a cabinet minister, or his brother, was very seriously 

 attacked. Such gossip, I say, amused me, and through 

 a long career has been chiefly instrumental in rendering 

 tolerable the daily drudgery of the employment, by 

 relieving its monotony. 



The only two companions of the former description I 

 was honoured with during the short time I jDerformed on 

 that stage, that I can recollect, was the hero of Navariuo,^ 

 but then just returned to England in command of the 

 Blahe, 74, in consequence of his promotion ; and his very 

 fine appearance, and manners, and conversation, at once 

 convinced me that I was in company with a first-rate 

 specimen of humanity. 



The other joined me at Petersfield one mornins:, comino' 

 from Up Park, the magnificent seat of Sir Harry Feather- 

 stonehaugh, Bart., about three miles distant, and was 

 then, or had been, in command of a crack regiment of 

 Hussars. I remembered having seen him at the dinner 

 given by the officers to their illustrious colonel. 



He was a tall, long-legged man, and had a brace of 

 greyhounds with him. Our conversation ran principally 

 upon the merits of that portion of the family of the 

 canine species, with which he was thoroughly acquainted ; 

 nevertheless, it did not require the eye or ear of a Sheri- 

 dan to perceive that his time had not been devoted 



^ Vice- Admiral Sir William Codriugton , Bart. 

 VOL. I. Q 



