SIR ASTLEY COOPER 69 



being settled, I and my sister returned with him 

 to town. 



In the morning I went to Spring Gardens, and knocked 

 at the door of the great surgeon and anatomist. The 

 door was opened by a servant out of livery, and after a 

 little time I was introduced and ushered into his 

 presence. He was sitting at his escritoire at the window, 

 with his back towards me, apparently engaged in literary 

 composition. His man-servant walked up to him, gave 

 him a note and instantly retired. Without casting a 

 glance at me, or asking any question, he handed me the 

 note, not even turning his head, and said, — 



" Have the goodness to open that, sir, will you ? " 



Strange as I thought such a request, I complied, and 

 of course made myself acquainted with the contents. 

 After some few minutes, still remaining in the same 

 attitude, he said, — 



" Have you read it, sir ? " 



" I have." 



" Who is it from ? " 



" Lord Combermere, Sir Astley." 



" Do you know him ? " he said. 



" I have seen him Avhen he Avas Sir Stapleton 

 Cotton." 



'• 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 do^vn his pen, turned towards me, 

 and smiled. I perfectly remember that smile, and it may 

 appear simple in me to record so simple an occurrence ; 



