nd made no reply; but begged him to put me on shore on the first part
of South Sea Beach he could land at, which he did. I gave him a guinea,
and ran, without stopping, into the garrison, and down Point-Street, to
the "Star and Garter," where I was received by Eugenia, who, with great
presence of mind, called me her "_dear, dear_ husband!" in the hearing
of the people of the house. My wet clothes attracted her notice. I
told her what I had done to obtain an interview with her. She shuddered
with horror;--my teeth chattered with cold. A good fire, a hot and not
very weak glass of brandy-and-water, together with her tears, smiles,
and caresses, soon restored me. The reader will, no doubt, here recall
to mind the less agreeable remedy applied to me when I ducked the usher,
and one recommended also by myself in similar cases, as having
experienced its good effects: how much more I deserved it on this
occasion than the former one, need not be mentioned.

So sweet was this stolen interview, that I vowed I was ready to
encounter the same danger on the succeeding night. Our conversation
turned on our future prospects; and, as our time was short, we had much
to say.

"Frank," said the poor girl, "before we meet again, I shall probably be
a mother; and this hope alone alleviates the agony of separation. If I
have not you, I shall, at least, be blest with your image. Heaven grant
that it may be a boy, to follow the steps of his father, and not a girl,
to be as wretched as her mother. You, my dear Frank, are going on
distant and dangerous service--dangers increased tenfold by the natural
ardour of your mind: we may never meet again, or if we do, the period
will be far distant. I ever have been, and ever will be constant to
you, till death; but I neither expect, nor will allow of the same
declaration on your part. Other scenes, new faces, youthful passions,
will combine to drive me for a time from your thoughts, and when you
shall have attained maturer years, and a rank in the navy equal to your
merits and your connections, you will marry in your own sphere of
society; all these things I have made up my mind to, as events that must
take place. Your person I know I cannot have--but do not, do not
discard me from your mind. I shall never be jealous as long as I know
you are happy, and still love your unfortunate Eugenia. Your child
shall be no burthen to you until it shall have attained an age at which
it may be put ou