uld THE MYSTERIOUS WANDERER be favourably received by the public, it
will be my highest pride to acknowledge my obligation to your Ladyship;
should it be consigned to oblivion--I shall ever, with gratitude,
remember the honour and favour you have conferred on,

Madam,
Your Ladyship's much obliged,
and
Most obedient humble servant,

SOPHIA REEVE.

THE MYSTERIOUS WANDERER.

CHAPTER I.

"Of all the passions inherent in man, I think pride the most despicable,
and for which he has the least excuse! If he have sense and abilities,
they ought rather to guard his bosom from so contemptible an inmate,
than implant it there. It is a passion insulting to reason, beneath the
generosity of human nature, and in the highest degree degrading to the
character of a British sailor."

Such were the sentiments of Frederick Howard, addressed to a fellow
officer, (remarkable for his pride and haughtiness) as they walked
toward the pier-head at Yarmouth, on their return to the Argo man of
war, then stationed in the roads. Already were they in the boat which
was to convey them on board, when a youth about seventeen ran up to
them, and, with wildness and distress in his aspect, entreated they
would take him with them.

"Take you with us!" said Lieutenant Harland, sternly, "who are you?"

"For God's sake, ask no questions, but take me with you," said the
youth, and immediately jumped into the boat.

"Get back, fellow! knock him over!" cried the exasperated Lieutenant.

"Not in my presence, George;" said Frederick;--"he entreats
protection--if he deserve it, it ought to be granted: if he do not, we
have no right to maltreat him." He pushed the boat off, and they were
conveyed on board.

Captain Howard, the uncle of Frederick, was justly esteemed for the
generosity of his disposition; his heart, indeed, was the seat of
philanthropy, and never did the indigent or unhappy sue in vain. On
being informed by his nephew of his conduct to the stranger, he
expressed his approbation, at the same time desiring to see him. The
youth was accordingly summoned. He entered the cabin with a modest bow,
and, to the Captain's interrogation of who he was? answered--One brought
up in expectation of a better fate; till an adverse stroke of fortune
had bereaved him of all his early prospects of happiness.

"Do