ngracious salute from granny, who appeared
to think, as she kissed me, that her lips were touching something
poisonous, and set off with my mother in the coach to Portsmouth.

We arrived safe at Portsmouth, and my mother immediately took lodgings
on the Common Hard at Portsea. The next day, having dressed herself
with great care, with a very thick veil on her bonnet, my mother walked
with me to the George Hotel, where Captain Delmar had taken up his
quarters.

On my mother sending up her card, we were immediately ushered upstairs,
and on entering the room found the Honourable Captain Delmar sitting
down in full uniform--his sword, and hat, and numerous papers, lying on
the table before him. On one side of the table stood a lieutenant, hat
in hand; on the other, the captain's clerk, with papers for him to sign.
My friend Tommy Dott was standing at the window, chasing a blue-bottle
fly, for want of something better to do; and the steward was waiting for
orders behind the captain's chair.

My mother, who had pulled down her veil, so that her face was not
visible, made a slight courtesy to Captain Delmar, who rose up and
advanced to receive her very graciously, requesting that she would be
seated for a minute or two, till he had time to speak to her.

I have thought since, that my honourable captain had a mind to impress
upon my mother the state and dignity of a captain in his Majesty's
service, when in commission. He took no notice whatever of me. Tommy
Dott gave me a wink of his eye from the window, and I returned the
compliment by putting my tongue into my cheek; but the other parties
were too much occupied with the captain to perceive our friendly
recognition. Captain Delmar continued to give various orders, and after
a time the officers attending were dismissed.

As soon as we were alone, my mother was addressed in, I thought, rather
a pompous way, and very much in contrast with his previous politeness
before others. Captain Delmar informed her that he should take me
immediately under his protection, pay all my expenses, and, if I behaved
well, advance me in the service.

At this announcement, my mother expressed a great deal of gratitude,
and, shedding a few tears, said, that the boy would in future look up to
him as a parent. To this speech Captain Delmar made no reply; but,
changing the conversation, told her that he expected to sail in about
three or four days, and that no time must be lost in fitting