, you have often heard of lately. I have
brought him with me because he is a follower of mine: he entered the
service under my protection, and continued with me until his conduct
gave him his promotion. I have taken this opportunity of introducing
him, to assure your lordship that, during the whole time that he served
with me as midshipman, his gallantry was quite as conspicuous as it has
been since."

The first lord took me by the hand, and complimented me on my conduct.

"Captain Keene has strong claims, my lord. What can we do now for him?"

"I trust you will acknowledge that Captain Keene has earned his post
rank, my lord," replied Lord de Versely; "and I shall take it as a
particular favour to myself if your lordship would appoint him to a
frigate, and give him an opportunity of doing credit to your lordship's
patronage."

"I think I may promise you both," replied the first lord; "but when we
meet in the house to-night, I will let you know what I can do."

After a few minutes' conversation, Lord de Versely rose, and we left the
room. As soon as we were in the carriage his lordship said, "Keene, you
may depend upon it I shall have good news to tell you to-morrow; so call
upon me about two o'clock. I dine out to-day with the premier; but
to-morrow you must dine with me."

I took leave of his lordship as soon as the carriage stopped; and as I
wished to appoint an agent, which I had not yet done, I had begged his
lordship to recommend me one. He gave me the address of his own, and I
went there accordingly. Having made the necessary arrangements, I then
employed the remainder of the day in fitting myself out in a somewhat
more fashionable style than Portsmouth tailors were equal to.

The next morning I sat down to write to my mother; but somehow or
another I could not make up my mind to address her. I had thought of
it, over and over, and had made up my mind that in future I would always
correspond with my grandmother; and I now determined to write to her,
explaining that such was my intention in future, and requesting that all
answers should be also from my grandmother. I commenced my letter,
however, with informing her that I had, since I had last written,
obtained leave of absence, and was now in London. I stated the kindness
shown me in every way by Lord de Versely, and how grateful I was to him.
This continued down to the bottom of the first page, and then I said
"What would I not give to bear the