ce on
my life and yours. They laid the foundation of a dislike and jealousy in
the mind of my step-mother, that embittered all our future intercourse.
'The child' was distinguished, not only by the hero who was the lion of
the scene, but by the stranger she was resolved to charm, and her
usually bright countenance was clouded with malice and discontent.
Forgetful of politeness, she hurried away those who came in the same
barge with herself, anxious to see me immured once more in the walls of
the Fort.

"After our distinguished host had bidden farewell to his elder guests,
whom he accompanied to the steps, he turned to me with a look so benign
and affectionate I never shall forget it, and stooping, kissed my
forehead.

"'As your father's friend, and your country's father, dear child, permit
me'--he said, then giving my hand to St. James, who was waiting to
assist me into the barge, bowed a dignified adieu.

"'You do indeed make us envy you, sir,' cried St. James, as he stood
with uncovered head in the centre of the boat, while it glided from the
walls, and holding up the bouquet which he had had the boldness to
retain.

"The statesman smiled and shook his snow-crowned head, and there he
stood, long after we receded from the rocks, his tall, erect figure
defined on the dark blue sky.

"I never saw that noble form again. The brave old soldier died a soldier
of the Cross, and fills a Christian's grave. He sleeps in death,
embosomed in the quiet shades he loved best in life.

'And Honor comes, a pilgrim gray,
To deck the turf that wraps his clay.'

"I did not think of paying this tribute to his memory; but that scene
was so indelibly stamped on my mind, I could not help delineating it. It
was then and there I first beheld your father.

"The barge was rowed by eight soldiers, dressed in uniform, and their
oars all dipped and flashed with simultaneous motion. Nothing could be
more harmoniously beautiful; but the restless spirit of Mrs. Lynn
suggested a change.

"'Raise the sail,' she exclaimed, 'this is too monotonous. I prefer it a
thousand times to rowing.'

"'I beg, I entreat, madam,' cried I, unable to repress my apprehensions,
'do not have it done now. I am very foolish, but I cannot help it,
indeed I cannot.'

"I was not accustomed to the water as she was, having been absent so
long; and even when a child, I had an unconquerable dread of sailing.
She knew this, and it prompted her suggestion.

"