The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-12-02
WHOLE No. go.

striking the first stroke, that he promised
himself success beyond his former hopes.
He was told, however that the captain re-
turned thanks for the honour intended him,
and would wait ON his grace at the time ap-
pointed.
When he came, the Duke received him
with particular marks of civility, and taking
him aside with an air ot great secresy and
Importance, told him that he had desired
the favour Of his company to dine; chiefly
on account of a lady who had long had par
tcular regard for him, and had expressed
great desire to be in his company, which
her situation made it impossible tor her to
accomplish without the assistance of a friend!
that having learned these particulars by ac-
cident, he had taken the liberty of bringing
them together; and added, that he thought
such an act of cvility, whatever might be
the opinion of the world, could be no impu-
tation to his honor. During this discourse
the Duke enjoyed the profound astonishment
and various changes of confusion that ap-
peared in the captains face, who, after he
had a little recovered himself. began speech
with great solemnity, in which the Duke
perceived he was labouring to insinuate, in
the best manner, that he doubted whether
he was not imposed upon, and whether he
ought not to resent it; and therefore TO put
an end to his difficulties at once, the Duke
laid his hand on his breast, and devoutly
swore that he told him nothing which he did
not believe on good evidence to be true.
| When word was brought that dinner was
served the captain entered the dining room
with great curiosity and wonder, but his
wonder was unspeakably increased when he
saw at the table his own wife and children.
The Duke had begun his frclc by sending
for them out of York shire, and had as much
if not more astonished the lady than he had
her husband, to whom he took care that
| she should have no opportunity to send let
| ter.
tits much rnoie easy to conceive than des-
cribe meeting so sudden and extraordinary
| it is sufficient to say that it afforded the high
est entertainments to the Duke, who at length
with much difficulty got his guests quietly
seated at the table and persuaded them to
fall to, without thinking of yesterday or to-
morrow. 1t thappened that soon after dinner
was over, word was brought to the Duke,
that his lawyer attended about some business
of his Grace's order. The Duke willing to
have short truce with the various inquiries
of the captain about his family, ordered the
lawyer to be introduced, who pulling out
deed that the Duke was to sign, was directed
to read it, with an apology to the company
for the interruption. Tbs lawyer according
Ily began to read, when to complete the ad-
venture, and the confusion and astonishment
of the captain and his wife, the deed appear
ed to be settlement, which the Duke had
made upon them OF a genteel sufficiency for
Ilife.-Hayng gravcly heard the instrument
read, he signed and sealed it, and delivered
it into the captains hand, desiring him to ac-
cept of it without compliments: "for,"
said he, I" / assure you it is the last thing
would have done, if had thought could
have employed my money or my time more
to my satisfaction in any other way"