"Well, it is fortunate I fell in with you, as I have saved you a long drive and a visit to an empty house. I was just taking a chop before going to see the great stars of the theatrical world John Kemble and Mrs Siddons act Macbeth and his wife; but I will give up my intention for the pleasure of passing the evening with you unless you will accompany me." Harry confessed that even those great performers could not attract him, and begged the general to come to his private room, being assured that his friend Mr Hastings would be happy to make his acquaintance. "I left him about to retire to his chamber to rest, but I daresay he will join us during the evening. In the meantime I have a matter of much interest to talk to you about," he added as he led the way upstairs. "I never believed that you were lost, though your father and all the family went into mourning for you," said the general, as they proceeded. "Your sister never gave up hopes of seeing you again, nor from what she wrote me, did another young lady who is interested in your welfare. Mr Shallard as in duty bound proved your will, but I understand she would not consent to touch a penny of the fortune you left her. If however you have a fancy for making her take it, all you have to do is to go to sea again and get killed or drowned in reality." "Thank you for your advice, general," answered Harry laughing. "I trust that I may find a more satisfactory mode of settling the question." "I hope so, my boy, and I promise you I will lay siege to your father, and it will not be my fault if I do not compel him to surrender at discretion should he refuse to capitulate on honourable terms." As soon as they were seated, Harry told his old friend of the various occurrences with which the reader is acquainted. The general was delighted. "For my part I believe that any man would be glad to claim your friend as his son. But I am doubly pleased at the thought that your father will no longer object to Headlands marrying your sister." The general was still rattling on asking Harry questions and describing late public events when Mr Hastings entered the room. Harry introduced the general as a friend of his and Captain Headlands. "I am happy on that account to make General Sampson's acquaintance;" said Mr Hastings, "perhaps indeed we may have met in our younger days." "Very likely we have," said the general. "Your features and figure are familiar to me. In fact, I could almost swear that I knew you, though upon my life I cannot tell where it was."