“It may not be unnecessary here to observe, that the early dissipations of the Baronet had materially impaired his fortune, to repair which he hoped to form an advantageous alliance for his daughter. As family-pride led him to shudder at the idea of sinking into obscurity, after having enjoyed all the notoriety of rank and affluence, he therefore no sooner discovered the attachment subsisting between the young people, than he determined to break it off, and for that purpose removed his daughter out of Theodore’s reach, by taking her to England, as the parents of Theodore, though genteel, were not affluent, and he being but a younger son, could not be expected to have a very ample provision made for him. Young Fitzallan had indeed been destined for the navy, and had served four years as a midshipman; but an unexpected peace had occasioned him to be paid off, and he was now deemed an unwelcome encumbrance to his family.
“War once more opened a prospect for Theodore, and he was ordered to London by his father, to solicit an appointment at the navy-board. Accompanied by his faithful dog, he pursued his course with a light heart; and after a favourable voyage, landed in England, his native place.
“The evening was far advanced when the vessel put into port; and Theodore, impatient to proceed as far as possible on his way to town, took a postchaise immediately. His whole mind was occupied with the pleasing idea of seeing Miss Norbury in London; and he had proceeded two stages before it occurred to him that he had not got his faithful Rover in the chaise with him. To go forward was now impossible—for his life he would not leave the poor animal behind in a strange country; and he accordingly procured fresh horses, in the resolution of returning, let the expence and delay cost him what it might. A heavy fog now obscured the atmosphere, and rendered it impossible to distinguish any object at the distance of a yard. The postboy declared it was a ‘despart night for travelling in such a confounded hurry, and all for a stupid hound of a dog, who, if he had any nouse, would be sure to follow him to London.’ But the resolution of Fitzallan was immoveable; and with all the inconsiderate vehemence of a sailor, he swore the postboy into obedience.
“The cutting whip now smacked on the lank sides of the jaded animals, who, fatigued with a day of hard labour, and disturbed from a transient moment of repose, could scarcely drag their stiffened limbs along. Theodore every minute put his head out of the window, alternately encouraging the driver to proceed, or whistling and hallooing for the wandering fugitive.
“No Rover appeared; and the impatience of Theodore increased, till it was suddenly checked by a violent crash, with which the chaise was precipitated down a steep bank, and Fitzallan received a contusion on his head, which, for some moments, deprived him of sensation. The postillion with difficulty extricated him from the chaise, and scratching his head, with much stoical coldness, said—‘I am sure, please your honour, it was no fault of mine; you would have me drive at such an outrageous rate, though I could not see the nose on my face. I am sure too the poor beasteses have suffered cruelly, for their sides bleed like any thing.’
‘I see my error, now it is too late, my lad,’ said Theodore, with a sigh of anguish, ‘and am justly punished for my thoughtless inhumanity; but repining will not repair our difficulties. What is to be done?’
‘That be’s the puzzle, your honour; the chaise is all to shatters, and thof I mought ride to ——, it would be morally impossible to your honour, in such a bleeding and scarified state. By the mass, a lucky thought has just entered my head. I seed a light in a window glimmering just now; the house cannot be far off; do you wait here with the cattle, and I will hunt it out, and see if they are willing to do any thing for us.’
“This being instantly agreed to by Theodore, the postboy ran off, and soon returned with the pleasing intelligence, that the gentleman was welcome to what accommodation they could afford.
‘And so, Sir,’ added the postillion, ‘if you please I will help you on, and then I can go forward with the horses.’
“Theodore, ill as he was, was touched with compassion for the poor goaded animals; and slipping a crown-piece into his hand, begged him to stop and refresh them at the next inn on the road.