“‘My dear Burke,’ said he, ‘it must have been a mistake: let us swear eternal friendship.’
“‘For ever,’ said I. ‘I resign you Miss Theodosia.’
“‘You are too generous,’ he said, ‘but I cannot abuse your generosity.’
“‘It is unprecedented conduct,’ growled Major Mug. ‘I’ll never be second to a Pekin again.’
“‘My principal leaves the ground with honour,’ said Captain Codd, looking melancholy nevertheless.
“‘Humph!’ grunted Wooden-leg Waddy, lighting his meerschaum.
“The crowd dispersed much displeased, and I fear my reputation for valour did not rise among them. I went off with Purdon to finish a jug at Carmichael’s, and Brady swaggered off to Miss Dosy’s. His renown for valour won her heart. It cannot be denied that I sunk deeply in her opinion. On that very evening Brady broke his love, and was accepted. Mrs Mac. opposed, but the red-coat prevailed.
“‘He may rise to be a general,’ said Dosy, ‘and be a knight, and then I will be Lady Brady.’
“‘Or if my father should be made an earl, angelic Theodosia, you would be Lady Thady Brady,’ said the Ensign.