experienced from this period a remark able and evident alteration.

There ne ver was a hero or heroine of real or fictitious existence, of whom a portrait has not been expected and given, and no doubt, our lady-reader would never forgive us the omission o so important a feature of our history Well, then, the monotony of our ma rine position at present, admits of the relief to be afforded by the graphica exercise of our pen-we only beg t condition with our fair readers, that however they may admire our gallan Colonel, their criticisms of Lady Eleanor's portrait shall not be governet by envy and ill nature. One merit o the following sketches (for such merch they are) is, that they are taken from the life. Lady Eleanor Paulet, at thi period, was about eighteen years of ag

perament inclined her ever so much to have remained an indifferent spectator, the frequent communication which took place between her and her Royal Mistress, as to the extent and safety of their progress, must have kept her on the alert; but to one endowed with sense and feeling in no ordinary degree -conscious, too, of the desperate game they were playing, and the greatness of the stake, indifference was out of the question, and she entered, with all the ardour of youth and intelligence, into the never-ceasing look-out which was kept upon deck. Thus thrown into activity and exertion, she had De Lacy, alone, to look to, not only for the common attentions which their relative situations demanded, but to him she had solely to apply for information in all matters which her own inexperience or the demands of the Royal Sufferer required. Commodore De Ruyter, although unceasing in his attentions, spoke bad English and worse French. In Lady Eleanor's progress, therefore, to and fro upon deck, as she obeyed the frequent summons of the Queen, the arm of De Lacy was her graceful and assiduous support, while the situation upon deck best suited to her safety or convenience, was selected, arranged, or altered by the same hand; or if, with the bashful and hesitating curiosity of youthful womanhood, she sought to reconnoitre a strange sail which created suspicion or alarmed fear, his respectful but firm embrace was her safeguard, and assisted her as she endeavoured to catch the object of her search with a telescope, a matter which the vacillation of the ship rendered difficult, and without such assistance, impossible to inexperience. Years might have elapsed in the every day routine of their intercourse on shore, without producing an intimacy like that which arose out of the discharge of an united duty, influenced as it was by circumstances; and although no idea presented itself, on the one part, to presume for a moment beyond the attentions incumbent on any man to pay to a female so situated; or, on the other, to treat the attentive Cavalier otherwise than in the usual manner which to all was unaffected and conciliating, yet so many occurrences, trivial as they were, combined to qualify the ceremonious punctilio which had hitherto existed between them, that their manner towards each other

her height was less than tall, he shape symmetrical, and inclining in small degree to the en bon point; he head and features were of classica mould, in all the essentials of beauty depending on proportion and harmony her hair luxuriant in quantity, and rich glossy brown, her forehead open her brows accurately arched and wel marked; her nose neither Roman no Grecian-it was not connected with the forehead by that rigid straight line distinguishing the Grecian cast, and which imparts to the female counte nance a cold, and repulsive severity deep eye-lashes shaded, dark haze! eyes of the softest, gentlest, and most soul-subduing expression; her face was a perfect oval, but her mouth was the agent of an irresistible influence; her lips were rich without being too full, and never except in anger or in scorn, (either rarely felt) were so compressed as to hide altogether, teeth of the most exquisite whiteness and regularity. When she smiled or laughed, (for Eleanor could laugh, and heartily too) a dimple at either corner of her mouth, assisted to the magic charm of that smile. Faithful to her feelings, her whole countenance betrayed the emotions of her soul, and she could express by turns, but not affectedly, the sadness of a Madona, or the mirth of an Euphrosyne. Her complexion was fair, and unless heightened by exercise or sensitiveness, scarcely exhibited more than a very slight tint of beauty's own hue, wherein the mellow richness of the peach mingles with the delicacy of that

rose which bears the happy distinction of maiden's-blush-their odours were not wanting to her breath. Her chin was small and round, and from it to the throat was no abrupt or harsh transition, and the neck full and polished, without any muscular exhibition, joined the bosom in a line gradually swelling to a point which excluded vision, but invited to the richest creations of luxuriating fancy; her step was elastic, and her motion grace. The more precious gems of heart, and soul, and cultivated mind, were in full accordance with the beautiful casket which contained them.-Such, and more, was Lady Eleanor Paulet.

Colonel De Lacy was more pleasing and prepossessing than what some would call positively handsome. He was not six feet high, and, of course, wanted one of the claims to be a hero of romance. He was a little above the middle size, and well formed, uniting muscular strength with grace; he possessed great activity of body, and was among the best horsemen of his day, his early habits of the chase, in which he eagerly indulged, having prepared him for the labours of war. He had, as the occasion required, a persuasive or commanding dark grey eye, emitting the lambent glance of love and pleasure, or the fiery corruscations of the bold and determined combatant; his teeth were of the finest description, dark brown hair curled in upon his neck, and shaded an ample forehead,

which indicated the intelligence which his conversation displayed, and authority sat upon his brow, while his manner was that of the highest and easiest caste of gentleman. Such was our hero, under thirty years of age, and, if the reader, of either sex, find fault with the portraits we have drawn, we can only say, that he or she is hard to be pleased, and will, probably, never meet with the living beau ideals of beauty created by their own fancy.

The reader, by this time, may be led to imagine that De Ruyter had not the sole command of the vessel, but that it began to be divided with that more universal commander whom the Abderites of old styled "Prince of Gods and men,"—at least his dominion began to embrace in rosy fetters, Lady Eleanor and Colonel De Lacy. To these the voyage was becoming less tedious,its dangers less considered, and we would not take upon us to say positively, and with strict regard to truth, that either wished for its speedy termination. On landing there was the prospect of such a thing as separation, in the exercise of different duties, and we question if Lady Eleanor would not prefer, at least for some time longer, the monotony of the deck of a man of war, De Lacy her companion, than the court, then held at Oxford, where was her stately mother, the Marchioness of Winchester, or Basinghouse, to which it was the Marquess's intention to repair.

A fortnight had nearly elapsed, and the squadron had almost got far enough to windward of their destination, which was Burlington-bay, on the coast of Yorkshire, to enable the Commodore for stretching across to that port, when one morning, as De Lacy was busily arranging on the deck a seat for Lady Eleanor, the man stationed at the mast head, sung out, "A sail! a sail!" The Commodore instantly went aloft, glass in hand, to ascertain what she was, and remained nearly ten minutes before he returned. As he descended the shrouds, De Lacy, who had attentively and anxiously watched his motions, could perceive that his countenance was disturbed and clouded. "Can you make out what she is, Commodore ?" asked De Lacy. I can," replied De Ruyter, "and wish that the devil or Van Tromp had had my promotion, before I had been honoured with the responsibility of this command. I can make out that she is a man of war, at least as large as ourselves, and although nothing more as yet has hove in sight, I apprehend from what I have seen of her, that she is not alone." "Heaven forbid !" said De Lacy, "but what is to be done ?" 66 Why, fight it out to be sure," replied the Commodore, "what else can be done? Were we not hampered with these damned bum-boats, we might cut and run,—but what then?— we would be likely to run into greater danger, even if this stranger did not overhaul us." "What must I say to her Majesty?" inquired De Lacy. "Aye, there's the rub," said the Commodore," and but for these women""You would as soon fight," observed the Colonel, with a faint smile, "but consider, might it not be adviseable that her Majesty should go on board one of the smaller vessels, and abide the issue of this business, or endeavour to escape ?" By no means," returned De Ruyter, "she is. safer here. If the sail in view be but a single ship, it will

go hard, if the Dutchman does not, at least beat her off. At all events, if I find an opportunity, trust me, Colonel, I will not run the risk of sacrificing her Majesty's safety to any idle feeling of my own; but if she be in company, which I mistrust, escape would be next to impossible. No, all we have for it, is to put the best face we can upon the matter, and be guided by circumstances

I will do my best-go, get her Majesty and attendants below-no time is to be lost-I must clear ship for action."

De Lacy felt, at the task he had to perform, a greater shock of nerve than if he were singly opposed to an armed batallion in the field; the thunders of hostile cannon had less terror to him, than the intelligence his voice was to convey to the queen. Thus far she had proceeded without encountering any adverse circumstances; she had just neared the port where she had hoped to land the supplies, which were to uphold her beloved and perilled consort's crown and life; the tenderest anticipations of the strongest and most devoted love played about her heart, and she felt as if already enfolded in the enraptured embrace of him who was, at once, her lover, her husband, and her king! Golden visions of retrieved fortunes, established power, and lengthened rule, possessed her mind, and assured her hopes; and at such a moment to dash to the ground the rising structure of fondly cherished happiness, and involve the bright prospect in the deep dark gloom of an adverse destiny was as severe a trial to him to impart, as it would be to her, the unhappy princess, to receive. As he moved towards the companion, his mind was most painfully engaged as to how he should best break the appalling intelligence to the ear of his royal mistress. He was met on the way by the Marquess of Winchester, who, having heard the bustle upon the

deck, by the preparation for action, was desirous of learning the cause. De Lacy's explanation affected the Marquess strongly, as might be expected from his loyalty as a subject, and his determination, as a man of the highest and most chivalric courage. After consulting awhile, they proceeded together to the state cabin.

The etiquette of a court in full possession of security and sovereign power, yielded somewhat of its strictness to that necessity which, like death, levels all distinctions. He more than half disarms the malice of fortune, whose mind is familiar with the contemplation of vicissitude. With brief warn, ing they entered the presence of the queen. In her hand was a letter, apparently the subject of her interrupted meditations; from her neck hung to view a miniature richly set in diamonds, of the unfortunate Charles, and which generally was deposited nearest to that heart, which beat and lived alone in the hope of being early pressed to that of the adored original. Close beside her majesty, Lady Elcanor sat at a small table, on which were more letters and papers, which she was in the act of arranging.

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"My Lord of Winchester and Colonel De Lacy," said the queen, "you find me in an all-absorbing communion with the representatives of the absent," pointing to the letters, but yet you are welcome. Colonel, how do we bear upon the point of our destination? Methinks, the ship has a Dutch spirit of motion in her, at war with our eager hopes." She is a slow sailer, please your majesty," replied De Lacy, "but we have now sufficiently neared the coast of France to run directly for Burlington bay." "Heaven be praised!" exclaimed the queen, "I thought I felt a renovating influence; does not the wind blow from France?" Yes, Madame, direct-we shall have it filling our sails the rest of our course.” “ Beloved France!--my native air, more natural than my unkind brother, aids our holy purposes, and assures our hopes. How soon may we reach our England's shore?" The question was one most distressing to reply to under the circumstances of the moment. The Marquess, more self-possessed, or of colder feeling, was the first to answer, "Avery few hours, my gracious mistress, will suffice, if no sinister interruption take

VOL. I.

place.” "If no sinister interruption!" echoed the queen, hastily and nervously" is not the wind fair, and "Yes, your majesty," said De Lacy, "but the parliaments' fleets are in motion, and even now may, some of them, chance upon our course." The queen grew pale-she was silent-an ominous misgiving seized on her. The purpose was answered of breaking to her, gradually, the sense of danger. Her lips quivered, and, with something of convulsive motion, she pressed to them the miniature of her beloved Charles tears trembled in her eyes and fell; her colour came again; and rising from her seat, she stood erect in native majesty-"There is danger," said she, "I learn it from your imperfect wordsI see it in your more expressive looks

I hear it in the turmoil and bustle on deck-hesitate not to speak the worst, and I answer, as I should, God's will be done!"

;

The whole of the apprehended danger was then revealed, and the Commodore's injunction given to her Majesty and suite to seek the security of the cockpit. This the Queen firmly and indignantly resisted. "No," said she, her cheeks glowing and her eyes flashing with the bold purpose of her heart"No! I will not quit this; and should the fortune of the day preponderate against us, it shall be recorded in my blood! On the deck of the vessel will I meet my fate, and perish as becomes a daughter of France, and the wife of England's King. Never! never! will I fall alive into the hands of those detestable miscreants.-Colonel, you will report, from time to time, how runs the tide of fate; and remember that prudence and discretion are the virtues we now stand most in need of-expose not yourself unnecessarily. Go, and God defend the right! Marquis of Winchester, you remain here with us, our body-guard." "In this," replied the Marquess, "I may not obey your Majesty; my guard must be that of action, it is the impulse of duty." "On your allegiance I command it," said the Queen. The Marquess, dropping on one knee, took the hand of his Royal Mistress, and reverently pressing it to his lips, rejoined-" The law of allegiance written on my heart, commands that I should die for your Majesty if necessary, and I will acknowledge no other!" With these words he hastily

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withdrew, and ascended to the deck. De Lacy had preceded, and at the foot of the companion found the Lady Eleanor leaning against it bathed in tears. " Remember!" she sobbed forth, but so inaudibly as to reach no ears but his. He almost caught "the soft infection;" he pressed her hand, which she did not attempt to withdraw, her head inclined towards his shoulder, she yielded to the magnetism of the heart, to which he gently pressed her beauteous form, and, for the first time, ventured to imprint a chaste kiss on her quivering lips, and proceeded upon deck, determined to perish, if it so willed Heaven, in defence of her and his Royal Mistress. The first chaste kiss of love! Oh, who can describe that has not experienced its sensations -nay, who can describe that has? Its feelings are less of earth than Heaven. Souls springing towards each other in the purity of their virgin emotionsholy, and thrilling, and not of this world, until the magic and devotional influence is broken by the touch of mortality.

The ship by this time was cleared for action, and the men were at their quarters, stripped to their shirts, busied in arranging the ammunition and getting the guns ready. De Ruyter had put on his fighting jacket, and was walking coolly up and down, remarkable for nothing but his speaking trumpet, and a large Orange cockade in his hat. Orange! proud and glorious colour of courage and of truth; it admits of no equivocal shade-no cameleon hue of expediency or apostacy: it speaks the open foe-the faithful friend-undeceiving and unchanging; blessings and victory on the standard that displays its glowing tint and political virtue! Not a word was spoken except the replies of the Quarter-master at the wheel to the Commodore's cautions of -"thus, and no nearer,”—“ very well, thus," or "keep her away, thus," according as he wished the ship to be conned as she rolled steadily along close hauled, and just lying her course, neither appearing to avoid nor challenge an encounter. The stranger appeared to adopt much the same plan, but, as she was to windward, had the option of closing when she pleased. Her appearance and make were now plainly discernable, and the Commodore, who had been minutely surveying her, dropped his glass, and exclaimed to De

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Lacy, who was standing beside him, By the soul of my body, she is English built! Now my lads," addressing the crew, "show yourselves true Hollanders. Win faine as you have won land from the element that bears you; you carry a noble and a precious freight-fight for it like Dutchmen, and remember, the ORANGE FLAG flies for victory or death!" A loud cheer assured the gallant commander that the men's hearts were in the right place. The stranger's movements were still undecided and not easily definable. She kept yawing on and off, until the Commodore, perceiving that the men were losing their patience, and not being over-gifted with that passive virtue himself, exclaimed-" Come, my lads, we'll stand no more of this damned humbug! We'll have a round or two with her at any rate." Then turning to De Lacy, "I'll get to windward of her if I can, and then stand right in for the land; if things come to the worst, why, I must do as our friend Straghan did by the Providence, run bump ashore if I can, make Burlington, or any other place which will render such a measure practicable. As for the land-crabs," continued he, pointing to the brigantines in which were the soldiers, "they must rough it out the best way they can."

In pursuance of this resolution, he wore ship, and prepared to meet his adversary to the best advantage. The stranger returned him manœuvre for manœuvre as she now kept slowly nearing, and they were just within cannon shot when De Ruyter, ordering the Dutch ensign to be hoisted, gave the caution to be ready, but on no account to fire until he gave the word. All eyes were now intensely fixed on his slightest motion, and life and death hung quivering on the fiat of mortal breath, when, to the surprise and delight of all, the stranger hoisted Dutch colours, shewed her number, and hove to. "As I live, 'tis the Guilderland !” said De Ruyter," and that is what deceived me." This was addressed to De Lacy, who hastened to impart the glad tidings to the anxious party below.

While the danger appeared imminent, the Queen maintained that calm and firm deportment that bespoke the native dignity of her mind, and would have afforded an example to the bravest