a husband and a parent. He had several children; but of these two only survived, his first-born son, and a daughter two years older. The former, the unfortunate De Brooke, from his earliest years, never experienced that tender regard which nature has almost universally implanted in the parent's breast, and which seldom fails to awaken, in return, juvenile sympathy and sensibility. Perpetually engaged in public affairs, Sir Aubrey derived no pleasure from domestic scenes. The growing intelligence of youth, and the charms of innocence failed to impress his feelings; whilst the most trifling error of his children elicited his rebuke. He was never remiss, however, in fulfilling the obligations of a parent. Whether from a sense of duty, or from a feeling of pride, the most ample means were afforded by him in bestowing upon his son a finished education.
The young Aubrey, therefore, was placed at a public seminary of high repute, until found competent for a military college; after which he was sent with a preceptor abroad, to make the tour of Germany, France, and Holland. Though grateful for these advantages, and the acquirements thence attained, yet the want of early confidence in his father had left upon his mind impressions not to be effaced; insomuch that, on his return from
