lished; and as he had passed much of his time at the French court, his conversation was witty and agreeable, such as rendered his company an acquisition. Sir Henry Hodson also became a very frequent visitor at the door of De Brooke, and his gentle tap never failed to give notice of who was coming; quiet and unassuming in his demeanour, he took his seat; though fearful of obtruding, yet always welcome. Having passed through a variety of chequered scenes in life, his discourse was interspersed by pleasing anecdote, which beguiled attention during the time he indulged his friends with his society. Two or three others also, of an address infinitely above the common, men of sense and erudition, afforded the De Brookes the pleasure of their neighbourly calls.
However such guests might diversify the pursuits of each day, in another point of view they might be found unprofitable, as injurious to the interests of their purse. Comparatively to those who thus courted their acquaintance, the De Brookes enjoyed easy circumstances; partners in affliction, in one common calamity, a nearer sympathy was induced than is found to exist between slight intimates. Glowing with kind fellow-feeling, De
