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324
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

dies, whom her own choice had selected as the most congenial to her. Sometimes the General, accompanied by his suite, was of the party; and sometimes, to give a greater diversity to these amusements, she engaged them in marine excursions. It was then, while sailing along the coast, and enjoying at the same time the charms of music, that the sublimest scenery expanded before the eye. Sometimes in these parties they took with them domestics, bearing refreshments, of which, unceremoniously arranged, either amidst the deep recesses of the rocks or on the soft green herbage, they participated with much more zest than if they had been seated at the most sumptuous boards. Scenes such as these afforded by contrast a pleasing relief from the monotony of military routine within the garrison.

To this agreeable summer winter succeeded, when the General exchanged his head-quarters at the Fort for the town of W——, equally under his command as the former; where, by the order of Government, he had also a handsome abode appropriated to him. The most respectable and worthy inhabitants of the town afforded to Mrs. De Brooke a circle of select and well-chosen acquaintance, which, with the military of distinction who paid their respective devoirs and attention to