from Harwich to London.

He rested at

night under the shelter of some shed or out-house; and cooled his feverish thirst with a little water, taken from under the broken ice which locked up the springs. The effect of this was a painful rheumatism, which fixed itself in his limbs, and now rendered them nearly useless.

Two or three weeks passed over the heads of the general and his young protector: Thaddeus cheering the old man with his smiles; and he, in return, imparting the only pleasure to him, which his melancholy heart could receive; the conviction that his attentions and affection were productive of comfort.

In the exercise of these duties, the count not only found his health gradually recover its tone, but his mind become more tranquil, and less prone to those sudden floods of regret, which were rapidly sapping his life. By a strict economy on his own part, he managed to pay the widow and support his friend out of the weekly

weekly profits of his drawings, which were now and then augmented, by a commission to do one or two more than the stipulated number.

Thus, conversing with Butzou, reading to him when awake, or pursuing his drawing when he slept, Thaddeus spent the time until the beginning of March.

One fine star-light evening in that month, just before the frost broke up, after painting all day, he put on his hat, and, desiring little Nanny to take care of the general, he left his work at the printseller's and then proceeded through Piccadilly, intending to go as far as Hyde Park corner, and return.

Much pleased with the beauty of the night, he walked on, not remarking that he had passed the turnpike, until he heard a scream. The sound seemed to come from near the Park-wall. He hurried along, and, at a short distance, perceived a woman struggling with a man, who was

swear

swearing, and behaving in a very brutal

manner.

Without a moment's hesitation, Thaddeus, with one blow of his arm, sent the fellow reeling against the wall. But, whilst he supported the outraged person, who was fainting, the man recovered himself, and, flying at her ehampion, aimed a stroke at his head with an immense bludgeon, which the count catching hold of, as it descended, wrenched out of his hand. The horrid oaths of the ruffian, and the hysterical shrieks of the woman, collected a mob, when the villain, fearing worse usage, made off, and left Thaddeus to restore the terrified woman at his leisure.

As soon as she was able to speak, she thanked her deliverer, in a voice and language, which assured him that it was no common person whom he had befriended. Though, in the circumstance of her distress, all would have been the same to

him ; a helpless female was insulted, and, whatever her rank might be, he thought she had an equal claim on his protection. The mob dispersed; and the count, finding the lady capable of walking, begged permission to see her safe home.

"I thank you, sir," replied she;" and I accept your offer with gratitude. Besides, after your generous interference, it is requisite I should account to you how a woman of my appearance, came out at this hour without attendance. I have no other excuse to advance for such imprudence, than the declaration, that I have often done so with impunity. I have a friend, whose husband being in the guards, lives near the barracks. We often drink tea with each other; sometimes my servants come for me; and sometimes, when I am wearied and indisposed, I come away carlier, and alone. This happened to-night: and I have to thank your gallantry, sir, for my rescue from the first outrage

outrage of the kind which ever assailed me."

By the time that a few more complimentary words on her side, and a modest reply from Thaddeus, had passed, they stopped before a house in Grosvenor Place. The lady knocked at the door; and, as soon as it was opened, the count was taking his leave, but she laid her hand on his arm, and exclaimed,

"No, sir; I must not lose the probability of convincing you, that you have not succoured a person unworthy of your kindness. I entreat you to walk in !"

Thaddeus was too much pleased with her manner not to accept this invitation. He followed her up stairs into a drawingroom, where a young lady was seated at work.

"Miss Egerton," cried the lady, as she entered and introduced the count, "here is a gentleman, who has this moment saved me from the hands of a ruf