quoted, in which he addresses her as "My dear Fanny," and alludes to
the understanding existing between them. At the expiration of six
months he wrote, formally announcing his engagement, to Mr. William
Suckling, his mother's brother. He anticipates the latter's doubts as
to the permanence of this fancy: "This Horatio, you will say, is for
ever in love;" but he considers that six months without change
settles that question. "My present attachment is of pretty long
standing; but I was determined to be fixed before I broke this matter
to any person." He then explains the situation,--that the lady herself
has little or nothing; that Mr. Herbert, though rich, is not likely to
help the young couple much, and he asks his uncle's assistance. This
Suckling consented to give, and for several years continued liberally
to extend. But still, impatient though Nelson always was to complete
whatever he had on hand, various causes delayed the wedding for
another year. Even with Suckling's help the question of means was
pressing; and while, with pardonable self-justification, he gloried to
his betrothed that "the world is convinced that I am superior to
pecuniary considerations in my public and private life, as in both
instances I might have been rich," he nevertheless owned to regretting
that he "had not given greater attention to making money." Besides, as
he wrote to his brother, "What should I do carrying a wife in a ship,
and when I marry I do not mean to part with my wife." The cruising
duty of the "Boreas" took her from port to port of the limited area
embraced in the Leeward Islands Station, and Nevis was among the least
important of the points demanding his attention. He was, therefore,
frequently away from his betrothed during this period, and absence
rather fanned than cooled the impetuous ardor which he carried into
all his undertakings. Whether it were the pursuit of a love affair, or
the chase of an enemy's fleet, delays served only to increase the
vehemence with which Nelson chafed against difficulties. "Duty," he