withdrew the gentlemen remained to discuss over their cigars and wine.
Mr. Howe began by repeating the affair among the messmates of the 52nd,
and the result of his friendly interference. The warmth of his passion
was aroused and he vehemently exclaimed, "Trevelyan, I both regard and
respect you as a gentleman and friend, and feel regret that you were so
unfortunate as to become attached to one of the most dissolute and
dissipated of His Majesty's Regiments." The secretary was about to
proceed when he was interrupted by Captain Douglas. "Strong terms, Howe.
Your case would in some instances demand redress but I repeatedly avow
not if considered in the light of reason." Mr. Howe saw in the strange
light of Sir Howard's eye that His Excellency would now give, in a few
words, his decision with unerring judgment. "Gentlemen," said he, rising
from his seat and casting successive glances at all, "Mr. Howe seems to
feel that the treatment received this afternoon should justify his
seeking redress from those military gentlemen. Would any here think it
necessary to create a breach between the Regiment and ourselves, from
the fact of their having, while under the influence of liquor, shewed an
incapacity to treat a guest with becoming respect, being utterly
indifferent to every feeling save that engendered by abuse of appetite?
Do I state it aright Mr. Howe?" "Your Excellency is right," said the
Secretary, "sometimes I see the foolishness of being hot-tempered, but
never more than on this occasion."

"We can afford to laugh at the matter now, Howe," said Captain Douglas,
"to-morrow you will heap coals on their heads with a vengeance." The
company enjoyed a hearty laugh, in which His Excellency joined. "You may
have cause to bless your stars that you were absent, Trevelyan," said
Mr. Douglas, "as you might have been pressed into service against Howe."

Guy Trevelyan was indeed a young man of marked ability and much promise.