"What, not gone yet, child? I thought you had gone home."
"Your lordship was kind enough to say that you had no objection to write
a few lines to the First Lord in my behalf. I trust your lordship will
not refuse me--"
"Well," replied he, peevishly, "so I did--but I am too old, too old to
write--I cannot see--I can hardly hold a pen."
"Will your lordship allow me the honour of writing the letter for your
lordship's signature?"
"Well, child,--yes--I've no objection. Write as follows--no--write
anything you please--and I'll sign it. I wish your uncle William was
come."
This was more than I did. I had a great mind to show him O'Brien's
letter, but I thought it would be cruel to raise doubts, and, harass the
mind of a person so close to the brink of the grave. The truth would
never be ascertained during his life, I thought; and why, therefore,
should I give him pain? At all events, although I had the letter in my
pocket, I resolved not to make use of it except as a _dernier_ resort.
I went to another table, and sat down to write the letter. As his
lordship had said that I might write what I pleased, it occurred to me
that I might assist O'Brien, and I felt sure that his lordship would not
take the trouble to read the letter. I therefore wrote as follows,
while Lord Privilege continued to read his book:--
"MY LORD,--You will confer a very great favour upon me, if you will
hasten the commission which, I have no doubt, is in preparation for my
grandson Mr Simple, who has passed his examination, and has been
mentioned in the public despatches; and also that you will not lose
sight of Lieutenant O'Brien, who has so distinguished himself by his
gallantry in the various cutting-out expeditions in the West Indies.
Trusting that your lordship will not fail to comply with my earnest
request, I have the honour to be your lordship's very obedient humble
servant."
I brought this letter, with a pen full of ink, and the noise of my
approach induced his lordship to look up. He stared at first, as having
forgotten the whole circumstance--then said--"O yes! I recollect, so I
did--give me the pen." With a trembling hand he signed his name, and
gave me back the letter without reading it, as I expected.
"There, child, don't tease me any more. Good-bye; remember me to your
father."
I wished his lordship a good morning, and went away well satisfied with
the result of my expedition. On my arrival I showed the letter to my
father, who was much surprised at my success, and he assured me that my
grandfather's interest was so great with the Administration, that I
might consider my promotion as certain. That no accident might happen,
I immediately set off for London, and delivered the letter at the door
of the First Lord with my own hands, leaving my address with the porter.