CHAPTER XXIII. LETTERS FROM WILLIAM THE FOURTH TO SIR A HUGH CHRISTIAN. FTER the death of Admiral Hood Christian's last surviving son, the Manor of Hooknorton was sold, the entail ending. The family, Ffrench, still occupied the homestead at this time, viz., in the year 1859. We must mention the devoted old Welsh servant, Margot; she died at an advanced age, beloved and respected by all who knew her; beautiful even with grey hairs; wearing her national costume to the last. Topaze, the faithful black servant, followed the fortunes of his young master, sailing with him as steward. An amusing anecdote is related of him. Upon one occasion, when Captain Christian was on shore in a foreign port, poor Topaze was much exasperated by the teasing of the sailors on board, and at length complained to the lieutenant of the watch, Mr. Rushworth, saying, "The sailors do teaze me, Massa, I cannot do my work; and they call me black debbel, and say I bring 'em bad luck, and they get no prizes; and I'se very unhappy!" and, old man almost as he was, Topaze fairly blubbered. Mr. Rushworth was rather excitable and eccentric, and espoused Topaze's cause with much temper, desiring the boatswain to pipe "all hands on deck," which was accordingly done. Whatever their occupation, each and every sailor had to leave off and appear on deck. Very soon the ship's company appeared massed together, standing opposite Mr. Rushworth and Topaze; the former raised his hand to excite attention, and then said, "Ship's company! you will all hold yourselves black until further orders!" The seamen stared, Topaze grinned, the whistle rang out shrilly, "piping down," and the men, astonished, taken by surprise, descended to the lower decks, quietly; but soon a burst of laughter, which swelled into a roar, pealed from below! Captain Christian, when he came on board again, laughed also at the absurdity of the order; but enjoined henceforth in a few pithy cordial words, that his old and valued servant, Topaze, be left in peace by the seamen. Upon the occasion of the Duke of Clarence paying Admiral Hood Christian (then Commodore) a visit, after cordially shaking hands with Mrs. Christian, he patted the head of the little girl, standing by her mother's side, and said, as he caught her up in his arms, and gave her a kiss, "I should know you anywhere, little one, for a Christian!" Little Margaret treasured up the royal kiss ever after in her heart, though at the time, being only four years of age, she was much frightened. The following are letters written at different times by H.R.H. the Duke of Clarence to Admiral Sir Hugh Christian, and with a copy of them we will conclude this slight memoir of his family. "Permit me to recommend the bearer of this, Mrs. Dalrymple, to your notice, and that of the amiable Mrs. Christian; this lady is returned from America, and proposes spending the winter at Portsmouth, as her husband returns with his regiment next spring to England; you will, my good friend, easily perceive myself interested for this lady, when I inform you her husband, Captain Dalrymple, passes the winter with me at Jamaica. Any kindness or attention shown to her I shall receive as a proof of your attention to me, which I have on so many occasions experienced from you. Let me desire you to present my best wishes and most respectful compliments to Mrs. Christian; remember me to my good Martin, and ever believe me, "I am to return you many thanks for your obliging letter of the 19th instant, which came safe to hand yesterday, and in answer cannot help observing that in the present critical and awful state of affairs in this country, it is not only a measure replete with danger, but mischief; the Minister, if he has at heart the |