Main Text
Abridged.
Précis
One day John, Duke of Montagu, who lived nearby, noticed a sad-faced army veteran sitting on a bench in the Mall. The Duke engaged him in conversation, and heard of his brave service, how he had fallen on hard times, and how he had been forced to send his family away to Yorkshire. The Duke moved on; but soon one of his servants came up, and invited the astonished veteran to dinner at the Duke’s residence.
As the Duke was about to lead his guest into the dining room, he confided to him that the invitation was from a lady admirer, who was eagerly looking forward to meeting him. They entered — and there she was, the soldier’s wife, all the way from Yorkshire. And the Duke still had one more surprise: an annuity of £200 for the whole family.
The Duke of Montagu, who resided in St James’s Park, frequently observed a middle-aged man in something like a military dress, of which the lace was much tarnished, and the cloth worn threadbare. He always appeared at a certain hour in the Mall. His countenance was grave and solemn; and he took no notice of the gay crowd that was passing by him. The Duke singled him out as a fit object for a frolic.
He began by inquiring into his history. He soon learned that he was a reduced officer upon half-pay; that he had behaved with great bravery in the late war; that he had a wife and several children, whom he was obliged to send into Yorkshire, where they could live cheap; and that he reserved a small pittance of his income to keep himself near the metropolis, where alone he could hope to obtain a more advantageous situation.
The Duke took an opportunity, when the Captain was sitting alone upon one of the benches, buried in speculation, to send his servant to him with compliments and an invitation to dinner the next day. Though very much surprised, he said he would wait upon his Grace at the time appointed.
The Duke received him with great civility, took him aside, and informed him that he was induced to give him this invitation at the particular request of a lady who had a most tender regard for him. The Captain entered the room with great curiosity and wonder, which was not diminished when he saw at the table his own wife and children. The wife was as much astonished as the husband.
Soon after dinner, word was brought that the Duke’s solicitor attended. He was introduced, and pulled out a deed for the Duke to sign. The captain and his wife were still more astonished, if possible, when they found the writings contained a settlement of £200 per annum upon them and their family.
