OR THE DESERT ISLAND. 37

Yet, as he was then only sixteen, he had no expectation
of immediate promotion. In this, however, he was agree-
ably disappointed: before the Achilles set sail, he re-
ceived a commission as lieutenant. Count Charles was
earnestly attached to his profession, and this preferment,
which he knew merit rather than favour had procured him,
appeared to him as the first fruits of an honourable career
in legitimate warfare.

His uncle, Captain Henry D’Ermincourt, himself one
of the brightest ornaments of the French navy, who hoped
that his darling nephew would, at some future day, equal
the great Forbin or Duquesne, received him with open
arms. The Achilles having orders to sail, Charles, who .
saw nothing in the future but glory and victory, was one
- of the most joyous of the crew, when a boat, crowded with
recruits, approached the vessel. ;

“D’Estaing, do you feel unwell?’ inquired a young offi-
cer, with whom the count was gaily conversing, as the
latter suddenly assumed the paleness of death. Charles
heard him not; he was too intently occupied in observing
a young sailor who was mounting the ship.

Lieutenant Saint Ague repeated the question ; but still
no answer was returned. Supposing that the count was
in one of his proud fits, a disorder he was often troubled

c