CHAPTER II.
1784 - 1793 Nelson goes to France--Reappointed to the BOREAS at the Leeward Islands in the BOREAS--His firm conduct concerning the American Interlopers and the Contractors--Marries and returns to England--Is on the point of quitting the Service in Disgust--Manner of Life while unemployed--Appointed to the AGAMEMNON on the breaking out of the War of the French Revolution.
"I HAVE closed the war," said Nelson in one of his letters, "without a fortune; but there is not a speck in my character.

True honour, I hope, predominates in my mind far above riches." He did not apply for a ship, because he was not wealthy enough to live on board in the manner which was then become customary.

Finding it, therefore, prudent to economise on his half-pay during the peace, he went to France, in company with Captain Macnamara of the navy, and took lodgings at St.Omer's.

The death of his favourite sister, Anne, who died in consequence of going out of the ball-room at Bath when heated with dancing, affected his father so much that it had nearly occasioned him to return in a few weeks.

Time, however, and reason and religion, overcame this grief in the old man; and Nelson continued at St.Omer's long enough to fall in love with the daughter of an English clergyman.