 or in case that failed to grant it herself.
Not for a thousand worlds! cried I. If our afffirs are in this dismal situation, we must accustom ourselves to conform to our finances. It is a duty to live within the limits of what one possesses; the discharge of which is I think as essential as that of almost any other. To apply to any of our family after this renunciation, is what I never will for an instant think of.
And why not pray? cried she. Fine talking indeed, of living like scrubs on fifty pounds a year, after having been brought up to forty times that sum, when a step so natural and simple might bestow affluence and comfort instead of

penury and want. Tis nothing but pride, mere pride, which prevents you fronn following my advice, and indeed you must allow me to tell you so; besides, as you have such certain proofs by which to ascertain your birth, if you make but bustle enough, I dare say his Lordship will be glad to compound matters from the dread of your reviving the old story by going to law with him; or if he won't be brought to hear reason, what do you think of actually commencing a process. I'll warrant the bare idea of such a proceeding will bring him to act as he ought to do. What say you brother to the scheme?
I would rather starve, cried I with a warmth which her indelicacy made irrepressible.
Starve! Fine talking to be sure. I'll wager Mr. Howard agrees with me, if people wont be persuaded to behave properly why they must be compelled to it if possible.

I cannot agree wich you in this measure, indeed Madam, said Mr. Howard, who seemed to have been lost in thought ever since her entrance, for I cannot possibly conceive what advantage could result from Lord Belmont's being constrained to acknowledge his grandchildren: but it is impossible immediately to determine what steps ought to be pursued.
Oh to be sure one ought to consider certainly, and I make no doubt you will agree with me in opinion that some sort of application ought immediately to be made to Lady Linrose. But I have lest my company below. Will you make your appearance ladies; or if you are not sufficiently composed I shall send up Jenny wich tea, for Lady Farnford and her daughter are just come in and will be surprised at my absence.
She then lest us: and I besought Mr. Howard no longer to conceal any circumstances

relating to our affairs, which it was necessary we should be
