 I have done? Have I really lost every friend I esteemed in the world? Pray send me word without loss of time. This stroke exceeds the utmost misery my imagination ever painted. O, rather, far, rather would I have chosen the silent grave, and my dear, more than father's lamentations, than this dreadful, this mysterious letter. I am sure 'tis his hand—He calls me base, ungrateful wretch. But heaven is my witness how much he is deceived. Can I wrong your angel sister? The man lives not that could do it.—Her

native virtue is a guard not to be sinned against. And, Oh my friend, is it possible for me to smile at your simplicity? Believe me, I could weep at your misfortunes, I could give my life to serve you; but never was capable of deriding the friend of my heart.
BE faithful to me in this excruciating instance. Explain to me the dreadful proofs of yesterday.
I HAVE read the letter so often, that the intensity of the thought has quite overcome me, and yet can make nothing of it.—If your father is angry at my becoming a player, still the crime is unequal to the reproach.—Maria!— My friend!—My father!—Sacrificed! Is it possible? Oh, no, no. I am distracted with the hurry of passion in my

breast. Love, friendship, gratitude, have I offended all? Miserable wretch that I am! If the most unremitted ardour, the most respectful, silent, suffering passion, be to blast the fame of the divine Maria—then, alas, I am guilty. If perfect esteem, and the confidence of every, the least, movement of my soul, be to betray my friend, then have I done it. And if daily to implore heaven to shower its choicest blessings on the head of my benefactor —if that be to wound his heart, then am I ungrateful.
NEVER did I think, my dear Stamford, to receive so keen a torment from the hand of my dearest friend and patron. The lightening of heaven would have been a more welcome visitant. Let me hear from you; if friendship

has no plea, at least for pity let me have a line.
I am, Your real and grateful friend, ALWYN.

LETTER XXXII. Mr. ALWYN to Mr. HILKIRK.
Dear HILKIRK,
I AM overwhelmed with misfortunes, I have received a letter, a fatal one to me, that informs me, I have totally lost the friendship of the Stamford family. I am unacquainted with the cause
