 you shall, if you please, tell me all your story. I have now on leisure to assure you, that I am your since friend, and that I will serve you with all th• interest I have in any way you shall desire.

Henrietta, after making a proper acknowledgment for this kind declaration, told the counte• that being determined to continue the way life she had entered into, till her relations themselves thought proper to alter it, the recommendation her ladyship had given her to 〈◊〉 sister, was the greatest service she could poss• desire, and would be ever most gratefully remem•bered.

"I admire your resolution," said the countess;
but I am grieved to think you should be in a situation so unworthy of you; something must be done to extricate you from it.

"I beg, madam," said Henrietta,
that your ladyship's kind concern for me may not lead you to take any steps in my favour with my relations. No;
pursued she, with some warmth,
their unnatural behaviour to me deserves the neglect I shew them, in not soliciting their assistance. I have already got over all those little passions and prejudices which might hinder me from being easy with my humble lot; and I freely confess to you, madam, that I find a secret pleasure in the thoughts of mortifying the pride of my lord —, when some accident (for an accident it must be) shall shew him his niece in the quality of a servant.

"Consent at least," said the countess,
to my acquainting my sister with your birth, that she may endeavour to place you in such a manner as will be most agreeable to you.


I do not wish, madam, to be known to the person I serve,
replied Henrietta;
and I desire to have no other consideration shewn me than what my behaviour in the station I am placed in shall merit.


"Well," said the countess,
it shall be as you would have it; but I cannot express to you how much I esteem and admire you— You may judge of my good opinion of you, when I tell you, that as to what regards my son's passion for you, I depend entirely upon your candor and generosity. You know our views for him; and this is all I shall say.

"I am obliged to you, madam," said Henrietta,
for the confidence you repose in me; I will endeavour to deserve it. And now, madam,
pursued she, smiling,
since my imprisonment is at an end, I will, with your
