 except by repeated declarations of his love.
THE same day that Mr. Hilkirk arrived, Mr. Maitland, the young gentleman who was designed for Maria, and his father, came to town. Mr. Maitland senior, who is a most amiable man, instead of being chagrined at his son's disappointment, expressed the warmest sense of our felicity; and, I assure you, was remarkably liberal of good-natured reflections, in favour of your humble servant. The vivacity of the young gentleman, too, has been of singular service, in giving the conversation, which has been apt to take too sentimental a turn, a degree of ease and brilliancy that have had a very pleasing effect, and which has been much heightened by the benevolent disposition of the father, as well as the friendship and

attachment he discovers for the Stamford family, of which I am, now, become a part. He assisted, at the marriage ceremony, with a degree of chearfulness and pleasure that proved the satisfaction he received. Never, before, did I behold so happy a day. My dear Maria, with a profusion of charms, a multitude of virtues, made inevitably mine; my friend receiving the reward of his constancy, the hand of his Julia, at the same time: surrounded by my mother, whose heart was replete with tenderness and joy; by my uncle, whose eyes and actions proved how much he was interested; caressed by my dear friend, the brother of my Maria, and rewarded by her father; it was an excess of transport that can only be imagined.
I MUST forbear. The ideas are too luxuriant, too inexpressible. Pray give

my most sincere respects to your worthy parents, and tell them, when they come to town during the approaching winter, they will find a small society, who hope frequently to enjoy the pleasure of their company; of which honour no one is more desirous than,
SIR,
Your happy friend, and humble servant, HENRY HANDFORD ALWYN.






