 and instantly went to the woman's house, where having entered into conversation

with her I enquired particularly about her late guests. Her answers were ambiguous and evasive: and I soon perceived the character of the landlady was such as must render all information from that quarter false and injurious. I therefore soon quitted her, first reprimanding her for the infamous aspersions she had expressed, and assuring her that the ladies possessed friends who would loudly confute and rigorously punish those who might utter them. I returned home furnished as I imagined with proofs and arguments more than sufficient to overthrow the most determined prejudices. But my mother would hardly allow me to enter on the subject; and telling me neither herself nor I had any interest in the behaviour of two girls who were unknown to her even by sight, and she was afraid fully as unknown to me by character, although the acquaintance of a few hours had enabled me to judge so perfectly of

their dispositions, positively declared she should on no account be prevailed with to intercede with Lord Belmont in their behalf. I now perceive her motive, concluded Mr. Roatsley, for retaining me in ignorance. Prejudiced herself against my cousins before she was informed of their real name and situation, she was unwilling to strengthen a prepossession which might lead me to act contrary to the commands of Lord Belmont, whose will in matters of the most trifling moment has ever been regarded as a law in our family, and who it seems has positively forbidden the protection or countenance of my mother to be extended to these amiable relations. Indeed she might well dread the impetuosity of my temper on such an occasion would but ill brook the constraint of a prohibition so unnatural, and well might she know that no Lord Belmont on earth would have prevailed with me

to join in a measure, which reason and humanity must condemn, and the most inflexible prejudice only could adopt.
I shall not comment on this conversation, Sophia. It speaks for itself. Adieu my love. My packet is immense, but I rest assured you do not complain of its length. I direct it to Avignon, as you desired, me in your last; from which place I expect soon to receive a long volume of your journal.
H. SEYMOUR.
TO MISS BEAUMONT.
JUNE 17.
YESTERDAY I walked out as usual in the morning, intending to strole

through the wood, attended by one of the parson's little girls, of whom my sister is extremely fond, and who often finds her way up the hill and spends the day with us. She is a delightful child of five years old,
