. All which, as the Reader
knows it already, it would be tedious and unpardonable to transcribe from his
Mouth. He told her likewise all that he had done and suffered, to conceal his
Transgression from her Knowledge. This he assured her was the Business of his
Visit last Night, the Consequence of which was, he declared in the most solemn
Manner, no other than an absolute Quarrel with Miss Mathews, of whom he had
taken a final Leave.
    When he had ended his Narration, Amelia, after a short Silence, answered, -
»Indeed, I firmly believe every Word you have said - but I cannot now forgive
you the Fault you have confessed - and my Reason is - because I have forgiven it
long ago. Here, my Dear,« said she, »is an Instance that I am likewise capable
of keeping a Secret.« - She then delivered her Husband a Letter which she had
some Time ago received from Miss Mathews, and which was the same which that Lady
had mentioned, and supposed, as Booth had never heard of it, that it had
miscarried; for she sent it by the Penny-Post. In this Letter, which was sign'd
by a feigned Name, she had acquainted Amelia with the Infidelity of her Husband,
and had besides very greatly abused him; taxing him with many Falshoods; and,
among the rest, with having spoken very slightingly and disrespectfully of his
Wife.
    Amelia never shin'd forth to Booth in so amiable and great a Light; nor did
his own Unworthiness ever appear to him so mean and contemptible, as at this
Instant. However when he had read the Letter, he uttered many violent
Protestations to her, that all which related to herself was absolutely false.
    »I am convinced it is,« said she. »I would not have a Suspicion of the
contrary for the World. I assure you I had, till last Night revived it in my
Memory, almost forgot the Letter; for as I well knew from whom it came, by her
mentioning Obligations which she had conferred on you, and which you had more
than once spoken to me of: I made large Allowances for the Situation you was
then in; and I was the more satisfied, as the Letter itself, as well as many
other Circumstances, convinced me the Affair was at an End.«
    Booth now utter'd the most extravagant Expressions of Admiration and
Fondness that his Heart could dictate, and accompanied them with the warmest
Embraces. All which Warmth and Tenderness she return'd; and Tears of Love
