 then surprised to find the superstructure totter."
—That is foolish enough to be sure, though we practise it every day.

But to conclude, for I begin to think you are heartily tired, as even I grow a little weary, though I am talking of myself, which is the pleasantest of all subjects.—The next morning brought me a most doleful letter, from my Fair Penitent, entreating me, for the love I once bore her, not to prosecute her brother,

as she still affected to stile him, declaring herself intirely innocent of any evil intentions of his, with regard to my life, and offering to refund whatever remained of the jewels she had robbed me of, provided I would but remit the prosecution.
I consulted with Cleveland, who advised me not to be prevailed on to suffer such a pest to society, as Pere Jacques, to escape; but if he would give up his accomplices, to use my interest to get them all sent to the gallies together; as to la bella Signora, he thought I should make terms with her also, and let her compound for her crimes by a life of repentance—That the jewels she mentioned, should be sold, in order to pay her pension among les Filles repenties, where she should be obliged to enter on her probation immediately.

I was charmed with this scheme, and by his assistance have happily put it in execution.—Would he could be as successful in restoring me to the esteem of an amiable woman, as he has been in extricating me from the artifices of a vile one—But I have never yet dared to name Miss Cleveland to him; and I will patiently go through a year of probation under his eye, before I even presume to hope that he will favour my suit.—In the mean time I am happy to find, from his behaviour, that he is a stranger to mine, upon that occasion.
He talks of returning to England in a few months.—I am determined to accompany him, and I hope that you will have got so far the better of your romantic passion, by that time, as to quit

your sorrowful solitude, and meet us there.
Here ends my woeful story, which however, has had a fortunate conclusion. May all your adventures terminate as happily, sincerely wishes your
affectionate friend HUME.
P.S. I have this moment received a billet from Sir George Cleveland, acquainting me that he means to set out immediately for Paris—This is a sudden flight, but I am determined to accompany him. Direct to me accordingly.



My dear Hume,
I Sincerely congratulate you
