 to Southfield, and impatiently wait for the explanation of that gloomy mystery in which you seem involved.—All here salute you with the tenderest affection, for as I now consider myself accountable to lord Hume, for every moment of my time, I proclaimed my intention of writing to you, before I retired from the drawing-room; and shall try to return to it with as chearful a countenance as I can possibly assume; but be assured, that my heart will never be truly at ease, till I know that your's is so—As I shall never cease to be your faithfully affectionate
friend and sister, F. HUME.



THE knowing that my Fanny is happy, is certainly a reason for my being less wretched than when I wrote last; but then the cruel thought of interrupting her felicity, must add to my distress—And can it bear addition! O yes! yes! the torturing suspence which I now feel, too surely informs me that there yet remains many arrows in the quiver of adversity, which may still be pointed at my sad heart, and yet not pierce it through.
O Fanny, it is very difficult to die! at least I find it so—Death sports with human misery, and would rather increase, than end them—
"'Tis his delight to bid

the wretch survive the fortunate! the feeble wrap the athletic in his shroud, and weeping parents build their children's tombs!"

Excuse this rhapsody—I will try to collect myself, and acquaint you with the particulars of my present distress.
The morning after I had written to you, from Elm-grove, I ordered my carriage, as I had intended, and at breakfast acquainted Lady Creswell with my design of setting out for Southfield.—Every argument that friendship or politeness could urge, were used, to prevail on me to stay with them, for a few days longer; but I continued firm to my purpose.
I told Harriet, that she might remain with lady Creswell till she came to return

my visit, which both she and Sir Harry promised should be in ten days, or a fortnight—Harriet declined my indulgence, and entreated me, with uncommon earnestness, to take her with me—I considered her refusal as the effect of her attention and complaisance to me, till with a very solemn air she said to me, when we were alone,
"If you, Madam, think it necessary to quit Elm-grove, I am sure I ought to do so too."
I acquiesced in her opinion, and desired her to get ready immediately.

Lord Lucan, to my great satisfaction, did not appear
