 whom he told me

strange things. He is not at his mother's, as we always understood he was.—But I will relate these matters some other opportunity. I find myself much recovered in spirits since the morning. I seem to myself as if just awakened from a long dream, and, already, begin to enjoy the beauties of this enchanting retirement.
OLD Mr. Maitland has a number of particularities, but is, notwithstanding, a very good man. I shall have a thousand things to tell you about him when I see you. I am,
My dear Julia,
Your's affectionately, MARIA STAMFORD.

LETTER XXIV. Mr. STAMFORD, Jun. to Mr. ALWYN.
Dear HARRY,
I HAVE not mentioned my suspicions of Maria's regard for you to my father; his disinclination to the present match having rendered it unnecessary. Besides, I was apprehensive of the consequences, which there is no foreseeing, in an instance of this critical nature. But I have other news to acquaint you with, that will, I am convinced, afford you much pleasure. Our friendship, and the high opinion I have ever entertained of your honour, makes me tell you, without scruple, that Maria loves you, and has confessed it. No longer able to see her pining with secret anguish, I pressed her to disclose the secrets of her bosom. She has owned her love,

and the apprehensions she was under from the present treaty. I could not disapprove of a passion which I have always wished to see crowned with success; but, on the contrary, informed her that her father was really averse to concluding the business with Mr. Maitland, and would take the first opportunity of breaking it off, with honour. This assurance has had a happy effect: she has already began to recover her spirits, and is quite another person, compared to what she was a day or two ago.
THE gloomy appearance of affairs begins to clear up. Heaven, that sees your mutual worth, will not suffer it to languish without success. I am elated with the hopes of calling my Alwyn by the endearing name of brother, and of seeing my sister in the possession of him, whom of all men I most esteem. My

next letter will, I doubt not, contain more certain information; and in the mean time I must assure you, that no circumstance can place you higher in the estimation of
Your sincere friend, STAMFORD.

LETTER XXV. Mr. STAMFORD, Sen. to Mr. SELDON.
Dear SIR,
I THOUGHT to have had the
