 hand, is an irrefragable witness. His ingratitude in offering to expose the letters of his friend, your son, for which he had no reason, but to convince me that your daughter was, as he termed it, dying for him, put me beyond all patience. Not that I am surprized at the young lady's partiality in his favour; he has many specious qualities, and art enough to ensnare the affections of an inexperienced heart, especially one, whose own rectitude will not let it mistrust the sincerity of others. Before I was aware of his character, or intentions, I suffered him to visit at my house, in consequence of the protection his plausibility had gained him among the young gentlemen of Kendal; and supposing him, from what observations a first, or second interview had furnished me with, deserving of better fortune than his connexion with a

company of travelling players could afford. I am sorry, since, by his own account, you have an interest in his welfare, that I was so soon obliged to alter my opinion. Indeed I did not imagine that, because I treated him with respect, he would, therefore, declare himself my lover; nor, when I found him so audacious, that he would, by such ungenerous means as those of pretending to sacrifice another, and, perhaps, far more deserving lady, to me, endeavour to recommend himself to my favour.
I DO not mean to write a dissertation upon his conduct; but as I have, from what I deem proper motives, undertaken to inform you of it, I thought it necessary to give my reasons for so doing. His letter will best direct your feelings, and a consciousness of having discharged my duty will satisfy mine.

I SHOULD have subscribed my name, but that I think it a disgrace to have any future knowledge of such an affair, and would avoid all transactions, of every kind, hereafter, with Mr. Alwyn; neither is there any necessity, where the circumstances are so full and obvious. For the same reason, I have erased the superscription from the enclosed letter.—I am, Sir, as I would wish to be, till a more eligible opportunity offers, your unknown, but, respectful, humble servant.

LETTER XXVIII*. To Mrs. —.
Dear MADAM,
WHY will you suffer the humblest, the most sincere of your adorers, to languish in despair? The repulse you, last night, gave my ardent and ungovernable passion has, almost, deprived me of reason. Why, too cruel fair, do you delight in the misery
