 that the affair was not brought to a conclusion.
THE next day, I received a letter from Mr. Westrop, informing me that my step-mother had consented to give me four thousand pounds, rather than stand a law suit, for the six which my grand-father left me. In consideration of this sum, I was to relinquish all farther claim to my father's fortune, and to receive it as a present from her bounty. These terms I thought extremely hard; but to attempt carrying on an expensive suit, without money appeared impracticable. It is true, Mr. Westrop in the most friendly manner, offered to advance any sum I might have occasion for; but I already felt the weight of my obligation to lady Anne, and determined not to increase the load. I therefore

complied with these severe conditions: but as I was not of age, Mr. Westrop became security for my part of the contract, and the interest of this splendid sum was allotted for my mainte+nance.
ON this occasion, lady Anne behaved with the utmost kindness towards me; begged I would consider her as my sister, and never think of quitting her house, till I went to one of my own. She made me several valuable presents, which I received with the utmost reluctance; yet could not refuse, as her manner of bestowing them was peculiarly polite and tender. In short, she did every thing in her power, to conciliate that true esteem, and affection, which her conduct, with regard to captain Barnard, had for a while restrained.
LORD N— soon found an opportunity to disclose his passion for me; and I as quickly put an end to all his hopes. He thanked me for the generous frankness of my conduct, and earnestly intreated to see me as a friend, though I had denied him as a lover. I readily consented to his request, and have ever found him a most amiable and worthy man.
I HAD not received a letter from captain Barnard for near a month.—He was stationed in the Mediterranean: and though determined, sa soon as he returned to England, to take an everlasting leave of him, I grew impatient at his silence, and longed to return to Westhill, to retrace those paths we had trod together, and woo sweet echo to repeat his name. I knew lady Anne received foreign letters frequently, some of which I supposed were from captain Barnard; but as she was silent on the subject of them, I did not think it proper to appear inquisitive; and some weeks elapsed, without suffering that name to
