 given themselves the trouble of investigating this matter to the foundation, and exerted themselves in a manner so nobly, to extricate a young woman whose conduct he had so much reason to contemn, and who had been represented to him in a light so unworthy. Surely gratitude at least may be allowed me after this striking instance of a benevolence of which I have reaped so largely the fruit: yet heaven grant that

this dangerous sentiment lead not my heart too far. Vexatious it has indeed proved; but ah! Sophia, had not heaven directed and preserved me, this intelligence had arrived greatly too late.
The whist party breaking up, and supper being announced, Mr. Howard seized an opportunity, while we were on the stairs, to whisper that Mr. Roatsley regretted extremely not having seen my sister and me this morning, when he had called, particularly as he leaves town tomorrow, and is engaged by business the early part of the day. Mr. Howard however, who was not sufficiently acquainted with many of the unaccountable facts to which Mr. Roatsley's story alluded, and was only enabled, from his knowledge of my disposition and character, to pronounce that some mysterious appearances must have involved my actions in obscurity, had of his own accord offered

him a short visit before his departure, to explain from my own information what had seemed either extraordinary or imprudent in my conduct, and is actually to meet him at the British Coffee-house for that purpose.
I hope, added that worthy friend, with a penetrating smile, as he entered the supper room, that Mr. Roatsley, in his return to town, will find the disagreeable air of secrecy and mystery, which must confound all his enquiries respecting you and your sister, completely removed by the approbation and public countenance of Lord Belmont.
I took no notice of this little hint; but walked on with a mind ah! how enlightened! how relieved! to find myself reinstated in Mr. Roatsley's good opinion; to know that he had shewn himself so anxious, so deeply concerned in an affair in which I alone was interested, gave a spirit to my countenance, and a gaiety

to my heart, not to be enjoyed but when contrasted by previous uneasiness and depression.
JAN. 28.
Ah! my dear Sophia! how infinitely am I shocked. Poor Madame de Clarence! alas! she is no more! A short letter from her husband, which I received last night, announces this melancholy intelligence. An epidemic fever carried her off after a week's illness, and Fanny and I have been weeping
