 ever since, except one morning, when he found courage to step in for ten minutes. Fanny was above stairs when he entered; but followed him a short time after into the parlour. He blushed extremely, and appeared much embarrassed on paying her the usual compliments; nor did his awkwardness seem less conspicuous from an air of forced gayety with which he endeavoured

to disguise it. Finding his situation, in spite of all his efforts, exceedingly uncomfortable, he made haste to change it, and abruptly took leave.
FEB. 25.
Fanny and Mr. Howard have this day had a long conversation together, in the course of which he laid before her the state of his finances, and suggested the plan of life which he thought would be most conducive to their mutual happiness.
His paternal estate, Hubert Hill, does not exceed three hundred and twenty pounds a year; and this, with a couple of thousands bequeathed him by a friend, constitutes his whole fortune; nor has he any addition to hope for independent of my sister's precarious pittance when Mr. Benseley's affairs are settled. This no doubt is a very slender income, especially

if a numerous family should bless their union; yet as Mr. Howard is a man of moderate views, and addicted to no expensive pleasures, and Fanny has ever been accustomed to solitude and frugality if not absolutely to a strict oeconomy, I think it sufficient, with some attention, for all the necessary indulgencies of life.
His little feat is situated, he says, in a delightful part of the country. The grounds are laid out with taste; and the house, tho' small, is fitted up with infinite neatness in a rustic style. This he proposes making their constant residence; and hopes, by living himself on the spot, to improve it to great advantage, being extremely fond of farming himself.
He did not fail, in the very first moments of Fanny's approbation, to give me the warmest and most pressing invitation to join their family. Indeed without that condition I believe he never

would have prevailed with his bride, for she has ever expressed the most painful reluctance at the idea of being separated from me. It was no small satisfaction to me however, to perceive the cordiality and eagerness with which Mr. Howard made this request. Partial as I have always been, said he, to the abode of my youth, with how much delight must I now enjoy it, when blest with companions who possess the power of converting any spot into a paradise.
He sets out for Hubert Hill to-
