 a favor, which, however otherwise advantageous, overwhelmed me with

mortification. Yet it was not difficult to discern, that he might be apt to consider my rejection as an absurdity to which false delicacy and offended pride alone gave rise; and when on the other hand I coolly reflected that my finances were by no means ascertained, that it was not quite impossible amidst the chapter of accidents from which they had already suffered severely but that I might really one day become dependent on the worthy Mr. Howard and my sister, a situation I could indeed but ill brook, I resolved to conquer my reluctance and yield to necessity; tho' my heart rose against my judgment, and had I been alone I should have indulged in tears, which indeed were not wholly restrained even in Mr. Howard's presence, at sight of the bill.
Oh! Sophia! what steps were to be taken here, in this most cruel of all circumstances? —To return it instantly without doubt. But how conceal from

the generous donor that I was acquainted from whence it came. Since Mrs. Hindon could not retain his secret, tho' so powerfully urged and intreated, how could I possibly flatter myself that she would pay greater regard to mine. I had no path to pursue that had not been attempted by him without success; however on some plan I was obliged suddenly to determine. I therefore sat down to my bureau without loss of time to answer her letter.
I thanked her in terms warmer than were my feelings, tho' I fear my coldness will surprize her, for the interest and trouble she has taken in this business; but re-enclosed the bill, which I besought her to return to the right owner, informing him that even as her gift, I could not possibly prevail with myself to accept of it.
I have asked the favor of Mr. Howard to thank Mr. Roatsley by letter in his

sister's name for the interest he has taken in her concerns. I think I can do no less. An obligation may wound a proud spirit, but the testimonial of a proper gratitude cannot hurt an ingenuous one.
There is one circumstance, material and interesting, in Mrs. Hindon's letter, on which I have not yet touched, but which I conjecture will not pass unnoticed even by you, and as for me, it has employed my thoughts day and night ever since it reached me: Roatsley, she tells me, appears to have been kept hitherto in utter ignorance with regard to our unlucky transactions with his mother, and to be wholly unacquainted with
