 extremely violent; but that when he was very young, and the lady hardly fifteen, there subsisted a childish attachment between them, which originated entirely on the side of Lady Elizabeth; and that Lord Belmont, who has been unfortunate in some of his family, particularly in the article of matrimony, and who was not easily reconciled to the present Lord Linrose on his

marriage, although by the death of a dlstant relation her Ladyship has brought him a very considerable fortune, exacted a promise, and promoted an engagement between his grandson and this lady, which is intended to be concluded on his Lordship's return from the Continent.
Lady Elizabeth is much to be pitied, in my opinion, cried Fanny, if with all her splendid advantages of birth and fortune they cannot secure the heart of the man she has chosen.
I agree with you perfectly, Madam: But I believe ladies of superior rank and education don't always think in that manner; and by what I hear, Lady Elizabeth is not much calculated for domestic happiness.
Conscious of my secret anxiety, I forbore, while Mr. Howard and the rest of the company were present, to prolong the subject: but finding my self accidentally alone with Mrs. Heathcote, for a

quarter of an hour after dinner, I artfully renewed the topic of Lady Elizabeth; and she then told me she was intimately connected with the gentlewoman who had superintended her education as governess, from whence she had drawn the early part of her information. Mr. Roatsley, said she, has been I know acquainted with the young lady from infancy. She was his sister's friend, and had often been his own playfellow. It is not improbable therefore that her infantine attachment had produced in him a return of affection before he went abroad that might partake more of gratitude than passion. It must be owned Lady Elizabeth has but ill answered the fond expectations of her family; and probably he finds himself disappointed, after several years absence. But there is no trusting to report. It is very certain however that he has not once visited at Holtenham since his arrival; though, owing to Lady Mary's indisposition,

the family only passed a very few weeks this winter in town. They say Lady Elizabeth is much offended at the coolness of his assiduities, and that there is a very formidable rival, Sir Edward Sudbury, in the way, who is much in favour with her Ladyship at present, but I dare say there is nothing in it.
All this accounts a little, Sophia, for Captain Bradshaw's insinuations.
JUNE 12,
