 heartfelt satisfaction lightened my countenance, a tear, which all my efforts could hardly dispense, was ready to follow every smile.
Of our breakfast conversation I can really give you no account. Indeed I believe it is conferring an unmerited compliment on what passed to dignify it with the name of conversation. A hundred different topics were occasionally touched upon; but not one pursued with any method or connexion. Fanny's mirth was giddy and unbounded; Roatsley himself appeared in uncommon spirits; and though I perhaps was not the most talkative of the company, I believe my silent satisfaction was so apparent that I was far from appearing the least pleased.
Soon after breakfast he took leave of us in the kindest manner. I am unfortunately engaged, cried he in answer to the pressing invitations of my sister and





Mr. Howard, otherwise undoubtedly I should not have been proof against the friendly and obliging request of my new found relations, but while I remain in the county, which I think of doing for some time, I flatter myself you will allow me often to be your guest.
He then departed, followed by Mr. Howard; who having some business in the village, accompanied him on horseback part of the way.
Fanny and I, left then to ourselves, talked over every circumstance of the transactions of last night. We made a thousand reflexions, you may believe, upon the singularity of our situation, and formed various conjectures upon the conduct of Lady Linrose and the unaccountable silence and secrecy she has observed; which we could not avoid attributing in part to selfish motives.
My sister dwelt with pleasure on the tenderness of her cousin's behaviour on their first meeting. Had I never seen him

till now, said she, the warmth of feeling with which he acknowledged a connexion so repugnant to the wishes of his family must instantly have gained my heart. On approaching you, I observed he was more distant; and I confess the difference struck me obviously. His address to me was that of a kind and long absent relation, who expressed in that character, with affection and familiarity, the pleasure he felt at the rencontre; to you his behaviour seemed to betray more of the timidity of the lover than the undisguised kindness of the friend.
O certainly it resembled the timidity of a lover extremely, cried I in an ironical tone, and I am afraid rather peevishly, for Fanny burst into a loud laugh.
Nay, cried she, I really think you have some reason to be jealous; for it must be confessed I am grown a prodigious favourite since last night, and before,
