 you know, he used to be so entirely

engaged in another quarter, that he never could give himself the trouble to speak nor to listen to me, and seldom seemed even conscious I was in the same room with him.
She was diverting herself at my expence, when Mr. Howard returned. Pray Fanny, cried he, what is it that amuses you?
Nay I dare not tell for my ears, returned she, for Hermione will beat me; but smiling expressively, she sung these two lines from the entertainment of Midas:
My sister, he kiss'd her, but me he pass'd by,
I'm jealous of the fellow's bad taste and blind eye.
She needed not have stopped there, for words could not have contrived to explain more clearly what she pretended to conceal, and Mr. Howard's countenance expressed a momentary smile, but as if he was desirous of relieving my embarrassment,

which was indeed extreme, he instantly entered on a new subject, tho' the rapidity with which he did so, by confirming my apprehensions of suspicion, gave me very severe mortification.

He soon after began to join warmly with my sister in praise of our cousin's amiable qualities; and with an enthusiasm which delighted me, though I hardly ventured to appear attentive, recapitulated the conversation he had had with him during their ride. Though we have suffered so unaccountably from the breath of fame, said he, it has at least rendered us justice to this young man, whose character rises upon me every opportunity I enjoy of conversing with him. I have just been receiving some farther lights in regard to the ignorance in which he has continued thus long, and which appeared so extraordinary after the information given us in Mrs. Hindon's letter; but he has just now told me that during the

conversation he had with my sister in law that evening at her house, she touched so lightly on particulars, supposing him already perfectly informed of the most material circumstances, that not a hint escaped her which could have led him to discover his connexion with you. All I learnt from her was, said he, that the two ladies had been unfortunate, were involved in consequent difficulties, and that an application to Lord Belmont (I concluded for his interest towards obtaining a pension) had proved unsuccessful. My anxiety could not fail to be strongly excited: yet as the opportunity in a large company was unfavourable for entering more fully on the subject, I intended, for farther information, to apply next day to Mrs. Hindon, when I hoped to
