 strong terms his disappointment at my absence, and informed them he was to set off for Calais on the 12th of July, where he expected by that time to find Lord Belmont already arrived; if not, his Lordship had so settled his route that he should probably meet with him a stage or two further on.
Lady Linrose and the young ladies were next day to leave Holtenham Abbey. My sister adds a circumstance, for she is very minute, which was before unknown to me: I always imagined

that Roatsley had made one of the family at Lady Mary's, but she mentions that he has merely visited there from time to time during the distress of his mother and sisters, having lodged at the house of his steward (his own mansion not yet being ready for his reception) who has a small farm on his estate. I suppose some punctilio relating to his situation with Lady Elizabeth occasions this distance and formality.
This letter was accompanied by one from Mr. Howard, dated the day after, in which he informs me that the evening before Sir Edward Sudbury had paid him a visit. A compliment, says he, which is entirely to be laid to your account; for nothing could exceed his evident disappointment and regret on finding you were from home. After expressing it in terms sufficiently plain, he demanded a private conference with me, entreated my interest with you in

his favour, and requested permission on your return to repeat his visits as your declared admirer. I told him, continues Mr. Howard, that all I could promise him was my good wishes, as I was wholly ignorant of your sentiments in regard to him; nor could I undertake to further his suit in any other manner than that of paving the way for his proposal by preparing you for it. I likewise told him you was not expected home for many weeks, and perhaps might even remain absent for a much longer period. Sir Edward eagerly caught at this proposal; requesting I would lose no time in executing it, and desiring me to acquaint you that he earnestly entreats permission to attend you at Aubrey Castle.
Regarding myself as Sir Edward's agent, concludes Mr. Howard, I cannot avoid adding, that possessed of an excellent character, an affluent fortune, and a

good figure and address, any woman, whose affections are not otherwise engaged, must enjoy a fair prospect of happiness in an union with him.
I had scarce finished reading this letter, when the bell summoned me to dinner. Our party, large as it was, had gained the addition of several fox hunting gentlemen,
