 assistance in case it was required, and soon was led, by the sound of dismal groans, to the spot where the unfortunate traveller lay, supported by a footman, who was endeavouring, by his master's orders, to pull his arm into joint, which had been dislocated by his fall.
My father addressing himself to the stranger, who proved to be an Englishman, (a circumstance that perhaps gave

force to his natural humanity and benevolence) informed him that his house was but a quarter of a league distant, and requested he would suffer himself to be removed to it, where a surgeon could be soon procured to set the bone.
Mr. Howard, for he it was, after thanking my father for his fortunate assistance, gratefully accepted the offer, and sent his servant, by my father's desire, to order a carriage to convey him to the house, while another messenger was dispatched from B— for a neighbouring surgeon. The operation was happily performed, and I exerted myself (Fanny being then at the convent) to render the habitation of the poor invalid as comfortable as his situation would permit. He was soon able to quit his apartment, and loaded us with acknowledgments for this accidental service; and my father, who rarely admitted company at B—, found himself insensibly

attached to our new acquaintance, and forgot his determination of flying the sight of his own countrymen in favour of Mr. Howard, who on his part soon conceived the warmest friendship for him.
He acquainted us that bad health had obliged him to try the waters of Barrege; and never having visited the Continent before, he intended, finding himself perfectly recovered, to make the tour of France and Italy before his return to England. He politely added, that he never should regret the interruption his plan had received from this accident, since it had been productive of an intimacy that had given him so much satisfaction.
My father's persuasions prevailed with him to lengthen his stay for several weeks after his confinement was at an end; and indeed he proved a most agreeable acquisition to our family party. He then departed, having faithfully promised on

his return to take B—in his way; and after an absence of a year and eight months, he fulfilled his intention, and had been for some time our guest when my dear father was taken from us.
As to his character, our helpless situation has developed it to us in the most amiable point of view. Steady and sincere in his attachment to my father, it has been productive of kindness and attention to us, beyond what we could
