as to a more extensive neighbourhood.
On the contrary side to Sir William's house lived Mr. Grantham, lawful heir to the Duke of—, if that Nobleman died without children; which was now highly probable, as he was above 60 years old, and his Duchess but little younger. Mr. Grantham was indeed a very distant relation, yet was heir both to the estate and title; but, this branch of that great family having fallen to decay, he inherited from his father only 50l. a year. This he farmed himself, and lived in the only house 〈◊〉 had, which was little better than a common cottage. His education had been on a level with his fortune, and his manners were those of a plain honest farmer; yet regard for his birth, and compassion for his narrow circumstances, procured him a due portion of 〈…〉 all the neighbouring

gentlemen. His notions of family pride had an influence over him in the choice of a wife. He thought he should disgrace his blood by marrying a farmer's daughter, though with such a one he might have got a few hundred pounds, which would have set him much at his ease; and, a Lieutenant dying in an adjacent town where he was quartered, and leaving a daughter intirely unprovided for, and greatly distressed, he thought her a wife much more suitable to the dignity of his family. Captivated by her gentility rather than by her person, for she was no beauty, he took a pride in addressing the Captain's daughter (for the courtesy of a country town kindly bestows the title of Captain on every officer) and she was glad to accept of any provision.
However, Mr. Grantham was more fortunate than he had reason to expect; his wife proved very notable and industrious, only too prolific, having perpetuated the family of the Granthams, of which the Duke and he were the last, by bringing him five

sons and three daughters; a number attended with great difficulties in their narrow circumstances; but the thought that they might one day be so many Lords and Ladies, was a sufficient consolation, and made them behold so numerous a progeny with exultation.
At the distance of about two miles from Mr. Ellison's lived Mr. Allin; a gentleman who inherited a good estate from his father, but, being extravagant in his youth, had reduced it within very narrow bounds, and involved himself in difficulties that had a good deal soured his temper, converting his extravagance into parsimony. His society would not have been very eligible, had it not been for an only