, with the strongest expression of sense and sweetness in his countenance—as he cannot speak English our conversation was intirely Italian, in which, though Lucy and I are tolerable proficients, we were greatly excelled by Miss Somerville, who has had the advantage of conversing with her mother, in that charming language from her earliest infancy.
THE first two or three days that our young

foreigner spent with us, we imagined that his devoting the largest share of his time and conversation to Laura was owing to the easy fluency with which she spoke his native language; but his motives remained not long doubtful; he became very particular in his inquiries about her to Sir John, who gave him the fullest information of her birth and situation in life. He seemed charmed at the account of both, and from that time his assiduity towards her appeared less embarrassed.
NOR is the gentle heart of Laura insensible to his attentions; her blushes, when he is mentioned, and down cast looks when he addresses her, plainly discover the state of her artless mind. She is really a very fine creature, Emily, and I am truly anxious for her happiness. She has a sensibility, a frankness, a delicate ingen•ousness of nature, not to be found in those who have had much commerce with the world, which she owes to her sequestered education with a parent, whose natural softness has been increased by a long acquaintance with affliction.
BUT to the purpose—Last night the enamoured Lodovico explained his sentiments to Sir John, and intreated him to prevail on me to introduce him to lady Somerville; though he confessed that he found Laura extremely averse to a proposal which must for ever divide her from the tenderest of mothers; but as she seemed to have no other objection, he flattered himself that this might be surmounted.
SIR John's friend, lord Mount Willis, who recommended Lodovico to him, informed him that he is descended from one of the first families at Genoa, that he is an only son, intitled to a very large fortune, and still possest of a much higher treasure.—an unexceptionable character.

I NEEDED not much persuasion, to enter upon such a pleasing embassy.—I waited on lady Somerville this morning; she seemed a little alarmed at Laura's not being with me. I quickly removed her apprehensions, by explaining the cause of my visit. She heard me with the utmost attention, but could not help dropping some tears when I mentioned Laura's objection to quitting her.
LADY Straffon, said she, when I had finished my discourss, though my girl's affection awakens all my tenderness for