, said he, how shocked I must be to learn that there were

a variety of rumours to the disadvantage of this family, with which I was so much charmed. I was indeed inexpressibly hurt to find any mortal dared to think disrespectfully of any one of them; yet I disbelieved every syllable that was uttered. I could not discredit the evidence of my eyes, which traced every amiable quality and every sentiment of female dignity in the countenance and manner of Miss Seymour. As for her sister, she is also very lovely, and the innocent youthfulness of her appearance accords ill with your report. Mr. Howard I have enquired after; and find he is esteemed a man of sense and character, neither given to vice nor even accused of excess; I must therefore repeat, that I think the notion of their being his wards is infinitely more probable (even setting aside the appearance of the ladies, which indeed renders any other opinion absolutely impossible,) than that there should be any

illicit connection in the case. That part of the story I am therefore thoroughly convinced is an infamous slander.
Wounded to the soul by this dreadful, this inconceivable explanation of the motives of Mr. Roatsley's late behaviour, oh! Sophia, what were my pangs, what was my mortification, during a recital which sunk my spirits from the highest elevation to the lowest despondency. Scarce could I keep myself from fainting at the cruel and painful conclusion of encomiums which had excited such infinite pride and pleasure. My heart died within me; yet I anxiously listened to what should follow, while my eyes were drowned in tears of vexation and regret.
The girl may be thoughtless and inconsiderate, returned Bradshaw, without being absolutely void of delicacy; and their being with Lady Farnford certainly argues in favour of their reputation. The idea of their being French courtezans

is not by any means probable: but should they turn out so you have still less reason to sigh Roatsley, for your fair one will not prove cruel.
It is utterly impossible! cried Roatsley with warmth. I am perfectly convinced of the abominable falshood of that insinuation. Miss Seymour may be weak, vain, and volatile, (though even in these points I am unconvinced,) for I will not pretend to aver that first sight impressions, especially where an interesting figure is in question, are always to be taken as proof; but to attack her moral character is an aspersion which one look must compleatly and sufficiently confute. I own I am hurt and confounded at the variety of reports which pour in upon me from more quarters than one: they