her orders are calculated rather to confuse than adjust. Being displeased with the furniture of her drawing room, which is a little antique, we have set about a serious piece of work in order to fit it up with elegance. We have begun to work chairs and hangings in imitation of natural flowers; which, as there is scope given both for taste and ingenuity, is an agreeable occupation. You know this sort of work is a convent accomplishment; by which means Fanny and I are adepts in it. I have likewise undertaken to cover the walls of the little chearful parlour with landscapes, for which many delightful scenes even from its windows furnish ample subject; so that we are

provided with abundant employment for at least a twelvemonth to come. Mr. Howard, who has a well chosen collection of the works of the best authors, both French and English, generally reads to us while we sit at work. The evenings we divide with a little music, and our favourite chess, so that they never appear too long, and our life on the whole glides along in a tenor so smooth, rational and placid, that I hope in a short time to enjoy it with perfect relish. Even at present I am conscious I could no where be more happy.
MARCH. 21
This evening I received a letter from Mrs. Hindon. Oh Sophia into what agitation has it not thrown me. Read, my dear, what that officious woman writes.

TO MISS SEYMOUR.
I have been prevented from writing you sooner, my dear Miss Seymour, by a slight fever, which though by no means alarming, proved troublesome for a few days, and was attended by a headach so severe that an application to my pen has been till this day wholly impracticable; although I have been for this week past extremely desirous to inform you of a piece of good fortune, the merit of which I must take entirely to my self. To give you a clear and distinct idea of the whole affair, I must begin by previously acquainting you, that perceiving you adhered obstinately to your resolution of attempting no further application to your family, a measure which I always freely confessed to you I could not but highly disapprove of, I myself, out of mere friendship, determined upon a step, the happy success of which I am convinced

must for once induce you to applaud my management.
As Mr. Roatsley, from his visits and polite civility, appeared to have taken no part in the family transactions, I seized an opportunity, the evening he did us the honour of supping with us, to hint at