sister

have had to struggle at a very early period of life, have wholly blunted and obliterated the little rubs of adverse fortune.
I dare not venture to be inquisitive, said Roatsley, visibly affected by the picture drawn by Mr. Howard, yet will you call me so when I acknowledge that both my curiosity and compassion are strongly excited. Remember however in my justification, that Miss Seymour herself permitted the enquiry, and if I mistake not seemed astonished it was yet to be made.
You ought not to wonder at a circumstance so natural, said Mr. Howard. Miss Seymour's astonishment, great as it must have been, can scarce exceed mine to find that her cousin, the grandson of Lord Belmont, remains still uninformed of the natural ties that exist between them, especially after the unsuccessful application made to his Lordship through the

medium and interference of Lady Linrose for his countenance and favour.
At the expression "her cousin, the grandson of Lord Belmont," Roatsley caught suddenly the arm of Mr. Howard; and unable to interrupt him even by an ejaculation, remained rooted to the spot on which he stood in mute astonishment.
Good heavens! cried he, at length recovering himself—is it indeed possible that this amiable family, who so forcibly engaged my intetest and attachment almost in the instant that accident presented them to my sight, should really prove the children of my late unfortunate uncle, and connected with me by the ties of blood as they have ever been by those of regard and admiration. Permit me, my dear Sir, continued he, approaching Mr. Howard with open arms, to congratulate myself on this delightful information, and pray give me leave to flatter myself with the hopes of one day procuring

an interest in the affections of my dear and valuable relations almost equal to what they have long possessed in mine.
Mr. Howard was not a little affected by this generous warmth, as apparent in his countenance and manner as in his language, and expressed his feelings on the occasion in strong terms.
But why has this explanation been made no sooner? cried Roatsley. Why have I continued so long in a painful and lingering uncertainty in regard to a family so respected and so beloved? distracted and confounded by the most unjust representations, dark suggestions, and at best vague and comfortless conjectures.
Who may have found either interest or pleasure in fabricating or in circulating injurious reports of your innocent and amiable cousins, said Mr. Howard, is not possible for me to conceive, neither will I lose a moment in attempting

to confute what must appear so wholly unwarrantable and unjust,