end, when he should explain to his friend how practicable such a task was, and how sure and immense the reward, he would readily join him in so meritorious an exercise of that liberality which Lord Hazard, whatever were his foibles, certainly possessed.
Pleased with these ideas, the time rolled insensibly on; for as soon as Lady Hazard could be removed, she was, for the present, conveyed to a house in the neighbourhood, which her lord had hired for that purpose; and as the company Sir Sidney expected for the summer called, of necessity, at the John of Gaunt's Head, in a few days the poet, painter, and musician made their appearance, as well as Sir Sidney's attorney, and a clergyman, all of whom, by invitation, were to pass the summer at Roebuck hall.
The assembly having now so largely increased, parties of pleasure were planned; and as Lady Hazard's health seemed every day to be more confirmed, the general tranquillity was restored.
As to my lord, his resolution was made, and certainly irrevocably. Therefore, as no worse consequences had happened from his former conduct, he

rejoiced at the present moment in the same degree as a patient who, by a trifling and immaterial mutilation, is restored to health and vigour from the morbid effects of a gangrene.
The great difficulty with Sir Sidney and Lady Roebuck was how to proceed as to Standfast. It was impossible to begin their attack on Lady Hazard, as it would ruffle her mind in her present weak condition; and as to my lord, he was so wrapped up in his amiable friend, that it would be impracticable, as well as highly absurd, to attempt at undeceiving him.
In this state were matters situated when the clergyman lately mentioned arrived at the inn. This gentleman, whose name was Friend, had been known to Sir Sidney for many years, and was not the less esteemed by him for having incurred the displeasure of a bishop, because he would not vote against his conscience. He was a very learned, and, what is a great deal better, a very sensible man; for though he had little of that understanding by which men rise in the world, and which, according to nine-tenths of mankind, is the only mental coin that ought to pass current, yet he had a number of old fashioned virtues, of no great use but to the owner; but to him valuable indeed:—such as piety,

an unsullied conscience, a benevolent heart, with the addition of a clear judgment, an inventive genius