rescued Lord Hazard from his immediate gripe, he had some similar favour in contemplation for the baronet.
Certain it is that the damning proof which Sir Sidney and his lady imagined they had against Mr. Standfast, which was only presumptive, began to sink before those positive proofs which seemed every day to announce his reformation from a number of crimes which he made no scruple to say he had formerly committed; and this, added to the transport he apparently felt at the restoration of that happiness which now began to gild the moments of Lord and Lady Hazard, gave this fortunate gentleman such a favourable place in the hearts of all about him, that really an accusation to his prejudice, though ever so plausibly urged, would probably have gained but little faith, unless backed by very weighty, and indeed undeniable proof against him.
These Sir Sidney really had not. The utmost he could alledge was that dissipation and those irregularities which Standfast confessed and disclaimed, except indeed a strong suspicion of his being concerned in all the business of Miss Snaffle, which, if this recent behaviour was not hypocrisy, amounted

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to nothing, and which was corroborated only by an intercepted letter, and even that—the rest not proved—would also fall to the ground.
The proof alluded to was the very letter which Standfast fancied had not been sent, but, upon further enquiry he found himself mistaken; yet, as it had made no alteration in Lady Hazard, he was convinced it had not been properly delivered, and was afterwards confirmed in that opinion, when he found it had been given to Lady Roebuck's footman.
In fact, Lady Roebuck's servant, on that very fatal afternoon, delivered her a letter at Lady Hazard's, where she happened to be waiting for Sir Sidney, who promised to meet her there at tea time. Lady Hazard was luckily writing letters in her own room, and her friend had just taken up a favourite author, from which employ being interrupted by
'a letter for your ladyship,'
she, without further ceremony, opened it, and read these words:

I cannot refrain from acquainting you that your husband has an intrigue with an infamous woman, and you will be assured that I tell

you truth, when my intelligence is proved to you by his staying out the greatest part of this night. Probably you may guess the quarter from whence you receive this, and as revenge is completely in your power, why not obey its dictates in favour of one who will not be ungrateful to your incomparable charms?

Sir Sidney, who came in while she was