remains unpaid, but that India matters are slow and insecure. But Emma opposes to this quaintly, but smartly enough, that suppose they were fast and certain, would

they tell in his favour against his monstrous debts? On account of which, she insinuates, it was well he secured himself a seat in parliament. At the same time, she does not deny but his external conduct is perfectly blameless, and that he has openly a number of engaging and valuable qualities; but she suspects that half these are put on, and accounts for this suspicion under an idea that it is his study to render himself agreeable by administering to that passion he sees most predominant in the person he would play upon. Thus he knows with you he cannot have a recommendation like generosity and benevolence, and in the exercise of these, though but in appearance, he insures himself a place in your esteem. And these truths, for truths she will have them to be, are the more strongly rooted in her mind by a firm belief that all we have heard against Mr. Hazard originates from him.

'Now I grant there is an air of extravagance in these conjectures; nevertheless, though chequered by strong predelection, and being but one conjecture hazarded againd another, probability is not one moment neglected. The very best accounts of him call him a man of unbounded extravagance, which surely has close relation to profligacy. Then if he is in debt as much as the

world says, were he to-morrow out of parliament, he must be totally without fortune: in which case would he be an eligible husband for Annette?

'As to his accommodating disposition, which Emma is so angry at, he will not practice it with much success upon you, who know the world, or it would be very hard, full as well as Mr. Gloss; and for the article of his practices against Mr. Hazard—which I confess I hardly know how not to admit—it would be an ungentlemanlike advantage, which I am sure you would be the first to resent.

'In short, Emma thinks him an impostor, who will one day or other be found out; and, for my own part, I wish his condu•… was a little less equivocal, though under these, or any other circumstances, I fear no surprise from him, or any other, while you are upon your guard.'

Sir Sidney having heard his good lady to an end, thanked her for her very kind, sensible, mild, and considerate speech, which he said had nothing new or uncommon in it from her, but was only