uneasiness she was conscious, that she must again visit the metropolis, and enter on all the busy cares of life. How ardently did she wish she could remain for ever excluded at Stoke Morton, and continue to soothe the sorrows of Lord Rossmore, who repeatedly assured her, that the melancholy which overwhelmed him, was only alleviated by her society. These assertions she could not avoid crediting, from being acquainted with the difference of his conduct before he knew her; and it was an evident proof he liked her company, by continually seeking it. Reflection and reason whispered to her, it was useless to repine at what was inevitable, and her health being thoroughly established, she felt renewed fortitude to encounter any additional evils and mortifications that might await her.

The six months, at the end of which time she was to receive her legacy, was nearly expired, a fortnight only remaining; and writing to Mr. Melville to procure her a lodging,

a lodging, she proposed setting out in a few days, to the great disappointment and affliction of the good Heartwell and his wife, who had flattered themselves she would never have left them, but as Lady Rossmore; nor was his lordship's concern less, when informed of her intended journey. At the prospect of losing her, the keenness of his sorrow, which was suppressed in her society, again seemed to revive with redoubled anguish; and her astonishment was excessive, when he mentioned his intention of soon visiting London, and begged to know her address, that he might have the pleasure of calling on her.

Amelrosa replied, she did not yet know herself where her residence would be; but he might always hear of her at Mr. Melville's, giving his address. Could she by any excuse have avoided seeing Lord Rossmore, she would have been happy to have availed herself of it, knowing she must be in some dependent situa

tion, where it would not be agreeable to receive visitors: yet, to return his politeness with rudeness, was impossible; and therefore she was obliged to submit to the disagreeable necessity.

From the inquiries his lordship had made relating to her, he supposed she possessed a slender income, though sufficient to support her, as the farmer and his wife, notwithstanding they had heard from their daughter she had been unfortunate; never, theless, from not knowing any better, that she had enough to maintain herself; but not equal to what she had been accustomed, or one that appeared to be so much the lady, would not put up with their humble habitation and fare.

Lord Rossmore, from being more acquainted with the world, thought there was some mystery attached to her, which he wished to develop, though convinced it was nothing disgraceful, from the high

opinion

opinion he had formed of her worth. In the course of their frequent and familiar conversations, she had never mentioned the name of a single relative or friend she had, and seemed so cautious in speaking of any thing that concerned her own affairs, that it appeared to him rather extraordinary.

When the moment for Almerosa's departure from Stoke-Morton was arrived, with the deepest dejection she took leave of Mr. and Mrs. Heartwell, who were exceedingly grieved at parting from her; and the latter shaking her head, said it was her own fault, for she was sure, if she had chosen to play her cards well, she might have been mistress of Greystonehall, and they would then have seen her almost every day.

Amelrosa at this speech, smiled through the tears that suffused her blue eyes, at quitting a place where she had been so happy, and assured her she was mistaken ;

but

but the good woman was incredulous. Of his lordship she had taken leave the preceding day, and accepted his chariot to convey her to the stage, as he insisted she should make use of it; and entering the carriage which was to bear her from peace and comparative happiness, without meeting with any particular adventure, arrived in town dejected and unhappy, and repaired to the lodging Mr. Melville had taken for her in South Audley-street.

Here no affectionate friend or relative was waiting to receive her, and her heart felt cold and cheerless. It was the beginning of January, and the weather very severe, having snowed hard during the whole of the journey from Dorsetshire. Her lodging was a very comfortable second floor, and a good fire enlivened the solitary apartment. The people of the house informed her, Mr. Melville would have been ready to receive her, had he known when she would arrive, and intended coming to

see