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some other place, she should have an opportunity of rendering her attentions similar to those she had received from her in London. Sir Robert, she said, was getting better, and asked her many questions relating to the young lady, with whom she seemed so much pleased; "And judge," Emmeline added, if my heart was not delighted to describe you such as I have known and seen you." After many other kind expressions, and giving an account of her journey, she finished her welcome epistle; and Amelrosa, sensibly gratified by her partial style of writing, and the favorable description she gave of her to Sir Robert, read her letter over several times, and then began to peruse the Baron's.

It did not contain any thing particularly interesting, except the regard he expressed; and that since his dear and gentle friend had permitted him to recal himself to her remembrance, he could not resist painting his regret at being distant from her.

Know

"Know then, Belle Amelrosa," he continued, "that I resemble the pilgrims of Mecca, who turn their eyes towards that city, after having quitted it; since I turn mine towards the spot which you inhabit, fairest of women. My heart, penetrated with your candour, the impression of your grateful disposition, and all the charms of your mind and character, experiences the utmost grief at not being empowered to be near you; though such a situation would be fraught with danger. This attachment that pervades my breast, is only equalled by the pain I feel at being far from you; but, if cruel duty banishes me your presence, it can never efface from my soul, the sentiments I feel for a female, that acts and speaks as you do; who are devoid of affectation and coquetry, the distinguishing proof of vain and little minds, and can reject without offending, nor ever encourage to deceive. To the latest moment of my existence, I shall be interested in your welfare; in every thing that relates to you; c 6

and

and think with pleasure, intermingled with sorrow, on the delicious moments. I have passed in your charming society; which, had I any hope of enjoying again, I should previously anticipate in idea."

With much more in the same strain his letter was filled, though some parts of it were very lively, and imparted pleasure to Almerosa, (who judged from it, that he was in good health and spirits) as she had a sincere friendship for him, grounded on esteem for his character, and the service he had rendered her.

She had just finished reading his letter, when somebody tapped at the door of the chamber, and Mrs. Stanhope and her daughter entered; the former with a countenance exceedingly acid, and the latter with an insolent contemptuous look. This extraordinary expression directed to her, rather surprised Amelrosa; but unconscious of having done any thing to offend

them,

them, she did not feel alarmed, till Mrs. Stanhope, proudly erecting her head, thus addressed her :

Placed under my protection by my respectable friend, Lady Archdale, I am of opinion I should be deficient in friendship for her, did I not point out the extreme impropriety of your conduct, in going out continually, without informing any person where you visit, stranger as you are in this town; and after meeting with such an iusult as you did in the streets, to be unattended by a footman or any one else to take care of you. I have likewise been informed, that you are often seen driving about in blackguard hackney coaches, a mode of conducting yourself, altogether highly improper in a girl of any fashion. However, if you can explain this ambiguous behaviour to my satisfaction, I will take no further notice of it; but if that is impossible, I must inform Lady Archdale of the circumstance, and desire she will

remove you elsewhere, as it may be exceedingly injurious to the future establishment of Miss Catherine Stanhope in life, to be seen in public with a female of doubtful character."

This unexpected attack, which she was totally unprepared to receive, quite overcame her with confusion, as she could not alledge any thing to justify herself, without betraying Minette's secret. All, therefore, that she could say in her defence was, a fervent protestation of being perfectly innocent of having committed the least impropriety; feeling serious concern at the wrong construction placed on her actions, and Mrs. Stanhope's judging so unfavorably of her, as to suppose her capable of acting erroneously. To reveal the object of her unknown visit, Amelrosa. continued, she did not think herself authorised, as circumstances that were the cause and not relating to herself, she was not at liberty to communicate.