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was abruptly awakened by Miss Stanhope, who suddenly entered, and without the least pity for her, notwithstanding the semblance of woe she wore, that would have softened many hearts, however obdurate, rudely informed her that her mother desired she would tell her, that since the only tie that bound her to protect her, was dissolved, she would thank her as soon as possible to leave the house, because she wanted her apartment for a lady who was coming on a visit to them.

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Amelrosa, too depressed to shew any resentment, replied in a faultering voice, that she would immediately quit the house after packing up her clothes. Oh, pray do not put yourself to such inconvenience, as to be in too great a bustle so suddenly. My mother would not wish it as you have, I believe, no friends to receive you.-Tomorrow morning will be time enough for you to depart, and you had better not go before as you seem so ill.-Besides, what a ridi

a ridiculous figure you would make to go out with those red, swoln eyes and haggard face: I never in my life saw any person so shockingly altered! Your face, at present, would not easily attract a lover I fancy. But I forgot in looking at you the principal part of my business,-my mother requests you will pay what is owing for your board."

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"With the payment of it I have no concern, madam," rejoined Amelrosa. My lamented friend agreed with your mother, to discharge every expence for me: had I, however, any money sufficient for the purpose, I would certainly pay it instantly; but as that is not the case it is impossible."

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Extremely well,-exactly as I suspected, and told my mother,—that after being troubled with you, it would, I was convinced, be a difficult matter to get paid. Were you of age, and myself in her situation, I would certainly arrest you."

"Such humane sentiments are perfectly consistent with the general conduct of Miss Stan

VOL. III.

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Stanhope," replied Amelrosa, collecting a little more spirit; "who may assure her mother she need not make herself uneasy, for I have every reason to hope, Lady Archdale has bequeathed me money to pay the debt; and at all events, should it not be so, the executors, if Mrs. Stanhope represents her just claim, will certainly discharge

it."

"With respect to the executors," hastily rejoined Catherine, much provoked, "I cannot say any thing,-but with regard to yourself, I am certain you will have but a trifle to spare, if I have been well informed: however, should the sum left you be ever so small, it is as much as a foundling, brought up on charity, can expect!"

And with these words and a scornful look she retired,-leaving Amelrosa motionless with astonishment, and unable to imagine how Catherine became acquainted with the mystery of her early years.

On

On this circumstance she was pensively musing, when Lucy entered with a sorrowful air and said, "Miss Stanhope has desired me to come and help pack up your things, which makes me suppose we are going to lose you, my dear young lady.To be sure," she continued, sobbing, “I don't know what will become of me when you are gone: all my comfort was to see you, and talk to you of my troubles.-It makes my heart ache besides, to find you are so unhappy.-Ah, if such a good and beautiful lady, and brought up so grand, knows sorrow, poor, simple Lucy must not complain."

The sincere compassion and affection of this artless girl, soothed and comforted Amelrosa; and convinced of the excellence of her heart, related to her as she was employed in packing, exactly in what manner she was situated; which again made her eyes swim in tears; and when she had done speaking, Lucy began once

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more to gossip, saying, "Indeed I can't bear to stay here after you are gone, and what has passed; for I don't like my mistress and her daughter.-They are so proud that they think a servant hardly worthy to wipe the dust off their shoes; and Mrs. Smith, Miss Stanhope's woman, is just the same; and 'tis quite uncomfortable to live in such a house. Mrs. Denham, who used to come to you sometimes from Devonshireplace, has just been here; and Mrs. Smith and her, have both been ridiculing you at no small rate; which made me quite in a passion when I heard it, as I was dusting the store-room, next to the housekeeper's room, and Mrs. Denham was saying you was only a bastard and a foundling, that owed every thing to charity; but Lady Archdale had found you out at last, and you'd find yourself disappointed; and a great deal more I don't remember, both of the ill-natured old cats laughing ready to kill themselves; I can't help calling them by that name, they are so spiteful, though

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