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added something to the graces of her mind, or the beauties of her person. I always had a breast susceptible of the charms of female excellence, and had enjoyed opportunities of surveying fair ones of every description; but, without indulging a fond partiality, I can safely say, that, in all my travels, her equal never struck mine eye. Every virtuous accomplishment of her mother she possessed, heightened, if possible, by still greater luxuriance of beauty, and elegance of manners. Improved by the vigour of health and the bloom of youth, in her were united whatever is delightful in good humon, or captivating in sensibility-whatever is sprightly in wit, or amiable in simplicity-all that is engaging in modesty, or dignified in virtue. Oh! pardon, sir, my anguish, at the hopeless recollection. of what is for ever gone!".

Here a flood of tears interrupted his discourse, his bosom swelled, and, fetching a deep sigh from the bottom of his heart, he wiped from off his face those tears of sorrow which his affecting tale had excited. When he had composed the agitation of his mind, the old man thus proceeded

"Such an assemblage of charms, sir, could not fail to attract a multitude of lovers; but, of all that numerous group, distinguished by birth and accomplishments, Henry alone made an impression on Maria's heart.

"He was the son of a neighbouring gentleman, with whom I was upon the most friendly terms, and whose ancestors had shewn the greatest kindness to my father. I was no stranger to their mutual passion; for my daughter had not even a wish which she would conceal from me; and, as the young gentleman was of extraordinary merit, and descended of a worthy and illustrious family, I gave it my warmest assent. His friends were equally propitious to the match.

Henry had always been anxious to spend some of his earlier years in the agreeable exercise of travelling, thinking that the best field whereon to reap instruction and improvement, and was just deliberating upon the route which he should pursue, and the method that he should adopt, when the prospect of the late unhappy American war obliged me to return to the duties of my office. As he travelled from other motives than a blind regard to fashion, and with nobler views than of mere amusement, he resolved to accompany me whithersoever the regiment should be destined; and to be a witness for some time, to the hardships and delights of a military life.

"His father, ever anxious to contribute to the happiness of his son, embraced the proposal with joy; for to whom, with more safety, could he think to commit his son? I myself, alas! was fond enough to imagine that my experience might be of some little service to the youth, to direct his curiosity to objects of importance, and to regulate his conduct by the laws of equity and honour.

"Accordingly I accepted the charge without hesitation; and in a few days we set off for the metropolis. The parting scene was indeed highly pathetic. It was marked with strong lines of paternal and filial affection; but the traits of virtuous love were most conspicuous. Imagine to yourself, sir, a heart warm with sensibility-overflowing with affection-eager with solicitude actuated by the most delicate impressions of female tendernessanxiously mustering up in imagination every possible scene of futurity, and earnestly recommending to a favoured lover, regard to his safety, and circuinspection in the hour of danger. On the other hand, behold a youth of noble principles and generous soul, almost overcome by the fond endearments and animated beauty of the fair, promising

every attention which honour would allow, and such unexampled tenderness deserved. The kiss of affection, mingled with abundant tears, sealed their mutual protestations of inviolable love, and a warm embrace concluded the moving scene,

"We had not been long in London, when one of that infernal tribe, who are continually prowling around the abodes of the innocent, and digging the pit of destruction for the unsuspicious and unwary, chanced to set his eye upon Henry, at a place of public amusement. He knew him to be young, open, generous, untutored in the ways of the world; a friend to virtue, and easily imposed upon by specious pretences; unsuspecting of deceit, credulous of every appearance of honour; and, what doubtless was his principal inducement, possessed of an affluent fortune. Such a character he saw was the proper subject whereon to exercise his diabolical talents; and he marked him out accordingly. The snare was laid with profound address and ingenuity; and its execution was conducted with the greatest circumspection.

"Having pointed out Henry, and communicated his remarks to a fellow sharper of the same gang; after conference, it was agreed that the latter should attack Henry as he returned to his lodgings, while the former accidentally appearing, should espouse his cause. His motions, accordingly, were strictly watched during his stay in the house, and he had not proceeded far on his way home, when he was desperately beset by two ruffians, who not only demanded his money, but even threatened his life." "Their demand he soon satisfied. by delivering

up his purse, containing fifty guineas; but their insulting violence he resolved to answer with his sword. After maintaining for some time a very unequal fight, wherein he received several wounds, Richard (for that was the name of the sharper first

mentioned), came up, and pretending to interest himself in the cause of justice, interfered in his behalf. By him the combat was continued, till he contrived to receive a slight scratch from one of his companions, when the robbers were obliged to desist, and consult their safety by a speedy flight.

"Henry was in no condition to decline the offer of the stranger, who insisted upon conducting him home. A surgeon was immediately called, who pronounced the wounds not to be dangerous; and that time and quiet, with proper care and attention, would produce a perfect recovery.

"The sharper was assiduous in his attentions, and every day made personal enquiries about Henry's amendment; of whose happiness he seemed to be so solicitous from his very heart. Influenced by his engaging behaviour and polite mien, I soon felt myself attached to him; and, indeed, his remarks were so judicious, his sentiments so generous, and his conversation so elegant and refined, that I am convinced some earlier period had beheld him in a more respectable rank of life.

"Henry's first care, upon his recovery, was to write to pour out his soul to his beloved Maria; his next to pay the debt of gratitude to his benefactor. By him he was received in a handsome apartment, where every thing bespoke the independence of the owner; for the money seized on that unhappy night, had enabled them to procure every requisite to support his pretensions.

"A young lady soon after entered the room, the elegant simplicity of whose dress and manner, seemed an indication of the unaffected purity and genuine candour of her soul. Upon being introduced to Henry, as the sister of his friend, she re ceived his salute with that degree of modesty which adds grace to the female charms; and said, "that she would always rejoice in the welfare of one who

was so dear to her brother." Happy! had he never beheld that alluring countenance: had he never feit the influence of those meretricious charms! But let us not arraign the will of heaven, nor, by our untimely reproaches, insult the memory of those whose misfortunes are no more. The conversation soon became delightful and instructive; it was refined by the delicacy of virtue, and animated by the warmth of friendship. Their penetration quickly discovered the generous ardour of Henry's soul; consequently, benevolence, friendship, sympathy and love were the varied topics of discourse; and these were descanted upon with all the rapture of sensibility and enthusiasm. This was pouring oil into Henry's glowing bosom; he caught a new portion of celestial fire; he imagined himself in the temple of virtue; and, in the mien and accents of the young lady, he fancied he could trace the signatures of the goddess of wisdom. In such society he expected nothing but confidence, candour, and sincerity.

"If Henry had a failing, it was a want of prudent circumspection aud wary distrust-a failing certainly of all others the most pardonable, since it is always the concomitant of honor and feeling. In the fulness of his heart, he unbosomed himself to them as to the companions of his former years, or to his father's friends; without reserve cominuni. cated his past history, explained his present connections, and displayed his future views. Watching this opportunity, when Henry mentioned his native country-" Sir" exclaimed Richard, " we are united by a still closer tie; the same mountains gave us birth, and, I hope, we shall revisit them pure as the air, and bold as our ancestors." The right hand of friendship," cried Henry, “shall still be extended to a native of those mountains--no son of Scotia ever possessed an ignominious soul."

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