weeks. I have been settled in business about three years: my success has been equal to my expectations, and is increasing. My family is respectable, though not rich; and as to the disparity of our ages, a few years will not make any difference, where the affections are placed on so worthy an object. I can only say, madam, that I prefer you to all the young and fair whom I have seen; and if business continues to increase, I shall be greatly in want of one of your prudence to manage my domestic affairs. Be assured, madam, that the time I can spare on my return to the home to which your society can impart an unfading charm, will be longed for by me, and every endeavour used to make your life more agreeable and happy. As you have relations in London who are not entirely strangers to me, they will give you every necessary information concerning my character and circumstances. Let me entreat an early answer, which shall be acknowledged with the sincerest respect by your real admirer.

LETTER XLIV.

The Lady's Letter to her Brother, an Attorney in the Temple, relative to the subject.

My Dear Brother,-You know that in all affairs of importance I have constantly acted by your advice, as I am still determined to do; and therefore have sent you enclosed the copy of a letter addressed to me by a gentleman in London, with whom I have frequently been in company, and whose gentlemanly conduct, and apparent sincerity, have made upon me a deep impression. But I am unwilling to give a definite reply till your opinion has been expressed.

I am at least a dozen years older than him, and possibly love, contracted where there is such difference in the ages of the parties, may terminate in want of respect on on side, and jealousy on the other. But there

are so many anxious to form an alliance with me, of whom I see plainly that self-interest is the main motive, that union with one in whom I could repose confidence appears to promise a pleasing relief. I have likewise another reason for entering into the marriage state, and that is, I would choose, as I advance in years, to have a friend to whom I might at all times be able to open my mind with freedom, and who would treat me with esteem and affection. I have been a widow six years, and whatever others may say, I have found a single life attended with many inconveniences; my former experience of the happiness of wedded life was such, as to make me long for it again. But after all, I will be directed by you, as my only real friend to whom I can apply; if you think proper you may inquire, and when I hear from you, I will send him an answer.

I am your affectionate sister.

LETTER XLV.

The Brother's Answer.

Dear Sister, I am glad to hear of your prudence in not being over hasty in an affair of so great importance, and upon which your happiness or misery in this world will inevitably depend. I can sympathize with your aversion to remaining any longer in a state of widowhood, and it will give me great pleasure to promote your interest and happiness as far as I am able. I have inquired concerning Mr Morton, and every one gives him an excellent character. I have likewise conversed with him, and find he is a very sensible young man. As to your objection concerning disparity of age, I do not think this has any great weight; and upon the whole, I have but one reason against your union, and that is, that there is nothing more precarious than commerce, and the merchant who to-day has unlimited credit, may be to-morrow in the gazette. I do not urge

this in order to prevent your happiness, but only that, whilst you are free, you may take such measures as to secure a provision against the worst. He appears to me sincerely anxious to contribute to your happiness. Dear sister, I have candidly expressed my sentiments concerning this subject, but the best and most trustworthy adviser must be the promptings of your own heart. Your affectionate brother.

LETTER XLVI.

From the Lady, to Mr Morton.

Sir, I received your letter, and my reasons for delaying an answer was, that I desired first to consult my brother, whose opinion I had yesterday. I freely acknowledge that you are far from being disagreeable, and the advantages on your part with respect to accomplishments are, I think, superior to those on mine. Yet these are of minor importance when compared with what is absolutely necessary to make the marriage state happy; I mean, an union of minds. Neither of us have had many opportunities of conversing together, and when we had, you did not mention any thing of this. I have no objection against marrying, were I assured of being no worse than at present, but there are such a variety of unforeseen accidents daily happening in this world, and all conspiring together to promote dissensions in families, that we can never be too careful upon whom our choice is fixed. What I have seen of your behaviour and heard of your character, does not seem to me to present any ground for a decided refusal, but I must express a fear that you have been too precipitate in your choice; and although my person may have engaged your attention, yet I am afraid all those charms you so much extol, are not sufficient to keep your heart stedfastly attached. But I will hope the best, and believe your words to be spoken with the

the utmost sincerity; nor give my hand to any other but you. In the mean time, I shall be glad to hear that you continue your visits to my brother; you will find him one of the most excellent persons you ever conversed with, and much esteemed for his knowledge of his profession. I have now given you leave to write as often as you please, as I hope all your letters will be agreeable and as for the time fixed for any thing else, I shall leave it entirely to be settled by yourself and my brother, and am, dear sir, yours sincerely.

LETTER XLVII.

From a young Gentleman, in expectation of an estate from his penurious Uncle, to a young Lady of small For tune, desiring her to elope with him to Scotland. Dearest Maria,-My uncle's laying his injunctions

upon me to see you no more, has only served to add fuel

to my passion. I cannot live without

you, and if

you per

sist in refusing to

comply, I am miserable for ever. What is worldly obscurity, in com

parison of the affection of kindred hearts? I pay no regard to my uncle's threatenings, when put in competition with the love I have for you. Don't be afraid of poverty; if he should continue inexorable, I have still education sufficient to procure a respectable post in one of the public offices, where I may rise to preferment. Therefore, if ever you loved me, let me beg that you will not make me any longer unhappy. Let

me entreat you by all that's dear, that you will comply with my request, and meet me at six on Sunday evening, at the back door of the garden, where a chaise and four will be ready. I will fly on the wings of love to meet my charmer, and be happy in her embraces for ever. Nothing but death can ever part us, and your refusal will make me miserable through life.

Believe me, your ardent lover and admirer.

LETTER XLVIII.

The Lady's Answer.

Sir, Though thoroughly conscious in this act I make breach of those laws said to be laid down for lovers, especially such of our sex as would rather be celebrated for a romantic turn of mind, than for what is far more preferable, a prudent decorum, yet I cannot be persuaded but there may occur such a crisis, as may make it consistent with the strictest rules of honour and justice; which at least ought to outweigh whatever romance may have prescribed as the custom of lovers. That such a crisis now exists, your letter and former concurring testimonies make manifest. For I have too high an opinion of your integrity to doubt your truth; and believe me, I entertain no over-estimated ideas of my own merit. But from a thorough conviction that your prudence has been overcome by a fond dream of fancy, I have been induced to entreat your silence, nay, must conjure you to desist, ere it be to late, in the pursuit of a passion, that cannot but bring with it a train of inevitable misery, since it must be attended with the violation of your duty to that relation to whom you are bound to pay implicit obedience, by the ties of nature, gratitude, and heaven. I will not offend your delicacy in urging those of interest and dependency, though each consideration ought to have its prevalence, against makiry a sacrifice of it to an impetuous passion for one who