What, my dear, shall we say to this brother? Does he lay every-body that knows him under obli-gation? And is there no way to be even with him E e 2 in any one thing? I long to have some intimate conversation with Miss Grandison, by which I shall perhaps find out the art he has of making every — body proud of acknowledging an inferiority to him.

I almost wish I could, while I stay in town, devote half my time to this amiable family; without breaking in upon them so much as to be thought impertinent. The other half ought to be with my kind cousin Reeves’s. I never shall make them amends for the trouble I have given them.

How I long for Wednesday, to see all the family of the Grandisons — They are all to be there — On several accounts I long for that day: yet this Sir Har grave —

I have written, my dear, as usual, very unreserv-edly. I know that I lie more open than ever to my uncle’s observations. But if he will not allow for weakness of heart, of head, and for having been frighted out of my wits and cruelly used; and for further apprehensions; and for the sense I have of obligations that never can be returned; why then I must lie wholly at his mercy — But if he should find me to be ever so silly a creature, J hope he will not make his particular conclusions general in disfavour of the sex.

Adieu, my dear Lucy! — And in you, adieu all the dear and revered friends, benefactors, lovers, of your

HARRIET BYRON.

Letter XL.

Mrs. Selby to Miss Harriet Byron.

Selby-House, February 25.

My dearest Harriet.

Although we have long ago taken a resolution, never to dictate to your choice; yet. we could not excuse ourselves, if we did not acquaint you with any proposal that is made to us, on your account, that you might encourage it, or otherwise, as you thought fit.

The dowager Lady D. wrote me a letter some time ago (as you will see by the date): but insisted, that I should keep the contents a secret in my own bosom, till she gave me leave to reveal it. She has now given me that leave, and requested that I will propose the matter to you. I have since shewn what has passed between her ladyship and me, to your grandmamma, Mr. Selby, and Lucy. They are all silent upon it; for the same reasons, that I give you not my opinion; that is to say, till you ask it.

But do we not see, my dearest child, that some-thing has happened, within a very few days past, that must distance the hope of every one of your admirers, as they come to be acquainted with the circumstances and situation you are now in? My dear love, you will never be able to resist the impulses of that gratitude which always opened and expanded your worthy heart.