refrained from noticing it, lest the conversation, which my so doing would inevitably lead to, should transgress the bounds prescribed by the doctor. Our interview, thus restricted, was brief, and unsatisfactory to both parties; but before I quitted the room, as I affectionately kissed her cheek-a salute which she received, but condescended not to return-I could not forbear whispering that I had no doubt of being able to convince her that my conduct had been shamefully misrepresented, whenever she should be sufficiently recovered to listen to my vindication. Tears filled her eyes as she shook her head doubtingly, but I was delighted to find that she could not refrain from giving the hand that had taken hers a half-reluctant pressure, when Drench, who was narrowly watching us, suspecting that we were infringing upon the terms on which he had allowed my introduction to the sick room, broke in abruptly, and put an end to the conference by hurrying me along with him down stairs. Impatient and anxious as I naturally was to ascertain the specific nature of the faults laid to my charge, I was compelled for the present to repress my curiosity, as Mrs Stafford had not communicated the contents of the letter she had received to any one, although, from the language which had unwittingly escaped her, no one entertained the slightest doubt that it contained some story of my delinquency or disgrace. She had never parted with it, but, as I learned on enquiry from Miss Kitty, it still rested beneath her pillow, from which situation she had directed that it should not be removed.

On the following morning I rose early, and heard with delight that she had passed a much more tranquil night than she had hitherto done since her seizure; but my request to be admitted to see her was met by a decided negative from herself, until I should have perused a letter which she had commissioned Miss Pyefinch to deliver to me. The appearance of the packet, which was enclosed in a sealed envelope, and addressed to me in her own handwriting, satisfied me that it contained the mischievous epistle which had occasioned her illness. I was not mistaken; the letter was, moreover, as I had rightly

anticipated, from Lord Manningham, and ran as follows:

"My dear Sister,-It is with no common feelings that I address you upon a subject as painful to me as I know it will be distressing to yourself; nor is it without the greatest reluctance that I find myself compelled to inflict upon a parent's heart so severe a wound as that which cannot but be caused by the story of the disgraceful conduct of a son. When I add that my own hopes are blighted, and the long cherished project nearest my heart is by the same conduct frustrated and destroyed, I need scarcely say that my grief and disappointment are scarcely inferior to your own. From that fatal moment when my Amelia became the sole object left on which I could bestow my parental affection, it was my most fervent wish that the son of my la mented Charles might be the instrument to bestow upon her that happiness which I would not allow myself to doubt he would be found worthy to share; and I had pictured to myself the pleasing prospect of witnessing their happiness, and growing old amidst the children of two beings the nearest and dearest to me in the world; judge then of my disappointment when I find myself compelled to renounce this first object of my hopes and prayers, while the painful conviction is forced upon me, that to secure the happiness of my child I must seek in some other family for that worth, integrity, and honour which I had fondly flattered myself I should have discovered in my own.

"On my arrival in this country I addressed, as you cannot but remember, a letter to yourself, in which I

If,

candidly stated my wishes, and was highly gratified to find that yours so entirely coincided with them. on the subsequent visit of my nephew, I was not so much struck with the graces of his person as from your truly maternal description I had expected to be, mere personal advantages, though I would not be thought to undervalue them, weigh so little with me, that, had his mental qualifications but stood the test, I could gladly have compounded for a much smaller share of external graces than a mother's partiality

would naturally invest him with. But this I lament to say has not been the case. At their first interview in Grosvenor Square, I perceived that my daughter and my nephew were by no means such absolute strangers to each other as I had imagined; though I am fully persuaded that Amelia at least was not aware of their affinity, when chance threw them into each other's company at one of the theatres. It was not without considerable surprise as well as displeasure, I now learned that during the time which on my first arrival I had inevitably dedicated to the discharge of official duties, my daughter, weary of a solitude to which she was unaccustomed, and dotingly fond of music, had prevailed upon Wilkinson, whose fondness I verily believe could deny her nothing, to take advantage of my unavoidable absence at the Colonial office, and to accompany her to hear an oratorio incog. This mad-brained plan a sister of the latter, who resides somewhere about St James's, enabled her to execute, without even my servants suspecting that they had any thing in view beyond a visit to Mrs Morgan. On this occasion, it seems, Amelia first encountered her cousin, who then received, as he asserted, so strong an impression as to be absolutely overwhelmed with joy, when, on calling to present your introductory letter, he discovered his unknown charmer in his cousin. Of the truth of this his statement, how ever, I could not help having my doubts, and was indeed soon convinced that, prior to his presenting himself at my house, he was perfect ly aware of her identity with the lady he had so casually encountered. This little piece of disingenuousness certainly did not tend to raise him in my estimation; still, though far from pleased with any part of the transaction, I saw nothing absolutely wrong in the thoughtless frolic, and was more disposed to blame Wilkinson than any body else, as she ought to have known better than to indulge Amelia in such a freak. The second day of his arrival I had resolved to dedicate to the study of my young relative's character, and, aware that the real disposition is usually most apt to exhibit itself in society, invited a few friends whose refined man

The

ners and enlightened conversation were calculated to draw forth any hidden resources of intellect, natural or acquired, which diffidence in the probationer, or lack of opportunity from the absence of mental collision, might suffer to remain concealed. Heartily did I repent the experiment, and deeply indeed did I blush for my protégé, on hearing him noisily and rudely interrupt every subject broached, by boisterous and vulgar jokes, which increased in frequency and coarseness as the inebriety, into which he was fast plunging, became more conspicuous. My interference, when I was at last compelled to employ it, he seemed much inclined to set at defiance; and it was with difficulty that I could prevent his exhibiting himself in so disgraceful a condition to my daughter. I will not enlarge upon the mortification I experienced at having it witnessed by my friends. following morning or rather noon, for till that hour did the effects of the orgies of the preceding evening confine him to his chamber-I requested his attendance in my study, and remonstrating with him on his behaviour, forcibly perhaps, but, I trust, without harshness, I stated at the same time most unequivocally my resolution never to bestow my daughter on a drunkard. He apologized with a very bad grace, and with much more, as I thought, of sullenness than penitence, when I left him alone with Amelia, while I acquitted myself of an indispensable engagement. I will not, my dearest sister, unnecessarily aggravate your distress by dwelling on the faults and follies which every succeeding hour developed during the whole of his short visit; it will be sufficient to inform you, that rightly conjecturing, as I imagine, from the disapprobation which I now strongly and repeatedly expressed of his conduct, that my intentions in his favour had undergone material alteration, he endeavoured to ascertain whether Amelia might not prove more accessible, and not only strove to prevail on her to consent to an elopement, but on her indignant refusal, actually formed a plan, as silly in conception as atrocious in design, for carrying her off to Scotland, with or without her inclination".

I had read thus far in my uncle's long epistle, with much such sensations as a man experiences when, half-awakened from a confused and heterogeneous dream, he feels his faculties bewildered with the strange images yet before his eyes, and is scarcely conscious even of his own identity but if thus far the letter were calculated to amaze and confound, the remainder was even still more inexplicable. Lord Manningham proceeded thus:

"In pursuance of this ridiculous scheme, he induced her to accompany him for a short drive in a curricle which I had placed at his disposal, attended only by a single groom newly taken into my service; this man he had, for pecuniary considerations no doubt, contrived to attach to his interests. They took the North road, but it was not till some time after they had surmounted Highgate hill that my daughter entertained any suspicion of his intention. His declining to comply with her request that he would return, and the sudden absence of the servant who, on some trivial pretence, had ridden forward, now first insinuated into her mind an apprehension of treachery. By no means intimidated, however, and finding all resistance for the present useless, she remained perfectly passive, and quiet ly listened to the strange farrago of nonsense with which her companion now thought proper to entertain her. His vows and protestations, &c. were couched in the highest style of the mock heroic; he attributed his conduct to the overwhelming force of his affection, and his despair of securing my consent to their immediate union, adding that the violence of his passion would brook no long delay, and expressing his confidence that, their marriage once completed, my forgiveness of this rash step would be the almost immediate consequence. With these and similar rhapsodies, alternately threatening and entreating, he conveyed her as far as St Albans, where at the inn door she perceived James, the servant who had preceded them, in conversation with a couple of postboys, who stood ready to mount their horses, four of which were harnessed to a hack chaise. Mr StafFord assisted my Amelia to alight,

and was preparing to accompany her into the house, when his intention was apparently altered by some communication which his worthy coadjutor whispered in his ear, and he led the way directly to the chaise, the door of which he in an authoritative tone commanded the drivers to open. But secret as James's hint was intended to be, a sound most grateful to her ear had caught the attention of Amelia, and the words

Captain Fortescue in the house," distinctly heard, in spite of the lowered voice in which they were pronounced, decided her mode of proceeding. Suddenly disengaging her arm from that of her would-be bridegroom, she darted into the passage, calling aloud on the name of him who would, as she well knew, prove both an efficient and respectable protector. Her appeal was not unheard; a door opened, and the dear friend who, but for an event too mournful for me to do more than allude to, would have been connected with us by the closest ties, sprang forward to save the sister of her who, even in her grave, still maintains an undivided empire over him. It is needless to say, that the protection Amelia claimed from one of her oldest favourites was unhesitatingly granted, and that Fortescue hastened out to confront the author of this ridiculous abduction, but the latter had no doubt witnessed the recognition, and, finding the game was up, disappeared with his rascally abettor in the chaise they had destined for a different purpose. When my friend reached the street, the vehicle was nearly out of sight on the road back to London. Amelia's nerves are fortunately pretty strong; though astonished at the folly, and vexed at the persevering effrontery of her cousin in this precious scheme, she had never for one instant entertained any alarm, nor doubted its ultimate failure; any little hurry of spirits, therefore, she might experience, ought perhaps to be attributed as much to her unexpected meeting with Eustace as to the strange occurrence which produced their rencontre. Such, at least, she assures me, is the case, and adds, that her forced march had by no means spoiled her appetite, so that, after partaking of a pretty substantial luncheon

while my horses were taking their bait, she accompanied Fortescue back in the abandoned curricle. Fortunately I had been detained unusually late at a diplomatic meeting, and the anxiety I underwent on my return home, at discovering Amelia's absence, was of no long duration. Neither of the actors in this blessed stratagem have as yet thought proper to make their appearance here, nor do I think it likely that they will, as James's clothes, &c. have, I find, been for some days past removed from the house, a fact which convinces me that the plan was not adopted hastily, or without reflection. Indeed, from part of a conversation I had overheard between them as I entered Mr Stafford's room on the morning after his debauch, I feel satisfied that your son had, at a very early period, meditated the securing himself an interest among the domestics; the door, on that occasion, was ajar, and as I approached, I had distinctly heard him offering money to the servant in attendance on him, whom I now recollect to have been this very James, though what his object was I could not then distinguish. The impression upon my mind at the time was, that he was endeavouring to purchase silence as to the extent of his intoxication; I now think differently, and am persuaded that he was even then tampering with his fidelity, in the hope of securing so trustworthy an aide-de-camp. This, my dearest sister, is the unpleasant intelligence I have been compelled to communicate; and I trust that in relinquishing, as I now reluctantly do, all hope of a still nearer connexion being formed between us, you will do me the justice to believe, that necessity alone dictates my resolution, and prevents my risking the temporal, perhaps the eternal, interests of my only child, upon the precarious tenure of the affection of a young man, who, if, as I would hope may be the case, his heart be not utterly depraved, is yet so loose and unsettled in his principles, as to render futile all hopes of his alliance being conducive to the happiness of either party. As the son of my dear Charles, and the future-I much fear, unworthy-representative of the family, should he

VOL, XXXVI. NO. CCXXIV.

hereafter become convinced of his errors, and, as added years bring added wisdom, endeavour to retrace his footsteps in the deplorable path which he seems to be now treading, my countenance, influence, and purse, shall not be wanting to forward his views, and to secure him a reception in society befitting his birth, and the rank he may be destined to fill; as a son-in-law I never can receive him. I will not add to the length of a letter, already so prolix, by any farther expressions of regret for the line of conduct I am compelled to adopt, nor outrage your maternal feelings by attempting to offer a consolation, which time, and the amended manners of your son, can alone bestow. Your heart, I doubt not, will be wrung by this narrative; believe me, mine is scarcely less so. Judge of my feelings by your own.

"I enclose a ring which Mr Stafford forced upon my daughter's finger during his courtship-if such it may be called—and which, as he informed her, contains a lock of his own hair. Adieu, my dear sister, and, deeply as I may lament this unfortunate termination to our mutual hopes, believe that I shall ever entertain towards yourself the strongest sentiments of sympathy and regard, and continue to be your affectionate brother,

"MANNINGHAM.”

Some time elapsed after the perusal of this extraordinary letter, ere I could arrange my ideas sufficiently to form any thing like an opinion upon its contents. I almost doubted if I were awake, the whole affair seemed so like an unpleasant dream. Had I indeed been guilty of the absurd and ridiculous conduct imputed to me? Reason and reflection told me the contrary. Was the whole story then an invention of Lord Manningham? His rank, his character, his well-known probity and honour, forbade the supposition. Had he been imposed upon by some rascally swindler, assuming my name to defraud him of his daughter and her rich inheritance? It was difficult to believe that human audacity could soar to such a pitch, and yet this seemed the only rational solution to the mysteries which beset me on all

H

sides. The recollection of my mother's letter too, of that letter so unaccountably lost and never recovered, seemed to give a colour to this mode of accounting for the occurrences said to have taken place; and a thousand times did I curse my own carelessness which alone could have put it in the power of any individual, however crafty, to carry on so impudent an imposition. The more I revolved the matter in my mind, after reading the letter carefully over again, the more convinced I became that this was indeed the fact, and my thoughts naturally began to turn on the perpetrator. Who could he be? Some one well versed in our family history, beyond all question, or he would at once have stood detected; then, too, the circumstance of his having been at the oratorio—— Nicholas!-it was, it could be no other than that infernal Nicholas who had played me this abominable prank. His well-known propensity to mischief, the comparative ease with which he might have succeeded in purloining my credentials, the confidence I had reposed in him as to my object in returning to London, all combined to fix him as the author of another of his "jolly good hoaxes." But then again there were difficulties, and those, too, apparently insurmountable, in the way of considering him as my pseudo-representative; one, of no ordinary magnitude, had that very morning made its appearance in the shape of a letter from Sir Oliver Bullwinkle. In it the Baronet informed us, that on his arrival at Oxford he had found his son slowly recovering from a fit of illness, which precluded the possibility of his having been in London on the evening he had suspected, and declared that he would never trust to the evidence of his own eyes again. He mentioned his intention of delaying his return for a few days longer on Nicholas's account, as he meant to bring him down with him to the Hall, as soon as he should be able to stand the journey; he said, too, that he should call on Lord Manningham in his way. This letter, which was almost as long, though not quite so pithy, as the Viscount's, had manifestly cost Sir Oliver no trifling pains in the manufacturing; it was addressed to my mother, and contained the whole of his eventful

history from the period of his quitting Underdown; but as Drench had strongly insisted on the necessity of keeping his patient perfectly undisturbed, I had taken a liberty which I knew she would pardon, and broken open the well-known" fetterlocks" which identified her correspondent. My first impression was to write to my noble uncle immediately, but, on more mature reflection, as Sir Oliver and Nicholas were so soon to be at Underdown, I determined to delay my communication until I should be able to ascertain whether my hopeful cousin was or was not the happy contriver of this precious piece of knavery. Nor did I fancy that it would be a very hard task to put this beyond dispute, when once the object of my suspicions should favour me with an interview.

While I was yet balancing the pros and cons of the measure, another billet was put into my hands by Jennings, signed "Edward Maberly, Captain *** regiment," requesting an interview, that he might acquit himself of a commission of some delicacy, with which he was charged by a brother officer. Wondering what on earth Captain Maberly, whose name I merely knew as that of a young officer in a corps quartered in the neighbourhood, could possibly have in common with myself, the thought suddenly occurred to me that his business might relate to my eccentric fellow-traveller, about whom I had felt so strong an interest, till he and his concerns were totally driven out of my head by the succession of unpleasant surprises I had since experienced. Of course I gave directions that the "gallant officer," as the phrase goes, should be admitted immediately.

The Captain, a gentlemanly, soldier-like man, whose air and manner evinced that he moved in the best society, while a scarcely perceptible touch of "the brogue," betrayed that he had drawn his first breath in the sister island, was ushered into the room, and received my compliment with the unembarrassed ease of a man of the world. Jennings, who, as I fancied, surveyed the stranger with looks that betokened more of curi osity than he was in the habit of displaying, placed chairs and with