"Your generosity, my good Sir," returned the lady, "demands our confidence; and I will inform you as much as she knows herself of her own history."

She then related what the reader already knows; concluding with assuring him, nothing could give her higher satisfaction than seeing Louisa the wife of her son.

Mr. Belmont listened to the lady with the deepest attention, nor once interrupted her; though compassion and horror had alternately marked his features during the recital.

"I had firmly determined to quit London tomorrow," said he, "but own I should be glad to see your amiable charge relieved from her doubts. I have some little acquaintance with Lord Danford; and, with your permission, will use my interest to obtain the secret. The alliance with your son he cannot object to, being so highly advantageous. Other motives he will be ashamed to own. I think he will be in town in a short time; which I will wait with pleasure, if I can render any service to one so very deserving."

Lady Melville accepted Mr. Belmont's offer with thanks; for the benevolence which animated his whole conduct, set suspicion at defiance, and made the lady happy at having found a person whom she had no doubt would execute his commission with honor and integrity."

Our young friends returned home, and retired to dress. While they were thus employed, Lord Melville's servant delivered him the following:

"MY LORD,

"I had the mortification, about two hours since, of seeing you in the park with Miss Villars; so lost in the happiness of your situation, that I passed unobserved. As I don't feel my affection for that lady the least diminished, I am determined to give up my pretensions only with my life. What time and place you may think convenient, should be glad to be informed by the bearer.

The affront Louisa had received from Danvers had long rankled in Lord Melville's heart, but --fearful of alarming his friends, and unwilling to leave Louisa till securely his own, he had deferred his revenge. The knowledge that Danvers was in town, and the reflection that new attempts might be made against Louisa awakened his smothered rage, and snatching up a pen, he immediately returned the following answer:

"SIR,

"Indispensable obligations kept me in the country, or before this I should have had the honor of meeting you. At six, to-morrow morning, behind Montague-house, we may settle the difference.

The company met at dinner; after which Lord Melville found an opportunity to acquaint his friend Castlebrook with what had passed, and desired him to accompany him in the morning. He then ordered his carriage, and went to his attorney, whom he obliged to make his will; bequeathing his ready money, to the amount of forty thousand pounds, to Louisa; the estate wholly descending to his sister, in case of his death without heirs. point settled, he returned home perfectly satisfied; and the evening passed cheerfully on every part but Mr. Belmont's, whose extreme gravity nothing could relax.

This

CHAPTER XVIII.

A DUEL.

-How many bleed,

By shameful variance betwixt man and man!

THOMSON'S SEASONS.

LORD Melville was not unmindful of his appointment; and before the time, attended by his friend, repaired to the rendezvous, where he was soon joined by his adversary, who was likewise accompanied. The gentlemen moved their hats to each other. "I am extremely sorry, my Lord," said Mr. Danvers, "to be forced to this step, with a man I ever esteemed my friend; but you knew I had made the offer of my hand and fortune to Miss Villars, before you ever addressed her."

"Excuses, Sir," said Lord Melville coolly, "are needless: indeed, none can palliate your conduct; therefore, deeds are better than words." So saying, he received his pistols from Lord Castlebrook. His antagonist was not backward in following his example; and each discharged without effect. Danvers fired his second with as little success; but Lord Melville, throwing his

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a distance from him, drew his sword, and called on Danvers to do the same: "Come on, Sir," said he; "I will not take the advantage my remaining pistol gives me; I fight for innocence and virtue -at any weapon, I am sure to conquer."

Mr. Danvers was not twice desired; and for some minutes they fought as men who determined to lose or take a life. At length, fortune, who' appeared to have held the scale impartially during the combat, for they had given wound for wound, seemed to incline for Lord Melville; and he disarmed his antagonist.

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"Take your life, Sir," said he, restoring Danvers's sword; " for the present, we have both enough hereafter, if you are not satisfied, I am to be found.”—“I have enough, indeed," returned Danvers; Miss Villars with me will be soon forgotten." As he spoke, he staggered; and, had not his friend caught him, must have fallen to the ground. Lord Castlebrook no sooner saw the combat ended, than he flew for a surgeon he had ordered to wait in a coach at some distance: he immediately applied something to stop the effusion of blood: after which, they were taken to his house, to have their wounds properly dressed; and which, on examination, were found equally dangerous. Mr. Danvers was immediately put to bed, but Lord Melville peremptorily refused. "My absence," said he, "will alarm my friends more