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as briefly as I could, that I was an orphan; had spent the greater part of my life in France; and now, for the first time in my remembrance, was going to see my guardian; though I confess I felt some shame to own, in answer to his friendly inquiries, that I was not even acquainted with that guardian's name. The delicacy with which he treated the subject, and his almost immediately changing it, while it impressed me with respect for his character, raised in my mind a suspicion that at once covered my face with blushes, and made me involuntarily shrink within myself.Alás! thought I, this generous man undoubtedly supposes me the offspring of some illegitimate commerce; for honor and truth need no disguise or concealment. This reflection overpowered me; but my protector, unacquainted with the real cause of my emotion, attributed it to the fright I had sustained, and endeavoured all in his power to soothe me. Oh, Madam! how kind, how consolatory were his expressions; at once breathing piety, humanity, and kindness: I could have listened to him for ever.

Our discourse was interrupted by the postboy, who stopped to inform us he found it impossible to make the horses proceed, as they were much fatigued, and intreated us to change at an inn about a quarter of a mile distant. The stranger consented, and we reached the place. On my

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getting out of the chaise, I found myself unable to walk, and relapsed into a second fainting: my generous protector immediately ordered me to lose some blood, and to be put to bed; assuring me that he would go to Dover, and inform the lady I left there, of what had happened; and that he would then return, and bid me farewel.

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"Alas! this was our final parting; never since have I seen him. Great as were my obligations, a something beyond even that endeared him to me. Perhaps my own heart, rent with painful feelings, sympathised with one whose sensibility seemed yet greater than my own." Mrs. Rivers interrupted Louisa, by asking the age of the stranger. "He appeared," replied she, nearly as I could judge, about the age of forty; but perhaps the pensive melancholy of his countenance had marked him with more years than he had numbered.-Methinks I could even now deli→ neate every feature in his manly countenance, his dark expressive eyes, his bright brown locks lightly sprinkled with grey, and the indented furrows of sorrow, rather than time, on his open forehead..

-Pardon me, Madam," continued she, "I am straying from my narrative; yet when you recollect from what a fate this excellent man saved me, you will excuse the overflow of a grateful heart.

"A few hours after, Mrs. Masters arrived, breathing bitter wishes against her former favo

rite; though I sincerely believe she found his inconstancy to herself more heinous than any other fault. To make me,' said she, a convenience, a blind! sure never was any thing so provoking: had I been old or ugly, I could have pardoned it; and, fool like, I have told him your guardian's name; so I suppose we shall be plagued with him there.'

"I knew it was in vain to reproach her with imprudence, and only asked where was the generous man to whom I was so much obliged? 'Where is he!' said she: 'why, gone about his business, to be sure. I think we have had enough of male companions: I will take care no more shall be with us: he was very inquisitive, and would fain have bid you farewel; but I thanked him for his trouble, and made an excuse for seeing him any more.'

"Merciful God! is this the way you return thanks for such obligations in this country? Would to Heaven I had remained in that peaceful spot where I passed my infant years! Short as my abode with the world has been, I have been obliged to treat the man I detested with respect, and him to whom I owe more than life, with ingratitude.'

"Had you informed me, Miss,' returned she, 'that

you had any reason to dislike Mr. Danvers, all this might have been prevented.'

True, Madam; but your want of confidence in me must excuse mine; as you trusted Mr. Danvers with what you did not deign to inform me, the name and family of my guardian.' Whether she saw her imprudence in its proper colors, I do not know; but she made no answer. "The next morning we set off, but made no stay when we reached London; which made me conjecture, that her original design of staying a night there, was in compliment to her fallen favorite.

"As we advanced on our road to the north, she grew more communicative, and said, had she not foolishly told Danvers my guardian's title, who, she now informed me, was the Earl of Danford, she would not have mentioned the runaway scheme; but as, in all probability, Danvers would apply to him, it would be better the secret came from us. As she seemed more kind to me than usual, I was careful not to appear as if I thought this caution was for her own sake; but entreated her, now I was in my own country, to inform me if my parents had any relations to whom I might pay my duty. 'Your mother,' said she, 'died soon after you was born; and for relations, regard Lord Danford as the nearest you possess; but be careful not to let him think you know it; as it would be of no service to you, and ruin me for betraying the trust reposed in me.'

"I thanked her, and promised the most pro

found secresy. Though my eyes were ready to overflow, I constrained my tears till I had a mo÷ ment alone; then, throwing myself on my knees, Alas! exclaimed I, my suspicions are then veri fied.-Almighty Father, protect an innocent child whom a parent blushes to own! for surely that is the secret so carefully concealed. Alas! I knew I was a child of sorrow; but I am also one of shame! My unhappy mother, too, paid dear for the fatal transgression: had she been spared, we would have wandered from a censorious world, where the duty of the child that marked her fall should have brought peace and comfort to her declining years.'

"The servant of the inn informed me the chaise waited; and I immediately joined Mrs. Masters, who observed I had been weeping, and desired me to leave off those vapourish humours; for,' continued she, 'Lord Danford is such an enemy to melancholy, that if he only finds himself inclined to think, he immediately dissipates it by company or wine.' Alas!' returned. I, the time will come, when even those will be of no avail.'-'Oh, child!' exclaimed she, interrupting me, a truce with your morality, I conjure you; we are all as good as we can.'

"We travelled post four days, at the end of which time we reached Danford-castle. In driving up the avenue, it is impossible to paint the