This angelic girl, (for as such she is represented to me) now lives with Mrs. Jennings at Denbigh, who has the care of her education, and on whom my father has settled an annuity for that purpose. I have bequeathed to Amelia Jones two thousand pounds by will, which is the only sum I can at present call my own; but if, by the will of providence, your grandfather should be suddenly taken off before I die, whatever I may in that case inherit from him I shall leave entirely to you, and recommend this interesting relict of my lamented friend to your bounty and protection. And now before I reveal to you the wish, that lies deepest at my heart, let me furnish you with the means of being known to her. This case contains a miniature of her father in enamel, admirably painted, and on the reverse of it under a crystal there is a lock of his hair. Dear as this relic has been, and still is, to me, alas! I never more must look upon it, I could not bear it, and must now endeavour to employ my thoughts in other meditations; take it, my son, and as your gift present it to Amelia; she will thank you; and if her gentle character should gain an early interest in your youthful heart, think of your wretched mother, and resolve against the fatal sacrifice, that I have made to fortune and connections: what are they, if your choice goes not with them? what but misery, entailed upon you by the base surrender of your own natural rights? Ah! my poor child, could I but cherish a consoling hope, that you will summon courage to assert those natural rights, and resolutely shun the torrent of those sordid importunities, that will assail you, I could die in peace. Live then, replied our hero, live, my mother, in that confirmed assurance, and believe nothing can shake my fixt determination to follow my free choice in that event, which must decide my happiness for life. Fortune I do not want, and for that idle pride, which pedigree entails on some, who have no other merit, I despise it; all are my equals, who are not debased in character and conduct: as for Amelia Jones, (forgive me, madam) being my father’s son, and she the daughter of parents by their virtues ennobled, I look up to her as my superior; and when I have the happiness to present to her this valuable relic of her father, I can well believe my second visit will confirm the impression I received upon my first. What do you tell me? Have you visited and seen Amelia? I should have told you that before, but was afraid the circumstances, that produced that interview, might agitate and discompose your spirits. No, no, relate them. If Amelia gave the impression you describe, ’tis all I wish, ’tis all I pray for.