his being commissioned by the gentleman at Amsterdam, to be careful of his “_precious charge_,” and sometimes he translated passages from his letters expressive of the importance of my person, and his anxiety in not being in a state to attend me himself. I was now on crutches, and free from pain; and I was told that it was proper for me to proceed to Amsterdam. I decidedly refused, saying that I was determined to return to England; and he might inform his correspondent of my resolution, it being indispensibly necessary for my peace, to have news from thence. “I will furnish you with a newspaper,” said he gravely; “that will, I trust, make you change your mind; but it may not be amiss to prepare you for _news_ that will surprise you more than you are aware.” He began his narrative of the highway robbery charged on me, and finished by placing before me the article in the day’s paper, which, with a detail of the particulars, included a description of my person, situation, and even the initials of my name, and of the master with whom I served as clerk. You will judge, my Harriet, of the effect which this intelligence produced. I solemnly swore that no power on earth should prevent my immediately appearing and confronting the base and false accuser. “You know best,” replied Simons, “the proofs with which you can invalidate this man’s positive oath.” But I would advise you rather to secure such a condition of fortune, as will of itself, with nine hundred and ninety-nine out of a thousand, prove that you are slandered. “In a word,” continued he, with a serious air, “I have had my instructions from those, who will take care of your honour better than you are able to do yourself. Your parents are rich and powerful, and, trust me, more than _one_ will be called to a strict account for their conduct in regard to you.” I was still resolved on my measures; for my wife’s deplorable condition solely engaged me. “It is well, Sir,” observed he, with a tone of authority, “I shall proceed without you, and even if it be necessary to Cadiz, and inform your noble parents, that you preferred a _gibbet_ to them. But you are a simpleton, Duncan,” added he, with more kindness, “I know your motive for this headstrong folly. Will your appearance, and the charge which will be brought against you, lessen the distress of the girl you love?” I started. “I know more than you think of that business also,” continued he; “and I advise you to write to her, and instantly make your way to your parents. You will then be able to offer her the protection she needs.” I burst into tears, and reproached him with having stopped my letters. He vehemently denied the charge; adding, “that he pitied Miss Flamall, and was better pleased to serve her than to injure her.”