I had so well sustained my part with my pen, in writing to Sir Murdoch, that I had produced a cheerfulness on the pensive brow of his wife; and she detained me with her, until it was too late to finish my letter to you. I therefore continued to read and chat with my friend till near the dining hour. The appearance of Doctor Douglass was nothing new; but we were equally struck with his manner and countenance; and her ladyship, with alarm, asked him, whether Lucretia was worse. “No,” replied he, with visible distress, “there is no material change; but she has asked for you.” Lady Maclairn immediately quitted us to go to her sister’s room. “She is dying,” observed I, “you think so, I am certain; why do you flatter Lady Maclairn with hopes?” “Poor creature!” answered he, “I wish she had only this shock to support, there would then be little to justify my fears for her; but I am a coward, Miss Cowley, and you must assist me, and yet I tremble even in soliciting your aid; for these exertions can do you no good.” “Never think of me,” said I eagerly. “What are the dreadful tidings you bring?” “That a sinner is departed,” answered he with solemnity; “that Lady Maclairn has no longer a brother. Let me conduct you to your apartment,” continued he, seeing me pale and trembling, “I must consult you; and we shall be interrupted here.” I made no reply; but yielded to his assistance. A burst of tears relieved me. “Wherefore is it,” observed poor Douglass, with compassion, “that you seem destined, by Providence, to be the support of this unfortunate family; and, by the continual exertions of your fortitude and humanity, thus to diminish your own comforts and weaken your health?” I admire you, and I reverence your Mrs. Hardcastle; but your strength of mind is uncommon! “Try it,” replied I, “let me hear the whole of this dreadful affair; it cannot be worse than I apprehend.” “Nor is it better,” answered he; “and we have to guard against surprises. It must be discovered. The public papers will have the intelligence, and Lady Maclairn must be prepared; are you equal to the task?” “I trust I am,” answered I, “otherwise my strength of mind is no virtue.” He grasped my hand, and said some words, expressive of his approbation, then proceeded to inform me, that Captain Flint had found on his table the preceding evening, on returning from his sister’s, the packet which he now produced. “I was sent for,” added the doctor, “and we passed nearly the whole night in reading the contents, and consulting the best means of communicating them to Lady Maclairn. The captain declared he was unable to do it; and thought himself peculiarly disqualified for the office, it being no secret, that he despised the man, and was not surprised at his end.” “I have no heart on such occasions,” continued Douglass, rising and pacing the room. “I have a trick of looking beyond “this diurnal sphere,” and I hate to announce the death of the wicked. There are the letters; I will leave you for an