“The Duke of S——,” continued Mrs. Hardcastle, “finding that my Horace had enough of the good things of this world; and, well knowing, he had a recompense in store for himself in Heaven, contrived to be useful to Mr. Sedley, and by his _interest_, procured for him a valuable crown living; and with his _money_ secured to him the parish, of which his uncle is the pastor, and he still the curate.” “Such, Mr. Montrose,” added she, with seriousness, “is the present state and condition of those persons, in whose happiness you are so interested, and in whose sorrows, you have taken so lively a concern. If, as you say, the whole tissue of events before you have confirmed you in your belief of a retributive justice, it is well: as it is displayed in this scene of action, it may be useful to others; although I am of opinion, that not a day passes, that does not add to our conviction, that the sinner is taken in his own snare, and the virtuous kept from falling by a power beyond our finite reason. But as your intention and labour will have little aid from fiction, let your fidelity, as an historian, compensate for the absence of the marvellous. Do not omit to say, that Philip Flint and Malcolm Maclairn are brothers, whose hearts are not divided by the ocean which separates them. They live in hopes of being re-united; but Mr. Flint has inherited from his grandfather so strong a predilection in favour of the island of Jamaica, that it would not surprise me, if he remained there until he could man a ship with his own boys, and freight it with Sinclairs and Lindseys. I am not quite so solicitous on this subject, as Malcolm,” added she, “we are happy _now_ at Wenland place: besides, let us be content. I do not wish my deputy, your sister, to be deserted. She is kind and gentle to my numerous dependents; and _Lindsey_ is the _sweetener_ to the sugar he sends us. Heaven be praised,” continued she, “Cowley’s slaves are yet cherished as men, though unfortunate men! _But I hate the subject._” To these instructions I have paid due obedience; but I have passed some weeks at Farefield Hall since writing the above.