“It is no unpleasing nor unprofitable reflection, my good friend, to trace in my gleanings relative to this family, the pure and genuine love of justice with which the heart of man is endowed by his gracious Maker. Neither the wealth nor station of Miss Flint have been able to screen her from the odium of those about her. Percival Flint has more homage paid him than if lord of the manor-house; and with the stipend annexed to an invalid captain of marines, a wooden leg, and his niece Howard in his hand, confers an honour on every cottage he enters. The farmer, at whose house they live, has acquired an influence and authority in the parish beyond what his opulence would give him; ‘for every thing has prospered with Mr. Wilson from the hour he sheltered Mr. and Mrs. Howard.’ Such is the belief here. “To conclude. It appears that Mr. Philip Flint has been carefully educated, and is a young man of spirit. The usual comments on him finish with, ‘Aye he is too good for those to whom he belongs! they could not spoil him; but he will never be worthy to carry his brother Malcolm’s shoes.’ You will translate these expressions to this young man’s advantage, for they bespeak his worth. “Depend, however, on one thing as certain: Sir Murdock Maclairn is no fit instrument for cunning or baseness. His wife is an unoffending, depressed woman: I am told she is highly accomplished. Miss Howard is now I find with her aunt Miss Lucretia. The captain occasionally visits the hall. The baronet is regaining his health; and Malcolm is a second Æneas. Whatever be the result of your measures, recollect that Miss Cowley is within my reach; and prepare her to expect a steady and vigilant protector “In your sincere friend, “GEORGE WOODLEY.” CHAP III.