Finding myself somewhat the wiser for a few hours repose, I will profit by the unavoidable delay of my yesterday’s letter to add to its bulk, and to pour into your patient ear a larger portion of those thoughts which I know not what to do with till they are communicated to you. I shall therefore inform you, that I lost no time in giving Sir Murdock Maclairn a specimen of that damsel’s _temper_ whom it had cost him so many wearisome miles to seek. But I will be modest, and tell you also, that I had been spirited up to this undertaking by Counsellor Steadman; for as he has no son to beguile me of my heart, and is too old himself to wish for more of it than he has, he was determined, without consulting your father, to see whether I could fight my own battles. Thus prepared, I asked the courteous baronet, before my dear counsellor, when he meant to commence his journey to Tarefield. A solemn bow prefaced his reply.—“He was at my directions on that point.”—“Indeed,” answered I, smiling, “you surprise me! I suspect my new guardian has ill-chosen you for his substitute. I fancy he would not altogether approve of your complaisance to your _prisoner_.” He fixed his eyes on my face, but was silent. “I mean not to bribe you,” continued I, “for you appear too indulgent to need it; but I do wish to make our journey to Tarefield pleasant; and that cannot be unless we travel as good friends. By a will now substantiated as legal, and called _my father’s will_, Sir Murdock, I am committed to the controul of a man, who, till within, a few months, was a stranger to that parent I deplore, and to whose name and office was affixed a post at Mr. Cowley’s writing-desk. It ought not to surprise you, therefore, if I think it necessary to act with _caution_ under these circumstances. I am an entire stranger to Mr. Flamall’s character and principles; and yet I am ready to accept of your house, Sir Murdock, as an asylum proper for me. But, understand me: motives absolutely remote from Mr. Flamall’s power and authority over me, have induced me to give up a protection under which I have been safe and happy from my infancy. I trust to you _voluntarily_, for I believe you to be a man of honour. To Mr. Flamall I leave the provision he may judge necessary for his _master’s daughter_ whilst under your roof. If I am to give credit to my partial friends, I am not capricious; but I am very jealous of my independence. Lady Maclairn, as well as yourself, Sir Murdock, must be told that I have _decidedly and firmly refused the husband_ provided for me by my father’s will. I expect to be exempted from all importunities on the subject of Mr. Philip Flint. These would not only tend to make my residence with you unpleasant, but also short; for I shall without delay convince Mr. Flamall that Rachel Cowley’s person is not included in his _extraordinary_ trust. I have only to add, that I am ready to set out whenever you please, and shall with