grave, and that my peace and happiness were destroyed by their perfidy.” She spoke, and looked so like a fury, my dear Lucy, that I was absolutely silenced by dismay. “But let us change this topic,” continued she, softening her voice, “for one more agreeable to you, and less painful to myself. I think I need not say to Miss Cowley, that I acceded with joy to my dear brother’s prospects of an alliance with you. I must however observe that your worthy father, not only evinced his affection for you in his choice of Philip, but the prudence of a man solicitous for the prosperity of a rising family. On the score of merit and conduct, Philip needs not fear any competitor for your favour. His fortune will be ample and solid, for I consider myself as only his steward. Mr. Flamall’s proposal of your residing at the hall, was a matter I heartily concurred in; and in order to give Lady Maclairn more consequence in a family you have honoured by your presence, and to which you will belong, I resigned my authority in it, and became, like yourself, a boarder; paying at the rate of six hundred pounds per annum for the accommodations of myself and servants.”—I was going to speak, in order to spare her any further display of her consummate prudence, but she proceeded.—“I have said nothing of the person of your ‘_intended_,’” said she, with a most gracious smile. “This is his picture drawn when he was about eighteen.” She presented me a miniature of the young man, which to say the truth was strikingly handsome. “Nature has been liberal to your favourite,” observed I, examining the portrait. “He is much improved in his person,” said she with eagerness, “since that age. There is not in England a finer made man! I am certain you will allow this when you see him.”—“I hope to be disposed to render justice to Mr. Flint’s merit in every point,” answered I, “for this consideration he has a right which he may claim; but, my dear Madam, I conceived, that you, as well as the rest of Mr. Flint’s family, understood that I had declined the conditions of my father’s will: I was explicit with Sir Murdock. Mr. Flamall, and consequently your nephew, know by this time, that Rachel Cowley is not to be transferred like her father’s negroes from one master to another. I have no resentment against Mr. Flint. His pretensions to me are too ridiculous for a serious examination; and if he have a just title to the character he bears, he will scorn, as I do, an interference so offensive to his honour, and so humiliating to his self-love. I could say more on this subject,” added I with spirit, “but it is unnecessary; and I request I may be spared from renewing it. Lady Maclairn has avoided it; and you, Madam, when you know more of me, will give me credit for a frankness in my manner of treating it, which is as _decisive_ as _it is firm_. Mr. Flamall is my _scorn_, and I wish by hearing nothing more of _his nephew_, to respect Mr. Philip Flint as your brother, and Lady Maclairn’s son.