Moreover, he frequently joked with us on the subject, and advised Cowley to send for his daughter. I had, however, by this time seen enough of _my youngster_, to suspect that he was in love elsewhere. I observed, that whenever Miss Cowley's picture was the theme of praise, Philip paid his tribute of admiration as much to the _drapery_ as the _face_; and that with the _young ladies_, he was more pensive, than with their _mothers_. But hourly, my dear Sir, did he gain upon my heart; for in every thought, word, and deed, he brought to my remembrance my own dear boy, the last of my mortal blessings! But let this pass: you will soon know this worthy lad. I had soon after, having given up listening to Flamall's match-making scheme, the shock of seeing Mr. Cowley seized with his first apoplectic fit at my table. He recovered from this attack; but he was a changed man. He was not insensible of his diminished strength; and his conversations frequently turned on his settling his worldly affairs, before he left me. On an occasion of this kind, he one day in particular consulted me in relation to his two natural children. 'They are mine, Oliver,' said he with great tenderness; 'and their mother is as unconscious of evil as themselves. I have appointed them a provision and a guardian which will be a security for my honour, when I am dust. They will perceive that I was in affection _a parent_, when I thought of _you_ for my substitute in duty. Tell me, have I taxed your friendship too heavily?'--'You have always been more than a match for me, Henry,' said I taking his trembling hand; 'but for once, I have the ascendency; for without consulting you, or having a doubt of your friendship, you have for years been my appointed executor, and the destined prop of those children now in heaven.' Poor fellow! he was moved to tears.--'I mean,' continued he, 'to try the effects of a change of climate. I wish to see my dear daughter before I die; I wish to recommend to her those proofs of her father's weakness. She will be kind to my innocent Marian; and when the boys are sent to England for instruction, she will protect them as my children. I have no fears for her happiness,' continued he; 'Hardcastle will continue to watch over her safety, and I have named him and Counsellor Steadman joint executors with yourself, in all matters relative to her concerns. Hardcastle has a son,' pursued he, 'of whom my dear girl has written me _wonders_. I have good reasons for believing that the lad's romantic father has for some years banished this boy from his house, lest he should exchange hearts with my girl. I have never dropped a hint of this suspicion to any one but yourself; but should I live to reach England, and find this young man a _Hardcastle_, and my daughter disposed to favour him, I will see her married to him, and then die in peace with the world and myself, as having well managed the talents given me.' This conversation