from me, which has betrayed us all, but how it came into their hands I since have understood: for, as I said, you were seen passing through the garden, from thence (to be confirmed) they dogged you to the farm, and waiting there your motions, saw _Dorillus_ come forth with a letter in his hand, which though he soon concealed, yet not so soon but it was taken notice of, when hastening to _Bellfont_ the nearest way, they gave an account to _Monsieur_, my father, who going out to _Dorillus_, commanded him to deliver him the letter; his vassal durst not disobey, but yielded it with such dispute and reluctancy, as he durst maintain with a man so great and powerful; before _Dorillus_ returned you had taken horse, so that you are a stranger to our misfortune--What shall I do? Where shall I seek a refuge from the danger that threatens us? A sad and silent grief appears throughout _Bellfont_, and the face of all things is changed, yet none knows the unhappy cause but _Monsieur_ my father, and _Madam_ my mother, _Melinda_ and myself. _Melinda_ and my page are both dismissed from waiting on me, as supposed confidants of this dear secret, and strangers, creatures of _Madam_ the Countess, put about me. Oh _Philander_, what can I do? Thy advice, or I am lost: but how, alas, shall I either convey these to thee, or receive any thing from thee, unless some god of love, in pity of our miseries, should offer us his aid? I will try to corrupt my new boy, I see good nature, pity and generosity in his looks, he is well born too, and may be honest. Thus far, _Philander_, I had writ when supper was brought me, for yet my parents have not deigned to let me come into their presence; those that serve me tell me _Myrtilla_ is this afternoon arrived at _Bellfont_; all is mighty close carried in the Countess’s apartment. I tremble with the thought of what will be the result of the great consultation: I have been tempting of the boy, but I perceive they have strictly charged him not to obey me; he says, against his will he shall betray me, for they will have him searched; but he has promised me to see one of the weeders, who working in the garden, into which my window opens, may from thence receive what I shall let down; if it be true, I shall get this fatal knowledge to you, that you may not only prepare for the worst, but contrive to set at liberty _The unfortunate_ SYLVIA. _My heart is ready to break, and my eyes are drowned in tears: oh_ Philander, _how much unlike the last will this fatal night prove! Farewell, and think of_ Sylvia. * * * * * _This was writ in the cover to both the foregoing letters to_ Philander.