which this unexpected intelligence effected on Maria, and interpreted it in nearly the same manner as John had insinuated. He expressed great pleasure in the happiness he would have in making his hospitable friends of Oak-Grove acquainted with the family party that he was going to join. Elated with the assurance of so soon again beholding his lovely Maria, he departed at the appointed time, and arrived in London without any material occurrence. The laird of Etterick, his daughter, and son-in-law were also now arrived, and lodged at an hotel in the neighbourhood of Mrs. Hamilton. The laird being alone with his nephew, expressed himself well satisfied with the behaviour of his son-in-law since William left Scotland. He was very respectful and attentive, and had hitherto shewn no disposition to return to his former habits, either of profligacy or preaching. William finding on enquiry that his cousin had seen but very little of London, proposed that, before they went to Brighton, they should spend a week in viewing the metropolis and its environs, and succeeded. They made exursions to Windsor, Hampton-court, Richmond, and other places.--One day Miss Hamilton had gone to the hotel to make an arrangement for a party to one of the theatres, and passing through a gallery, met a young lady, who, after regarding her very attentively, blushed, curtsied, and was passing along. An elderly gentleman came immediately after, who having looked earnestly in Charlotte’s face said, “I ask your pardon, miss; is your name Hamilton?”--“Yes, sir,” said she, surprised, “but I have not the pleasure of recollecting you.” “I dare say not,” said the gentleman, “for you never saw me in your life, nor I you, miss. But, Molly, did you ever see so striking a likeness? She’s his very image, is not she?” “Extremely like, indeed,” replied Maria.--“Have you not a brother named William?” said the old gentleman. “Yes, sir. I dare say, sir, you must be Mr. Mortimer.” “Very well guessed,” said the old gentleman, going down stairs to give some orders. Miss Hamilton, addressing the young lady, said. “I know you must be Miss Mortimer, you so exactly answer William’s description.” At this remark Maria blushed; they returned together, and being predisposed to mutual kindness, the one towards a young lady whom she had discovered, from the letters and confidential communications of her beloved brother, to be the object of his fond attachment: the other towards the sister and softened picture of a man whose love she felt that she requited, they in a quarter of an hour ceased to consider one another as strangers. The old gentleman now returned with his son, who had been to call for his friend William, had not found him at home, but seen his mother, and accepted an invitation to dine at Hatton Garden, and promised to prevail on his father and sister to be of the party, but found his embassy anticipated by Miss Hamilton. They were all met except William, and the hostess knowing he