_Party at Captain Mortimer’s. Mrs. Somerive one of the Company. Conversation. Discussion of that Lady’s Orphan of Pembroke. Succession of Songs, and their Effects on the different Sentiments and Feelings. A Letter in a Woman’s Hand is brought to Hamilton, while sitting by Maria. Uneasiness of the young Lady. Hamilton leaves the Company. Greatly agitated, Maria retires. Dialogue between her and Hamilton’s Sister Charlotte on Constancy. Hamilton has an Interview with his Correspondent who proves to be the Countess of Cockatrice. Accommodating Complaisance of the Lady of the Toy-Shop. Hamilton is visited by Scribble, brim-full of Joy. He announces that he is now dubbed a Doctor by the University of Aberdeen. Hamilton explains his Absence to the Satisfaction of Maria._ Page 104 CHAP. XV. _The Ball. Schemes of Lady Cockatrice for rendering Maria jealous. The Company adjourn to Supper. Scribble is introduced in a Dress, which he says is becoming his new Title. Description of the Doctor’s Dress, and a philosophical View of its Effects on juvenile Feelings. Attentions of Sir Edward Hamden to Miss Mortimer. Miss Primrose becomes attached to Hamilton. Hamden pays his Addresses to Miss Mortimer. Both Hamilton and Maria highly esteem the Baronet’s Character, and concert Means for explaining to him the Truth._ Page 113 CHAP. XVI. _Doctor Scribble becomes acquainted with the Baronet, and undertakes to instruct him in his Parliamentary Duty. He expounds to him his own (Doctor Scribble’s) Talents and Erudition: shews the Baronet a Specimen of Tours, in the Memoirs of his Excursion to Berkshire: proposes to write Speeches for Sir Edward: declares himself far superior to Charles Fox. Hamden declines the oratorial Help of Doctor Scribble. The Baronet joined by Hamilton, whom he is obliged to leave abruptly. Evening Walk of Hamilton to Shoreham Bridge: learns that a dispersed Gang of Smugglers has commenced Footpad Robberies. Nevertheless he sets out on his Return. A dismal Report reaches Brighton; and is heard by Maria. Frantic Grief of the young Lady. John Mortimer repairs to the Downs, which is said to be the Scene of the Catastrophe: finds Stillness and Solitude: perceives a Figure approach: he hears a Voice. Consternation and Dread. The Figure passes on. Mortimer returns to his Father and Uncle. A Voice is heard at the Window calling John Mortimer. They conceive it the Voice of their murdered Friend. Morning opens. Despair of Maria. Mortimer receives a Visit, which renews his Consternation. At length convinced of his Mistake, the Mystery is solved. Hamilton explains the Adventure. Heroism of a Soldier of the 42d. Joined with the Valour of Hamilton, saved Hamden from being murdered. Gratitude of the Baronet. His Wound mends but slowly. Maria’s Concern entirely dispelled. The Mortimers