urgency arise to violence. Her purpose at present was to work on the honour and generosity of the baronet, of whom she entertained a very high opinion, and to induce him to desist from an application which would be fruitless. Hamilton, finding her heart completely his own, and that he was the ultimate end of her conduct, agreed to the means which she proposed, though not altogether the same which he himself would have chosen. John Mortimer, though sufficiently desirous of the aggrandizement of his sister, if attainable consistently with her happiness, yet had either observed or learned the state of her heart and affections so fully, as to be convinced that her happiness depended upon his friend Hamilton. But knowing the eagerness of his father and uncle that Maria should become lady Hamden, he observed a strict neutrality, determined to let the matter take its course, and perfectly aware what course it would most probably take.--Captain Mortimer not suspecting any difficulty, considered the affair as entirely settled, and described it as such in various places, especially at Mrs. Primrose’s. He also continued his high commendations of his friend Hamilton, and thereby so fanned the passion of poor Louisa, that her heart was gone before she suspected any danger. Meanwhile the baronet was very urgent in his addresses. Maria firmly and decisively told him, that she never could be his; but as she always deported herself with her habitual politeness, and with the respectful attention due to his character, he contrary to his usual discernment, drew from her manners inferences concerning intentions, and, misapprehending her dispositions, supposed that she affected the rejection in order to enhance the value of acceptance, or, that pride contributed its share to her professed determination of refusal, and that she forebore immediately yielding, least it might be imputed, either by him or by the world, to his rank and fortune. As he farther knew her, he discovered the vigour of her understanding, and the independence of her soul; that she was not to be obtained by wealth or distinction, and that she was not to be bought, but to be won. His own person and accomplishments were such as afforded him a fair prospect of success with any woman that was unengaged; and not having discovered the state of Maria’s heart, he trusted that he would be ultimately successful. He was extremely struck with Hamilton, whose genius and erudition, his own enabled him to appreciate, and whose knowledge and conversation might be useful to him in his parliamentary exertions. Hamilton, too proud to court rank in the baronet, respected talents, the appearance and reputation of honour and patriotism, and did not reject his advances; and increasing his esteem, as his acquaintance grew towards intimacy, he, as a man of honour, resolved to seek a favourable opportunity of opening the situation of his own and Maria’s affections. CHAPTER XVI.