Sidney, through his love for my daughter, as would effectively and permanently secure me from all further trouble and machinations in regard to my property. And if, during the year, we convince ourselves that, after all, there is not a leg of law for any claimant to stand on, I may be guided by other circumstances how far I shall finally accept or reject the suit. That must depend on any other views we may then form for Camilla; and I shall not allow a hint of such an engagement to get abroad. At the worst, as Mr. Spencer’s heir, it is not so very bad a match, seeing that they dispense with all marriage portion, &c.--a proof how easily they can be managed. I have not let Mr. Spencer see that I have discovered his secret--I can do that or not, according to circumstances hereafter; neither have I said anything of my discovery to Mrs. B., or Camilla. At present, ‘Least said soonest mended.’ I heard from Arthur to-day. He is on his road home, and we hasten to town, sooner than we expected, to meet him. He complains still of his health. We shall all go down to Beaufort Court. I write this at night, the pretended uncle and sham nephew having just gone. But though we start to-morrow, you will get this a day or two before we arrive, as Mrs. Beaufort’s health renders short stages necessary. I really do hope that Arthur, also, will not be an invalid, poor fellow! one in a family is quite enough; and I find Mrs. Beaufort’s delicacy very inconvenient, especially in moving about and in keeping up one’s county connexions. A young man’s health, however, is soon restored. I am very sorry to hear of your gout, except that it carries off all other complaints. I am very well, thank Heaven; indeed, my health has been much better of late years: Beaufort Court agrees with me so well! The more I reflect, the more I am astonished at the monstrous and wicked impudence of that fellow--to defraud a man out of his own property! You are quite right,--certainly a conspiracy. “Yours truly, “R. B.” “P. S.--I shall keep a constant eye on the Spencers. “Burn this immediately.” After he had written and sealed this letter, Mr. Beaufort went to bed and slept soundly.