"Slowly now awakening to the duties yet left me to discharge, I cannot but be sensible of the material difference in the prospects of my remaining child. Miss Beaufort is now the heiress to an ancient name and a large fortune. She subscribes with me to the necessity of consulting those new considerations which so melancholy an event forces upon her mind. The little fancy--or liking--(the acquaintance was too short for more) that might naturally spring up between two amiable young persons thrown together in the country, must be banished from our thoughts. As a friend, I shall be always happy to hear of your welfare; and should you ever think of a profession in which I can serve you, you may command my utmost interest and exertions. I know, my young friend, what you will feel at first, and how disposed you will be to call me mercenary and selfish. Heaven knows if that be really my character! But at your age, impressions are easily effaced; and any experienced friend of the world will assure you that, in the altered circumstances of the case, I have no option. All intercourse and correspondence, of course, cease with this letter,--until, at least, we may all meet, with no sentiments but those of friendship and esteem. I desire my compliments to your worthy uncle, in which Mrs. and Miss Beaufort join; and I am sure you will be happy to hear that my wife and daughter, though still in great affliction, have suffered less in health than I could have ventured to anticipate. "Believe me, dear Sir, "Yours sincerely, "ROBERT BEAUFORT. "To C. SPENCER, Esq., Jun." When Sidney received this letter, he was with Mr. Spencer, and the latter read it over the young man's shoulder, on which he leant affectionately. When they came to the concluding words, Sidney turned round with a vacant look and a hollow smile. "You see, sir," he said, "you see---" "My boy--my son--you bear this as you ought. Contempt will soon efface--" Sidney started to his feet, and his whole countenance was changed. "Contempt--yes, for him! But for her--she knows it not--she is no party to this--I cannot believe it--I will not! I--I----" and he rushed out of the room. He was absent till nightfall, and when he returned, he endeavoured to appear calm--but it was in vain. The next day brought him a letter from Camilla, written unknown to her parents,--short, it is true (confirming the sentence of separation contained in her father's), and imploring him not to reply to it,--but still so full of gentle and of sorrowful feeling, so evidently worded in the wish to soften the anguish she inflicted, that it did more than soothe--it even administered hope.