“YOU are about to marry a young lady of great beauty and accomplishments—I beg you to bestow a few serious thoughts on this important business—Let me claim your attention, while I disclose an affair, which materially concerns you—_Harriot_ must not be your wife—You know your father is averse to your early connecting yourself in marriage with any woman—The duty we owe a parent is sacred, but this is not the only barrier to your marriage—the ties of consanguinity prevent it—She is your SISTER—Your father, or Miss _Harrington_, will inform you more particularly—It is sufficient for me to have hinted it in time.—I am, with the most perfect esteem, and sincere wishes for your happiness, your “UNKNOWN FRIEND, &c.” (In continuation.) THE gloom of melancholy in the faces of the family but too well corroborated this intelligence—so I asked no questions—they read in my countenance that I had received the letter, and my sister put into my hand THE HISTORY OF MARIA.—I concealed my emotion while I read the account—“It is a pitiful tale,” said I, as I returned it—and walked out of the room to give vent to the agitation of my heart. I HAVE not yet seen _Harriot_—_Myra_ has run to greet her with the new title of _sister_. Adieu! my friend—little happiness is left for me in this world. LETTER XLV. _Myra_ to Mrs. _Holmes_. _Boston._ IN what words shall I describe to you, my dear friend, the misery that has suddenly overwhelmed us! It is impossible to communicate the distressed situation of _Harriot_—Expression is inadequate to give you an idea of our meeting.—I called her my friend—my sister—She always loved me—but joy and affection gave way to passion—Her speech refused its office— Sorrow in all its pomp was there, Mute and magnificent without a tear. SHE had gained a sister—she had lost a lover—a burst of joy would suddenly break from her, but it was of short duration—and was succeeded by pangs of exquisite distress—nature was unable to support it, and she fainted under the weight of severe conflict. Her constitution at best is feeble; her present illness is therefore attended with more danger—Unless a speedy alteration should take place, the physician has little hopes of her recovery.—Heaven preserve us! Farewel! LETTER XLVI. _Harrington_ to _Worthy_. _Boston._