* * * * * [The correspondence, for obvious reasons, is discontinued for some months. During the interval it appears, that an union had taken place between Sir George Brudenel and Miss Finch.--While Lady Stanley was on her accustomed visit to her uncle, she receives the following letter from Miss Grenville.] LETTER LII. TO Lady STANLEY. Melford-abbey, This last week has been so much taken up, that I could not find one day to tell my beloved Julia that _she_ has not been _one day_ out of my thoughts, tho' you have heard from me but once since I obeyed the summons of our friend Jenny Melford, to be witness of her renunciation of that name. We are a large party here, and very brilliant. I think I never was accounted vain; but, I assure you, I am almost induced to be so, from the attention of a very agreeable man, who is an intimate acquaintance of Mr. Wynne's; a man of fortune, and, what will have more weight with me, a man of strict principles. He has already made himself some little interest in my heart, by some very benevolent actions, which we have by accident discovered. I don't know what will come of it, but, if he should be importunate, I doubt I should not have power to refuse him. My father is prodigiously taken with him; yet men are such deceitful mortals--well, time will shew--in the mean time, adieu! Your's, most sincerely, LOUISA GRENVILLE. LETTER LIII. TO Lady STANLEY. I cannot resist writing to you, in consequence of a piece of intelligence I received this morning from Mr. Spencer, the hero of my last letter. At breakfast Mr. Spencer said to Mr. Wynne--"You will have an addition to your party tomorrow; I have just had a letter from my friend Harry Woodley, informing me, that he will pay his _devoir_ to you and your fair bride before his journey to London." The name instantly struck me--"Harry Woodley!" I repeated. "Why do you know Harry Woodley?" asked Mr. Spencer. "I once knew a gentleman of that name," I answered, "whose father owned that estate _my_ father now possesses. I remember him a boy, when he was under the tuition of Mr. Jones, a worthy clergyman in our neighbourhood." "The very same," replied Mr. Spencer. "Harry is my most particular friend; I have long known him, and as long loved him with the tenderest affection--an affection," whispered he, "which reigned unrivalled till I saw you; he _was_ the _first_, but _now_ is _second_ in my heart." I blushed, but felt no anger at his boldness. I shall not finish my letter till I have seen my old acquaintance; I wish for to-morrow; I expressed my impatience to Mr. Spencer. "I should be uneasy at your earnestness," said he, "did I not know that curiosity is incident to your sex; but I will let you into a secret: Harry's heart is engaged, and has long been so; therefore, throw not away your fire upon him, but preserve it, to cherish one who lives but in your smiles." * * * * *