An officer was just now announced, and who do you think it was, dear Miss Emilia, but our old friend Edward. What an agreeable surprise to us all! Annette, who saw me shaking him cordially by the hand, ran to tell my mother, but she expected him, for Lady Grandison, as we afterwards heard, had acquainted her with his intention. I would instantly have called your brother, but Edward held me back: let us play him a trick, said he, he knows nothing of my coming. Perhaps the sudden surprise may hurt him, said my mother. No, replied Edward, I am not afraid of that. Charles continued writing longer than usual in his chamber; when supper was ready he was called down; Edward before had placed himself by the fire, with his back to the door. Charles entered, he knew him immediately, and moved some steps backwards, but, before he could speak, he observed Annette’s smiling countenance, and determined to humour the joke. Edward, in the mean time, continued sitting, thinking he was still considered by Charles as a stranger. This produced several laughable incidents; which highly diverted Annette, and even made my mother smile. Afterwards we spent a most agreeable evening, and Edward made me a present of a very elegant sword. I hesitated, and was unwilling to receive it; not for the world, said I; I have often heard that it forebodes a breach of friendship. How, interrupted Charles, can you give way to such prejudices? Leave them to weak minds that have never been properly cultivated; that foolish idea is as absurd as the raw head and bloody bones with which they frighten little children. Adieu, you kept your secret very well. WILLIAM. LETTER XXXIII. WILLIAM _to_ EMILIA.