delicacy which fo infinuatingly fued for its acceptance. The reader will not partake in her feelings, when informed, that juftice would have ordered the ref titution of this property to the Monteith family, it being only a part of a larger fum which had been transmitted to Fitzofborne by a right honourable rook of his acquaintance, as a douceur for the favour of being permitted to have the principle plucking of the fineft pigeon that had been for many years brought to market.

Ignorant of the nature of the "accurfed fpoil," the countess remained steady in her refolution of returning it. In vain did Edward attempt to refift her determination. My pecuniary "difficulties," said she, " are not fo dif"treffing as to permit me to fequefter "the flender portion of a younger bro"ther."

"Re

"Recollect," replied Fitzofborne, "that the influence of lord Monteith has permitted me to extend my hopes. beyond the narrow sphere of a younger "brother's enjoyments, and do not "check the impulse of gratitude."

"Then to lord Monteith be the re"compence made."

"And why not to his charming "wife? I fhould admire this lovely "pride, did I not fufpect that it was "united to a degree of fufpicion, un<< worthy of your purity and my own "honour. Can I no way convince you "of my fincere difinterested friendship? "Can I make no offers which will not "be difdainfully refused ?"

"Yes, certainly you may," replied the countess;" and I will depute you,

inftead of my Edinburgh friend, to << dispose of these jewels. Fashion va"ries so much, and people in the coun

“try

cr

"try drefs fo plain, that I fcarcely ever "want such ornaments. Befide, lord "Monteith was remarkably liberal on <c my marriage. They really are not " of the smallest ufe to me."

"I willingly undertake the commif "fion," returned Fitzofborne; " but "it may be fome time before I can "find a purchafer; and why fhould "this money lie ufelefs in my fecre«С tary ? Are the objects of your bounty " (for I know it is not extravagance, "but generofity, which limits your

refources) to languifh to an uncer"tain period? Why may I not advance "it by way of loan? Indeed, lady "Monteith! you are too scrupu

«lous."

"I believe," faid fhe, recollecting herself, "I am. I will accept your "offer. The jewels will, I am con"fident,

"fident, discharge the debt; and pray "never expect me to redeem them."

This business being adjusted, a momentary paufe enfued. "We exceedingly regret," obferved Fitzofborne, "the lofs of our cheerful companion "Mifs Evans. I hope fhe will find "her father better." The countefs fincerely joined in that wish.

"She was the life of our party," continued Edward. ་་ My lord is quite miferable at her going. He "declares that he never met with a "woman whofe manner fo much en"tertained him; all vivacity and spirit; " and certainly fhe was affiduoufly at"attentive and obliging to his lord« ship."

"She is generally obliging to every "one," replied the countefs. "But "I think you fometimes experienced rather a fevere bon mot."

"O, I don't doubt that my imperti"nence deferved it; and it was of no "confequence to me, fo fhe kept lord "Monteith in good humour."

Fitzolborne's remarks were never without meaning; and the moft candid tempers when roused to fufpicion, are ever the most watchful. "Does he," thought the perplexed Geraldine," mean "to infinuate that he was improperly "attentive to my lord? She is defti"tute of vanity, and infinitely fupe"rior to every finifter defign. If the "was more pointed in her civilities, it "must have been from her conviction "that I failed in paying him due ob"fervance; and fhe ftrove to supply "my deficiency. Alas! even my bofom "friend condemns me. Even my "Lucy will not allow how difficult it "is for an injured heart to be at once "affectionate and fincere, to dif

"guise