son, with his expectations, with a poor destitute dependent, would indeed be a circumstance, she could not deny to herself, that must justly draw upon her censure and ridicule; she therefore resolved on still trying to conduct herself in such a manner as should make it appear, or be supposed, that her sanction to their union was the effect of ardent importunities, not premeditation on her part, and thus, as she hoped, be able to save herself from the imputation of folly, if not madness. And had she actually brought herself to think seriously of their union, without even receiving the letter previously required from Mr. Beaumont? At times she could scarcely think herself guilty of such imprudence; but then, self was so much her rallying point-the idea of securing happiness to herself if she secured Fidelia for her son-that she could not bear to relinquish the idea. Married to so unconnected a being as Fidelia, there was but little danger of his being estranged from her, as from allying himself elsewhere

might be the case: yet, could she have devised any other method for securing Fidelia to herself than by marrying her to him, she probably would not have been so anxious for the measure; but by no other chain could she be certain of binding Fidelia for any time to her; and how forlorn had she long been for want of a person, isolated like her, who would be devoted to her!

Anxious to be alone, Fidelia was hastening from the room, when her ladyship prevented her, to say she was going out to pay a distant visit, and that she should accompany her.

Gladly, from the perturbation of her spirits, would Fidelia have excused herself, but she knew not how, and accordingly followed to the carriage that was just at the instant announced, not without a suddenly-suggested hope that reconciled her in a degree to the circumstance, that, in the course of the ride, something might occur to furnish her with an opportunity for coming to an explanation with her

ladyship respecting her son, and thus preventing a longer continuance of her provoking blindness concerning him.

But not more studious was she for this than her ladyship was to avoid it. Should Fidelia complain of the particularity of his lordship, she either must interfere to check it, or else avow her real wishes; and, alike averse to either, she carefully tried to prevent what must reduce her to such a dilemma. But a little while, and she hoped. they would yet be so entangled with each other, that her approbation, not angry interference, would be the object of solicitation.

The road they were going was a new one to Fidelia: from listening to some account lady Castle Dermot was giving of the owners of one or two adjacent seats, her attention was suddenly diverted by the sight of an old cross, on a little rocky elevation a few paces from it. Instantly it brought to mind her having come this road before, and that it was the one immediately leading to the house of the per

son said to be her father, from the circumstance of her nurse having stopped to say a prayer at this ancient relic of superstition, and telling her a curious tradition concerning it.

While lady Castle Dermot was wondering at what she told her, and trying to surmise who her reputed father could be, a gentleman on horseback approached: he was a neighbour and acquaintance of her ladyship, and accordingly both stopped to speak to each other. On his bidding her good-bye, lady Castle Dermot, turning to her companion to resume the conversation he had interrupted, was surprised and alarmed at seeing her leaning against the side of the carriage almost fainting. Eagerly she inquired what was the matter; as she gave her her salts. For a minute Fidelia could not reply; then a little recovering herself, she proceeded to declare she was sure the gentleman they had just parted from was her father.

"Mr. Dundonald your father!” ex

claimed the countess, with surprise.

"If that be Mr. Dundonald." replied Fidelia, "there was something in his look, in his accent, that caused both to be indelibly impressed upon my recollection."

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"I am indeed amazed at what you say," returned the countess. "But we shall see ; rely on it, I will leave nothing undone to ascertain the truth." Then calling to the servant on horseback, she desired him to ride after Mr. Dundonald, and tell him she would be glad to see him in the course of the morning, if convenient; and giving up her intended visit, desired the coachman to drive back.

Mr. Dundonald was not a man to be inattentive to such a message; time had effected as little alteration in his disposition as appearance; he was still a votary of pride and ambition. Amongst his numerous speculations for aggrandizement, more than one had failed, and to remedy the misfortune, he had long meditated an alliance with some woman of fortune. The countess of Castle Dermot possessed all the requisite attractions; but, notwith