fir-grove.

Truth compels me to declare, that the idea I had so very rashly formed of Mr. Bertills was not only injurious but unjust; and you, my dear friend, cannot more severely condemn me for judging so harshly of him, than I condemn myself. In the course of my life, I have been much in his company, but never, till now, knew his true character. I never, before, had occasion to study it. From his intense application to trade, I drew the very ridiculous inferrence, that he must, necessarily, be of a mercenary disposition; foolishly supposing, none but a miser would devote the principal part of his time to that pursuit, if he were able to live without. I am now thoroughly convinced my opinion was founded in error. I am, yet, in ignorance of Mr. Bertills’ designs/respecting me; but my heart is at ease, from a certainty that he has too elevated a turn of mind to entertain a thought of reducing me to indigence by taking the utmost advantage that the law allows him; or, of placing me in a state of precarious and degrading dependence. I have, therefore, dismissed all my fears, and in his hands I think myself safe. Let me now inform you of the event that has caused this change in my opinion; your benevolent heart will be gratified by the relation.

When I accompanied Mr. Bertills to Leeds, it was, I confess, not without some little degree of reluctance; concluding, from what he said previous to our setting out, that he was going upon some buying and selling business: – however, I covered my chagrin as well as I could, by an assumed chearfulness, and asked no questions. On the way, he conversed in a very agreeable manner upon other topics. On our arrival, by his order, we drove to an inn; where, leaving the carriage, he enquired for the house of a Mr. Clements; and, having obtained information, we walked thither.