No change happened in my way of life, 'till I was brought to bed of a very fine boy: Nor did this make any alteration, but my temporary illness, and the addition of this lovely child to our family; which was an increase of happiness. Our fondness for it was equal; and instead of our affection's being lessened, by having a third to share it with us, each seemed to look on the other's being parent to this little darling, as a new merit, which caused, if possible, an increase of fondness.

The winter altered, not lessened, our attendance on public amusements; but we were obliged to go in a more private manner, as there was a greater chance of meeting with some of Mr. Markland's graver acquaintance. This caution, if I had not been lost to shame, must have shocked me; but the violence of my passion, the extreme tenderness of Mr. Markland's behaviour, and the care he took to furnish me with books, that should in his absence keep alive my infatuation, made me regardless of every thing else; and no one was ever disposed to say more cordially from her heart,

A second year passed away in this madness of the mind; but at the beginning of the third, I thought I discovered an alteration in Mr. Markland: He endeavoured to appear the same; but the tenderness of his behaviour, instead of being the free emanation of his heart, seemed forced and constrained.