fir-grove.

You say right, Edward; – Charles must not, shall not, marry Fanny Elwood, because now he cannot; – she has put it effectually out of his power, by having, yesterday, married another; – ‘tant mieux’ – say you, and I say the same, for that happy event; but for another, which I have to relate, and which has been the occasion of her perfidy, you will join in saying, tant pis: – for this circumstance I anticipate your concern, tho' it cannot exceed my own. I am, beyond measure, distressed for our Friend, under this additional affliction; as he must severely feel it: a spirit like his, was not formed to contend with the evils of poverty, or the mortifications of dependence. But I hasten to acquaint you with the particulars. – In pursuance of my promise, I rode over, yesterday, to Leeds./ On my arrival at Mr. Elwood's, I enquired for his daughter, and was, without any ceremony, immediately conducted, by the servant, to a room, where I found her engaged with a large company. On advancing towards her, I addressed her by the name of Elwood; when a fat, awkward figure of a man left his seat, and coming up to us, with a bow of affected gentility, vulgarly said,

‘Excuse me, sir, I beg pardon, but you have made a trifling mistake, sir; that lady is called Wilkins now; she and I were wed this morning, sir, and I'm the happiest man in the world.’

Without making any answer, I, with a contemptuous look and haughty accent, desired to know of her whether this information was true? She replying in the affirmative, I slightly bowed, said I had no farther business, and instantly withdrew. She followed, requesting to speak with me in another room; I complied, in silence. – When we were seated, I waited to hear what she had to say, and she began as follows./