not suffer it to labour under one, which daily experience shews us it does not deserve.

Mr. Dunderton perceived the conflict in his mistress's mind, he perceived and trembled: he certainly spoke with great sincerity, when he declared, that the moment of her decision, was the most anxious he had ever known, and that on it depended more than he could express to the fair arbitress of his fate; for on it, depended the payment of several debts, which he had contracted, in the hope of his success, and the happiness of an establishment far from his paternal roof, which he cared not if he never entered again, so rapidly had he improved by fashionable society. He again implored Lady Harriett to believe him sincere in what he asserted. She did, nor was she deceived, but by herself, for if she affixed one meaning to his assertions, and he had previously affixed another, he could not possibly be expected to know her ladyM 4 ship's

ship's ideas on the subject. Let it suffice to say, that her desire to convince the world that she was neither slighted, nor mortified, induced her to consent to a deed, by which she must incur the suspicion she wished to avoid; and Mr. Dunderton with inexpressible pleasure fixed the plan of their departure, which was to take place the very next day. This was not difficult, for Lady Harriett often dined with Miss Dunderton, and though Lord Drelincourt by no means approved of her violent intimacy with this young lady, very properly thinking, that it was not one, from which she could derive much benefit, yet, neither did he foresee great harm from its continuance; and his wish to render her residence in his family agreeable, induced him to suffer her to follow her own inclinations, regarding the time that she spent with her friend, only as wasted in her society, instead of that of many others equally frivolous.

It

It was finally agreed, that Lady Harriett should call on Miss Dunderton the next morning, and then send a note to Lady Drelincourt, to say, that she should spend the day with her; instead of which she should take her leave almost immediately, and be conducted by her impatient lover to a chaise and four, which would soon whirl them beyond the impertinent interference of friendship.

When Mr. Dunderton had gained the lady's consent, it will be supposed that the grand difficulty was surmounted; but not so; there remained yet another; and one which has often rendered fruitless, enterprises of a much nobler, and more generally beneficial nature than the present; this was neither more nor less, than a deficiency of an article, which becomes every day more fashionable and indispensable, insomuch that any one suspected of being without it, is despised, and treated with very undisguised contempt in all good company. We think

that we already hear some of our fair readers exclaim, "How unnatural and vulgar, to represent all the characters in want of money, for that must be what is meant;" but have a little patience, lovely and gentle readers; we must confess, that to us, the want of money, appears one of the most natural wants of the present day; and that many others are of our opinion, we humbly conclude, by the eagerness with which all ranks endeavour to satisfy it, and the ingenious means that they use for that purpose. As to the vulgarity of such a want, it is so generally felt, that if universality constitute fashion, we will not hesitate to declare, that it is as far removed from vulgarity, as the ease of a woman of quality, from the bashfulness of a country girl; the delightful negligence of a modern man of fashion, from the formal politeness of a pupil of Lord Chesterfield; the promises of a candidate at an election, from his performances when he has gained it; the words of a courtier,

a courtier, from his meaning; the religion of half the country from devotion, and that of the other half from charity; or any other extreme, with which our readers may be acquainted.

A generous confidence, between parents and children, is certainly as pleasing to behold, as it is beneficial in its consequences. This did not always exist between Mr. Dunderton and his papa, but on the present occasion, the former was induced to make a confidant of the latter, knowing the impossibility of proceeding without his assistance; he therefore candidly stated his designs to his father, and the motives which had urged him to them; saying with great sincerity, that he was not impelled by passion, or blinded by partiality, but urged by prudence, and encouraged by the hope of benefiting himself in so advantageous a connexion.

If any thing could be more surprising than that Mr. Dunderton should submit

his