would be for her to find how I had been employed! How fondly would she thank me for such a delicate mode of showing my attention! The sonnets were written in my best hand, and I was about to close the book, when I was struck with the extreme beauty of Lady Betty's caligraphy. Might I venture to peruse a page or so, and enjoy the luxury of knowing her private thoughts of me? Nay, was it not evidently a sweet little finesse to teach me the secrets of her heart, and should I not mortify her exceedingly if I neglected to take advantage of it? This reflection was quite sufficient, and I commenced the chronicle of her innocent cogitations forthwith. It began with noting the day of the month on which I had presented the gift, and stated, prettily, the plan of improvement which I had suggested. The first memorandum contained her reasons very

for loving her dear M. I pressed the book. to my lips, and proceeded to

VOL. III

R

"REASON THE FIRST.-A good temper is better in a companion than a great wit. If dear M- - is deficient in the latter, it is not his fault, and his excellence in the former makes ample amends."

How! As much as to say I am a good-natured fool. Was there no other construction? No error of the press? None. The context assured me that I was not mistaken.

"REASON THE SECOND.-Personal beauty is not requisite in a husband, and if he is a little mistaken in his estimate of himself in this respect, it will make him happy, and save me the trouble of labouring for that end.”

Conceited and ill-favoured! My head began to swim.

"REASON THE THIRD.-I have been told that very passionate attachments between married people are productive of much disquietude and jealousy. The temperate regard, therefore, which

I feel for dear M— argues well for the serenity

of our lives-Heigh-ho!"

Furies!

"REASON THE FOURTH.-I have sometimes doubted whether this temperate regard be really love; but, as pity is next a-kin to love, and I pity him on so many points, I think I cannot be mistaken."

Pity!

"REASON THE FIFTH.-I pity him because it is necessary that I should place him on the shelf during Lord S-'s visit, for fear Sshould be discouraged by appearances, and not make the declaration which I have so long been expecting."

Place me upon the shelf!!

"REASON THE SIXTH.-I pity him, because, if S really comes forward, I shall be obliged to submit poor dear M- to the mortification

of a dismissal."

!!!