But what then shall we be able to say for such poor creatures of our sex as are taken in, as Mr H- calls it, by such pretty fellows as this: who, if they may happen to write better, hardly think better, or design to act better, and are not so soon brought to repentance, and promises of amendment?

Mr H dresses well, is not a contemptible figure of a man, laughs, talks, where he can be heard, and his aunt is not present; and cuts, to use his own words, a considerable figure in a country town-But see-Yet I will not say what I might-He is Lord Davers's nephew; and if he makes his observations, and forbears his speeches, (I mean, can be silent, and only laugh when he sees somebody of more sense laugh, and never approve or condemn but in leading-strings,) he may, possibly, pass in a crowd of gentlemen.But poor, poor Polly Barlow! What can I say for Polly Barlow?

I have a time in view, when possibly my papers may fall under the inspection of a dear gentleman, to whom, next to God, I am accountable for all my actions and correspondencies; so I will either write an account of the matter, and seal it up separately, for Mr B, or, at a proper opportunity, will break it to him, and let him know, (under secrecy, if I can engage him to promise-it,) the steps I took in it; for fear something should arise hereafter, when I cannot answer for myself, to render any thing dark or questionable in it. A method, I believe, very proper to be taken by every married lady; and I presume the rather to say so, having had a good example for it. For I have often thought of a little sealed-up parcel of papers, my lady made me burn in her presence about a month before she died. -They are, Pamela, said she, such as I have no reason to be concerned about, let who will see them, could they know the springs and causes of them: bat, for want of a clue, my son might be at a loss what to think of several of those letters, were he to find them, in looking over my other papers, when I am no more.

Let me add, that nothing could be more endearing than our parting with our noble guests. My lady repeated her commands for what she often engaged me to promise, that is to say, to renew the correspondence begun between us, so much (as she was pleased to say) to her satisfac tion.

I could not help shewing her ladyship, who was always inquiring after my writing employment, most of what passed between you and me; and she admires you much, and wished Mr Hhad more wit, that was her word: She should, in that case, she said, be very glad to set on foot a treaty between you and him.

But that, I fancy, can never be tolerable to you; and I only mention it en passant-There's a French woman for you!

The Countess was full of her kind wishes for my happiness; and my Lady Davers told me,

that, if I could give her timely notice, she would be present on a certain occasion.

But, my dear miss, what could I say?—I know nothing of the matter!-Only, that I am a sad coward, and have a thousand anxieties, which I cannot mention to any body.

But, if I have such in the honourable estate of matrimony, what must those poor souls have, who have been seduced, and have all manner of reason to apprehend, that the crime shall be followed by a punishment so natural to it! A punishment, in kind, as I may say; which, if it only ends in forfeiture of life, following the forfeiture of fame, must be thought merciful and happy beyond expectation; for how shall they lay claim to the hope that is given to persons in their circumstances, that they shall be saved in child-bearing, since the condition is, if they CONTINUE in faith and charity, and HOLINESS with SOBRIETY?

Now, my honoured mother, and my dear Miss Darnford, since I am upon this affecting subject, does not this text seem to give a comfortable hope to a good woman, who shall die in this circumstance, that she shall be happy in the divine mercies? For the apostle, in the context, says, That he suffers not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.-And what is the reason he gives? Why, a reason that is a natural consequence of the curse on the first disobedience, that she shall be in subjection to her husband.-For, says he, Adam was NOT deceived; but the woman, being deceived, was in the transgression. As much as to say, "had it not been for the woman, Adam had kept his integrity, and therefore her punishment shall be, as it is said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow in thy conception: in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, and thy husband shall rule over thee. But, nevertheless, if thou shalt not survive the sharpness of thy sorrow, thy death shall be deemed to be such an alleviation of thy part of the entailed transgression, that thou shalt be saved, if thou hast CONTINUED in faith, and charity, and нoLINESS with SOBRIETY."

This, my honoured parents, and my dear friend, is my paraphrase; and I reap no small comfort from it, when I meditate upon it.

But I shall make you as serious as myself; and, my dear friend, perhaps frighten you from entering into a state, in which our poor sex suffer so much from the bridal morning, let it rise as gayly as it will upon a thoughtful mind, to that affecting circumstance, (throughout its whole progression,) for which nothing but a tender, a generous, and a worthy husband can make them any part of amends.—And when one is so blessed, one has so many fears added to one's sorrows; and so much apprehension, through human frailty, of being separated from so beloved a partner, that one had need of the greatest fortitude to support one's self. But it may be I am the weakest and most apprehensive of my sex-It may be I am!-And when one sees how common the case

appear in a light too little advantageous either to his quality or merit. But now his Lordship improves upon me every time I see him.

You know not, my dear, continued Mr Bwhat a disgrace a haughty and passionate woman brings upon her husband, and upon herself too, in the eye of her own sex, as well as ours. Nay, even those ladies, who would be as glad of dominion as she, if they might be permitted to exercise it, despise others who do, and the man most who suffers it.

And let me tell you, my Pamela, said the dear man, with an air that shewed he was satisfied with his own conduct in this particular, that you cannot imagine how much a woman owes to her husband, as well with regard to her own peace of mind, as to both their reputations, (however it may go against the grain with her sometimes,) if he be a man, who has discretion to keep her encroaching passions under a genteel and rea

sonable control.

How do you like this doctrine, miss? I'll warrant you believe, that I could do no less, than drop Mr B one of my best courtesies, in acknowledgment of my obligation to him, for so considerately preserving to me my peace of mind, and my reputation, as well as his own in this

case.

But after all, when one duly weighs the matter, I can't tell but what he says may be right in the main; for I have not been able to contradict him, partial as I am to my sex, when he has pointed out to me instances in the behaviour of certain ladies, who, like children, the more they have been humoured, the more humoursome they have grown; which must have occasioned as great uneasiness to themselves, as to their husbands. Will you excuse me, my dear? This is between ourselves; for I did not own so much to Mr B- For one should not give up one's sex, you know, if one can help it; for the men will be as apt to impose, as the women to encroach, I doubt.

Well, but here, my honoured father and mother, and my dear Miss Darnford, at last I end my journal-wise letters, as I may call them; our noble guests being gone, and our time and employments rolling on in much the same manner, as in past days, of which I have given an ac

count.

If any thing new or uncommon, or more particularly affecting to me than usual, occurs, I shall not fail to trouble you with it, as I have opportunity. But I have now my correspondence with Lady Davers to resume; and how shall I do about that?-Oh! I can easily tell: It is but trespassing a little on your indulgent allowance for me, my ever-honoured parentsAnd you, my dear miss, will find it a relief, instead of an occasion for regret, to be eased of a great many impertinencies, which I write to you in my heart's confidence, and in the familiarity

of friendship. Besides, I shall have the happiness of changing our paper-correspondence into personal conversation with you, when at London. And what a sweet change for me will that be! I will end with the joyful thought; and with the assurance, that I am,

My dearest father and mother,

And best beloved Miss Darnford,
Your dutiful and affectionate
P. B-

LETTER XXXIX.

MRS B TO MISS DARNFORD.

MY DEAR MISS DARNFORD,

I HEAR that Mrs Jewkes is in no good state of health. I am very sorry for it. I pray for her life, that she may be a credit (if it please God) to the penitence she has so lately assumed. For if she die, it will look discouraging to some thoughtless minds who penetrate not far into the methods Providence takes with its poor creatures, that as soon as she had changed her manner of living, and was in a reformed state, she was taken away: Though 'tis certain, that a person is fittest to die, when worthiest to live. And what a mercy will it be to her, if she should not live long, that she saw her errors, and repented before it was too late!

Do, my dear good Miss Darnford, vouchsafe to the poor soul the honour of a visit: She may be low-spirited-She may be too much sunk with the recollection of past things. Comfort, with that sweetness which is so natural to Miss Darnford, her drooping heart; and let her know, that I have a true concern for her, and give it her in charge to take care of herself, and spare nothing that will administer either to her health, or peace of mind.

You'll pardon me, my dear, that I put you upon such an office; an office, indeed, unsuitable to a lady in your station, to a person in hers; but not to your piety and charity, where a duty so eminent as that of visiting the sick, and cheering the doubting mind, is in the question.

I know your condescension will give her great comfort and if she should be hastening to her account, what a pleasure will it give such a lady as you, to have illuminated a benighted mind, when it was tottering on the verge of death!

But I hope she will get the better of her indisposition, and live many years a thankful monument of God's mercies, and to do more good by her example in the latter part of her life, than she may possibly have done evil in the former.

I know she will want no spiritual help from good Mr Peters: but then the kind notice of so generally esteemed a young lady, will raise her more than can be imagined; for there is a tenderness, a sympathy, in the good persons of our

sex to one another, that (while the best of the other seem but to act as in office, saying to one those things, which, though edifying and convincing, one is not certain proceeds not rather from the fortitude of their minds, than the tenderness of their natures) mingles from one woman to another with one's very spirits, thins the animal mass, and runs through one's heart, in the same lifey current (I cannot clothe my thought suitably to express what I would express,) giving assurance as well as pleasure, in the most arduous cases, and brightening our misty prospects till we see the Sun of Righteousness rising on the hills of comfort, and dispelling the heavy fogs of doubt and diffidence.

This it is makes me wish and long as I do, for the company of my dear Miss Darnford. Ó when shall I see you? When shall I?-To speak to my present case, it is all I long for; and, pardon my freedom of expression, as well as thought, when I let you know in this instance, how early I experience the ardent longings of one in the way I am in.

But I ought not to set my heart upon any thing that is not in my own power, and which may be subject to accidents and the control of others. But let whatever interventions happen, so I have your will to come, I must be rejoiced in your kind intention, although your power should not prove answerable.

And now, my dearest honoured mother, let me tell you, that I build no small consolation in the hope, that I shall, on a certain occasion, have your presence, and be strengthened by your advice and comfortings. For this was a proposal of the best and most considerate of men, who is every day, if he sees but the least thoughtful cloud upon my brow, studying to say or to do something to dispel it. But I believe it is the grateful sense I have of his goodness to me, that makes me thus over-anxious: For the apprehensions of a separation from such an excellent husband, from hopes so cheering, prospects so delightful, must, at times, affect one, let one's affiance and desires be ever so strong where they ought to be preferably placed. Then one would live to do a little more good, if one might!

I am a sad, weak, apprehensive creature; to be sure I am! How much better fitted for the contingencies of life, are the gay, frolic minds, that think not of any thing before it comes upon them, than such thoughtful futurity pokers as I

am!

But why should I trouble you, my honoured and dear friends, with my idle fears and follies -just as if nobody was ever in my case before! -Yet weak and apprehensive spirits will be gloomily affected sometimes; and how can one help it? And if I may not hope for the indulgent soothings of the best of parents, and of my

Miss Darnford, in whose bosom besides can one disburden one's heart, when oppressed by too great a weight of thought?

You will come, and be in the house with me, my dear mother, for some time, when my best friend sends to you: Won't you?-And you will spare my dear mother, my best of fathers: Won't you?-Yes, yes, I am sure you will-And I am sure my Miss Darnford will be with me, if she can; and these are my comforts. But how I run on!-For I am so much a novice, that—

But I will say no more, than that I am, my honoured father and mother, your ever dutiful daughter; and, my dear Miss Darnford, Your affectionate and obliged

LETTER XL.

MISS DARNFORD TO MRS B

MY DEAR MRS B

P. B

We are greatly obliged to you for every particular article in your entertaining Journal, which you have brought, sooner than we wished, to a conclusion. We cannot express how much we admire you for your judicious charities, so easy to be practised, yet so uncommon in the manner; and for your inimitable conduct in the affair of your frail Polly, and the silly Mr H

Your account of the visit of the four rakes, of your parting with your noble guests; your verses, and Mr H- 's letter, (an original indeed!) have all greatly entertained us, as your prerogative hints* have amused us: But we defer our opinion of those hints, till we have the case more fully explained.

But, my dear friend, are you not in danger of falling into a too thoughtful and gloomy way? By the latter part of your last letter, we are afraid you are; and my mamma, and Mrs Jones, and Mrs Peters, enioin me to write, to caution you on that head. But there is the less need of it, because your prudence will always suggest to you reasons, as it does in that very letter, that must outbalance our fears. Think little, and hope much, is a good lesson in your case, and to a lady of your temper; and I hope Lady Davers will not in vain have given you that caution. After all, I dare say, your thoughtfulness is but symptomatical, and will go off, in proper

time.

Meantime, permit me to choose you a subject, that will certainly divert you. You must know, that I have been a diligent observer of the conduct of people in the married life to each other; and have often pronounced, that there cannot be any tolerable happiness in it, unless the one or the other makes such sacrifices of their incli

nations and humours as renders it a state very little desirable to free and generous minds. Of this I see an instance in our own family; for though my papa and mamma live very happily, it is all owing to one side; I need not say which. And this, I am sure, must be the case between Mr B- and you: For you must, even through fire, if required, sacrifice to Moloch. I know your prudence will oblige you to make the best of it: and, like a contented good wife, you will say, you have your own will in every thing: A good reason why, because you make your own will his. This, long ago, we all agreed, any lady must do, be her quality ever so great, who would be happy with Mr B-- Yet my sister once hoped (entre nous) to be the person. Fine work would there have been between two such spirits, you may believe!

Is

,

But to waive this; Let me ask you, Mrs Byour monarch's conduct to you as respectful, I do not mean fond, when you are alone together, as when in company?-Forgive me, madam-But you have hinted two or three times, in your letters, that he always is most complaisant to you in company; and you observe, that wisely does he act in this, because he thereby does credit with every body to his own choice. I make no doubt that the many charming scenes which your genius and fine behaviour furnish out to him, must, as often as they happen, inspire him with joy, and even rapture; and must make him love you more for your mind than for your person:-But these rapturous scenes last very little longer than the present moment. What I want to know is, Whether, in the steadier parts of life, when you are both nearer the level of us common folks, he gives up any thing of his own will in compliment to yours? Whether he acts the part of a respectful, polite gentleman in his behaviour to you; and breaks not into your retirements, in the dress and with the brutal roughness of a fox-hunter?-Making no difference, perhaps, between the field or his stud, I will not say kennel, and your chamber or closet?-Policy, for his own credit's sake, as I mentioned, accounts to me well, for his complaisance to you in public. But his regular and uniform behaviour to you in your retirements, when the conversation between you turns upon usual and common subjects, and you have not obliged him to rise to admiration of you, by such scenes as those of your two parsons, Sir Jacob Swynford, and the like; are what would satisfy my curiosity, if you please to give me an instance or two of it.

Now, my dearest Mrs B-, if you can give me a case, partly or nearly thus circumstanced, you will oblige me.

First; where he has borne with any infirmity of your own; and I know of none where you can give him such an opportunity, except you get into a vapourish habit, by giving way to a temper too thoughtful and apprehensive:

Next; that, in complaisance to your will, he recedes from his own in any one instance:

Next; whether he breaks not into your retirements unceremoniously, and without apology or concern; as I hinted above.

You know, my dear Mrs B, all I mean, by what I have said; and if you have any pretty conversation in memory, by the recital of which, this my bold curiosity may be answered, pray oblige me with it; and we shall be able to judge by it, not only of the inborn generosity, which all that know Mr B- have been willing to attribute it to him, but of the likelihood of the continuance of both your felicities, upon terms suitable to the characters of a fine lady and fine gentleman; and, of consequence, worthy of the imitation of the most delicate of our own sex.

This is the task your Polly Darnford presumes to set her beloved Mrs B. And why? For your own diversion, in the first place. For my edification, in the next. And that when I have the pleasure, I hope for, of attending you in London, I may see what there is in the conduct of you both, to admire, or to remonstrate against, in the third. For, where there is so little wanting to perfection between you, I shall be very free with you both, in my censures, if he imposes, through prerogative, or you permit, through an undue compliance, what I shall imagine ought not to be in either case. I know you will excuse me for what I have said; and well you may, since I am sure I shall have nothing to do, when I am with you, but to admire and to imitate you; and to wish, if ever I marry, I may have just such a husband (though not quite so haughty, perhaps) as Mr Blet not the lordly man see this letter, nor your answer, nor the copy of it, till you may conclude I have the latter, if then; that you may not be under any undue influences.

But pray

Your obliging longings, my beloved dear lady, for my company, I hope, will be soon, very soon, answered. My papa was so pleased with your sweet earnestness on this occasion, that he joined with my mamma; and both, with equal cheerfulness, said, You should not be many days in London before me. Murray and his mistress go on swimmingly, and have not yet had one quarrel. The only person, he, of either sex, that ever knew Nancy so intimately, and so long, without one!

This is all I have to say, at present, when I have assured you, my dear Mrs B- how

much I am

Your obliged and affectionate POLLY DARNFORD.

I must add, however, that I expect from you almost as many letters as there are post days, between this and the time I see you; for I will not part with my correspondent for any body; no, not for Lady Davers.

But I must insist upon your giving me the con