light eftimation of me.-Do they imagine I will voluntarily return-intreat "forgiveness-make the colonel one of 66 my best curtfies for accepting my hand? "No, I will die firft; -and whatever 66 were my intentions when I first set out,

I have now fufficient provocation to "difpofe of myself, and I will be this "man's wife?"

Sir Matthew left me a few moments to my own reflections-What a conflict !But refentment was predominant-I became impatient for the performance of the ceremony, which was hurried over at Sir Matthew's return, and I rendered the moft miferable woman breathing!

I begged Sir Matthew would give me leave to retire and acquaint my friends with the ftep I had taken. -He, affecting great politeness, complied with my requeft, and went, as I afterwards learned, to view the town during my being employed ;

ployed; and I had leifure not only to dispatch my last letter, but to indulge the moft killing reflections.

I had determined, however, to preserve the appearance at least of refignation, and was fitting-like Patience on a monument smiling at grief-when I was furprised by a great noife at the door;and before I had either power to rife, or any degree of recollection, who should rush into my presence but the injured colonel, in an agony much better to be conceived than defcribed. He feized me as his own-his words were scarcely articulate-but yet fufficiently intelligent - I had but juft time to reply, and was endeavouring to disengage myself from his arms, when Sir Matthew returned. - The contraft completed my wretchedness;my chofen, my intended-my real and abhorred husband at once before my eyes; -but I was not long in a condition to make comparisons.

My infenfibility continued but for a moment. - Providence was fo gracious as to restore my reason, though not my ut terance, except for three words only, or murther had been the confequence of my folly. A brace of piftols lay upon the flab-I fuppofe Sir Matthew was indifcreet - the colonel diftracted - and the former owes his life to a fingle exclamation I made in his favour.

I will not recollect the reft.-I fuffered myself to lose fight of all I held dear,and my affliction was greatly encreased by being rather ridiculed than pitied.

But be that day for ever blotted from my remembrance !-Sir Matthew, upon the whole, treats me much better than I deferve, and his future kindnefs will undoubtedly depend upon my good behaviour.

Thus, Nancy, am I reduced from commanding to fubmiffion ;-and, instead of

having my every inclination gratified almoft before I could communicate it, I am under the mortifying neceffity of facrificing my will to that of another,and that other

Farewel, my fifter, I am not fo miferable as I have described :—do not therefore let your happiness be clouded or interrupted on my account. -Write to the colonel-give him every poffible confolation-and, if I cannot affure you of my felicity, you may depend upon my being perfectly refigned.

LET

LETTER XXXIV.

Mifs NANCY PITTBOROUGH to Lady

W

SANXSEY.

HAT fhall I fay to my beloved, my unfortunate sister, under her prefent circumstances?-How convey confolation clear of reflection, or convince her that my pity, my sympathy, are hers, without adding fresh stings to her affliction ?

Alas, my dear, it was but too neceffary for you to learn the leffon of mortification; —that path is very flippery that is strewed with flowers. A greater evil might have befallen you; your honour, your fortune is fecure-but your task, I grant you, is rather hard to perform. Confider the {facred engagement you have entered into,

and