staid two hours, and varied the conversation in a manner
which, in spite of her extreme modesty, made it impossible for her to
avoid shewing she had been educated with uncommon care: her style is
correct and elegant; her sentiments noble, yet unaffected; we talked
of books, she said little on the subject; but that little shewed a
taste which astonished us.

Anxious as we are to know her true situation, in order, if she
merits it, to endeavor to serve her, yet delicacy made it impossible
for us to give the least hint of a curiosity which might make her
suppose we entertained ideas to her prejudice.

She seemed greatly affected with the humane concern Emily expressed
for the child's danger yesterday, as well as with the polite and even
affectionate manner in which she appeared to interest herself in all
which related to her; Emily made her general offers of service with a
timid kind of softness in her air, which seemed to speak rather a
person asking a favor than wishing to confer an obligation.

She thanked my sweet Emily with a look of surprize and gratitude to
which it is not easy to do justice; there was, however, an
embarrassment in her countenance at those offers, which a little alarms
me; she absolutely declined coming to Bellfield: I know not what to
think.

Emily, who has taken a strong prejudice in her favor, will answer
for her conduct with her life; but I will own to you, I am not without
my doubts.

When I consider the inhuman arts of the abandoned part of one sex,
and the romantic generosity and too unguarded confidence, of the most
amiable of the other; when I reflect that where women love, they love
without reserve; that they fondly imagine the man who is dear to them
possessed of every virtue; that their very integrity of mind prevents
their suspicions; when I think of her present retirement, so
apparently ill suited to her education; when I see her beauty, her
elegance of person, with that tender and melancholy air, so strongly
expressive of the most exquisite sensibility; when, in short, I see the
child, and observe her fondness for him, I have fears for her, which I
cannot conquer.

I am as firmly convinced as Emily of the goodness of her heart; but
I am not so certain that even that very goodness may not have been,
from an unhappy concurrence of circumstances, her misfortune.

We have company to dine.

Adieu! till the evening.

Ten at night.

About three hours ago, Emily received the inc