application to her murderer; and retiring to this
place, where I was, and resolved to continue, unknown, determined to
devote my life to the sweet infant, and to support him by an industry
which I did not doubt heaven would prosper.

"The faithful girl who had attended Sophia, begged to continue with
me; we work for the milleners in the neighbouring towns, and, with the
little pittance I have, keep above want.

"I know the consequence of what I have undertaken; I know I give up
the world and all hopes of happiness to myself: yet will I not desert
this friendless little innocent, nor betray the confidence of my
expiring friend, whose last moments were soothed with the hope of his
finding a parent's care in me.

"You have had the goodness to wish to serve me. Sir Charles Verville
is dead: a fever, the consequence of his ungoverned intemperance,
carried him off suddenly: his brother Sir William has a worthy
character; if Colonel Rivers, by his general acquaintance with the
great world, can represent this story to him, it possibly may procure
my little Charles happier prospects than my poverty can give him.

"Your goodness, Madam, makes it unnecessary to be more explicit: to
be unhappy, and not to have merited it, is a sufficient claim to your
protection.

"You are above the low prejudices of common minds; you will pity the
wretched victim of her own unsuspecting heart, you will abhor the
memory of her savage undoer, you will approve my complying with her
dying request, though in contradiction to the selfish maxims of the
world: you will, if in your power, endeavor to serve my little
prattler.

"'Till I had explained my situation, I could not think of accepting
the honor you allowed me to hope for, of enquiring after your health at
Bellfield; if the step I have taken meets with your approbation, I
shall be most happy to thank you and Colonel Rivers for your attention
to one, whom you would before have been justified in supposing
unworthy of it.

"I am, Madam, with the most perfect respect and gratitude,

"Your obliged
and obedient servant,
F. Williams."

Your own heart, my dear Fitzgerald, will tell you what were our
reflections on reading the inclosed: Emily, whose gentle heart feels
for the weaknesses as well as misfortunes of others, will to-morrow
fetch this heroic girl and her little ward, to spend a week at
Bellfield; and we will then consider what is to be done for them.

You kno