and the reason I have so long delayed speaking was, my
resolution, if possible, never again to deceive you. I can with pleasure
now assure you, that nothing can give me so much joy as to see your
wedding with Sempronius. I make no doubt, but if you ask it, you will
have my aunt's consent; and, if any intercession should be wanting
towards obtaining it, I will (if you can trust me) use all my influence
in your behalf. Be assured, my dear Caelia, I have now no farther regard
left for Sempronius, than as your husband; and that regard will increase
in proportion as he is the cause of your happiness.'

They were interrupted in their discourse by news being brought of
the arrival of Sempronius, and Chloe received him with that ease and
cheerfulness as convinced Caelia her professions were unfeigned.

Caelia related to Sempronius all that had passed between her and
Chloe; and by her continued cheerfulness of behaviour, the peace and
tranquillity of the family was perfectly restored, and their joy greatly
increased by Amanda's ready consent to the marriage of Sempronius and
Caelia, having first settled all her fortune to be divided at her death
equally between her nieces; and in her lifetime there was no occasion of
settlements, or deeds of gift, for they lived all together, and separate
property was not so much as mentioned or thought on in this family of
harmony and peace.

Here Miss Dolly ceased reading; and all her hearers sat some little time
silent, and then expressed their great joy that Caelia and Chloe were at
last happy; for none of them had been able to refrain from tears whilst
they were otherwise. On which Miss Jenny Peace begged them to observe
from this story, the miserable effects that attend deceit and treachery:
'For,' continued she, 'you see you could not refrain from tears, only by
imagining what Chloe must feel after her wickedness (by which indeed she
lost the very happiness she intended treacherously to gain); nor could
she enjoy one moment's peace, till by confessing her fault, and
heartily repenting of it, her mind was restored to its former calm and
tranquility.' Miss Dolly thanked Miss Jenny for her remarks; but Miss
Lucy Sly was most sensibly touched with this story, as cunning had
formerly entirely possessed HER mind; and said, that if her companions
were not weary at present of their arbour, she would now recount to them
the history of her life, as this story was a proper introduction to it.