,
even before the one chapter be completed. The correspondents are the
Lady Amelia de Courcy and Miss Gresham. I, of course, give precedence
to the higher rank, but the first epistle originated with the
latter-named young lady. Let me hope that they will explain
themselves.

Miss Gresham to Lady Amelia de Courcy

Greshamsbury House, June, 185--.

MY DEAREST AMELIA,

I wish to consult you on a subject which, as you will
perceive, is of a most momentous nature. You know how much
reliance I place in your judgement and knowledge of what
is proper, and, therefore, I write to you before speaking
to any other living person on the subject: not even to
mamma; for, although her judgement is good too, she has so
many cares and troubles, that it is natural that it should
be a little warped when the interests of her children are
concerned. Now that it is all over, I feel that it may
possibly have been so in the case of Mr Moffat.

You are aware that Mr Mortimer Gazebee is now staying
here, and that he has been here for nearly two months. He
is engaged in managing poor papa's affairs, and mamma, who
likes him very much, says that he is a most excellent man
of business. Of course, you know that he is the junior
partner in the very old firm of Gumption, Gazebee, &
Gazebee, who, I understand, do not undertake any business
at all, except what comes to them from peers, or commoners
of the very highest class.

I soon perceived, dearest Amelia, that Mr Gazebee paid me
more than ordinary attention, and I immediately became
very guarded in my manner. I certainly liked Mr Gazebee
from the first. His manners are quite excellent, his
conduct to mamma is charming, and, as regards myself, I
must say that there has been nothing in his behaviour of
which even _you_ could complain. He has never attempted
the slightest familiarity, and I will do him the justice
to say, that, though he has been very attentive, he has
also been very respectful.

I must confess that, for the last three weeks, I have
thought that he meant something. I might, perhaps, have
done more to repel him; or I might have consulted you
earlier as to the propriety of keeping altogether out of
his way. But you know, Amelia, how often these things lead
to nothing, and though I thought all along that Mr Gazebee
was in earnest, I hardly liked to say anythin