in our house, for my mother never leaves me a minute to
myself, I told him that I should be at Mrs. St. Felix's this afternoon,
and he could speak to me then. He knows that I have no secrets from Mrs.
St. Felix; and although it is not pleasant to resort to such means,
still there can be no impropriety in my hearing what he has to tell me
in her presence.

"I have seen Mr. Sommerville--he thanked me very much for having
communicated, through Mrs. St. Felix, my mother's plot against his
protege, and paid me many compliments upon my behavior, which were quite
unnecessary. He told me that he had spoken to his pupil, who had most
positively denied his having any such intention, and stated that he was
merely amusing himself, and he had pledged himself not to take the least
notice of me for the future. 'I am well aware,' said he, 'that what he
has stated is not correct; he has not deceived me by his assertions; and
were it not that I feel confidence in you, Miss Virginia,' continued he,
'I would write to his father that he might be immediately removed. I
hardly need say that should anything of this kind take place, I should
be most severely blamed. It is not the first time that I have been
compelled to interfere, for my pupil is of a very susceptible
disposition, and has fancied himself in love with at least five young
people since he has been under my charge. In this instance,' continued
he, making me a bow, 'he has some extenuation to offer. Will you oblige
me by informing me if he adheres to his promise? or do you wish that I
should speak to your mother?'

"Mrs. St. Felix replied that it would be unnecessary; indeed, that if
Lord ---- left the house I should only be subject to fresh persecution.
Mr. Sommerville, at her request, stayed to drink tea, and is certainly a
very pleasant, well-informed, amiable young man.

"23d. I have received no molestation since the explanation with Mr.
Sommerville, except from my mother, who accuses me of having affronted
Lord ----; and although I deny it, she asserts that he never could have
so changed his conduct toward both of us if I had not so done. I have
not seen Janet this week--I cannot imagine what has become of her.

"24th. You may imagine my joy, my dear Tom. Mr. Sommerville has received
a letter, stating that his lordship is to go down to his father's seat
in the country, as he will be of age in a month, and he is to make
acquaintance with the tenants; there are to be great re