me, and whose advice and assistance
he immediately bespoke. The friend had no scruples on the
subject, and at once became a partner in the plot. Means
were found to overcome the first impediment, and behold our
two gentlemen in the presence of the fair object of their
attack. The principal was immediately introduced as the
son of Sir George ----, a highly respectable Baronet of the
same name, but of a very different character. His manners
were chastened for the occasion, his appearance fashionable,
and his address distinguished by a warmth which the
acknowledged purpose of his visit, that of soliciting the
honor of being permitted to pay his addresses, in some
measure justified. The lady was not displeased: to all
appearance the connexion, which was thus offered to her was
most nattering; the son of a baronet, and one especially who
had expressed himself in a most disinterested manner, was
not to be dismissed without due deliberation; she,
therefore, with becoming frankness, consented to grant
another interview on the ensuing day. The friends were
punctual to the time appointed, and came in the carriage
(_pro tempore_) of the suitor. They were shown into the
drawing-room, and the conversation was mutually pleasing. At
length our hero proposed to the lady to take a short airing
in his carriage. At first she exhibited the usual coyness at
such an invitation from one, to whom she was almost a
stranger; but was ultimately bantered into a consent, and
accordingly dressed for a ride. Having taken her seat
between the two gentlemen, they engaged her on such topics
as they thought most amusing, and the time passed so
agreeably that she scarce knew where she was going, till she
had arrived at Barnet, on the north road. They stopped at
one of the principal inns, and alighting, a slight cold
repast was ordered. The convenient friend shortly after
quitted the apartment to look to the horses, and the _soi-
disant_ son of the Baronet instantly commenced an
assault upon the lady's heart, which it would seem, was but
too well received. He protested that he had long sighed at a
distance, without having the courage to confess his flame;
and, in short, that he could not exist unless she became
his. The lady, whatever might be the feelings of h