ed the inquisitive presence of Mr.
Meiklewham, who, as usual, had been watching for him to learn how
matters were going on; and although it was now late, he mounted his
horse, and rode hastily to Shaws-Castle. On the way, he deliberated with
himself whether to mention to his sister the application which had been
made to him, in order to prepare her to receive the young Earl as a
suitor, favoured with her brother's approbation. "But no, no, no;" such
was the result of his contemplation. "She might take it into her head
that his thoughts were bent less upon having her for a countess, than on
obtaining possession of his grand-uncle's estate.--We must keep quiet,"
concluded he, "until her personal appearance and accomplishments may
appear at least to have some influence upon his choice.--We must say
nothing till this blessed entertainment has been given and received."

CHAPTER XIX.

A LETTER.

"Has he so long held out with me untired,
And stops he now for breath?--Well--Be it so."

_Richard III._

Mowbray had no sooner left the Earl's apartment, than the latter
commenced an epistle to a friend and associate, which we lay before the
reader, as best calculated to illustrate the views and motives of the
writer. It was addressed to Captain Jekyl, of the ---- regiment of
Guards, at the Green Dragon, Harrowgate, and was of the following
tenor:--

"Dear Harry,

"I have expected you here these ten days past, anxiously as ever man
was looked for; and have now to charge your absence as high treason
to your sworn allegiance. Surely you do not presume, like one of
Napoleon's new-made monarchs, to grumble for independence, as if
your greatness were of your own making, or as if I had picked you
out of the whole of St. James's coffee-house to hold my back-hand,
for your sake, forsooth, not for my own? Wherefore, lay aside all
your own proper business, be it the pursuit of dowagers, or the
plucking of pigeons, and instantly repair to this place, where I may
speedily want your assistance.--_May_ want it, said I? Why, most
negligent of friends and allies, I _have_ wanted it already, and
that when it might have done me yeoman's service. Know that I have
had an affair since I came hither--have got hurt myself, and have
nearly shot my friend; and if I had, I might have been hanged for
it, for want of Harry Jekyl to bear witness in my favour. I was so
f