have gone distracted. I asked her what could have tempted her thus to ruin the man who doted on her, and whose every wish was centred in her happiness. All the reason I could get from her was that she thought her interest and yours was incompatible, for the more I did for you, the less she could have for herself; that she soon perceived your discontent at the alteration of my behaviour to you; and as she was your enemy, she concluded you must be hers. This, she said, made her go greater lengths than she at first intended. Soon after this confession she died, and left me in a condition impossible to express. And as I am now convinced of your love and tenderness for me, I will not shock you with the repetition of it.
"The next day, while I was revolving in my mind what method I should take to find you again, my Lord ——— came to see me. At first my servant denied me, and said I saw no company; he insisted on coming up, saying he had something of the greatest consequence to impart to me. The moment he entered the room he informed me that by accident he had met with you and Valentine. This sudden transport of joy almost deprived me of my senses. I asked him a thousand questions before I gave him time to answer one: at last as soon as he could speak, he told me he was convinced by your behaviour you was entirely innocent; and if I would send for you home, and clear up your reputation, he should be very glad to receive you as his wife. I was quite astonished at this discourse; but, however, would not stay with him a minute longer than to thank him for his good news and kind offer, took a direction where to find you. and flew once more to have the happiness of anbracing my dear children.
"I have but ten thousand pounds left: divide it between you; and, for the rest of my life, all I
