towards the house, and to the apartment of the Countess. That lady was alone, her head resting on her hand, and seemed buried in thought. Matilda would have withdrawn, the other entreated her return; "Come in, my dear girl, (said she) my own thoughts are the worst company you could leave me in at present." "I come to tell you, my dear madam, (cried her young friend) that my heart is bursting with gratitude: the Marchioness will not hear me, but I must have vent for my feelings, or I shall be oppressed to death." She burst into tears. "My dear April girl, (said the Countess) no more of those showers, -you have too much sensibility; I know what you want to tell me, therefore spare yourself the trouble, and let me acquaint you, that I am indebted to my generous brother, for a settlement of treble the value of what he has given you, yet I make no fuss about the matter." "But, dear madam, (cried Matilda) sure there is great difference in our situations, you have a natural claim -" "A natural claim (repeated the
