yourself, though from a different cause. My uncle is ill, and the faculty say he is not long for this world. I have the tenderest affection for the good man, and shall consider the independent fortune he will leave me by no means an equivalent for his loss. I have informed him I was writing to you; and he desires to give you a piece of advice from himself. I am not,' said he, fond of young men's going to India; I have observed but few return with the same amiable dispositions they possessed on leaving their native country. Whether it be the company they fall in with, the nature of their employment, or the customs of the country that corrupt them, I cannot determine but I hope your friend will guard against the corruption, be it what it may, and prove an exception to my observation.' Permit me, Charles, to enforce this advice of my uncle; for I have made the same observation in many instances. I suppose you will write to colonel Ambrose, and I trust I need not add to your friend Johnson, very often: I will be punctual in my answers. Heaven prosper you! and I hope you will drink deep of the waters of Lethe, but not so deep as to forget your faithful friend,

JOHN JOHNSON.

LETTER XIV.

the age of forty-five. I likewise spoke of the eldest miss Vernon as a young woman, who, from the little I had seen of her, seemed to comprise all my ideas of female excellence. I stayed but ten days with Mr. Vernon; for his 'manners were so disgusting, that it was really a pain to be in his company. For, absorbed as he is in calculations and economical pursuits, my presence was a visible constraint upon him. I, however, paid constant visits to his lovely sisters, who every day won upon my esteem, as every day convinced me more and more of their worth.

You are now prepared for what is to follow. I offered my hand and heart to miss Vernon, am accepted, and obtained a promise that she would be mine at the end of twelve months. I urged, as you may suppose, an earlier day, as, at my time of life, there is no time to lose; but in vain, the urging it gave her uneasiness. Nor can I blame her. No prudent woman would marry on so short an acquaintance.

Although this lovely woman has accepted my offer, yet I discover a dejection in her that alarms me, and makes me fear I do not possess her heart with that entire affection I hope for in a wife. And how can I expect, I sometimes say to myself, to possess the affections of so young a woman? Can she marry for any con

brose.

My dear sister begins to wonder at not seeing me ere this; but I deferred my visit, or letter, until I was come to some determination as to my future plans. I informed you in my last that it was my intention to marry, if I could meet with a woman every way suited to my taste. If I had not been rather difficult in my choice, I had not been a bachelor at

enough to be her father?-But a truce with these reflections; I proceed to the main purport of my letter.

I have taken a house at Windsor; but the present occupier does not quit till Christmas. I have therefore resolved on continuing in my present lodgings in Portland-place till next spring, when I hope to settle myself and charming wife in my new house.

And now, my dear Lucy, I am going to make a request to you, which if you approve, it will much please me; at the same time, it is my par ticular desire, you will not act contrary to your inclination. It is, that you shut up your house, and reside with me until the time mentioned above. I shall then have an opportunity to introduce you to the miss Vernons, which I much wish; and in their society I think you will find pleasure, to say nothing of the satisfaction the company of my dear sister will afford me. If you ap prove this, let me know immediately, and I will order every thing relative to your journey. In the mean time, I rest your ever affectionate brother, CHARLES AMEROSE.

LETTER XV.

Miss II. Vernon to Miss West.

I HAVE been laughing, my dear Susan, this hour past, at a young man too-the queerest, surely, that was ever seen. You must know, brother has taken a new clerk, in the room of our poor Charles. But why do I say poor? he is in a way to be rich.

After expecting this rare youth several days, he arrived yesterday express from Hampshire. You have heard of Hampshire hogs, Susan.-He was taken to the counting-house first, and did not make his appearance before us till dinner-time. My brother was then followed by a little diminutive figure, dressed in a whole suit of brown clothes, with carroty hair, tied in a tail behind about the size of my finger. Every feature in his face is what you may call pretty, and his complexion may rival the lily for whiteness, with scarcely any red to contrast it; bat a more vacant countenance you cannot possibly

conceive. He made a sort of sidelong bow at his entrance, without venturing to look at either of us.

This is Mr. Jeremiah Curtis,' said my brother.

"Yes,' said he, that is my name.' Pray, sir, take a chair,' said Maria. I screwed up my mouth as close as possible, and dared not trust myself with a sentence.

Thank you, Ma'am,' said he, this stool will do'-at the same time seating himself on one, or rather between one and a neighbouring chair.

I could contain myself no longer; but, by way of excuse for laughing, said, Take care, sir: you know the old saying, I suppose. This raised a laugh, in which I had an excuse to join, and gave Mr. Jerry an opportunity of shewing a set of beautiful white teeth, as an additional ornament to his sweet face.

Dinner arrived, but I dared not look on Maria, or any where but my own plate, the whole time. My brother said, Young man, you must not expect cheese after dinner ; I never have any, I think it unnecessary.'

I think so too,' said he; and toasted, it is unwholesome.'

Dear!' said I, I am sorry for that, for I am very fond of toasted cheese. But how is it unwholesome? Why, I have heard it makes people short-breathed, and causes a bad smell.'

This was too much, and I could sit it no longer; but, putting my handkerchief to my face, I ran up stairs, and laughed so immoderately that Dorcas thought I was in hy sterics. Maria soon joined me, and owned it was with difficulty she could refrain. What shall we do?' said I: 'I shall never be able to live in the house with this queer creature?

Oh! when we are used to him it will wear off: you must reason your self out of it, and think on grave subjects when he is present.

Thank you for your advice,' said I; but I fear I shall not be able to profit by it

By tea-time I had laughed my self into gravity, and was able to face the second interview. He sat himself down on the same stool as be fore, which I have now nained Jerry's stool, and all Maria's persuasions could not prevail on him to take a chair. Nothing particular occurred at tea. Brother went tỏ, the club, and we were left to entertain our pretty spark.

You had better take a little walk,' said Maria.

'If you please, Ma'am,' said he, happy to be released-and away he

went.

'I had it once, Ma'am ; but I cured it with a charm.'

Really that was charming said I.

Do you ever read, sir? said Maria: we have a few books at your service.'

I can't say I do.'

How, then, do you employ yourself?'

Why I think a great deal, Ma'am,' fixing his eyes on the floor. And pray, sir, what do you think of this carpet?' suid I.

I think it a very pretty one,' replied the oaf.

Just then the colonel arrived. Jerry retired behind the door. The colonel entered.

What alone, ladies!" said he. 'No, sir,' said Maria, here is a gentleman with us :'-then looking round Bless me, where is he gone?'

I who saw him speek behind the door shut it, and discovered him to the company. The colonel, who could scarcely keep his countenance, observed the gentleman was playing hide and seek.

And a very innocent amusement too,' said I. This, sir, is Mr. Je Femiah Curtis.Colonel Ambrose, Mr. Curtis.

I shall not attempt to describe poor Jerry's confusion; it is im possible. I had compassion on him, and let him sit quiet the remainder of the evening.

And now for a word of the colonel.-He told us, that he had just received a letter from his sister in answer to one he had written, requesting her to spend the winter with him at his lodgings; that she had conformed to his wishes, and that he expected her in a few days, I was delighted with this intelligence, and Maria looked pleased.

am all impatience to be intro duced to her. I will lay down my pen till that wished-for day arrives. Maria has been reading this letter.

For shame, Harriet!' she says, 'you are growing satyrical. You should not represent the young man in so ludicrous a light: he will improve; he is but just come from the country.'

I wish he may,' said I; but till that happy day arrives, you must give me leave to laugh at his expence: I promise you I will cease, when he ceases to be an oddity.'Adieu for the present.