my own imagination. But I think it is not wrong--no, no--
there is a secret something--an inward instinct that assures
me I am right. There is essential goodness in him;--and
what delight to unfold it! If he has wandered, what bliss to
recall him! If he is now exposed to the baneful influence of
corrupting and wicked companions, what glory to deliver him
from them! Oh! if I could but believe that Heaven has
designed me for this!

* * * * * *

To-day is the first of September; but my uncle has
ordered the gamekeeper to spare the partridges till the gentle-
men come. 'What gentlemen?' I asked when I heard it.
A small party he had invited to shoot. His friend Mr.
Wilmot was one, and my aunt's friend, Mr. Boarham,
another. This struck me as terrible news at the moment;
but all regret and apprehension vanished like a dream when I
heard that Mr. Huntingdon was actually to be a third! My
aunt is greatly against his coming, of course: she earnestly
endeavoured to dissuade my uncle from asking him; but he,
laughing at her objections, told her it was no use talking, for
the mischief was already done: he had invited Huntingdon
and his friend Lord Lowborough before we left London, and
nothing now remained but to fix the day for their coming.
So he is safe, and I am sure of seeing him. I cannot express
my joy. I find it very difficult to conceal it from my aunt;
but I don't wish to trouble her with my feelings till I know
whether I ought to indulge them or not. If I find it my
absolute duty to suppress them, they shall trouble no one
but myself; and if I can really feel myself justified in
indulging this attachment, I can dare anything, even the
anger and grief of my best friend, for its object--surely, I
shall soon know. But they are not coming till about the
middle of the month.

We are to have two lady visitors also: Mr. Wilmot is to
bring his niece and her cousin Milicent. I suppose my aunt
thinks the latter will benefit me by her society, and the

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