thought. Matilda would have withdrawn, the other entreated her to return; "Come in, my dear girl, (said she) my own thoughts are the worst company you could leave me in at present."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 opprest 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 Countess:) the best claim to a generous mind, is being unfortunate with merit that deserves a better fate. I think little of those favors which are bestowed from claims of affinity only; since family pride, the censure of the world, and many causes, may unlock a heart to support their own consequence in their connexions, but the truly beneficent mind looks upon every child of sorrow as their relation, and entitled to their assistance; but when beauty and virtue suffer, from whatsoever cause, believe me, dear Matilda, they receive a superior gratification that have the power of relieving sorrows, than the receiver can in accepting the favors." "I believe, my dear madam, (replied Matilda, her heart warmed by the idea) I believe you are right; for if there is a human being I could envy, it would be the one who could raise the desponding heart to hope and peace." "With that conviction, (resumed the Countess) feel as if you conferred a favour, without the oppressive notion of having received one; and now pray listen to me. My brother and sister hourly importune me to prosecute the Count: you know my
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