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Trueman of the contents of the letter, told him he had discovered the bounteous hand that gave him liberty.
"I have compared this letter of my Lord Belfont with the one I received when under confinement, and I find the characters of each exactly corresponding. To his lordship I attribute the benevolent act. To-morrow, we purpose leaving this humble dwelling, and once more taking possession of our former mansion; where, I hope, we shall enjoy the pleasure of your company."
"You do me infinite honour, sir; and I will study to deserve your favour. But where is Miss Benley, sir? I came purposely to inquire how she finds herself, after her last night's merriment."
"I believe you will find her in the garden. She and her mother will keep you company for an hour or two, while I visit my friends in the village."
Trueman walked to the bottom of the garden, and found his lovely Charlotte seated on a bower of osiers, which she herself had reared. She had a letter in her hand, which, as she perused, the tears of anguish fell from her sorrowing eyes. Trueman's approach roused the maid; she started from her seat, hurried the letter into her pocket, and darted an angry look at the youth.
"Why, my lovely Charlotte! do you thus angrily fix on me those streaming eyes?"
"Answer me faithfully," said she; "art thou what thou seemest? or, beneath that mean attire, but ill according with thy polished phrase and manner, dost thou not hide--Ha! my fears are true!" The blush of guilt has crimsoned o'er thy face
