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opinion it entertains of my distress and reproach it for its ingratitude!"
"What else can you purpose?" asked Bremere.
"Convinced of your lordship's integrity," replied Belfont, "I shall not hesitate to repose in your breast the secret of my resolves. The sudden death of my uncle," continued he, "has given me an ample fortune; the enjoyment of which, in the vulgar opinion of mankind, ensures the constant possession of happiness. Alas! how mistaken is such a notion! It is true, my every wish is gratified but one. You smile, Charles, and already anticipate that yet unaccomplished wish-Yes! my friend, the society of a virtuous female, whose bosom is awake to the soft touches of humanity, and who will not, to the offspring of distress, refuse the tributary sigh of pity, nor from the needy sufferer withhold the sacred boon of charity is what I am now in search of. In the higher circles of life," added he, "my pursuit has proved abortive ; and, assuming the appearance of the rustic cottager, I mean to seek it in humbler scenes!"
It was in vain that Lord Bremere endeavoured to persuade his friend from his purpose. Belfont remained inflexible to all his entreaties, and, having drawn from his friend all assurance of in able secrecy, they parted: Bremere, to the haunts of giddy passion; Belfont, to prepare for his visit to those of rural felicity
After a short repast, Belfont, leaving directions with his steward for the management of the family in his absence, retired to rest: and; at an early hour, while the sons of riot and dissipation were returning from their nocturnal revels, he left
