whose houses during her stay she was frequently invited, for their liberal contributions to defray the expenses of her journey.

Revenge is one of the most grateful sensations to a little mind, in which cunning is always substituted for sense.~ Mr. Sumbel had received the most elegant education that Europe could give him; yet, notwithstanding his immense wealth, there was a littleness in all his actions which I despised. The expression of Miss Ray stung him to the quick; and he resolved to have satisfaction if it cost him his fortune, or even his life. The early bias his mind had received, from the manners and customs of the despotic government un

der which he was born, could neither be soothed nor allayed till he had accomplished his purpose; and he resolved to effect by stratagem what he dare not do by open force. He was also exasperated at my leaving him; and he resolved, by a ruse-de-guerre, to be revenged of us both.

At our interview at Stamford, Miss Ray very politely gave us an invitation

to go to her father's on our return, and spend a few weeks with her. As soon as I was gone, he recollected that she had pressed us to go to Northamptonshire, and he accordingly set out for that place. The report of his great riches, and the large quantity of diamonds he had about him, had reached

Weldon, the residence of her father; so that, as might naturally be supposed, he was received with the greatest hospitality and politeness by the clergyman and his daughter. Miss Ray was a lady of superior education, and supposed to possess a great mind; but the sight of the diamonds, many of which he presented her with, and his frequent insi nuations that I had eaten meat forbid den by his religion (which entitled him to a divorce according to the Mosaic law), made it bend a little, and condescend to look upon the man of no country with a favourable eye. After he had been a short time at Weldon, he made formal proposals of marriage to Miss Ray, and obtained her father's

consent. He prevailed on them both to come to London, and took for them a house in Newman-street; sent in plate, china, and every requisite; and clothes for her to a large amount.

Things were in this situation when I arrived at my cottage at Hyde from Yorkshire. I was welcomed by my sincere friend who had taken care of it during my absence; and had not time to take off my travelling-dress, when Mr. Sumbel's carriage drove to the door. He was extremely glad to see me; said he knew I was coming, as he had all my actions in the country most carefully watched; and was so pleased with the manner in which I had conducted myself, that he had come to meet me the

VOL. II.

E

noment he heard of my arrival. Though at the time I conceived it impossible for him to be made acquainted with it,

I

gave him credit for his expressions (such power has flattery over the female mind), and became reconciled to him. Little did I think at the moment that his intention in coming to the cottage was to remove the plate and furniture to Newman-street; but such was the case, and it was rather singular I should arrive at the critical moment to preserve it.

We returned to London together, went to our house in Pall-mall, and continued the entire day the greatest friends. Next morning, getting up rather early, he requested me to accom