our meeting
was a source of delight on both sides. I found her very much grown and
improved. She was approaching her fifteenth year, as nearly as we could
guess--of course her exact age was a mystery. Her mind was equally
expanded. Her mistress praised her docility and application, and wished
to know whether I intended that she should be taught music and drawing,
for both of which she had shown a decided taste. To this I immediately
consented, and Fleta hung on my shoulder and embraced me for the
indulgence. She was now fast approaching to womanhood, and my feelings
towards her were more intense than ever. I took the chain of coral and
gold beads from her neck, telling her that I must put it into a secure
place, as much depended upon them. She was curious to know why, but I
would not enter into the subject at that time. One caution I gave her,
in case, by any chance, her retreat should be discovered by the
companions of Melchior, which was, that without I myself came, she was,
on no account, to leave the school, even if a letter from me was
produced, requesting her to come, unless that letter was delivered by
Timothy. I gave the same directions to her mistress, paid up her
schooling and expenses, and then left her, promising not to be so long
before I saw her again. On my return to town I deposited the necklace
with Mr Masterton, who locked it up carefully in his iron safe.

On the Friday, as agreed, Harcourt and I, accompanied by Timothy and
Harcourt's servant, started on the outside of the coach, as younger
brothers usually convey themselves, for his father's seat in ----shire,
and arrived there in time for dinner. I was kindly received by old Mr
Harcourt and his family, consisting of his wife and three amiable and
beautiful girls. But on the second day, during which interval I presume
Harcourt had an opportunity of undeceiving his father, I was delighted
to perceive that the old gentleman's warmth of behaviour towards me was
increased. I remained there for a fortnight, and never was so happy. I
was soon on the most intimate terms with the whole family, and was
treated as if I belonged to it. Yet when I went to bed every night, I
became more and more melancholy. I felt what a delight it must be to
have parents, sisters, and friends--the bosom of a family to retire
into, to share with it your pleasures and your pains; and the tears
often ran down my cheeks, and moistened my pillow, when I had, not an
hour before, been