occasion, during the two years and more that I had now been in England,
to make any purchases of consequence--indeed, I had not expended more
than the twenty pounds I had brought with me. I had received some few
presents from Lady M--and Madame Bathurst, and a great many from Lady
R--. Altogether, I calculated that I had about two hundred and sixty
pounds in my desk, for Lady R--had given me one hundred pounds for only
a portion of the year; then there was the five hundred pounds which she
had left me, besides her wearing apparel and trinkets, which last I knew
to be of value. It was a little fortune to one in my position, and I
resolved to consult Mr Selwyn as to the best way of disposing of it.
Having wound up my meditations with the most agreeable portion of them,
I fell asleep, and in the morning woke up refreshed.

Lady M--'s maid, who had always been partial to me, for I had taught her
many things valuable to a lady's-maid, came in early, and said that she
knew that I was going away, which she regretted very much. I replied
that I should leave as soon as possible, but I wanted some breakfast.
This she brought up to my room.

I had not finished when Amy came in the room and said, "I have
permission to come and wish you good-bye, Valerie. I told mamma what
you said about the person who was seen to kiss your hand. She
acknowledges now that it was your hand that was kissed, and she was so
astonished, for she knows that you never tell stories; and, what do you
think, she desired me to find out what was the young gentleman's name
that had so large a fortune. I said I would if I could, and so I will,
by asking you outright, not by any other means. I don't want to know
his name," continued she, laughing, "but I'm sure mamma has in her mind
fixed upon him for a husband for me, and would now give the world that
you were not going away, that through you he might be introduced to
her."

"I cannot tell you, my dear," replied I. "I am not at liberty to
mention it at present, otherwise I would with pleasure. I am going now.
May God bless you, my dearest, and may you always continue to be the
same frank and amiable creature that you are now! I leave you with
regret, and I pray earnestly for your happiness. You have made me very
happy by telling me that your mamma acknowledges that it was my hand
that was kissed, after that, she will hardly attempt to injure me, as
she proposed."

"Oh no, Valerie, I think she is