She made some excuses to her cousin, for not having been able to alter her will, to join him in the executorship with me; and to me, for the trouble she had given, and yet should give me.

She had fatigued herself so much, (growing sensibly weaker) that she sunk her head upon her pillows, ready to faint; and we withdrew to the window, looking upon one another; but could not tell what to say; and yet both seemed inclinable to speak:  but the motion passed over in silence.  Our eyes only spoke; and that in a manner neither’s were used to—­mine, at least, not till I knew this admirable creature.

The Colonel withdrew to dismiss his messenger, and send away the letter to Mrs. Norton.  I took the opportunity to retire likewise; and to write thus far.  And Joel returning to take it, I now close here.

Eleven o’clock.

LETTER II

MR. BELFORD [IN CONTINUATION.]

The Colonel tells me that he had written to Mr. John Harlowe, by his servant, ’That they might spare themselves the trouble of debating about a reconciliation; for that his dear cousin would probably be no more before they could resolve.’

He asked me after his cousin’s means of subsisting; and whether she had accepted of any favour from me; he was sure, he said, she would not from you.

I acquainted him with the truth of her parting with some of her apparel.

This wrung his heart; and bitterly did he exclaim as well against you as against her implacable relations.

He wished he had not come to England at all, or had come sooner; and hoped I would apprize him of the whole mournful story, at a proper season.  He added, that he had thoughts, when he came over, of fixing here for the remainder of his days; but now, as it was impossible his cousin could recover, he would go abroad again, and re-settle himself at Florence or Leghorn.

The lady has been giving orders, with great presence of mind, about her body! directing her nurse and the maid of the house to put her in the coffin as soon as she is cold.  Mr. Belford, she said, would know the rest by her will.

***

She has just now given from her bosom, where she always wore it, a miniature picture, set in gold, of Miss Howe.  She gave it to Mrs. Lovick, desiring her to fold it up in white paper, and direct it, To Charles Hickman, Esq. and to give it to me, when she was departed, for that gentleman.

She looked upon the picture, before she gave it her—­Sweet and ever-amiable friend!—­Companion!—­Sister!—­Lover! said she—­and kissed it four several times, once at each tender appellation.

***

Your other servant is come.—­Well may you be impatient!—­Well may you!  —­But do you think I can leave off, in the middle of a conversation, to run and set down what offers, and send it away piece-meal as I write?  —­If I could, must I not lose one half, while I put down the other?