be impossible. As to poor Mrs. Pratt, we really feared that this blow would be the death of her. I did not leave her bedside for several nights, in such a state of distress was this faithful and affectionate old woman thrown by the sad loss she had sustained.

After the funeral, it was announced by the housekeeper, that Lady Frances had left all her servants one year's wages, in addition to what might be already due to them. To some she had left legacies, and to others annuities.

Mrs. Pratt, besides her lady's wardrobe, had one hundred a year settled upon her for her life.

To me Lady Frances had most generously left fifty pounds and some books, which, considering that I had been only thirteen months in her service, was as unexpected as it was kind.

It was also announced to the establishment that Mr. Willoughby would retain all those servants who might wish to continue in his service.

I, of course, did not consider myself in

cluded, for every reason, and therefore, with a heavy heart, resolved to write to Mrs. Davies and ask her to receive me till I could obtain another situation, assuring her that I was now perfectly able to remunerate her for the accommodation.

Just as I was going to dispatch my letter, poor Mrs. Pratt told me that she could not remain at the villa, though her kind young master had pressed her to do so, as the very sight of the different rooms which her dear lady had so long occupied, quite overcame her.

She therefore communicated to me her intention of moving, so soon as she could suit herself with a comfortable lodging.

It instantly occurred to me that she might, for the present at least, accompany me to Mrs. Davies, who, I knew, had a couple of apartments which would exactly suit Mrs. Pratt, if they were disengaged.

I therefore mentioned this, and added that I would do every thing in my power to make her comfortable while I was there, which, however, I added, might not be long, as I meant to en

deavour to get into a situation as soon as pos

sible.

The old lady seemed to like my proposal, and begged me to open my letter, and mention her wishes to my friend, at the same time desiring me to say, that if Mrs. Davies would come down to Twickenham and stay at the villa a day or two, she would be happy to see her, and they could talk matters over, which would be better than writing. Much pleased in the prospect of seeing my first kind friend again, I lost no time in sending off my letter.

The following evening she arrived by the coach, and Mrs. Pratt was so pleased with her, that it was soon settled between them, that in one fortnight from the present time, two little apartments should be ready for her, and that I was to bear her company.

As far as I was concerned, however, this plan was not put into execution-a different turn being given to all my future prospects.

Mrs. Davies, who had been invited by Mrs. Pratt to prolong her visit at the villa for a

week, was still there, when one morning a servant came into the room where we were sitting, to say that the Duchess of Beaulieu had just driven up to the door, and desired to speak to me.

"To me!" I exclaimed; "I think you must be mistaken."

The man assured me he was not. I therefore hastened out, wondering what her grace could possibly want with me.

I had seen her two or three times when she came to call on Lady Frances, but the two ladies were never very intimate.

As soon as I reached the carriage, her grace desired one of her footmen to open the door, when, leaning forwards, she asked whether I had re-engaged myself since the death of Lady Frances.

I replied in the negative.

"Then step into the carriage," said the duchess, "and sit down opposite to me, as I wish to speak to you.”

She then told me that she was in search of

VOL. I.

N

a young person of my description to supply the place of English attendant about her perHer grace kept two.

son.

Her French waiting-maid, her grace said, had lived many years with her; her English one she had just dismissed, because, as she could not speak one word of French, and her companion very little English, they could not get on at all together.

The duchess added that she had heard Lady Frances say that I understood French well, and conversed in it fluently; and in other respects her ladyship had spoken so highly of me, that her grace was induced to give me the offer of attendant about her person, in conjunction with Mademoiselle Mittonet.

I could have no possible objection to this offer on the contrary, I felt grateful for, and immediately accepted, it.

The duchess volunteered to give me the same salary that Lady Frances had done, and added she would send a carriage for me that day week.