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 often and often I have longed to tell my wife." "However, Joseph (said the lady, gravely) I depend upon your honesty and oath." "You have nothing to fear, my lady, eighteen years practice has learnt me to hold my tongue; have you any further commands?" The lady replying in the negative, he made his bow and retired.

"That man is a faithful good creature, I owe my life to him; I know nothing of his wife, though I am told she is a worthy woman; but as a secret should never, if possible, be trusted to chance or accident, I made him swear not to reveal mine, without permission from me." Matilda exprest her satisfaction that the lady had such a faithful servant, and taking a book from the table, requested she would open her letter.

This being complied with, she presently exclaimed, "Alas! my brother and sister are going within a month to England, perhaps to stay some time; yet why should I