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256 ecclesiastic, and having no issue, he conceived a great partiality for the young Boville, his wife's nephew, who was frequently with him, and finding that he possessed abilities and uncommon piety for his years, he took a delight in opening his young mind early to the study of Divinity, which so much increased his liking for him, that he was led, finally, to adopt him for his heir, and to request him to assume his name.

"The death of the worthy Dean," continued Mrs. Boville, "was shortly after succeeded by that of his widow, which is the cause that Lovesworth is so amply endowed; and perhaps wealth thus accumulated from both father and uncle never descended to one so fully desirous and competent of making an honourable and charitable use of it; accounting himself an instrument in the hands of Providence, he is the poor man's friend, distributing blessings wherever he goes. I am quite proud, I assure you, notwithstanding our ages are not far distant, of calling him son, now that I have the happiness of knowing him personally, and have been eye-witness of his virtues. Having quitted Portugal on the decease of his father, I was solicitous to fix my retreat in this part of the United Kingdom, for the purpose of being within the vicinity of my step-son's charming retreat.

"It is about a year," she added, "since he indicated to me the possibility of my obtaining this place. From his recommendation, I accompanied him