Page:Generous libertine.pdf/17

 Sophy, took Maria to ſleep with her; but before ſhe retired to her chamber, was irriſiſtibly urged by her good-nature to ſend a note to Mrs Hendon, that ſhe might prepare Mr and Mrs Colby for the reception of their daughter. The Miſs Bellendens did not viſit Mrs Hendon but they often met at card parties; the Colbys they only new by ſeeing them in public; and neither of them, not having ſeen Maria for ſeveral years, recollected her.

In the morning, while they were at breakfast, Sophy received an anſwer to her note from Mrs Hendon:

"There, my dear," ſaid ſhe, putting it into Maria's hands, when ſhe had run over the contents of it, "the peruſal of theſe few lines will, if I am not miſtaken, give you particular ſatisfaction."

Maria ſeeing that the note was written by aunt, firſt ſmiled her thanks to Sophy, and then read it with her ſpirits pleaſingly hurried.

In a ſhort time afterwards Mr and Mrs Colby, with Mrs Hendon, arrived.

Frank, being at the window, and perceiving Mrs Hendon's coach, cried, "They're come—now Miſs Colby prepare yourſelf for joyous meeting," and ran down ſtairs.

Maria's heart fluttered ſo much that ſhe could not ſpeak: but ſhe ſprang from her chair, in order to follow her deliverer.