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246 Charles Hazlewood, in that particular, resembleth me, Mr Mac-Morlan. When I begin to speak of her I never know when to stop—and, as I say, (jocularly) she cheats us out of half our lessons."

"O ho!" thought Mac-Morlan, "sits the wind in that quarter? I've heard something like this before."

He then began to consider what conduct was safest for his protegée, and even for himself; for the senior Mr Hazlewood was powerful, wealthy, ambitious, and vindictive, and looked for both fortune and title in any connection which his son might form. At length, having the highest opinion of his guest's good sense and penetration, he determined to take an opportunity, when they should happen to be alone, to communicate the matter to her as a simple piece of intelligence. He did so in as natural a manner as he could;—"I wish you joy of your friend Mr Sampson's good fortune, Miss Bertram;