ΤΟ MRS. SHEPPARD, OF FOX-HOLE. MY DEAR MADAM, When I first commenced authoress, the necessity of obtaining patronage was strongly pointed out to me; I confess I did not like the idea, but not being too abundantly gifted with fortune, I was at the pains to solicit permission to dedicate one or two of my works to great men, reported to be liberal encouragers of genius. Their conduct to me has taught me to think humbly of my talents, for, to my surprise, I found I had to give, or rather VOL. I. B ii rather pay, a set of books, for the honour of being allowed to insert a name in my titlepage, certainly of no advantage to myself, and, I believe, of none to my publisher. So much for patronage. Henceforth my inscriptions will be dictated by gratitude and friendship. Giving me credit for these sentiments, I trust you will accept the present tribute, and allow me to subscribe myself, very sincerely, Your much obliged and devoted friend, ANN OF SWANSEA. Orchard-Street, Swansea, December 17, 1821. GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY. CHAPTER I. "Her sable robe, in graceful flow, Black made her look a perfect fright. A Déjeuné in Cavendish-Square-Matrimonial Chit-Chat-Fine Feelings of a Fine LadyUnwelcome Visitors-Sisterly Affection-Principles of an Irish Lawyer. 66 'HEIGHO! this abominable foggy morning makes me quite nervous and B 2 low low-spirited. It is really dreadful," said the countess of Clarisford, affectedly sipping her chocolate, " to live in this miserable climate! and then, to heighten the gloom of this horrible weather, your lordship seems determined that I shall derive no sort of entertainment from your conversation-I don't think you have opened your lips for the last half-hour-positively, it requires but very little aid from imagination, to persuade me that I am taking my déjeuné with a monk of the order of la Trappe!" The earl of Clarisford paid no attention to her ladyship's complaints of the dreariness of the weather, nor to the remarks she made on his inattention and taciturnity; in fact, he did not hear them, but sat buried in deep thought, with his eyes fixed on the fire. "What have you discovered in the fire," asked her ladyship, in a tone of pique 66 "a Turk's head, or a salamander?" The earl of Clarisford had married his lady, |