Dedication to the Second Edition. TO HER GRACE THE DUTCHESS OF NEWCASTLE. MADAM, HE condefcenfion and benignity with which your Grace has hitherto favoured my performances and attempts, have at laft given me boldness enough to intreat your patronage for a little novel. Thofe to whom this book is new, will expect the name of fuch a patronefs to be followed by fome work of deep research and elevated dignity; but they whofe nearer approaches to your Grace, have enabled them to diftinguith your private virtues, will not be difappointed when they find it recommended only by purity and innocence, To obtain the approbation of a judgment like yours, it is neceffary to mean well; and, to gain kindnefs from fuch benevolence, to mean well is commonly fufficient. Had your Grace refolved only to countenance those who could have enlarged your knowledge, or refined your fentiments, few could have afpied to the honour of your notice, and far had I been removed from all hope of the favours which I have enjoyed, and the expectations which I have been permitted to indulge. But true greatnets is always acceffible, and pride will never be confounded with dignity by those who remember that your Grace has admitted this addrefs from, LONDON, Nov. 20, 1769. MADAM, Your Grace's most obliged, And most devoted Servant, CHARLOTTE LENNOX, CHAP. I. BOOK THE FIRST. WHICH INTRODUCES OUR HEROINE TO THE ACQUAINTANCE OF THE BOUT the middle of July, 17, when the Windfor Aftage-coach with the accustomed number of paffengers was proceeding on it's way to London,a young woman genteelly dreffed, with a small parcel tied up in her handkerchief, hastily bolted from the fhelter of a large tree near the road; and calling to the coachman to stop for a moment, afked him, if he could let her have a place. The man, although he well knew his vehicle was already fufficiently crouded, yet being defirous of appropriating this fupernumerary fare to himself, replied, that he did not doubt but he could find room for her; and, jumping off his box, begged the company to fit clofe, and give the young woman a place. What do you mean?' faid a jolly fat woman, with a face as red as fcarlet; Have you not got your ufual number of paffengers? Do you think we will be ftifled with heat to put money into your pocket?' There is room ⚫ enough for fuch a slender young body as this,' faid the coachman, if you ⚫ would but fit closer.* ་ Sit clofer! repeated the dame, and fpreading her cloaths; don't you see we are crouded to death? How dare you pretend to impofe another paffenger upon us, when your coach is ⚫ already full ?" Well,' faid a tall lean woman, who fat next her, this is the first time I ever travelled in a ftage coach, and truly I am fick of it already. There is no bearing the infults one is exposed to in these carriages. Prithee, young woman,' purfued fhe, with an air of great contempt, go about your bufinefs, you fee there is no room for you-And do you, fellow, get on your box, and drive on." Fellor me no fellors,' faid the coachman, in a furly tone, I won't drive till I please. Who are you, pray, that takes fo much upon you to order 'me?' 'Who am I, you faucy jack-a-napes, faid the lady, a perfon that but I fhall not demean myfelf fo much as to ⚫ tell you who I am: it is my misfortune to be ftuffed up in a ftage-coach at prefent-what I have never been ufed to, I affure you.' Good lack a-day !' said the fat gentlewoman, with a fneer, a great miffortune truly-I would have you to know, Madam, your betters ride in ftage coaches. Here's a coil indeed with fuch would-be-gentry!" • Good woman,' faid the other, with an affected calmnefs, 'pray don't direct 6 • your |