TO THE COUNTESS OF

If this slight Narrative, which was originally written at your Ladyship's elegant mansion in the country, should any way contribute to repress the fatal effects of gaming and duelling, it would highly gratify, I am sure, the earnest wish, not only of your Ladyship, but of

THE AUTHOR.

FIDELIA.

MR. Arrowdale, on the decease of his lady, resolved to leave London, and settle with his daughter Fidelia, at Arrowdale Lodge, in the North Riding of Yorkshire.

About this time his sister was thrown adrift upon the world, by the death of Lady Mary Belcour, to whom she had been companion, and with whom she had resided between four and five years at Paris. Having unfortunately expected a much larger legacy than had been bequeathed her, she was obliged to apply to her brother for an asylum, though they had not been on the best of terms.

Thus circumstanced, though of opposite dispositions, Mr. Arrowdale thought he could not well refuse to admit her immediately into his family. In a good situation at the west end of the town, she expressed herself highly gratified at the kind reception which was given her; but, finding that he proposed soon to reside in the country, she began to expostulate with him on "the impropriety of leaving public life, just at the time when his beautiful and accomplished daughter ought to be introduced into it."

He coolly thanked her for the suggestion; but was forced to explain, "that his ideas were totally at variance with hers, for it was on that very account that he principally wished to be

more retired."

"Fidelia was now about eighteen; had lost her dear Mother, under whose eye she could have been best intrusted; and indeed her own natural disposition led her rather to wish to enjoy reading and domestic amusements, than merely to be devoted to diversions."

Such ideas were terrible enough of themselves; but still more so when contrasted with Miss Arrowdale's own notions, which were a life of dissipation in London, and perhaps an occasional trip to the Continent. However, the house was disposed of, and she found it best perhaps to make a virtue of necessity, and quietly submit to what she could not overrule.

The day for leaving town was appointed. Fidelia always cheerfully complied with the wishes of her father; but Miss Arrowdale cast many "a longing, lingering look behind," as they quitted the metropolis.

To amuse them on their journey, Mr. Arrowdale shewed them Burleigh by Stamford; explained to them the merits of many of those most excellent pictures; spoke highly of the improvement made in his time of the approach to the house, as well as of the beautiful piece of water near it.

From thence they went to Doncaster, where the assembly-room, perhaps, displays a better design and arrangement than even the grand one at York. Several seats likewise in that neighbourhood attracted their notice, till the noble Minster, at the distance of nearly twenty miles, called forth their attention; and the ladies could not easily be persuaded but the city must be much nearer than it was asserted to be.

At York they visited the cathedral, which Miss Arrowdale "preferred to that of Amiens;" but observed, "it was by no means kept so neat.' The circular window of course commanded their attention; and on their return, Mr. Arrowdale pointed out the beauty of the Gothic chapterhouse.

They then loitered about, to see the assemblyroom, castle, and public walk, till dinner-time recalled them to their hotel.

In the afternoon they deviated to see Castle Howard, where they meant to sleep; and were greatly struck with the view of the house and mausoleum, surrounded with fine woods. They greatly admired the noble hall, "which," Mr. Arrowdale informed them, "was vastly superior to that of the Stadtholder near the Hague, in the same style." But he and his sister did not agree as to the necessity of the mausoleum; "the pomp and splendour of which he thought by no