countenance, all your most inmost thoughts, that I have not been
unobserving of those kind fears you have had on my account; and
the reason I have so long delayed speaking was, my resolution, if
possible, never again to deceive you. I can with pleasure now
assure you, that nothing can give me so much joy as to see your
wedding with Sempronius. I make no doubt, but if you ask it, you
will have my aunt's consent; and, if any intercession should be
wanting towards obtaining it, I will (if you can trust me) use all
my influence in your behalf. Be assured, my dear Caelia, I have
now no farther regard left for Sempronius, than as your husband;
and that regard will increase in proportion as he is the cause of
your happiness.'

They were interrupted in their discourse by news being brought of
the arrival of Sempronius, and Chloe received him with that ease
and cheerfulness as convinced Caelia her professions were unfeigned.

Caelia related to Sempronius all that had passed between her and
Chloe; and by her continued cheerfulness of behaviour, the peace
and tranquillity of the family was perfectly restored, and their
joy greatly increased by Amanda's ready consent to the marriage of
Sempronius and Caelia, having first settled all her fortune to be
divided at her death equally between her nieces; and in her
lifetime there was no occasion of settlements, or deeds of gift,
for they lived all together, and separate property was not so much
as mentioned or thought on in this family of harmony and peace.

Here Miss Dolly ceased reading; and all her hearers sat some
little time silent, and then expressed their great joy that Caelia
and Chloe were at last happy; for none of them had been able to