of Rochester。 Mr。 Mason； astonished and distressed as you may suppose； revealed the real state of matters。 Your uncle； I am sorry to say； is now on a sick bed； from which； considering the nature of his disease—decline—and the stage it has reached； it is unlikely he will ever rise。 He could not then hasten to England himself； to extricate you from the snare into which you had fallen； but he implored Mr。 Mason to lose no time in taking steps to prevent the false marriage。 He referred him to me for assistance。 I used all despatch； and am thankful I was not too late： as you； doubtless； must be also。 Were I not morally certain that your uncle will be dead ere you reach Mad