FridayEveningLadyBridgetcamethismorning，andwithher，hersweetsisterMissJane——。AlthoughIhavebeenacquaintedwiththischarmingWomanabovefifteenYears，yetIneverbeforeobservedhowlovelysheis。Sheisnowabout35，andinspiteofsickness，sorrowandTimeismorebloomingthanIeversawaGirlof17。Iwasdelightedwithher，themomentsheenteredthehouse，andsheappearedequallypleasedwithme，attachingherselftomeduringtheremainderoftheday。Thereissomethingsosweet，somildinherCountenance，thatsheseemsmorethanMortal。HerConversationisasbewitchingasherappearance；Icouldnothelptellingherhowmuchsheengagedmyadmiration——。"Oh!MissJane（saidI）——andstoppedfromaninabilityatthemomentofexpressingmyselfasIcouldwish——Oh!MissJane——（Irepeated）
　　——Icouldnotthinkofwordstosuitmyfeelings——Sheseemedwaitingformyspeech——。Iwasconfused——distressed——mythoughtswerebewildered——andIcouldonlyadd——"Howdoyoudo？"
　　ShesawandfeltformyEmbarrassmentandwithadmirablepresenceofmindreleivedmefromitbysaying——"MydearSophiabenotuneasyathavingexposedyourself——IwillturntheConversationwithoutappearingtonoticeit。"Oh!howIlovedherforherkindness!"Doyourideasmuchasyouusedtodo？"saidshe——。
　　"IamadvisedtoridebymyPhysician。WehavedelightfulRidesroundus，IhaveaCharminghorse，amuncommonlyfondoftheAmusement，repliedIquiterecoveredfrommyConfusion，andinshortIrideagreatdeal。""YouareintherightmyLove，"saidshe。ThenrepeatingthefollowinglinewhichwasanextemporeandequallyadaptedtorecommendbothRidingandCandour——
　　"Ridewhereyoumay，BeCandidwhereyoucan，"sheadded，"Irodeonce，butitismanyyearsago——ShespokethisinsolowandtremulousaVoice，thatIwassilent——。StruckwithherMannerofspeakingIcouldmakenoreply。"Ihavenotridden，continuedshefixingherEyesonmyface，sinceIwasmarried。"Iwasneversosurprised——"Married，Ma’am!"Irepeated。"Youmaywellwearthatlookofastonishment，saidshe，sincewhatIhavesaidmustappearimprobabletoyou——YetnothingismoretruethanthatI
　　oncewasmarried。"
　　"ThenwhyareyoucalledMissJane？"
　　"Imarried，mySophiawithouttheconsentorknowledgeofmyfatherthelateAdmiralAnnesley。Itwasthereforenecessarytokeepthesecretfromhimandfromeveryone，tillsomefortunateopportunitymightofferofrevealingit——。Suchanopportunityalas!wasbuttoosoongiveninthedeathofmydearCapt。
　　Dashwood——Pardonthesetears，continuedMissJanewipingherEyes，IowethemtomyHusband’smemory。HefellmySophia，whilefightingforhisCountryinAmericaafteramosthappyUnionofsevenyears——。MyChildren，twosweetBoysandaGirl，whohadconstantlyresidedwithmyFatherandme，passingwithhimandwitheveryoneastheChildrenofaBrother（tho’IhadeverbeenanonlyChild）hadasyetbeenthecomfortsofmyLife。
　　ButnosoonerhadIlossedmyHenry，thanthesesweetCreaturesfellsickanddied——。ConceivedearSophiawhatmyfeelingsmusthavebeenwhenasanAuntIattendedmyChildrentotheirearlyGrave——。MyFatherdidnotsurvivethemmanyweeks——Hedied，poorGoodoldman，happilyignoranttohislasthourofmyMarriage。’
　　"Butdidnotyouownit，andassumehisnameatyourhusband’sdeath？"
　　"No；Icouldnotbringmyselftodoit；moreespeciallywheninmyChildrenIlostallinducementfordoingit。LadyBridget，andyourselfaretheonlypersonswhoareintheknowledgeofmyhavingeverbeeneitherWifeorMother。AsIcouldnotPrevailonmyselftotakethenameofDashwood（anamewhichaftermyHenry’sdeathIcouldneverhearwithoutemotion）andasIwasconsciousofhavingnorighttothatofAnnesley，Idroptallthoughtsofeither，andhavemadeitapointofbearingonlymyChristianonesincemyFather’sdeath。"Shepaused——"Oh!mydearMissJane（saidI）howinfinitelyamIobligedtoyouforsoentertainingastory!Youcannotthinkhowithasdivertedme!
　　Buthaveyouquitedone？"
　　"IhaveonlytoaddmydearSophia，thatmyHenry’selderBrotherdieingaboutthesametime，LadyBridgetbecameaWidowlikemyself，andaswehadalwayslovedeachotherinideafromthehighCharacterinwhichwehadeverbeenspokenof，thoughwehadnevermet，wedeterminedtolivetogether。Wewrotetooneanotheronthesamesubjectbythesamepost，soexactlydidourfeelingandouractionscoincide!Webotheagerlyembracedtheproposalswegaveandreceivedofbecomingonefamily，andhavefromthattimelivedtogetherinthegreatestaffection。"
　　"Andisthisall？saidI，Ihopeyouhavenotdone。"
　　"IndeedIhave；anddidyoueverhearastorymorepathetic？"
　　"Ineverdid——anditisforthatreasonitpleasesmesomuch，forwhenoneisunhappynothingissodelightfultoone’ssensationsastohearofequalmisery。"
　　"Ah!butmySophiawhyareYOUunhappy？"
　　"HaveyounotheardMadamofWilloughby’sMarriage？"
　　"ButmylovewhylamentHISperfidy，whenyouboresowellthatofmanyyoungMenbefore？"
　　"Ah!Madam，Iwasusedtoitthen，butwhenWilloughbybrokehisEngagementsIhadnotbeendissapointedforhalfayear。"
　　"PoorGirl!"saidMissJane。
　　LETTERtheTHIRD
　　FromaYOUNGLADYindistressedCircumstancestoherfreindAfewdaysagoIwasataprivateBallgivenbyMrAshburnham。
　　AsmyMothernevergoesoutsheentrustedmetothecareofLadyGrevillewhodidmethehonourofcallingformeinherwayandofallowingmetositforwards，whichisafavouraboutwhichI
　　amveryindifferentespeciallyasIknowitisconsideredasconferingagreatobligationonme"SoMissMaria（saidherLadyshipasshesawmeadvancingtothedooroftheCarriage）youseemverysmarttonight——MYpoorGirlswillappearquitetodisadvantagebyYOU——IonlyhopeyourMothermaynothavedistressedherselftosetYOUoff。HaveyougotanewGownon？"
　　"YesMa’am。"repliedIwithasmuchindifferenceasIcouldassume。
　　"Aye，andafineonetooIthink——（feelingit，asbyherpermissionIseatedmyselfbyher）Idaresayitisallverysmart——ButImustown，foryouknowIalwaysspeakmymind，thatIthinkitwasquiteaneedlesspieceofexpence——Whycouldnotyouhavewornyouroldstripedone？ItisnotmywaytofindfaultwithPeoplebecausetheyarepoor，forIalwaysthinkthattheyaremoretobedespisedandpitiedthanblamedforit，especiallyiftheycannothelpit，butatthesametimeImustsaythatinmyopinionyouroldstripedGownwouldhavebeenquitefineenoughforitsWearer——fortotellyouthetruth（I
　　alwaysspeakmymind）IamverymuchafraidthatonehalfofthepeopleintheroomwillnotknowwhetheryouhaveaGownonornot——ButIsupposeyouintendtomakeyourfortunetonight——。
　　Well，thesoonerthebetter；andIwishyousuccess。"
　　"IndeedMa’amIhavenosuchintention——"
　　"WhoeverheardayoungLadyownthatshewasaFortune—hunter？"
　　MissGrevillelaughedbutIamsureEllenfeltforme。
　　"WasyourMothergonetobedbeforeyoulefther？"saidherLadyship。
　　"DearMa’am，saidEllenitisbutnineo’clock。"
　　"TrueEllen，butCandlescostmoney，andMrsWilliamsistoowisetobeextravagant。"
　　"ShewasjustsittingdowntosupperMa’am。"
　　"Andwhathadshegotforsupper？""Ididnotobserve。""BreadandCheeseIsuppose。""Ishouldneverwishforabettersupper。"saidEllen。"YouhaveneveranyreasonrepliedherMother，asabetterisalwaysprovidedforyou。"MissGrevillelaughedexcessively，assheconstantlydoesatherMother’swit。
　　SuchisthehumiliatingSituationinwhichIamforcedtoappearwhileridinginherLadyship’sCoach——Idarenotbeimpertinent，asmyMotherisalwaysadmonishingmetobehumbleandpatientifIwishtomakemywayintheworld。SheinsistsonmyacceptingeveryinvitationofLadyGreville，oryoumaybecertainthatI
　　wouldneverentereitherherHouse，orherCoachwiththedisagreablecertaintyIalwayshaveofbeingabusedformyPovertywhileIaminthem。——WhenwearrivedatAshburnham，itwasnearlyteno’clock，whichwasanhourandahalflaterthanweweredesiredtobethere；butLadyGrevilleistoofashionable（orfanciesherselftobeso）tobepunctual。TheDancinghoweverwasnotbegunastheywaitedforMissGreville。IhadnotbeenlongintheroombeforeIwasengagedtodancebyMrBernard，butjustasweweregoingtostandup，herecollectedthathisServanthadgothiswhiteGloves，andimmediatelyranouttofetchthem。InthemeantimetheDancingbeganandLadyGrevilleinpassingtoanotherroomwentexactlybeforeme——Shesawmeandinstantlystopping，saidtomethoughtherewereseveralpeopleclosetous，"Heyday，MissMaria!Whatcannotyougetapartner？PoorYoungLady!IamafraidyournewGownwasputonfornothing。Butdonotdespair；perhapsyoumaygetahopbeforetheEveningisover。"Sosaying，shepassedonwithouthearingmyrepeatedassuranceofbeingengaged，andleavingmeverymuchprovokedatbeingsoexposedbeforeeveryone——MrBernardhoweversoonreturnedandbycomingtomethemomentheenteredtheroom，andleadingmetotheDancersmyCharacterIhopewasclearedfromtheimputationLadyGrevillehadthrownonit，intheeyesofalltheoldLadieswhohadheardherspeech。Isoonforgotallmyvexationsinthepleasureofdancingandofhavingthemostagreablepartnerintheroom。AsheismoreoverheirtoaverylargeEstateIcouldseethatLadyGrevilledidnotlookverywellpleasedwhenshefoundwhohadbeenhisChoice——Shewasdeterminedtomortifyme，andaccordinglywhenweweresittingdownbetweenthedances，shecametomewithmorethanherusualinsultingimportanceattendedbyMissMasonandsaidloudenoughtobeheardbyhalfthepeopleintheroom，"PrayMissMariainwhatwayofbusinesswasyourGrandfather？forMissMasonandI
　　cannotagreewhetherhewasaGroceroraBookbinder。"Isawthatshewantedtomortifyme，andwasresolvedifIpossiblycouldtoPreventherseeingthatherschemesucceeded。"NeitherMadam；hewasaWineMerchant。""Aye，Iknewhewasinsomesuchlowway——
　　Hebrokedidnothe？""IbeleivenotMa’am。""Didnotheabscond？""Ineverheardthathedid。""Atleasthediedinsolvent？""Iwasnevertoldsobefore。""Why，wasnotyourFATHERaspoorasaRat""Ifancynot。""WasnotheintheKingsBenchonce？""Ineversawhimthere。"ShegavemeSUCHalook，andturnedawayinagreatpassion；whileIwashalfdelightedwithmyselfformyimpertinence，andhalfafraidofbeingthoughttoosaucy。AsLadyGrevillewasextremelyangrywithme，shetooknofurthernoticeofmealltheEvening，andindeedhadIbeeninfavourIshouldhavebeenequallyneglected，asshewasgotintoaPartyofgreatfolksandsheneverspeakstomewhenshecantoanyoneelse。MissGrevillewaswithherMother’spartyatsupper，butEllenpreferredstayingwiththeBernardsandme。WehadaverypleasantDanceandasLadyG——
　　sleptallthewayhome，Ihadaverycomfortableride。
　　ThenextdaywhilewewereatdinnerLadyGreville’sCoachstoppedatthedoor，forthatisthetimeofdayshegenerallycontrivesitshould。Shesentinamessagebytheservanttosaythat"sheshouldnotgetoutbutthatMissMariamustcometotheCoach—door，asshewantedtospeaktoher，andthatshemustmakehasteandcomeimmediately——""WhatanimpertinentMessageMama!"
　　saidI——"GoMaria——"repliedshe——AccordinglyIwentandwasobligedtostandthereatherLadyshipspleasurethoughtheWindwasextremelyhighandverycold。
　　"WhyIthinkMissMariayouarenotquitesosmartasyouwerelastnight——ButIdidnotcometoexamineyourdress，buttotellyouthatyoumaydinewithusthedayaftertomorrow——Nottomorrow，remember，donotcometomorrow，forweexpectLordandLadyClermontandSirThomasStanley’sfamily——TherewillbenooccasionforyourbeingveryfineforIshantsendtheCarriage——
　　Ifitrainsyoumaytakeanumbrella——"Icouldhardlyhelplaughingathearinghergivemeleavetokeepmyselfdry——"Andprayremembertobeintime，forIshantwait——IhatemyVictualsover—done——Butyouneednotcomebeforethetime——HowdoesyourMotherdo？Sheisatdinnerisnotshe？""YesMa’amwewereinthemiddleofdinnerwhenyourLadyshipcame。""IamafraidyoufinditverycoldMaria。"saidEllen。"Yes，itisanhorribleEastwind——saidherMother——IassureyouIcanhardlybearthewindowdown——ButyouareusedtobeblownaboutbythewindMissMariaandthatiswhathasmadeyourComplexionsorudelyandcoarse。YouyoungLadieswhocannotoftenrideinaCarriagenevermindwhatweatheryoutrudgein，orhowthewindshewsyourlegs。IwouldnothavemyGirlsstandoutofdoorsasyoudoinsuchadayasthis。ButsomesortofpeoplehavenofeelingseitherofcoldorDelicacy——Well，rememberthatweshallexpectyouonThursdayat5o’clock——YoumusttellyourMaidtocomeforyouatnight——TherewillbenoMoon——andyouwillhaveanhorridwalkhome——MycomptstoYourMother——Iamafraidyourdinnerwillbecold——Driveon——"Andawayshewent，leavingmeinagreatpassionwithherasshealwaysdoes。
　　MariaWilliams。
　　LETTERtheFOURTH
　　FromaYOUNGLADYratherimpertinenttoherfreindWedinedyesterdaywithMrEvelynwherewewereintroducedtoaveryagreablelookingGirlhisCousin。Iwasextremelypleasedwithherappearance，foraddedtothecharmsofanengagingface，hermannerandvoicehadsomethingpeculiarlyinterestinginthem。Somuchso，thattheyinspiredmewithagreatcuriositytoknowthehistoryofherLife，whowereherParents，whereshecamefrom，andwhathadbefallenher，foritwasthenonlyknownthatshewasarelationofMrEvelyn，andthathernamewasGrenville。IntheeveningafavourableopportunityofferedtomeofattemptingatleasttoknowwhatIwishedtoknow，foreveryoneplayedatCardsbutMrsEvelyn，MyMother，DrDrayton，MissGrenvilleandmyself，andasthetwoformerwereengagedinawhisperingConversation，andtheDoctorfellasleep，wewereofnecessityobligedtoentertaineachother。ThiswaswhatI
　　wishedandbeingdeterminednottoremaininignoranceforwantofasking，IbegantheConversationinthefollowingManner。
　　"HaveyoubeenlonginEssexMa’am？"
　　"IarrivedonTuesday。"
　　"YoucamefromDerbyshire？"
　　"No，Ma’am!appearingsurprisedatmyquestion，fromSuffolk。"
　　YouwillthinkthisagooddashofminemydearMary，butyouknowthatIamnotwantingforImpudencewhenIhaveanyendinveiw。"AreyoupleasedwiththeCountryMissGrenville？Doyoufinditequaltotheoneyouhaveleft？"
　　"MuchsuperiorMa’aminpointofBeauty。"Shesighed。Ilongedtoknowforwhy。
　　"ButthefaceofanyCountryhoweverbeautifulsaidI，canbebutapoorconsolationforthelossofone’sdearestFreinds。"Sheshookherhead，asifshefeltthetruthofwhatIsaid。MyCuriositywassomuchraised，thatIwasresolvedatanyratetosatisfyit。
　　"YouregrethavingleftSuffolkthenMissGrenville？""IndeedI
　　do。""YouwerebornthereIsuppose？""YesMa’amIwasandpassedmanyhappyyearsthere——"
　　"Thatisagreatcomfort——saidI——IhopeMa’amthatyouneverspentanyunhappyone’sthere。"
　　"PerfectFelicityisnotthepropertyofMortals，andnoonehasarighttoexpectuninterruptedHappiness。——SomeMisfortunesI
　　havecertainlymetwith。"
　　"WHATMisfortunesdearMa’am？repliedI，burningwithimpatiencetoknoweverything。"NONEMa’amIhopethathavebeentheeffectofanywilfullfaultinme。""IdaresaynotMa’am，andhavenodoubtbutthatanysufferingsyoumayhaveexperiencedcouldariseonlyfromthecrueltiesofRelationsortheErrorsofFreinds。"Shesighed——"YouseemunhappymydearMissGrenville——IsitinmypowertosoftenyourMisfortunes？""YOURpowerMa’amrepliedsheextremelysurprised；itisinNOONESpowertomakemehappy。"Shepronouncedthesewordsinsomournfullandsolemnanaccent，thatforsometimeIhadnotcouragetoreply。
　　Iwasactuallysilenced。IrecoveredmyselfhoweverinafewmomentsandlookingatherwithalltheaffectionIcould，"MydearMissGrenvillesaidI，youappearextremelyyoung——andmayprobablystandinneedofsomeone’sadvicewhoseregardforyou，joinedtosuperiorAge，perhapssuperiorJudgementmightauthorisehertogiveit。Iamthatperson，andInowchallengeyoutoaccepttheofferImakeyouofmyConfidenceandFreindship，inreturntowhichIshallonlyaskforyours——"
　　"YouareextremelyobligingMa’am——saidshe——andIamhighlyflatteredbyyourattentiontome——ButIaminnodifficulty，nodoubt，nouncertaintyofsituationinwhichanyadvicecanbewanted。WheneverIamhowevercontinuedshebrighteningintoacomplaisantsmile，Ishallknowwheretoapply。"
　　Ibowed，butfeltagooddealmortifiedbysucharepulse；stillhoweverIhadnotgivenupmypoint。IfoundthatbytheappearanceofsentimentandFreindshipnothingwastobegainedanddeterminedthereforetorenewmyattacksbyQuestionsandsuppositions。"DoyouintendstayinglonginthispartofEnglandMissGrenville？"
　　"YesMa’am，sometimeIbeleive。"
　　"ButhowwillMrandMrsGrenvillebearyourabsence？"
　　"TheyareneitherofthemaliveMa’am。"
　　ThiswasananswerIdidnotexpect——Iwasquitesilenced，andneverfeltsoawkwardinmyLife———。
　　LETTERtheFIFTH
　　FromaYOUNGLADYverymuchinlovetoherFreindMyUnclegetsmorestingy，myAuntmoreparticular，andImoreinloveeveryday。Whatshallweallbeatthisratebytheendoftheyear!IhadthismorningthehappinessofreceivingthefollowingLetterfrommydearMusgrove。
　　SackvilleSt：Janry7thItisamonthtodaysinceIfirstbeheldmylovelyHenrietta，andthesacredanniversarymustandshallbekeptinamannerbecomingtheday——bywritingtoher。NevershallIforgetthemomentwhenherBeautiesfirstbrokeonmysight——NotimeasyouwellknowcaneraseitfrommyMemory。ItwasatLadyScudamores。HappyLadyScudamoretolivewithinamileofthedivineHenrietta!WhenthelovelyCreaturefirstenteredtheroom，oh!whatweremysensations？ThesightofyouwaslikethesightofawonderfulfineThing。Istarted——Igazedatherwithadmiration——SheappearedeverymomentmoreCharming，andtheunfortunateMusgrovebecameacaptivetoyourCharmsbeforeI
　　hadtimetolookaboutme。YesMadam，Ihadthehappinessofadoringyou，anhappinessforwhichIcannotbetoograteful。
　　"WhatsaidhetohimselfisMusgroveallowedtodieforHenrietta？EnviableMortal!andmayhepineforherwhoistheobjectofuniversaladmiration，whoisadoredbyaColonel，andtoastedbyaBaronet!AdorableHenriettahowbeautifulyouare!
　　Ideclareyouarequitedivine!YouaremorethanMortal。YouareanAngel。YouareVenusherself。InshortMadamyouaretheprettiestGirlIeversawinmyLife——andherBeautyisencreasedinherMusgrovesEyes，bypermittinghimtoloveherandallowingmetohope。Andah!AngelicMissHenriettaHeavenismywitnesshowardentlyIdohopeforthedeathofyourvillanousUncleandhisabandonedWife，sincemyfaironewillnotconsenttobeminetilltheirdeceasehasplacedherinaffluenceabovewhatmyfortunecanprocure——。ThoughitisanimprovableEstate——。
　　CruelHenriettatopersistinsucharesolution!IamatPresentwithmysisterwhereImeantocontinuetillmyownhousewhichtho’anexcellentoneisatPresentsomewhatoutofrepair，isreadytoreceiveme。AmiableprincessofmyHeartfarewell——OfthatHeartwhichtrembleswhileitsignsitselfYourmostardentAdmireranddevotedhumbleservt。
　　T。Musgrove。
　　ThereisapatternforaLove—letterMatilda!Didyoueverreadsuchamaster—pieceofWriting？Suchsense，suchsentiment，suchpurityofThought，suchflowofLanguageandsuchunfeignedLoveinonesheet？No，neverIcananswerforit，sinceaMusgroveisnottobemetwithbyeveryGirl。Oh!howIlongtobewithhim!IintendtosendhimthefollowinginanswertohisLettertomorrow。
　　MydearestMusgrove——。WordscannotexpresshowhappyyourLettermademe；IthoughtIshouldhavecriedforjoy，forIloveyoubetterthananybodyintheWorld。Ithinkyouthemostamiable，andthehandsomestManinEngland，andsotobesureyouare。IneverreadsosweetaLetterinmyLife。Dowritemeanotherjustlikeit，andtellmeyouareinlovewithmeineveryotherline。Iquitedietoseeyou。Howshallwemanagetoseeoneanother？forwearesomuchinlovethatwecannotliveasunder。Oh!mydearMusgroveyoucannotthinkhowimpatientlyIwaitforthedeathofmyUncleandAunt——IftheywillnotDiesoon，IbeleiveIshallrunmad，forIgetmoreinlovewithyoueverydayofmyLife。
　　HowhappyyourSisteristoenjoythepleasureofyourCompanyinherhouse，andhowhappyeverybodyinLondonmustbebecauseyouarethere。Ihopeyouwillbesokindastowritetomeagainsoon，forIneverreadsuchsweetLettersasyours。IammydearestMusgrovemosttrulyandfaithfullyyoursforeverandeverHenriettaHalton。
　　Ihopehewilllikemyanswer；itisasgoodaoneasIcanwritethoughnothingtohis；IndeedIhadalwaysheardwhatadabhewasataLove—letter。IsawhimyouknowforthefirsttimeatLadyScudamores——AndwhenIsawherLadyshipafterwardssheaskedmehowIlikedherCousinMusgrove？
　　"WhyuponmywordsaidI，IthinkheisaveryhandsomeyoungMan。"
　　"Iamgladyouthinksorepliedshe，forheisdistractedlyinlovewithyou。"
　　"Law!LadyScudamoresaidI，howcanyoutalksoridiculously？"
　　"Nay，t’isverytrueansweredshe，Iassureyou，forhewasinlovewithyoufromthefirstmomenthebeheldyou。"
　　"IwishitmaybetruesaidI，forthatistheonlykindofloveIwouldgiveafarthingfor——Thereissomesenseinbeinginloveatfirstsight。"
　　"Well，IgiveyouJoyofyourconquest，repliedLadyScudamore，andIbeleiveittohavebeenaverycompleteone；Iamsureitisnotacontemptibleone，formyCousinisacharmingyoungfellow，hasseenagreatdealoftheWorld，andwritesthebestLove—lettersIeverread。"
　　Thismademeveryhappy，andIwasexcessivelypleasedwithmyconquest。However，IthoughtitwaspropertogivemyselfafewAirs——soIsaidtoher——
　　"ThisisallveryprettyLadyScudamore，butyouknowthatweyoungLadieswhoareHeiressesmustnotthrowourselvesawayuponMenwhohavenofortuneatall。"
　　"MydearMissHaltonsaidshe，Iamasmuchconvincedofthatasyoucanbe，andIdoassureyouthatIshouldbethelastpersontoencourageyourmarryinganyonewhohadnotsomepretensionstoexpectafortunewithyou。MrMusgroveissofarfrombeingpoorthathehasanestateofseveralhundredsanyearwhichiscapableofgreatImprovement，andanexcellentHouse，thoughatPresentitisnotquiteinrepair。"
　　"IfthatisthecaserepliedI，Ihavenothingmoretosayagainsthim，andifasyousayheisaninformedyoungManandcanwriteagoodLove—letter，IamsureIhavenoreasontofindfaultwithhimforadmiringme，tho’perhapsImaynotmarryhimforallthatLadyScudamore。"
　　"YouarecertainlyundernoobligationtomarryhimansweredherLadyship，exceptthatwhichlovehimselfwilldictatetoyou，forifIamnotgreatlymistakenyouareatthisverymomentunknowntoyourself，cherishingamosttenderaffectionforhim。"
　　"Law，LadyScudamorerepliedIblushinghowcanyouthinkofsuchathing？"
　　"Becauseeverylook，everywordbetraysit，answeredshe；ComemydearHenrietta，considermeasafreind，andbesincerewithme——DonotyoupreferMrMusgrovetoanymanofyouracquaintance？"
　　"PraydonotaskmesuchquestionsLadyScudamore，saidIturningawaymyhead，foritisnotfitformetoanswerthem。"
　　"NaymyLoverepliedshe，nowyouconfirmmysuspicions。ButwhyHenriettashouldyoubeashamedtoownawell—placedLove，orwhyrefusetoconfideinme？"
　　"Iamnotashamedtoownit；saidItakingCourage。IdonotrefusetoconfideinyouorblushtosaythatIdoloveyourcousinMrMusgrove，thatIamsincerelyattachedtohim，foritisnodisgracetoloveahandsomeMan。IfhewereplainindeedI
　　mighthavehadreasontobeashamedofapassionwhichmusthavebeenmeansincetheobjectwouldhavebeenunworthy。Butwithsuchafigureandface，andsuchbeautifulhairasyourCousinhas，whyshouldIblushtoownthatsuchsuperiormerithasmadeanimpressiononme。"
　　"MysweetGirl（saidLadyScudamoreembracingmewithgreataffection）whatadelicatewayofthinkingyouhaveinthesematters，andwhataquickdiscernmentforoneofyouryears!Oh!
　　howIhonouryouforsuchNobleSentiments!"
　　"DoyouMa’amsaidI；Youarevastlyobliging。ButprayLadyScudamoredidyourCousinhimselftellyouofhisaffectionformeIshalllikehimthebetterifhedid，forwhatisaLoverwithoutaConfidante？"
　　"Oh!myLoverepliedshe，youwerebornforeachother。EverywordyousaymoredeeplyconvincesmethatyourMindsareactuatedbytheinvisiblepowerofsimpathy，foryouropinionsandsentimentssoexactlycoincide。Nay，thecolourofyourHairisnotverydifferent。YesmydearGirl，thepoordespairingMusgrovedidrevealtomethestoryofhisLove——。NorwasI
　　surprisedatit——Iknownothowitwas，butIhadakindofpresentimentthathewouldbeinlovewithyou。"
　　"Well，buthowdidhebreakittoyou？"
　　"Itwasnottillaftersupper。Weweresittingroundthefiretogethertalkingonindifferentsubjects，thoughtosaythetruththeConversationwascheiflyonmysideforhewasthoughtfulandsilent，whenonasuddenheinterruptedmeinthemidstofsomethingIwassaying，byexclaiminginamostTheatricaltone——
　　YesI’minloveIfeelitnowAndHenriettaHaltonhasundoneme"Oh!WhatasweetwayrepliedI，ofdeclaringhisPassion!Tomakesuchacoupleofcharminglinesaboutme!Whatapityitisthattheyarenotinrhime!"
　　"Iamverygladyoulikeitansweredshe；TobesuretherewasagreatdealofTasteinit。Andareyouinlovewithher，Cousin？
　　saidI。Iamverysorryforit，forunexceptionableasyouareineveryrespect，withaprettyEstatecapableofGreatimprovements，andanexcellentHousetho’somewhatoutofrepair，yetwhocanhopetoaspirewithsuccesstotheadorableHenriettawhohashadanofferfromaColonelandbeentoastedbyaBaronet"——"THATIhave——"criedI。LadyScudamorecontinued。
　　"AhdearCousinrepliedhe，IamsowellconvincedofthelittleChanceIcanhaveofwinningherwhoisadoredbythousands，thatIneednoassurancesofyourstomakememorethoroughlyso。YetsurelyneitheryouorthefairHenriettaherselfwilldenymetheexquisiteGratificationofdieingforher，offallingavictimtoherCharms。AndwhenIamdead"——continuedher——
　　"OhLadyScudamore，saidIwipingmyeyes，thatsuchasweetCreatureshouldtalkofdieing!"
　　"ItisanaffectingCircumstanceindeed，repliedLadyScudamore。"
　　"WhenIamdeadsaidhe，letmebecarriedandlainatherfeet，andperhapsshemaynotdisdaintodropapityingtearonmypoorremains。"
　　"DearLadyScudamoreinterruptedI，saynomoreonthisaffectingsubject。Icannotbearit。"
　　"Oh!howIadmirethesweetsensibilityofyourSoul，andasI
　　wouldnotforWorldswoundittoodeeply，Iwillbesilent。"
　　"Praygoon。"saidI。Shedidso。
　　"Andthenaddedhe，Ah!CousinimaginewhatmytransportswillbewhenIfeelthedearpreciousdropstrickleonmyface!Whowouldnotdietohastesuchextacy!AndwhenIaminterred，maythedivineHenriettablesssomehappierYouthwithheraffection，MayhebeastenderlyattachedtoherasthehaplessMusgroveandwhileHEcrumblestodust，MaytheyliveanexampleofFelicityintheConjugalstate!"
　　Didyoueverhearanythingsopathetic？Whatacharmingwish，tobelainatmyfeetwhenhewasdead!Oh!whatanexaltedmindhemusthavetobecapableofsuchawish!LadyScudamorewenton。
　　"Ah!mydearCousinrepliedItohim，suchnoblebehaviourasthis，mustmelttheheartofanywomanhoweverobdurateitmaynaturallybe；andcouldthedivineHenriettabuthearyourgenerouswishesforherhappiness，allgentleasishermind，I
　　havenotadoubtbutthatshewouldpityyouraffectionandendeavourtoreturnit。""Oh!Cousinansweredhe，donotendeavourtoraisemyhopesbysuchflatteringassurances。No，I
　　cannothopetopleasethisangelofaWoman，andtheonlythingwhichremainsformetodo，istodie。""TrueLoveiseverdespondingrepliedI，butImydearTomwillgiveyouevengreaterhopesofconqueringthisfairone’sheart，thanIhaveyetgivenyou，byassuringyouthatIwatchedherwiththestrictestattentionduringthewholeday，andcouldplainlydiscoverthatshecherishesinherbosomthoughunknowntoherself，amosttenderaffectionforyou。"
　　"DearLadyScudamorecriedI，ThisismorethanIeverknew!"
　　"DidnotIsaythatitwasunknowntoyourself？Ididnot，continuedItohim，encourageyoubysayingthisatfirst，thatsurprisemightrenderthepleasurestillGreater。""NoCousinrepliedheinalanguidvoice，nothingwillconvincemethatI
　　canhavetouchedtheheartofHenriettaHalton，andifyouaredeceivedyourself，donotattemptdeceivingme。""InshortmyLoveitwastheworkofsomehoursformetoPersuadethepoordespairingYouththatyouhadreallyapreferenceforhim；butwhenatlasthecouldnolongerdenytheforceofmyarguments，ordiscreditwhatItoldhim，histransports，hisRaptures，hisExtaciesarebeyondmypowertodescribe。"
　　"Oh!thedearCreature，criedI，howpassionatelyhelovesme!
　　ButdearLadyScudamoredidyoutellhimthatIwastotallydependantonmyUncleandAunt？"
　　"Yes，Itoldhimeverything。"
　　"Andwhatdidhesay。"
　　"HeexclaimedwithvirulenceagainstUnclesandAunts；AccusedthelawsofEnglandforallowingthemtoPossesstheirEstateswhenwantedbytheirNephewsorNeices，andwishedHEwereintheHouseofCommons，thathemightreformtheLegislature，andrectifyallitsabuses。"
　　"Oh!thesweetMan!Whataspirithehas!"saidI。
　　"Hecouldnotflatterhimselfheadded，thattheadorableHenriettawouldcondescendforhissaketoresignthoseLuxuriesandthatsplendortowhichshehadbeenused，andacceptonlyinexchangetheComfortsandElegancieswhichhislimitedIncomecouldaffordher，evensupposingthathishousewereinReadinesstoreceiveher。Itoldhimthatitcouldnotbeexpectedthatshewould；itwouldbedoingheraninjusticetosupposehercapableofgivingupthepowershenowpossessesandsonoblyusesofdoingsuchextensiveGoodtothepoorerpartofherfellowCreatures，merelyforthegratificationofyouandherself。"
　　"TobesuresaidI，IAMveryCharitableeverynowandthen。AndwhatdidMrMusgrovesaytothis？"
　　"HerepliedthathewasunderamelancholynecessityofowningthetruthofwhatIsaid，andthatthereforeifheshouldbethehappyCreaturedestinedtobetheHusbandoftheBeautifulHenriettahemustbringhimselftowait，howeverimpatiently，forthefortunateday，whenshemightbefreedfromthepowerofworthlessRelationsandabletobestowherselfonhim。"
　　WhatanobleCreatureheis!Oh!MatildawhatafortunateoneI
　　am，whoamtobehisWife!MyAuntiscallingmetocomeandmakethepies，soadeiumydearfreind，andbeleivemeyoursetc——
　　H。Halton。
　　Finis。
　　*
　　SCRAPS
　　ToMissFANNYCATHERINEAUSTEN
　　MYDearNeiceAsIampreventedbythegreatdistancebetweenRowlingandSteventonfromsuperintendingyourEducationmyself，thecareofwhichwillprobablyonthataccountdevolveonyourFatherandMother，IthinkitismyparticularDutytoPreventyourfeelingasmuchaspossiblethewantofmypersonalinstructions，byaddressingtoyouonpapermyOpinionsandAdmonitionsontheconductofYoungWomen，whichyouwillfindexpressedinthefollowingpages。——
　　IammydearNeiceYouraffectionateAuntTheAuthor。
　　THEFEMALEPHILOSOPHER
　　ALETTER
　　MyDearLouisaYourfriendMrMillarcalleduponusyesterdayinhiswaytoBath，whitherheisgoingforhishealth；twoofhisdaughterswerewithhim，buttheeldestandthethreeBoysarewiththeirMotherinSussex。ThoughyouhaveoftentoldmethatMissMillarwasremarkablyhandsome，younevermentionedanythingofherSisters’beauty；yettheyarecertainlyextremelypretty。I’llgiveyoutheirdescription。——Juliaiseighteen；withacountenanceinwhichModesty，SenseandDignityarehappilyblended，shehasaformwhichatoncepresentsyouwithGrace，EleganceandSymmetry。CharlottewhoisjustsixteenisshorterthanherSister，andthoughherfigurecannotboasttheeasydignityofJulia’s，yetithasapleasingplumpnesswhichisinadifferentwayasestimable。Sheisfairandherfaceisexpressivesometimesofsoftnessthemostbewitching，andatothersofVivacitythemoststriking。SheappearstohaveinfiniteWitandagoodhumourunalterable；herconversationduringthehalfhourtheysetwithus，wasrepletewithhumouroussallies，Bonmotsandrepartees；whilethesensible，theamiableJuliautteredsentimentsofMoralityworthyofaheartlikeherown。MrMillarappearedtoanswerthecharacterIhadalwaysreceivedofhim。MyFathermethimwiththatlookofLove，thatsocialShake，andcordialkisswhichmarkedhisgladnessatbeholdinganoldandvaluedfreindfromwhomthro’variouscircumstanceshehadbeenseparatednearlytwentyyears。MrMillarobserved（andveryjustlytoo）thatmanyeventshadbefalleneachduringthatintervaloftime，whichgaveoccasiontothelovelyJuliaformakingmostsensiblereflectionsonthemanychangesintheirsituationwhichsolongaperiodhadoccasioned，ontheadvantagesofsome，andthedisadvantagesofothers。Fromthissubjectshemadeashortdigressiontotheinstabilityofhumanpleasuresandtheuncertaintyoftheirduration，whichledhertoobservethatallearthlyJoysmustbeimperfect。ShewasproceedingtoillustratethisdoctrinebyexamplesfromtheLivesofgreatMenwhentheCarriagecametotheDoorandtheamiableMoralistwithherFatherandSisterwasobligedtodepart；butnotwithoutapromiseofspendingfiveorsixmonthswithusontheirreturn。Weofcoursementionedyou，andIassureyouthatampleJusticewasdonetoyourMeritsbyall。"LouisaClarke（saidI）isingeneralaverypleasantGirl，yetsometimeshergoodhumouriscloudedbyPeevishness，EnvyandSpite。SheneitherwantsUnderstandingoriswithoutsomepretensionstoBeauty，butthesearesoverytrifling，thatthevalueshesetsonherpersonalcharms，andtheadorationsheexpectsthemtobeofferedareatonceastrikingexampleofhervanity，herpride，andherfolly。"SosaidI，andtomyopinioneveryoneaddedweightbytheconcurrenceoftheirown。
　　YouraffectionateArabellaSmythe。
　　THEFIRSTACTOFACOMEDY
　　CHARACTERS
　　PopgunMariaCharlesPistollettaPostilionHostessChorusofploughboysCookandandStrephonChloeSCENE——ANINN
　　ENTERHostess，Charles，Maria，andCook。
　　HostesstoMaria）IfthegentryintheLionshouldwantbeds，shewthemnumber9。
　　Maria）YesMistress。——EXITMariaHostesstoCook）IftheirHonoursintheMoonaskforthebilloffare，giveitthem。
　　Cook）Iwull，Iwull。EXITCook。
　　HostesstoCharles）IftheirLadyshipsintheSunringtheirBell——answerit。
　　Charles）YesMadam。EXEUNTSeverally。
　　SCENECHANGESTOTHEMOON，anddiscoversPopgunandPistoletta。
　　Pistoletta）PraypapahowfarisittoLondon？
　　Popgun）MyGirl，myDarling，myfavouriteofallmyChildren，whoartthepictureofthypoorMotherwhodiedtwomonthsago，withwhomIamgoingtoTowntomarrytoStrephon，andtowhomImeantobequeathmywholeEstate，itwantssevenMiles。
　　SCENECHANGESTOTHESUN——
　　ENTERChloeandachorusofploughboys。
　　Chloe）WhereamI？AtHounslow。——WheregoI？ToLondon——。Whattodo？Tobemarried——。Untowhom？UntoStrephon。Whoishe？
　　AYouth。ThenIwillsingasong。
　　SONG
　　IgotoTownAndwhenIcomedown，IshallbemarriedtoStreephon*[*Notethetwoe’s]
　　Andthattomewillbefun。
　　Chorus）Befun，befun，befun，Andthattomewillbefun。
　　ENTERCook——
　　Cook）Hereisthebilloffare。
　　Chloereads）2Ducks，alegofbeef，astinkingpartridge，andatart。——Iwillhavethelegofbeefandthepartridge。EXITCook。
　　AndnowIwillsinganothersong。
　　SONG——
　　Iamgoingtohavemydinner，AfterwhichIshan’tbethinner，IwishIhadhereStrephonForhewouldcarvethepartridgeifitshouldbeatoughone。
　　Chorus）
　　Toughone，toughone，toughoneForhewouldcarvethepartridgeifitShouldbeatoughone。
　　EXITChloeandChorus。——
　　SCENECHANGESTOTHEINSIDEOFTHELION。
　　EnterStrephonandPostilion。
　　Streph：）YoudrovemefromStainestothisplace，fromwhenceI
　　meantogotoTowntomarryChloe。Howmuchisyourdue？
　　Post：）Eighteenpence。
　　Streph：）Alas，myfreind，IhavebutabadguineawithwhichI
　　meantosupportmyselfinTown。ButIwillpawntoyouanundirectedLetterthatIreceivedfromChloe。
　　Post：）Sir，Iacceptyouroffer。
　　ENDOFTHEFIRSTACT。
　　ALETTERfromaYOUNGLADY，whosefeelingsbeingtoostrongforherJudgementledherintothecommissionofErrorswhichherHeartdisapproved。
　　Manyhavebeenthecaresandvicissitudesofmypastlife，mybelovedEllinor，andtheonlyconsolationIfeelfortheirbitternessisthatonacloseexaminationofmyconduct，IamconvincedthatIhavestrictlydeservedthem。ImurderedmyfatherataveryearlyperiodofmyLife，IhavesincemurderedmyMother，andIamnowgoingtomurdermySister。IhavechangedmyreligionsooftenthatatpresentIhavenotanideaofanyleft。Ihavebeenaperjuredwitnessineverypublictryalfortheselasttwelveyears；andIhaveforgedmyownWill。InshortthereisscarcelyacrimethatIhavenotcommitted——ButI
　　amnowgoingtoreform。ColonelMartinoftheHorseguardshaspaidhisAddressestome，andwearetobemarriedinafewdays。
　　AsthereissomethingsingularinourCourtship，Iwillgiveyouanaccountofit。ColonelMartinisthesecondsonofthelateSirJohnMartinwhodiedimmenselyrich，butbequeathingonlyonehundredthousandpoundapeicetohisthreeyoungerChildren，leftthebulkofhisfortune，abouteightMilliontothepresentSirThomas。UponhissmallpittancetheColonellivedtolerablycontentedfornearlyfourmonthswhenhetookitintohisheadtodetermineongettingthewholeofhiseldestBrother’sEstate。A
　　newwillwasforgedandtheColonelproduceditinCourt——butnobodywouldsweartoit’sbeingtherightwillexcepthimself，andhehadswornsomuchthatNobodybeleivedhim。AtthatmomentIhappenedtobepassingbythedooroftheCourt，andwasbeckonedinbytheJudgewhotoldtheColonelthatIwasaLadyreadytowitnessanythingforthecauseofJustice，andadvisedhimtoapplytome。InshorttheAffairwassoonadjusted。TheColonelandIsworetoits’beingtherightwill，andSirThomashasbeenobligedtoresignallhisillgottenwealth。TheColonelingratitudewaitedonmethenextdaywithanofferofhishand——。IamnowgoingtomurdermySister。
　　YoursEver，AnnaParker。
　　ATOURTHROUGHWALES——
　　inaLETTERfromaYOUNGLADY——
　　MyDearClaraIhavebeensolongontheramblethatIhavenottillnowhaditinmypowertothankyouforyourLetter——。WeleftourdearhomeonlastMondaymonth；andproceededonourtourthroughWales，whichisaprincipalitycontiguoustoEnglandandgivesthetitletothePrinceofWales。Wetravelledonhorsebackbypreference。
　　MyMotherrodeuponourlittleponeyandFannyandIwalkedbyhersideorratherran，formyMotherissofondofridingfastthatshegallopedalltheway。Youmaybesurethatwewereinafineperspirationwhenwecametoourplaceofresting。FannyhastakenagreatmanyDrawingsoftheCountry，whichareverybeautiful，tho’perhapsnotsuchexactresemblancesasmightbewished，fromtheirbeingtakenassheranalong。ItwouldastonishyoutoseealltheShoesweworeoutinourTour。WedeterminedtotakeagoodStockwithusandthereforeeachtookapairofourownbesidesthosewesetoffin。HoweverwewereobligedtohavethembothcappedandheelpeicedatCarmarthen，andatlastwhentheywerequitegone，MamawassokindastolendusapairofblueSattinSlippers，ofwhichweeachtookoneandhoppedhomefromHereforddelightfully———
　　IamyoureveraffectionateElizabethJohnson。
　　ATALE。
　　AGentlemanwhosefamilynameIshallconceal，boughtasmallCottageinPembrokeshireabouttwoyearsago。ThisdaringActionwassuggestedtohimbyhiselderBrotherwhopromisedtofurnishtworoomsandaClosetforhim，providedhewouldtakeasmallhousenearthebordersofanextensiveForest，andaboutthreeMilesfromtheSea。WilhelminusgladlyacceptedtheofferandcontinuedforsometimesearchingaftersucharetreatwhenhewasonemorningagreablyreleivedfromhissuspencebyreadingthisadvertisementinaNewspaper。
　　TOBELETT
　　ANeatCottageonthebordersofanextensiveforestandaboutthreeMilesfromtheSea。ItisreadyfurnishedexcepttworoomsandaCloset。
　　ThedelightedWilhelminuspostedawayimmediatelytohisbrother，andshewedhimtheadvertisement。RobertuscongratulatedhimandsenthiminhisCarriagetotakepossessionoftheCottage。
　　Aftertravellingforthreedaysandsixnightswithoutstopping，theyarrivedattheForestandfollowingatrackwhichledbyit’ssidedownasteepHilloverwhichtenRivuletsmeandered，theyreachedtheCottageinhalfanhour。Wilhelminusalighted，andafterknockingforsometimewithoutreceivinganyanswerorhearinganyonestirwithin，heopenedthedoorwhichwasfastenedonlybyawoodenlatchandenteredasmallroom，whichheimmediatelyperceivedtobeoneofthetwothatwereunfurnished——FromthenceheproceededintoaClosetequallybare。Apairofstairsthatwentoutofitledhimintoaroomabove，nolessdestitute，andtheseapartmentshefoundcomposedthewholeoftheHouse。Hewasbynomeansdispleasedwiththisdiscovery，ashehadthecomfortofreflectingthatheshouldnotbeobligedtolayoutanythingonfurniturehimself——。HereturnedimmediatelytohisBrother，whotookhimthenextdaytoeveryShopinTown，andboughtwhateverwasrequisitetofurnishthetworoomsandtheCloset，Inafewdayseverythingwascompleted，andWilhelminusreturnedtotakepossessionofhisCottage。Robertusaccompaniedhim，withhisLadytheamiableCeciliaandhertwolovelySistersArabellaandMarinatowhomWilhelminuswastenderlyattached，andalargenumberofAttendants。——AnordinaryGeniusmightprobablyhavebeenembarrassed，inendeavouringtoaccomodatesolargeaparty，butWilhelminuswithadmirablepresenceofmindgaveordersfortheimmediateerectionoftwonobleTentsinanopenspotintheForestadjoiningtothehouse。TheirConstructionwasbothsimpleandelegant——Acoupleofoldblankets，eachsupportedbyfoursticks，gaveastrikingproofofthattasteforarchitectureandthathappyeaseinovercomingdifficultieswhichweresomeofWilhelminus’smoststrikingVirtues。