LADY SUSAN

by Jane Austen

I

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MR. VERNON

Langford, Dec. 

MY DEAR BROTHER, --I can no longer refuse myself the pleasure ofprofiting by your kind invitation when we last parted of spending someweeks with you at Churchhill, and, therefore, if quite convenient to youand Mrs. Vernon to receive me at present, I shall hope within a fewdays to be introduced to a sister whom I have so long desired to beacquainted with. My kind friends here are most affectionatelyurgent with me to prolong my stay, but their hospitable and cheerfuldispositions lead them too much into society for my present situationand state of mind; and I impatiently look forward to the hour when Ishall be admitted into Your delightful retirement. 

I long to be made known to your dear little children, in whose hearts Ishall be very eager to secure an interest I shall soon have need for allmy fortitude, as I am on the point of separation from my own daughter. The long illness of her dear father prevented my paying her thatattention which duty and affection equally dictated, and I have toomuch reason to fear that the governess to whose care I consigned her wasunequal to the charge. I have therefore resolved on placing her at oneof the best private schools in town, where I shall have an opportunityof leaving her myself in my way to you. I am determined, you see, not tobe denied admittance at Churchhill. It would indeed give me most painfulsensations to know that it were not in your power to receive me. 

Your most obliged and affectionate sister, S. VERNON. 

II

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MRS. JOHNSON

Langford. 

You were mistaken, my dear Alicia, in supposing me fixed at this placefor the rest of the winter: it grieves me to say how greatly you weremistaken, for I have seldom spent three months more agreeably thanthose which have just flown away. At present, nothing goes smoothly; thefemales of the family are united against me. You foretold how it wouldbe when I first came to Langford, and Mainwaring is so uncommonlypleasing that I was not without apprehensions for myself. I remembersaying to myself, as I drove to the house, "I like this man, pray Heavenno harm come of it!" But I was determined to be discreet, to bear inmind my being only four months a widow, and to be as quiet as possible:and I have been so, my dear creature; I have admitted no one'sattentions but Mainwaring's. I have avoided all general flirtationwhatever; I have distinguished no creature besides, of all the numbersresorting hither, except Sir James Martin, on whom I bestowed a littlenotice, in order to detach him from Miss Mainwaring; but, if the worldcould know my motive THERE they would honour me. I have been called anunkind mother, but it was the sacred impulse of maternal affection, itwas the advantage of my daughter that led me on; and if that daughterwere not the greatest simpleton on earth, I might have been rewarded formy exertions as I ought. 

Sir James did make proposals to me for Frederica; but Frederica, whowas born to be the torment of my life, chose to set herself so violentlyagainst the match that I thought it better to lay aside the scheme forthe present. I have more than once repented that I did not marry himmyself; and were he but one degree less contemptibly weak I certainlyshould: but I must own myself rather romantic in that respect, andthat riches only will not satisfy me. The event of all this is veryprovoking: Sir James is gone, Maria highly incensed, and Mrs. Mainwaringinsupportably jealous; so jealous, in short, and so enraged againstme, that, in the fury of her temper, I should not be surprized at herappealing to her guardian, if she had the liberty of addressing him:but there your husband stands my friend; and the kindest, most amiableaction of his life was his throwing her off for ever on her marriage. Keep up his resentment, therefore, I charge you. We are now in a sadstate; no house was ever more altered; the whole party are at war, andMainwaring scarcely dares speak to me. It is time for me to be gone; Ihave therefore determined on leaving them, and shall spend, I hope, acomfortable day with you in town within this week. If I am as littlein favour with Mr. Johnson as ever, you must come to me at 10 Wigmorestreet; but I hope this may not be the case, for as Mr. Johnson, withall his faults, is a man to whom that great word "respectable" is alwaysgiven, and I am known to be so intimate with his wife, his slighting mehas an awkward look. 

I take London in my way to that insupportable spot, a country village;for I am really going to Churchhill. Forgive me, my dear friend, it ismy last resource. Were there another place in England open to me I wouldprefer it. Charles Vernon is my aversion; and I am afraid of his wife. At Churchhill, however, I must remain till I have something better inview. My young lady accompanies me to town, where I shall deposit herunder the care of Miss Summers, in Wigmore street, till she becomes alittle more reasonable. She will made good connections there, as thegirls are all of the best families. The price is immense, and muchbeyond what I can ever attempt to pay. 

Adieu, I will send you a line as soon as I arrive in town. 

Yours ever, S. VERNON. 

III

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill. 

My dear Mother, --I am very sorry to tell you that it will not be in ourpower to keep our promise of spending our Christmas with you; and we areprevented that happiness by a circumstance which is not likely tomake us any amends. Lady Susan, in a letter to her brother-in-law, hasdeclared her intention of visiting us almost immediately; and as sucha visit is in all probability merely an affair of convenience, it isimpossible to conjecture its length. I was by no means prepared for suchan event, nor can I now account for her ladyship's conduct; Langfordappeared so exactly the place for her in every respect, as well fromthe elegant and expensive style of living there, as from her particularattachment to Mr. Mainwaring, that I was very far from expecting sospeedy a distinction, though I always imagined from her increasingfriendship for us since her husband's death that we should, at somefuture period, be obliged to receive her. Mr. Vernon, I think, was agreat deal too kind to her when he was in Staffordshire; her behaviourto him, independent of her general character, has been so inexcusablyartful and ungenerous since our marriage was first in agitation that noone less amiable and mild than himself could have overlooked it all;and though, as his brother's widow, and in narrow circumstances, it wasproper to render her pecuniary assistance, I cannot help thinkinghis pressing invitation to her to visit us at Churchhill perfectlyunnecessary. Disposed, however, as he always is to think the best ofeveryone, her display of grief, and professions of regret, and generalresolutions of prudence, were sufficient to soften his heart and makehim really confide in her sincerity; but, as for myself, I am stillunconvinced, and plausibly as her ladyship has now written, I cannotmake up my mind till I better understand her real meaning in coming tous. You may guess, therefore, my dear madam, with what feelings I lookforward to her arrival. She will have occasion for all those attractivepowers for which she is celebrated to gain any share of my regard; andI shall certainly endeavour to guard myself against their influence, if not accompanied by something more substantial. She expresses amost eager desire of being acquainted with me, and makes very graciousmention of my children but I am not quite weak enough to suppose a womanwho has behaved with inattention, if not with unkindness, to her ownchild, should be attached to any of mine. Miss Vernon is to be placed ata school in London before her mother comes to us which I am glad of, forher sake and my own. It must be to her advantage to be separated fromher mother, and a girl of sixteen who has received so wretched aneducation, could not be a very desirable companion here. Reginald haslong wished, I know, to see the captivating Lady Susan, and we shalldepend on his joining our party soon. I am glad to hear that my fathercontinues so well; and am, with best love, &c. , CATHERINE VERNON. 

IV

MR. DE COURCY TO MRS. VERNON

Parklands. 

My dear Sister, --I congratulate you and Mr. Vernon on being about toreceive into your family the most accomplished coquette in England. As avery distinguished flirt I have always been taught to consider her, butit has lately fallen In my way to hear some particulars of her conductat Langford: which prove that she does not confine herself to that sortof honest flirtation which satisfies most people, but aspires to themore delicious gratification of making a whole family miserable. By herbehaviour to Mr. Mainwaring she gave jealousy and wretchedness to hiswife, and by her attentions to a young man previously attached to Mr. Mainwaring's sister deprived an amiable girl of her lover. 

I learnt all this from Mr. Smith, now in this neighbourhood (I havedined with him, at Hurst and Wilford), who is just come from Langfordwhere he was a fortnight with her ladyship, and who is therefore wellqualified to make the communication. 

What a woman she must be! I long to see her, and shall certainly acceptyour kind invitation, that I may form some idea of those bewitchingpowers which can do so much--engaging at the same time, and in the samehouse, the affections of two men, who were neither of them at liberty tobestow them--and all this without the charm of youth! I am glad to findMiss Vernon does not accompany her mother to Churchhill, as she has noteven manners to recommend her; and, according to Mr. Smith's account, isequally dull and proud. Where pride and stupidity unite there can beno dissimulation worthy notice, and Miss Vernon shall be consigned tounrelenting contempt; but by all that I can gather Lady Susan possessesa degree of captivating deceit which it must be pleasing to witness anddetect. I shall be with you very soon, and am ever, Your affectionate brother, R. DE COURCY. 

V

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MRS. JOHNSON

Churchhill. 

I received your note, my dear Alicia, just before I left town, andrejoice to be assured that Mr. Johnson suspected nothing of yourengagement the evening before. It is undoubtedly better to deceive himentirely, and since he will be stubborn he must be tricked. I arrivedhere in safety, and have no reason to complain of my reception from Mr. Vernon; but I confess myself not equally satisfied with the behaviour ofhis lady. She is perfectly well-bred, indeed, and has the air of a womanof fashion, but her manners are not such as can persuade me of her beingprepossessed in my favour. I wanted her to be delighted at seeing me. I was as amiable as possible on the occasion, but all in vain. She doesnot like me. To be sure when we consider that I DID take some pains toprevent my brother-in-law's marrying her, this want of cordiality is notvery surprizing, and yet it shows an illiberal and vindictive spiritto resent a project which influenced me six years ago, and which neversucceeded at last. 

I am sometimes disposed to repent that I did not let Charles buyVernon Castle, when we were obliged to sell it; but it was a tryingcircumstance, especially as the sale took place exactly at the timeof his marriage; and everybody ought to respect the delicacy of thosefeelings which could not endure that my husband's dignity should belessened by his younger brother's having possession of the familyestate. Could matters have been so arranged as to prevent the necessityof our leaving the castle, could we have lived with Charles and kepthim single, I should have been very far from persuading my husband todispose of it elsewhere; but Charles was on the point of marryingMiss De Courcy, and the event has justified me. Here are children inabundance, and what benefit could have accrued to me from his purchasingVernon? My having prevented it may perhaps have given his wife anunfavourable impression, but where there is a disposition to dislike, a motive will never be wanting; and as to money matters it has notwithheld him from being very useful to me. I really have a regardfor him, he is so easily imposed upon! The house is a good one, thefurniture fashionable, and everything announces plenty and elegance. Charles is very rich I am sure; when a man has once got his name in abanking-house he rolls in money; but they do not know what to do withit, keep very little company, and never go to London but on business. Weshall be as stupid as possible. I mean to win my sister-in-law's heartthrough the children; I know all their names already, and am going toattach myself with the greatest sensibility to one in particular, ayoung Frederic, whom I take on my lap and sigh over for his dear uncle'ssake. 

Poor Mainwaring! I need not tell you how much I miss him, howperpetually he is in my thoughts. I found a dismal letter from him onmy arrival here, full of complaints of his wife and sister, andlamentations on the cruelty of his fate. I passed off the letter as hiswife's, to the Vernons, and when I write to him it must be under coverto you. 

Ever yours, S. VERNON. 

VI

MRS. VERNON TO MR. DE COURCY

Churchhill. 

Well, my dear Reginald, I have seen this dangerous creature, and mustgive you some description of her, though I hope you will soon be able toform your own judgment she is really excessively pretty; however you maychoose to question the allurements of a lady no longer young, I must, for my own part, declare that I have seldom seen so lovely a womanas Lady Susan. She is delicately fair, with fine grey eyes and darkeyelashes; and from her appearance one would not suppose her more thanfive and twenty, though she must in fact be ten years older, I wascertainly not disposed to admire her, though always hearing she wasbeautiful; but I cannot help feeling that she possesses an uncommonunion of symmetry, brilliancy, and grace. Her address to me was sogentle, frank, and even affectionate, that, if I had not known how muchshe has always disliked me for marrying Mr. Vernon, and that we hadnever met before, I should have imagined her an attached friend. Oneis apt, I believe, to connect assurance of manner with coquetry, and toexpect that an impudent address will naturally attend an impudent mind;at least I was myself prepared for an improper degree of confidence inLady Susan; but her countenance is absolutely sweet, and her voice andmanner winningly mild. I am sorry it is so, for what is this but deceit?Unfortunately, one knows her too well. She is clever and agreeable, hasall that knowledge of the world which makes conversation easy, and talksvery well, with a happy command of language, which is too often used, Ibelieve, to make black appear white. She has already almost persuaded meof her being warmly attached to her daughter, though I have been so longconvinced to the contrary. She speaks of her with so much tenderness andanxiety, lamenting so bitterly the neglect of her education, which sherepresents however as wholly unavoidable, that I am forced to recollecthow many successive springs her ladyship spent in town, while herdaughter was left in Staffordshire to the care of servants, or agoverness very little better, to prevent my believing what she says. 

If her manners have so great an influence on my resentful heart, youmay judge how much more strongly they operate on Mr. Vernon's generoustemper. I wish I could be as well satisfied as he is, that it was reallyher choice to leave Langford for Churchhill; and if she had not stayedthere for months before she discovered that her friend's manner ofliving did not suit her situation or feelings, I might have believedthat concern for the loss of such a husband as Mr. Vernon, to whom herown behaviour was far from unexceptionable, might for a time make herwish for retirement. But I cannot forget the length of her visit to theMainwarings, and when I reflect on the different mode of life which sheled with them from that to which she must now submit, I can only supposethat the wish of establishing her reputation by following though latethe path of propriety, occasioned her removal from a family where shemust in reality have been particularly happy. Your friend Mr. Smith'sstory, however, cannot be quite correct, as she corresponds regularlywith Mrs. Mainwaring. At any rate it must be exaggerated. It is scarcelypossible that two men should be so grossly deceived by her at once. 

Yours, &c. , CATHERINE VERNON

VII

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MRS. JOHNSON

Churchhill. 

My dear Alicia, --You are very good in taking notice of Frederica, andI am grateful for it as a mark of your friendship; but as I cannot haveany doubt of the warmth of your affection, I am far from exacting soheavy a sacrifice. She is a stupid girl, and has nothing to recommendher. I would not, therefore, on my account, have you encumber one momentof your precious time by sending for her to Edward Street, especiallyas every visit is so much deducted from the grand affair of education, which I really wish to have attended to while she remains at MissSummers's. I want her to play and sing with some portion of taste anda good deal of assurance, as she has my hand and arm and a tolerablevoice. I was so much indulged in my infant years that I was neverobliged to attend to anything, and consequently am without theaccomplishments which are now necessary to finish a pretty woman. Notthat I am an advocate for the prevailing fashion of acquiring a perfectknowledge of all languages, arts, and sciences. It is throwing timeaway to be mistress of French, Italian, and German: music, singing, and drawing, &c. , will gain a woman some applause, but will not addone lover to her list--grace and manner, after all, are of the greatestimportance. I do not mean, therefore, that Frederica's acquirementsshould be more than superficial, and I flatter myself that she will notremain long enough at school to understand anything thoroughly. I hopeto see her the wife of Sir James within a twelvemonth. You know on whatI ground my hope, and it is certainly a good foundation, for school mustbe very humiliating to a girl of Frederica's age. And, by-the-by, youhad better not invite her any more on that account, as I wish her tofind her situation as unpleasant as possible. I am sure of Sir James atany time, and could make him renew his application by a line. I shalltrouble you meanwhile to prevent his forming any other attachment whenhe comes to town. Ask him to your house occasionally, and talk to him ofFrederica, that he may not forget her. Upon the whole, I commend my ownconduct in this affair extremely, and regard it as a very happy instanceof circumspection and tenderness. Some mothers would have insisted ontheir daughter's accepting so good an offer on the first overture; but Icould not reconcile it to myself to force Frederica into a marriage fromwhich her heart revolted, and instead of adopting so harsh a measuremerely propose to make it her own choice, by rendering her thoroughlyuncomfortable till she does accept him--but enough of this tiresomegirl. You may well wonder how I contrive to pass my time here, and forthe first week it was insufferably dull. Now, however, we begin to mend, our party is enlarged by Mrs. Vernon's brother, a handsome young man, who promises me some amusement. There is something about him whichrather interests me, a sort of sauciness and familiarity which I shallteach him to correct. He is lively, and seems clever, and when I haveinspired him with greater respect for me than his sister's kind officeshave implanted, he may be an agreeable flirt. There is exquisitepleasure in subduing an insolent spirit, in making a personpredetermined to dislike acknowledge one's superiority. I havedisconcerted him already by my calm reserve, and it shall be myendeavour to humble the pride of these self important De Courcys stilllower, to convince Mrs. Vernon that her sisterly cautions have beenbestowed in vain, and to persuade Reginald that she has scandalouslybelied me. This project will serve at least to amuse me, and preventmy feeling so acutely this dreadful separation from you and all whom Ilove. 

Yours ever, S. VERNON. 

VIII

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill. 

My dear Mother, --You must not expect Reginald back again for some time. He desires me to tell you that the present open weather induces him toaccept Mr. Vernon's invitation to prolong his stay in Sussex, thatthey may have some hunting together. He means to send for his horsesimmediately, and it is impossible to say when you may see him in Kent. Iwill not disguise my sentiments on this change from you, my dear mother, though I think you had better not communicate them to my father, whoseexcessive anxiety about Reginald would subject him to an alarm whichmight seriously affect his health and spirits. Lady Susan has certainlycontrived, in the space of a fortnight, to make my brother like her. In short, I am persuaded that his continuing here beyond the timeoriginally fixed for his return is occasioned as much by a degree offascination towards her, as by the wish of hunting with Mr. Vernon, andof course I cannot receive that pleasure from the length of his visitwhich my brother's company would otherwise give me. I am, indeed, provoked at the artifice of this unprincipled woman; what strongerproof of her dangerous abilities can be given than this perversion ofReginald's judgment, which when he entered the house was so decidedlyagainst her! In his last letter he actually gave me some particulars ofher behaviour at Langford, such as he received from a gentleman who knewher perfectly well, which, if true, must raise abhorrence against her, and which Reginald himself was entirely disposed to credit. His opinionof her, I am sure, was as low as of any woman in England; and when hefirst came it was evident that he considered her as one entitled neitherto delicacy nor respect, and that he felt she would be delighted withthe attentions of any man inclined to flirt with her. Her behaviour, Iconfess, has been calculated to do away with such an idea; I havenot detected the smallest impropriety in it--nothing of vanity, ofpretension, of levity; and she is altogether so attractive that I shouldnot wonder at his being delighted with her, had he known nothing of herprevious to this personal acquaintance; but, against reason, againstconviction, to be so well pleased with her, as I am sure he is, doesreally astonish me. His admiration was at first very strong, but no morethan was natural, and I did not wonder at his being much struck by thegentleness and delicacy of her manners; but when he has mentioned her oflate it has been in terms of more extraordinary praise; and yesterday heactually said that he could not be surprised at any effect producedon the heart of man by such loveliness and such abilities; and when Ilamented, in reply, the badness of her disposition, he observed thatwhatever might have been her errors they were to be imputed to herneglected education and early marriage, and that she was altogether awonderful woman. This tendency to excuse her conduct or to forget it, inthe warmth of admiration, vexes me; and if I did not know that Reginaldis too much at home at Churchhill to need an invitation for lengtheninghis visit, I should regret Mr. Vernon's giving him any. Lady Susan'sintentions are of course those of absolute coquetry, or a desireof universal admiration; I cannot for a moment imagine that she hasanything more serious in view; but it mortifies me to see a young man ofReginald's sense duped by her at all. 

I am, &c. , CATHERINE VERNON. 

IX

MRS. JOHNSON TO LADY S. VERNON

Edward Street. 

My dearest Friend, --I congratulate you on Mr. De Courcy's arrival, andI advise you by all means to marry him; his father's estate is, we know, considerable, and I believe certainly entailed. Sir Reginald is veryinfirm, and not likely to stand in your way long. I hear the young manwell spoken of; and though no one can really deserve you, my dearestSusan, Mr. De Courcy may be worth having. Mainwaring will storm ofcourse, but you easily pacify him; besides, the most scrupulous point ofhonour could not require you to wait for HIS emancipation. I have seenSir James; he came to town for a few days last week, and called severaltimes in Edward Street. I talked to him about you and your daughter, andhe is so far from having forgotten you, that I am sure he would marryeither of you with pleasure. I gave him hopes of Frederica's relenting, and told him a great deal of her improvements. I scolded him for makinglove to Maria Mainwaring; he protested that he had been only in joke, and we both laughed heartily at her disappointment; and, in short, werevery agreeable. He is as silly as ever. 

Yours faithfully, ALICIA. 

X

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MRS. JOHNSON

Churchhill. 

I am much obliged to you, my dear Friend, for your advice respectingMr. De Courcy, which I know was given with the full conviction of itsexpediency, though I am not quite determined on following it. I cannoteasily resolve on anything so serious as marriage; especially as Iam not at present in want of money, and might perhaps, till the oldgentleman's death, be very little benefited by the match. It is truethat I am vain enough to believe it within my reach. I have made himsensible of my power, and can now enjoy the pleasure of triumphingover a mind prepared to dislike me, and prejudiced against all mypast actions. His sister, too, is, I hope, convinced how little theungenerous representations of anyone to the disadvantage of another willavail when opposed by the immediate influence of intellect and manner. Isee plainly that she is uneasy at my progress in the good opinion ofher brother, and conclude that nothing will be wanting on her part tocounteract me; but having once made him doubt the justice of her opinionof me, I think I may defy, her. It has been delightful to me to watchhis advances towards intimacy, especially to observe his altered mannerin consequence of my repressing by the cool dignity of my deportmenthis insolent approach to direct familiarity. My conduct has been equallyguarded from the first, and I never behaved less like a coquette in thewhole course of my life, though perhaps my desire of dominion was nevermore decided. I have subdued him entirely by sentiment and seriousconversation, and made him, I may venture to say, at least half in lovewith me, without the semblance of the most commonplace flirtation. Mrs. Vernon's consciousness of deserving every sort of revenge that it canbe in my power to inflict for her ill-offices could alone enable herto perceive that I am actuated by any design in behaviour so gentleand unpretending. Let her think and act as she chooses, however. I havenever yet found that the advice of a sister could prevent a youngman's being in love if he chose. We are advancing now to some kind ofconfidence, and in short are likely to be engaged in a sort of platonicfriendship. On my side you may be sure of its never being more, for ifI were not attached to another person as much as I can be to anyone, Ishould make a point of not bestowing my affection on a man who had daredto think so meanly of me. Reginald has a good figure and is not unworthythe praise you have heard given him, but is still greatly inferiorto our friend at Langford. He is less polished, less insinuating thanMainwaring, and is comparatively deficient in the power of saying thosedelightful things which put one in good humour with oneself and all theworld. He is quite agreeable enough, however, to afford me amusement, and to make many of those hours pass very pleasantly which wouldotherwise be spent in endeavouring to overcome my sister-in-law'sreserve, and listening to the insipid talk of her husband. Your accountof Sir James is most satisfactory, and I mean to give Miss Frederica ahint of my intentions very soon. 

Yours, &c. , S. VERNON. 

XI

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill

I really grow quite uneasy, my dearest mother, about Reginald, fromwitnessing the very rapid increase of Lady Susan's influence. They arenow on terms of the most particular friendship, frequently engaged inlong conversations together; and she has contrived by the most artfulcoquetry to subdue his judgment to her own purposes. It is impossibleto see the intimacy between them so very soon established without somealarm, though I can hardly suppose that Lady Susan's plans extend tomarriage. I wish you could get Reginald home again on any plausiblepretence; he is not at all disposed to leave us, and I have given him asmany hints of my father's precarious state of health as common decencywill allow me to do in my own house. Her power over him must now beboundless, as she has entirely effaced all his former ill-opinion, and persuaded him not merely to forget but to justify her conduct. Mr. Smith's account of her proceedings at Langford, where he accused her ofhaving made Mr. Mainwaring and a young man engaged to Miss Mainwaringdistractedly in love with her, which Reginald firmly believed when hecame here, is now, he is persuaded, only a scandalous invention. Hehas told me so with a warmth of manner which spoke his regret at havingbelieved the contrary himself. How sincerely do I grieve that sheever entered this house! I always looked forward to her coming withuneasiness; but very far was it from originating in anxiety forReginald. I expected a most disagreeable companion for myself, but couldnot imagine that my brother would be in the smallest danger of beingcaptivated by a woman with whose principles he was so well acquainted, and whose character he so heartily despised. If you can get him away itwill be a good thing. 

Yours, &c. , CATHERINE VERNON. 

XII

SIR REGINALD DE COURCY TO HIS SON

Parklands. 

I know that young men in general do not admit of any enquiry even fromtheir nearest relations into affairs of the heart, but I hope, my dearReginald, that you will be superior to such as allow nothing for afather's anxiety, and think themselves privileged to refuse him theirconfidence and slight his advice. You must be sensible that as an onlyson, and the representative of an ancient family, your conduct in lifeis most interesting to your connections; and in the very importantconcern of marriage especially, there is everything at stake--your ownhappiness, that of your parents, and the credit of your name. I do notsuppose that you would deliberately form an absolute engagement of thatnature without acquainting your mother and myself, or at least, withoutbeing convinced that we should approve of your choice; but I cannot helpfearing that you may be drawn in, by the lady who has lately attachedyou, to a marriage which the whole of your family, far and near, musthighly reprobate. Lady Susan's age is itself a material objection, buther want of character is one so much more serious, that the differenceof even twelve years becomes in comparison of small amount. Were you notblinded by a sort of fascination, it would be ridiculous in me to repeatthe instances of great misconduct on her side so very generally known. 

Her neglect of her husband, her encouragement of other men, herextravagance and dissipation, were so gross and notorious that no onecould be ignorant of them at the time, nor can now have forgotten them. To our family she has always been represented in softened colours bythe benevolence of Mr. Charles Vernon, and yet, in spite of his generousendeavours to excuse her, we know that she did, from the most selfishmotives, take all possible pains to prevent his marriage with Catherine. 

My years and increasing infirmities make me very desirous of seeing yousettled in the world. To the fortune of a wife, the goodness of my ownwill make me indifferent, but her family and character must be equallyunexceptionable. When your choice is fixed so that no objection can bemade to it, then I can promise you a ready and cheerful consent; but itis my duty to oppose a match which deep art only could render possible, and must in the end make wretched. It is possible her behaviour mayarise only from vanity, or the wish of gaining the admiration of a manwhom she must imagine to be particularly prejudiced against her; but itis more likely that she should aim at something further. She is poor, and may naturally seek an alliance which must be advantageous toherself; you know your own rights, and that it is out of my power toprevent your inheriting the family estate. My ability of distressingyou during my life would be a species of revenge to which I could hardlystoop under any circumstances. 

I honestly tell you my sentiments and intentions: I do not wish to workon your fears, but on your sense and affection. It would destroy everycomfort of my life to know that you were married to Lady Susan Vernon;it would be the death of that honest pride with which I have hithertoconsidered my son; I should blush to see him, to hear of him, to thinkof him. I may perhaps do no good but that of relieving my own mind bythis letter, but I felt it my duty to tell you that your partiality forLady Susan is no secret to your friends, and to warn you against her. I should be glad to hear your reasons for disbelieving Mr. Smith'sintelligence; you had no doubt of its authenticity a month ago. Ifyou can give me your assurance of having no design beyond enjoyingthe conversation of a clever woman for a short period, and of yieldingadmiration only to her beauty and abilities, without being blinded bythem to her faults, you will restore me to happiness; but, if you cannotdo this, explain to me, at least, what has occasioned so great analteration in your opinion of her. 

I am, &c. , &c, REGINALD DE COURCY

XIII

LADY DE COURCY TO MRS. VERNON

Parklands. 

My dear Catherine, --Unluckily I was confined to my room when your lastletter came, by a cold which affected my eyes so much as to prevent myreading it myself, so I could not refuse Your father when he offeredto read it to me, by which means he became acquainted, to my greatvexation, with all your fears about your brother. I had intended towrite to Reginald myself as soon as my eyes would let me, to point out, as well as I could, the danger of an intimate acquaintance, with soartful a woman as Lady Susan, to a young man of his age, and highexpectations. I meant, moreover, to have reminded him of our being quitealone now, and very much in need of him to keep up our spirits theselong winter evenings. Whether it would have done any good can never besettled now, but I am excessively vexed that Sir Reginald should knowanything of a matter which we foresaw would make him so uneasy. Hecaught all your fears the moment he had read your letter, and I am surehe has not had the business out of his head since. He wrote by the samepost to Reginald a long letter full of it all, and particularly askingan explanation of what he may have heard from Lady Susan to contradictthe late shocking reports. His answer came this morning, which I shallenclose to you, as I think you will like to see it. I wish it was moresatisfactory; but it seems written with such a determination to thinkwell of Lady Susan, that his assurances as to marriage, &c. , do not setmy heart at ease. I say all I can, however, to satisfy your father, andhe is certainly less uneasy since Reginald's letter. How provoking itis, my dear Catherine, that this unwelcome guest of yours should notonly prevent our meeting this Christmas, but be the occasion of so muchvexation and trouble! Kiss the dear children for me. 

Your affectionate mother, C. DE COURCY. 

XIV

MR. DE COURCY TO SIR REGINALD

Churchhill. 

My dear Sir, --I have this moment received your letter, which has givenme more astonishment than I ever felt before. I am to thank my sister, I suppose, for having represented me in such a light as to injure mein your opinion, and give you all this alarm. I know not why she shouldchoose to make herself and her family uneasy by apprehending anevent which no one but herself, I can affirm, would ever have thoughtpossible. To impute such a design to Lady Susan would be taking from herevery claim to that excellent understanding which her bitterest enemieshave never denied her; and equally low must sink my pretensions tocommon sense if I am suspected of matrimonial views in my behaviourto her. Our difference of age must be an insuperable objection, and Ientreat you, my dear father, to quiet your mind, and no longer harboura suspicion which cannot be more injurious to your own peace than to ourunderstandings. I can have no other view in remaining with Lady Susan, than to enjoy for a short time (as you have yourself expressed it) theconversation of a woman of high intellectual powers. If Mrs. Vernonwould allow something to my affection for herself and her husband in thelength of my visit, she would do more justice to us all; but my sisteris unhappily prejudiced beyond the hope of conviction against LadySusan. From an attachment to her husband, which in itself does honour toboth, she cannot forgive the endeavours at preventing their union, whichhave been attributed to selfishness in Lady Susan; but in this case, aswell as in many others, the world has most grossly injured that lady, bysupposing the worst where the motives of her conduct have been doubtful. Lady Susan had heard something so materially to the disadvantage of mysister as to persuade her that the happiness of Mr. Vernon, to whom shewas always much attached, would be wholly destroyed by the marriage. Andthis circumstance, while it explains the true motives of Lady Susan'sconduct, and removes all the blame which has been so lavished on her, may also convince us how little the general report of anyone ought tobe credited; since no character, however upright, can escape themalevolence of slander. If my sister, in the security of retirement, with as little opportunity as inclination to do evil, could not avoidcensure, we must not rashly condemn those who, living in the world andsurrounded with temptations, should be accused of errors which they areknown to have the power of committing. 

I blame myself severely for having so easily believed the slanderoustales invented by Charles Smith to the prejudice of Lady Susan, as Iam now convinced how greatly they have traduced her. As to Mrs. Mainwaring's jealousy it was totally his own invention, and his accountof her attaching Miss Mainwaring's lover was scarcely better founded. Sir James Martin had been drawn in by that young lady to pay her someattention; and as he is a man of fortune, it was easy to see HER viewsextended to marriage. It is well known that Miss M. Is absolutely on thecatch for a husband, and no one therefore can pity her for losing, bythe superior attractions of another woman, the chance of being able tomake a worthy man completely wretched. Lady Susan was far from intendingsuch a conquest, and on finding how warmly Miss Mainwaring resented herlover's defection, determined, in spite of Mr. And Mrs. Mainwaring'smost urgent entreaties, to leave the family. I have reason to imagineshe did receive serious proposals from Sir James, but her removing toLangford immediately on the discovery of his attachment, must acquit heron that article with any mind of common candour. You will, I am sure, mydear Sir, feel the truth of this, and will hereby learn to do justice tothe character of a very injured woman. I know that Lady Susan in comingto Churchhill was governed only by the most honourable and amiableintentions; her prudence and economy are exemplary, her regard for Mr. Vernon equal even to HIS deserts; and her wish of obtaining my sister'sgood opinion merits a better return than it has received. As a mothershe is unexceptionable; her solid affection for her child is shown byplacing her in hands where her education will be properly attended to;but because she has not the blind and weak partiality of most mothers, she is accused of wanting maternal tenderness. Every person of sense, however, will know how to value and commend her well-directed affection, and will join me in wishing that Frederica Vernon may prove more worthythan she has yet done of her mother's tender care. I have now, my dearfather, written my real sentiments of Lady Susan; you will know fromthis letter how highly I admire her abilities, and esteem her character;but if you are not equally convinced by my full and solemn assurancethat your fears have been most idly created, you will deeply mortify anddistress me. 

I am, &c. , &c. , R. DE COURCY. 

XV

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill

My dear Mother, --I return you Reginald's letter, and rejoice with allmy heart that my father is made easy by it: tell him so, with mycongratulations; but, between ourselves, I must own it has onlyconvinced ME of my brother's having no PRESENT intention of marryingLady Susan, not that he is in no danger of doing so three months hence. He gives a very plausible account of her behaviour at Langford; I wishit may be true, but his intelligence must come from herself, and Iam less disposed to believe it than to lament the degree of intimacysubsisting, between them implied by the discussion of such a subject. Iam sorry to have incurred his displeasure, but can expect nothing betterwhile he is so very eager in Lady Susan's justification. He is verysevere against me indeed, and yet I hope I have not been hasty inmy judgment of her. Poor woman! though I have reasons enough formy dislike, I cannot help pitying her at present, as she is in realdistress, and with too much cause. She had this morning a letter fromthe lady with whom she has placed her daughter, to request that MissVernon might be immediately removed, as she had been detected in anattempt to run away. Why, or whither she intended to go, does notappear; but, as her situation seems to have been unexceptionable, it isa sad thing, and of course highly distressing to Lady Susan. Fredericamust be as much as sixteen, and ought to know better; but from whather mother insinuates, I am afraid she is a perverse girl. She hasbeen sadly neglected, however, and her mother ought to remember it. Mr. Vernon set off for London as soon as she had determined what should bedone. He is, if possible, to prevail on Miss Summers to let Fredericacontinue with her; and if he cannot succeed, to bring her to Churchhillfor the present, till some other situation can be found for her. Her ladyship is comforting herself meanwhile by strolling along theshrubbery with Reginald, calling forth all his tender feelings, Isuppose, on this distressing occasion. She has been talking a great dealabout it to me. She talks vastly well; I am afraid of being ungenerous, or I should say, TOO well to feel so very deeply; but I will not lookfor her faults; she may be Reginald's wife! Heaven forbid it! but whyshould I be quicker-sighted than anyone else? Mr. Vernon declares thathe never saw deeper distress than hers, on the receipt of the letter;and is his judgment inferior to mine? She was very unwilling thatFrederica should be allowed to come to Churchhill, and justly enough, asit seems a sort of reward to behaviour deserving very differently; butit was impossible to take her anywhere else, and she is not to remainhere long. "It will be absolutely necessary, " said she, "as you, my dearsister, must be sensible, to treat my daughter with some severity whileshe is here; a most painful necessity, but I will ENDEAVOUR to submit toit. I am afraid I have often been too indulgent, but my poor Frederica'stemper could never bear opposition well: you must support and encourageme; you must urge the necessity of reproof if you see me too lenient. "All this sounds very reasonable. Reginald is so incensed against thepoor silly girl. Surely it is not to Lady Susan's credit that he shouldbe so bitter against her daughter; his idea of her must be drawn fromthe mother's description. Well, whatever may be his fate, we have thecomfort of knowing that we have done our utmost to save him. We mustcommit the event to a higher power. 

Yours ever, &c. , CATHERINE VERNON. 

XVI

LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON

Churchhill. 

Never, my dearest Alicia, was I so provoked in my life as by a letterthis morning from Miss Summers. That horrid girl of mine has been tryingto run away. I had not a notion of her being such a little devil before, she seemed to have all the Vernon milkiness; but on receiving the letterin which I declared my intention about Sir James, she actually attemptedto elope; at least, I cannot otherwise account for her doing it. Shemeant, I suppose, to go to the Clarkes in Staffordshire, for she has noother acquaintances. But she shall be punished, she shall have him. Ihave sent Charles to town to make matters up if he can, for I do notby any means want her here. If Miss Summers will not keep her, you mustfind me out another school, unless we can get her married immediately. Miss S. Writes word that she could not get the young lady to assignany cause for her extraordinary conduct, which confirms me in my ownprevious explanation of it, Frederica is too shy, I think, and too muchin awe of me to tell tales, but if the mildness of her uncle should getanything out of her, I am not afraid. I trust I shall be able to make mystory as good as hers. If I am vain of anything, it is of my eloquence. Consideration and esteem as surely follow command of language asadmiration waits on beauty, and here I have opportunity enough for theexercise of my talent, as the chief of my time is spent in conversation. 

Reginald is never easy unless we are by ourselves, and when the weatheris tolerable, we pace the shrubbery for hours together. I like him onthe whole very well; he is clever and has a good deal to say, but heis sometimes impertinent and troublesome. There is a sort of ridiculousdelicacy about him which requires the fullest explanation of whatever hemay have heard to my disadvantage, and is never satisfied till he thinkshe has ascertained the beginning and end of everything. This is one sortof love, but I confess it does not particularly recommend itself to me. I infinitely prefer the tender and liberal spirit of Mainwaring, which, impressed with the deepest conviction of my merit, is satisfied thatwhatever I do must be right; and look with a degree of contempt onthe inquisitive and doubtful fancies of that heart which seems alwaysdebating on the reasonableness of its emotions. Mainwaring is indeed, beyond all compare, superior to Reginald--superior in everything but thepower of being with me! Poor fellow! he is much distracted by jealousy, which I am not sorry for, as I know no better support of love. He hasbeen teazing me to allow of his coming into this country, and lodgingsomewhere near INCOG. ; but I forbade everything of the kind. Those womenare inexcusable who forget what is due to themselves, and the opinion ofthe world. 

Yours ever, S. VERNON. 

XVII

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill. 

My dear Mother, --Mr. Vernon returned on Thursday night, bringing hisniece with him. Lady Susan had received a line from him by that day'spost, informing her that Miss Summers had absolutely refused to allow ofMiss Vernon's continuance in her academy; we were therefore prepared forher arrival, and expected them impatiently the whole evening. They camewhile we were at tea, and I never saw any creature look so frightened asFrederica when she entered the room. Lady Susan, who had been sheddingtears before, and showing great agitation at the idea of the meeting, received her with perfect self-command, and without betraying theleast tenderness of spirit. She hardly spoke to her, and on Frederica'sbursting into tears as soon as we were seated, took her out of the room, and did not return for some time. When she did, her eyes looked very redand she was as much agitated as before. We saw no more of her daughter. Poor Reginald was beyond measure concerned to see his fair friend insuch distress, and watched her with so much tender solicitude, that I, who occasionally caught her observing his countenance with exultation, was quite out of patience. This pathetic representation lasted the wholeevening, and so ostentatious and artful a display has entirely convincedme that she did in fact feel nothing. I am more angry with her than eversince I have seen her daughter; the poor girl looks so unhappy that myheart aches for her. Lady Susan is surely too severe, for Fredericadoes not seem to have the sort of temper to make severity necessary. She looks perfectly timid, dejected, and penitent. She is verypretty, though not so handsome as her mother, nor at all like her. Hercomplexion is delicate, but neither so fair nor so blooming as LadySusan's, and she has quite the Vernon cast of countenance, the oval faceand mild dark eyes, and there is peculiar sweetness in her look when shespeaks either to her uncle or me, for as we behave kindly to her we haveof course engaged her gratitude. 

Her mother has insinuated that her temper is intractable, but I neversaw a face less indicative of any evil disposition than hers; and fromwhat I can see of the behaviour of each to the other, the invariableseverity of Lady Susan and the silent dejection of Frederica, I amled to believe as heretofore that the former has no real love for herdaughter, and has never done her justice or treated her affectionately. I have not been able to have any conversation with my niece; she is shy, and I think I can see that some pains are taken to prevent her beingmuch with me. Nothing satisfactory transpires as to her reason forrunning away. Her kind-hearted uncle, you may be sure, was too fearfulof distressing her to ask many questions as they travelled. I wish ithad been possible for me to fetch her instead of him. I think I shouldhave discovered the truth in the course of a thirty-mile journey. Thesmall pianoforte has been removed within these few days, at Lady Susan'srequest, into her dressing-room, and Frederica spends great part of theday there, practising as it is called; but I seldom hear any noise whenI pass that way; what she does with herself there I do not know. Thereare plenty of books, but it is not every girl who has been runningwild the first fifteen years of her life, that can or will read. Poorcreature! the prospect from her window is not very instructive, for thatroom overlooks the lawn, you know, with the shrubbery on one side, where she may see her mother walking for an hour together in earnestconversation with Reginald. A girl of Frederica's age must be childishindeed, if such things do not strike her. Is it not inexcusable to givesuch an example to a daughter? Yet Reginald still thinks Lady Susan thebest of mothers, and still condemns Frederica as a worthless girl! Heis convinced that her attempt to run away proceeded from no, justifiablecause, and had no provocation. I am sure I cannot say that it HAD, but while Miss Summers declares that Miss Vernon showed no signs ofobstinacy or perverseness during her whole stay in Wigmore Street, tillshe was detected in this scheme, I cannot so readily credit what LadySusan has made him, and wants to make me believe, that it was merelyan impatience of restraint and a desire of escaping from the tuition ofmasters which brought on the plan of an elopement. O Reginald, how isyour judgment enslaved! He scarcely dares even allow her to be handsome, and when I speak of her beauty, replies only that her eyes have nobrilliancy! Sometimes he is sure she is deficient in understanding, andat others that her temper only is in fault. In short, when a person isalways to deceive, it is impossible to be consistent. Lady Susanfinds it necessary that Frederica should be to blame, and probably hassometimes judged it expedient to excuse her of ill-nature and sometimesto lament her want of sense. Reginald is only repeating after herladyship. 

I remain, &c. , &c. , CATHERINE VERNON. 

XVIII

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME

Churchhill. 

My dear Mother, --I am very glad to find that my description of FredericaVernon has interested you, for I do believe her truly deserving of yourregard; and when I have communicated a notion which has recently struckme, your kind impressions in her favour will, I am sure, be heightened. I cannot help fancying that she is growing partial to my brother. I sovery often see her eyes fixed on his face with a remarkable expressionof pensive admiration. He is certainly very handsome; and yet more, there is an openness in his manner that must be highly prepossessing, and I am sure she feels it so. Thoughtful and pensive in general, hercountenance always brightens into a smile when Reginald says anythingamusing; and, let the subject be ever so serious that he may beconversing on, I am much mistaken if a syllable of his uttering escapesher. I want to make him sensible of all this, for we know the powerof gratitude on such a heart as his; and could Frederica's artlessaffection detach him from her mother, we might bless the day whichbrought her to Churchhill. I think, my dear mother, you would notdisapprove of her as a daughter. She is extremely young, to be sure, has had a wretched education, and a dreadful example of levity in hermother; but yet I can pronounce her disposition to be excellent, and hernatural abilities very good. Though totally without accomplishments, sheis by no means so ignorant as one might expect to find her, being fondof books and spending the chief of her time in reading. Her motherleaves her more to herself than she did, and I have her with me as muchas possible, and have taken great pains to overcome her timidity. Weare very good friends, and though she never opens her lips before hermother, she talks enough when alone with me to make it clear that, ifproperly treated by Lady Susan, she would always appear to much greateradvantage. There cannot be a more gentle, affectionate heart; or moreobliging manners, when acting without restraint; and her little cousinsare all very fond of her. 

Your affectionate daughter, C. VERNON

XIX

LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON

Churchhill. 

You will be eager, I know, to hear something further of Frederica, andperhaps may think me negligent for not writing before. She arrived withher uncle last Thursday fortnight, when, of course, I lost no time indemanding the cause of her behaviour; and soon found myself to have beenperfectly right in attributing it to my own letter. The prospect ofit frightened her so thoroughly, that, with a mixture of true girlishperverseness and folly, she resolved on getting out of the house andproceeding directly by the stage to her friends, the Clarkes; and hadreally got as far as the length of two streets in her journey whenshe was fortunately missed, pursued, and overtaken. Such was the firstdistinguished exploit of Miss Frederica Vernon; and, if we consider thatit was achieved at the tender age of sixteen, we shall have room forthe most flattering prognostics of her future renown. I am excessivelyprovoked, however, at the parade of propriety which prevented MissSummers from keeping the girl; and it seems so extraordinary a piece ofnicety, considering my daughter's family connections, that I can onlysuppose the lady to be governed by the fear of never getting her money. Be that as it may, however, Frederica is returned on my hands; and, having nothing else to employ her, is busy in pursuing the plan ofromance begun at Langford. She is actually falling in love with ReginaldDe Courcy! To disobey her mother by refusing an unexceptionable offeris not enough; her affections must also be given without her mother'sapprobation. I never saw a girl of her age bid fairer to be the sportof mankind. Her feelings are tolerably acute, and she is so charminglyartless in their display as to afford the most reasonable hope of herbeing ridiculous, and despised by every man who sees her. 

Artlessness will never do in love matters; and that girl is born asimpleton who has it either by nature or affectation. I am not yetcertain that Reginald sees what she is about, nor is it of muchconsequence. She is now an object of indifference to him, and she wouldbe one of contempt were he to understand her emotions. Her beauty ismuch admired by the Vernons, but it has no effect on him. She is in highfavour with her aunt altogether, because she is so little like myself, of course. She is exactly the companion for Mrs. Vernon, who dearlyloves to be firm, and to have all the sense and all the wit of theconversation to herself: Frederica will never eclipse her. When shefirst came I was at some pains to prevent her seeing much of her aunt;but I have relaxed, as I believe I may depend on her observing the rulesI have laid down for their discourse. But do not imagine that with allthis lenity I have for a moment given up my plan of her marriage. No; Iam unalterably fixed on this point, though I have not yet quite decidedon the manner of bringing it about. I should not chuse to have thebusiness brought on here, and canvassed by the wise heads of Mr. AndMrs. Vernon; and I cannot just now afford to go to town. Miss Fredericamust therefore wait a little. 

Yours ever, S. VERNON. 

XX

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill

We have a very unexpected guest with us at present, my dear Mother: hearrived yesterday. I heard a carriage at the door, as I was sitting withmy children while they dined; and supposing I should be wanted, left thenursery soon afterwards, and was half-way downstairs, when Frederica, as pale as ashes, came running up, and rushed by me into her own room. I instantly followed, and asked her what was the matter. "Oh!" saidshe, "he is come--Sir James is come, and what shall I do?" This was noexplanation; I begged her to tell me what she meant. At that moment wewere interrupted by a knock at the door: it was Reginald, who came, byLady Susan's direction, to call Frederica down. "It is Mr. De Courcy!"said she, colouring violently. "Mamma has sent for me; I must go. "We all three went down together; and I saw my brother examining theterrified face of Frederica with surprize. In the breakfast-room wefound Lady Susan, and a young man of gentlemanlike appearance, whom sheintroduced by the name of Sir James Martin--the very person, as you mayremember, whom it was said she had been at pains to detach from MissMainwaring; but the conquest, it seems, was not designed for herself, or she has since transferred it to her daughter; for Sir James is nowdesperately in love with Frederica, and with full encouragement frommamma. The poor girl, however, I am sure, dislikes him; and though hisperson and address are very well, he appears, both to Mr. Vernon andme, a very weak young man. Frederica looked so shy, so confused, whenwe entered the room, that I felt for her exceedingly. Lady Susan behavedwith great attention to her visitor; and yet I thought I could perceivethat she had no particular pleasure in seeing him. Sir James talked agreat deal, and made many civil excuses to me for the liberty he hadtaken in coming to Churchhill--mixing more frequent laughter with hisdiscourse than the subject required--said many things over and overagain, and told Lady Susan three times that he had seen Mrs. Johnsona few evenings before. He now and then addressed Frederica, but morefrequently her mother. The poor girl sat all this time without openingher lips--her eyes cast down, and her colour varying every instant;while Reginald observed all that passed in perfect silence. At lengthLady Susan, weary, I believe, of her situation, proposed walking; andwe left the two gentlemen together, to put on our pelisses. As we wentupstairs Lady Susan begged permission to attend me for a few moments inmy dressing-room, as she was anxious to speak with me in private. I ledher thither accordingly, and as soon as the door was closed, she said:"I was never more surprized in my life than by Sir James's arrival, and the suddenness of it requires some apology to you, my dear sister;though to ME, as a mother, it is highly flattering. He is so extremelyattached to my daughter that he could not exist longer without seeingher. Sir James is a young man of an amiable disposition and excellentcharacter; a little too much of the rattle, perhaps, but a year or twowill rectify THAT: and he is in other respects so very eligible a matchfor Frederica, that I have always observed his attachment with thegreatest pleasure; and am persuaded that you and my brother will givethe alliance your hearty approbation. I have never before mentioned thelikelihood of its taking place to anyone, because I thought that whilstFrederica continued at school it had better not be known to exist;but now, as I am convinced that Frederica is too old ever to submit toschool confinement, and have, therefore, begun to consider her unionwith Sir James as not very distant, I had intended within a few days toacquaint yourself and Mr. Vernon with the whole business. I am sure, mydear sister, you will excuse my remaining silent so long, and agreewith me that such circumstances, while they continue from any causein suspense, cannot be too cautiously concealed. When you have thehappiness of bestowing your sweet little Catherine, some years hence, ona man who in connection and character is alike unexceptionable, youwill know what I feel now; though, thank Heaven, you cannot have all myreasons for rejoicing in such an event. Catherine will be amply providedfor, and not, like my Frederica, indebted to a fortunateestablishment for the comforts of life. " She concluded by demandingmy congratulations. I gave them somewhat awkwardly, I believe; for, infact, the sudden disclosure of so important a matter took from me thepower of speaking with any clearness, She thanked me, however, mostaffectionately, for my kind concern in the welfare of herself anddaughter; and then said: "I am not apt to deal in professions, mydear Mrs. Vernon, and I never had the convenient talent of affectingsensations foreign to my heart; and therefore I trust you will believeme when I declare, that much as I had heard in your praise before I knewyou, I had no idea that I should ever love you as I now do; and Imust further say that your friendship towards me is more particularlygratifying because I have reason to believe that some attempts were madeto prejudice you against me. I only wish that they, whoever they are, to whom I am indebted for such kind intentions, could see the terms onwhich we now are together, and understand the real affection we feelfor each other; but I will not detain you any longer. God bless you, foryour goodness to me and my girl, and continue to you all your presenthappiness. " What can one say of such a woman, my dear mother? Suchearnestness such solemnity of expression! and yet I cannot helpsuspecting the truth of everything she says. As for Reginald, I believehe does not know what to make of the matter. When Sir James came, heappeared all astonishment and perplexity; the folly of the young man andthe confusion of Frederica entirely engrossed him; and though a littleprivate discourse with Lady Susan has since had its effect, he is stillhurt, I am sure, at her allowing of such a man's attentions to herdaughter. Sir James invited himself with great composure to remain herea few days--hoped we would not think it odd, was aware of its being veryimpertinent, but he took the liberty of a relation; and concluded bywishing, with a laugh, that he might be really one very soon. Even LadySusan seemed a little disconcerted by this forwardness; in her heart Iam persuaded she sincerely wished him gone. But something must be donefor this poor girl, if her feelings are such as both I and her unclebelieve them to be. She must not be sacrificed to policy or ambition, and she must not be left to suffer from the dread of it. The girl whoseheart can distinguish Reginald De Courcy, deserves, however he mayslight her, a better fate than to be Sir James Martin's wife. As soonas I can get her alone, I will discover the real truth; but she seems towish to avoid me. I hope this does not proceed from anything wrong, andthat I shall not find out I have thought too well of her. Herbehaviour to Sir James certainly speaks the greatest consciousness andembarrassment, but I see nothing in it more like encouragement. Adieu, my dear mother. 

Yours, &c. , C. VERNON. 

XXI

MISS VERNON TO MR DE COURCY

Sir, --I hope you will excuse this liberty; I am forced upon it by thegreatest distress, or I should be ashamed to trouble you. I am verymiserable about Sir James Martin, and have no other way in the world ofhelping myself but by writing to you, for I am forbidden even speakingto my uncle and aunt on the subject; and this being the case, I amafraid my applying to you will appear no better than equivocation, andas if I attended to the letter and not the spirit of mamma's commands. But if you do not take my part and persuade her to break it off, I shallbe half distracted, for I cannot bear him. No human being but YOU couldhave any chance of prevailing with her. If you will, therefore, have theunspeakably great kindness of taking my part with her, and persuadingher to send Sir James away, I shall be more obliged to you than it ispossible for me to express. I always disliked him from the first: it isnot a sudden fancy, I assure you, sir; I always thought him silly andimpertinent and disagreeable, and now he is grown worse than ever. Iwould rather work for my bread than marry him. I do not know howto apologize enough for this letter; I know it is taking so great aliberty. I am aware how dreadfully angry it will make mamma, but Iremember the risk. 

I am, Sir, your most humble servant, F. S. V. 

XXII

LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON

Churchhill. 

This is insufferable! My dearest friend, I was never so enraged before, and must relieve myself by writing to you, who I know will enter intoall my feelings. Who should come on Tuesday but Sir James Martin! Guessmy astonishment, and vexation--for, as you well know, I never wished himto be seen at Churchhill. What a pity that you should not have knownhis intentions! Not content with coming, he actually invited himself toremain here a few days. I could have poisoned him! I made the best ofit, however, and told my story with great success to Mrs. Vernon, who, whatever might be her real sentiments, said nothing in opposition tomine. I made a point also of Frederica's behaving civilly to Sir James, and gave her to understand that I was absolutely determined on hermarrying him. She said something of her misery, but that was all. I havefor some time been more particularly resolved on the match from seeingthe rapid increase of her affection for Reginald, and from not feelingsecure that a knowledge of such affection might not in the end awakena return. Contemptible as a regard founded only on compassion must makethem both in my eyes, I felt by no means assured that such might not bethe consequence. It is true that Reginald had not in any degree growncool towards me; but yet he has lately mentioned Frederica spontaneouslyand unnecessarily, and once said something in praise of her person. HE was all astonishment at the appearance of my visitor, and at firstobserved Sir James with an attention which I was pleased to see notunmixed with jealousy; but unluckily it was impossible for me reallyto torment him, as Sir James, though extremely gallant to me, verysoon made the whole party understand that his heart was devoted to mydaughter. I had no great difficulty in convincing De Courcy, when wewere alone, that I was perfectly justified, all things considered, in desiring the match; and the whole business seemed most comfortablyarranged. They could none of them help perceiving that Sir James was noSolomon; but I had positively forbidden Frederica complaining to CharlesVernon or his wife, and they had therefore no pretence for interference;though my impertinent sister, I believe, wanted only opportunity fordoing so. Everything, however, was going on calmly and quietly; and, though I counted the hours of Sir James's stay, my mind was entirelysatisfied with the posture of affairs. Guess, then, what I must feel atthe sudden disturbance of all my schemes; and that, too, from a quarterwhere I had least reason to expect it. Reginald came this morning intomy dressing-room with a very unusual solemnity of countenance, and aftersome preface informed me in so many words that he wished to reason withme on the impropriety and unkindness of allowing Sir James Martin toaddress my daughter contrary to her inclinations. I was all amazement. When I found that he was not to be laughed out of his design, I calmlybegged an explanation, and desired to know by what he was impelled, andby whom commissioned, to reprimand me. He then told me, mixing inhis speech a few insolent compliments and ill-timed expressions oftenderness, to which I listened with perfect indifference, that mydaughter had acquainted him with some circumstances concerning herself, Sir James, and me which had given him great uneasiness. In short, Ifound that she had in the first place actually written to him to requesthis interference, and that, on receiving her letter, he had conversedwith her on the subject of it, in order to understand the particulars, and to assure himself of her real wishes. I have not a doubt but thatthe girl took this opportunity of making downright love to him. I amconvinced of it by the manner in which he spoke of her. Much good maysuch love do him! I shall ever despise the man who can be gratified bythe passion which he never wished to inspire, nor solicited the avowalof. I shall always detest them both. He can have no true regard forme, or he would not have listened to her; and SHE, with her littlerebellious heart and indelicate feelings, to throw herself into theprotection of a young man with whom she has scarcely ever exchangedtwo words before! I am equally confounded at HER impudence and HIScredulity. How dared he believe what she told him in my disfavour! Oughthe not to have felt assured that I must have unanswerable motives forall that I had done? Where was his reliance on my sense and goodnessthen? Where the resentment which true love would have dictated againstthe person defaming me--that person, too, a chit, a child, withouttalent or education, whom he had been always taught to despise? Iwas calm for some time; but the greatest degree of forbearance may beovercome, and I hope I was afterwards sufficiently keen. He endeavoured, long endeavoured, to soften my resentment; but that woman is afool indeed who, while insulted by accusation, can be worked on bycompliments. At length he left me, as deeply provoked as myself; andhe showed his anger more. I was quite cool, but he gave way to the mostviolent indignation; I may therefore expect it will the sooner subside, and perhaps his may be vanished for ever, while mine will be found stillfresh and implacable. He is now shut up in his apartment, whither Iheard him go on leaving mine. How unpleasant, one would think, must behis reflections! but some people's feelings are incomprehensible. I havenot yet tranquillised myself enough to see Frederica. SHE shall not soonforget the occurrences of this day; she shall find that she has pouredforth her tender tale of love in vain, and exposed herself for everto the contempt of the whole world, and the severest resentment of herinjured mother. 

Your affectionate

S. VERNON. 

XXIII

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill. 

Let me congratulate you, my dearest Mother! The affair which has givenus so much anxiety is drawing to a happy conclusion. Our prospect ismost delightful, and since matters have now taken so favourable a turn, I am quite sorry that I ever imparted my apprehensions to you; for thepleasure of learning that the danger is over is perhaps dearly purchasedby all that you have previously suffered. I am so much agitated bydelight that I can scarcely hold a pen; but am determined to send youa few short lines by James, that you may have some explanation of whatmust so greatly astonish you, as that Reginald should be returning toParklands. I was sitting about half an hour ago with Sir James inthe breakfast parlour, when my brother called me out of the room. Iinstantly saw that something was the matter; his complexion was raised, and he spoke with great emotion; you know his eager manner, my dearmother, when his mind is interested. "Catherine, " said he, "I am goinghome to-day; I am sorry to leave you, but I must go: it is a great whilesince I have seen my father and mother. I am going to send James forwardwith my hunters immediately; if you have any letter, therefore, he cantake it. I shall not be at home myself till Wednesday or Thursday, as Ishall go through London, where I have business; but before I leave you, "he continued, speaking in a lower tone, and with still greater energy, "I must warn you of one thing--do not let Frederica Vernon be madeunhappy by that Martin. He wants to marry her; her mother promotes thematch, but she cannot endure the idea of it. Be assured that I speakfrom the fullest conviction of the truth of what I say; I Know thatFrederica is made wretched by Sir James's continuing here. She is asweet girl, and deserves a better fate. Send him away immediately; he isonly a fool: but what her mother can mean, Heaven only knows! Good bye, "he added, shaking my hand with earnestness; "I do not know when you willsee me again; but remember what I tell you of Frederica; you MUST makeit your business to see justice done her. She is an amiable girl, andhas a very superior mind to what we have given her credit for. " He thenleft me, and ran upstairs. I would not try to stop him, for I know whathis feelings must be. The nature of mine, as I listened to him, I neednot attempt to describe; for a minute or two I remained in the samespot, overpowered by wonder of a most agreeable sort indeed; yet itrequired some consideration to be tranquilly happy. In about ten minutesafter my return to the parlour Lady Susan entered the room. I concluded, of course, that she and Reginald had been quarrelling; and looked withanxious curiosity for a confirmation of my belief in her face. Mistressof deceit, however, she appeared perfectly unconcerned, and afterchatting on indifferent subjects for a short time, said to me, "I findfrom Wilson that we are going to lose Mr. De Courcy--is it true thathe leaves Churchhill this morning?" I replied that it was. "He toldus nothing of all this last night, " said she, laughing, "or even thismorning at breakfast; but perhaps he did not know it himself. Young menare often hasty in their resolutions, and not more sudden in formingthan unsteady in keeping them. I should not be surprised if he were tochange his mind at last, and not go. " She soon afterwards left the room. I trust, however, my dear mother, that we have no reason to fear analteration of his present plan; things have gone too far. They must havequarrelled, and about Frederica, too. Her calmness astonishes me. Whatdelight will be yours in seeing him again; in seeing him still worthyyour esteem, still capable of forming your happiness! When I nextwrite I shall be able to tell you that Sir James is gone, Lady Susanvanquished, and Frederica at peace. We have much to do, but it shallbe done. I am all impatience to hear how this astonishing change waseffected. I finish as I began, with the warmest congratulations. 

Yours ever, &c. , CATH. VERNON. 

XXIV

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME

Churchhill. 

Little did I imagine, my dear Mother, when I sent off my last letter, that the delightful perturbation of spirits I was then in would undergoso speedy, so melancholy a reverse. I never can sufficiently regret thatI wrote to you at all. Yet who could have foreseen what has happened?My dear mother, every hope which made me so happy only two hours ago hasvanished. The quarrel between Lady Susan and Reginald is made up, and weare all as we were before. One point only is gained. Sir James Martin isdismissed. What are we now to look forward to? I am indeed disappointed;Reginald was all but gone, his horse was ordered and all but broughtto the door; who would not have felt safe? For half an hour I was inmomentary expectation of his departure. After I had sent off my letterto you, I went to Mr. Vernon, and sat with him in his room talking overthe whole matter, and then determined to look for Frederica, whom I hadnot seen since breakfast. I met her on the stairs, and saw that she wascrying. "My dear aunt, " said she, "he is going--Mr. De Courcy is going, and it is all my fault. I am afraid you will be very angry with me, butindeed I had no idea it would end so. " "My love, " I replied, "do notthink it necessary to apologize to me on that account. I shall feelmyself under an obligation to anyone who is the means of sending mybrother home, because, " recollecting myself, "I know my father wantsvery much to see him. But what is it you have done to occasion allthis?" She blushed deeply as she answered: "I was so unhappy about SirJames that I could not help--I have done something very wrong, I know;but you have not an idea of the misery I have been in: and mamma hadordered me never to speak to you or my uncle about it, and--" "Youtherefore spoke to my brother to engage his interference, " said I, tosave her the explanation. "No, but I wrote to him--I did indeed, I gotup this morning before it was light, and was two hours about it; andwhen my letter was done I thought I never should have courage to giveit. After breakfast however, as I was going to my room, I met him in thepassage, and then, as I knew that everything must depend on that moment, I forced myself to give it. He was so good as to take it immediately. Idared not look at him, and ran away directly. I was in such a fright Icould hardly breathe. My dear aunt, you do not know how miserable Ihave been. " "Frederica" said I, "you ought to have told me all yourdistresses. You would have found in me a friend always ready to assistyou. Do you think that your uncle or I should not have espoused yourcause as warmly as my brother?" "Indeed, I did not doubt your kindness, "said she, colouring again, "but I thought Mr. De Courcy could doanything with my mother; but I was mistaken: they have had a dreadfulquarrel about it, and he is going away. Mamma will never forgive me, and I shall be worse off than ever. " "No, you shall not, " I replied;"in such a point as this your mother's prohibition ought not to haveprevented your speaking to me on the subject. She has no right tomake you unhappy, and she shall NOT do it. Your applying, however, toReginald can be productive only of good to all parties. I believe itis best as it is. Depend upon it that you shall not be made unhappy anylonger. " At that moment how great was my astonishment at seeing Reginaldcome out of Lady Susan's dressing-room. My heart misgave me instantly. His confusion at seeing me was very evident. Frederica immediatelydisappeared. "Are you going?" I said; "you will find Mr. Vernon in hisown room. " "No, Catherine, " he replied, "I am not going. Will you letme speak to you a moment?" We went into my room. "I find, " he continued, his confusion increasing as he spoke, "that I have been acting with myusual foolish impetuosity. I have entirely misunderstood Lady Susan, andwas on the point of leaving the house under a false impression ofher conduct. There has been some very great mistake; we have been allmistaken, I fancy. Frederica does not know her mother. Lady Susan meansnothing but her good, but she will not make a friend of her. Lady Susandoes not always know, therefore, what will make her daughter happy. Besides, I could have no right to interfere. Miss Vernon was mistaken inapplying to me. In short, Catherine, everything has gone wrong, but itis now all happily settled. Lady Susan, I believe, wishes to speak toyou about it, if you are at leisure. " "Certainly, " I replied, deeplysighing at the recital of so lame a story. I made no comments, however, for words would have been vain. 

Reginald was glad to get away, and I went to Lady Susan, curious, indeed, to hear her account of it. "Did I not tell you, " said she witha smile, "that your brother would not leave us after all?" "You did, indeed, " replied I very gravely; "but I flattered myself you would bemistaken. " "I should not have hazarded such an opinion, " returned she, "if it had not at that moment occurred to me that his resolution ofgoing might be occasioned by a conversation in which we had been thismorning engaged, and which had ended very much to his dissatisfaction, from our not rightly understanding each other's meaning. This ideastruck me at the moment, and I instantly determined that an accidentaldispute, in which I might probably be as much to blame as himself, should not deprive you of your brother. If you remember, I left the roomalmost immediately. I was resolved to lose no time in clearing up thosemistakes as far as I could. The case was this--Frederica had set herselfviolently against marrying Sir James. " "And can your ladyship wonderthat she should?" cried I with some warmth; "Frederica has an excellentunderstanding, and Sir James has none. " "I am at least very far fromregretting it, my dear sister, " said she; "on the contrary, I amgrateful for so favourable a sign of my daughter's sense. Sir James iscertainly below par (his boyish manners make him appear worse); and hadFrederica possessed the penetration and the abilities which I could havewished in my daughter, or had I even known her to possess as much as shedoes, I should not have been anxious for the match. " "It is odd thatyou should alone be ignorant of your daughter's sense!" "Frederica neverdoes justice to herself; her manners are shy and childish, and besidesshe is afraid of me. During her poor father's life she was a spoiltchild; the severity which it has since been necessary for me to showhas alienated her affection; neither has she any of that brilliancyof intellect, that genius or vigour of mind which will force itselfforward. " "Say rather that she has been unfortunate in her education!""Heaven knows, my dearest Mrs. Vernon, how fully I am aware of that; butI would wish to forget every circumstance that might throw blame on thememory of one whose name is sacred with me. " Here she pretended to cry;I was out of patience with her. "But what, " said I, "was your ladyshipgoing to tell me about your disagreement with my brother?" "Itoriginated in an action of my daughter's, which equally marks her wantof judgment and the unfortunate dread of me I have been mentioning--shewrote to Mr. De Courcy. " "I know she did; you had forbidden her speakingto Mr. Vernon or to me on the cause of her distress; what could she do, therefore, but apply to my brother?" "Good God!" she exclaimed, "what anopinion you must have of me! Can you possibly suppose that I wasaware of her unhappiness! that it was my object to make my own childmiserable, and that I had forbidden her speaking to you on the subjectfrom a fear of your interrupting the diabolical scheme? Do you thinkme destitute of every honest, every natural feeling? Am I capable ofconsigning HER to everlasting: misery whose welfare it is my firstearthly duty to promote? The idea is horrible!" "What, then, was yourintention when you insisted on her silence?" "Of what use, my dearsister, could be any application to you, however the affair might stand?Why should I subject you to entreaties which I refused to attend tomyself? Neither for your sake nor for hers, nor for my own, could sucha thing be desirable. When my own resolution was taken I could norwish for the interference, however friendly, of another person. I wasmistaken, it is true, but I believed myself right. " "But what was thismistake to which your ladyship so often alludes! from whence arose soastonishing a misconception of your daughter's feelings! Did you notknow that she disliked Sir James?" "I knew that he was not absolutelythe man she would have chosen, but I was persuaded that her objectionsto him did not arise from any perception of his deficiency. You mustnot question me, however, my dear sister, too minutely on this point, "continued she, taking me affectionately by the hand; "I honestly ownthat there is something to conceal. Frederica makes me very unhappy! Herapplying to Mr. De Courcy hurt me particularly. " "What is it you meanto infer, " said I, "by this appearance of mystery? If you think yourdaughter at all attached to Reginald, her objecting to Sir James couldnot less deserve to be attended to than if the cause of her objectinghad been a consciousness of his folly; and why should your ladyship, at any rate, quarrel with my brother for an interference which, you mustknow, it is not in his nature to refuse when urged in such a manner?"

"His disposition, you know, is warm, and he came to expostulate withme; his compassion all alive for this ill-used girl, this heroine indistress! We misunderstood each other: he believed me more to blame thanI really was; I considered his interference less excusable than Inow find it. I have a real regard for him, and was beyond expressionmortified to find it, as I thought, so ill bestowed We were both warm, and of course both to blame. His resolution of leaving Churchhill isconsistent with his general eagerness. When I understood his intention, however, and at the same time began to think that we had been perhapsequally mistaken in each other's meaning, I resolved to have anexplanation before it was too late. For any member of your family I mustalways feel a degree of affection, and I own it would have sensibly hurtme if my acquaintance with Mr. De Courcy had ended so gloomily. I havenow only to say further, that as I am convinced of Frederica's havinga reasonable dislike to Sir James, I shall instantly inform him that hemust give up all hope of her. I reproach myself for having even, thoughinnocently, made her unhappy on that score. She shall have all theretribution in my power to make; if she value her own happiness as muchas I do, if she judge wisely, and command herself as she ought, she maynow be easy. Excuse me, my dearest sister, for thus trespassing on yourtime, but I owe it to my own character; and after this explanation Itrust I am in no danger of sinking in your opinion. " I could havesaid, "Not much, indeed!" but I left her almost in silence. It wasthe greatest stretch of forbearance I could practise. I could not havestopped myself had I begun. Her assurance! her deceit! but I will notallow myself to dwell on them; they will strike you sufficiently. Myheart sickens within me. As soon as I was tolerably composed I returnedto the parlour. Sir James's carriage was at the door, and he, merryas usual, soon afterwards took his leave. How easily does her ladyshipencourage or dismiss a lover! In spite of this release, Frederica stilllooks unhappy: still fearful, perhaps, of her mother's anger; and thoughdreading my brother's departure, jealous, it may be, of his staying. Isee how closely she observes him and Lady Susan, poor girl! I have nowno hope for her. There is not a chance of her affection being returned. He thinks very differently of her from what he used to do; he does hersome justice, but his reconciliation with her mother precludes everydearer hope. Prepare, my dear mother, for the worst! The probability oftheir marrying is surely heightened! He is more securely hers than ever. When that wretched event takes place, Frederica must belong wholly tous. I am thankful that my last letter will precede this by so little, asevery moment that you can be saved from feeling a joy which leads onlyto disappointment is of consequence. 

Yours ever, &c. , CATHERINE VERNON. 

XXV

LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON

Churchhill. 

I call on you, dear Alicia, for congratulations: I am my own self, gayand triumphant! When I wrote to you the other day I was, in truth, inhigh irritation, and with ample cause. Nay, I know not whether I oughtto be quite tranquil now, for I have had more trouble in restoringpeace than I ever intended to submit to--a spirit, too, resulting froma fancied sense of superior integrity, which is peculiarly insolent! Ishall not easily forgive him, I assure you. He was actually on the pointof leaving Churchhill! I had scarcely concluded my last, when Wilsonbrought me word of it. I found, therefore, that something must be done;for I did not choose to leave my character at the mercy of a man whosepassions are so violent and so revengeful. It would have been triflingwith my reputation to allow of his departing with such an impression inmy disfavour; in this light, condescension was necessary. I sentWilson to say that I desired to speak with him before he went; he cameimmediately. The angry emotions which had marked every feature when welast parted were partially subdued. He seemed astonished at the summons, and looked as if half wishing and half fearing to be softened by what Imight say. If my countenance expressed what I aimed at, it was composedand dignified; and yet, with a degree of pensiveness which mightconvince him that I was not quite happy. "I beg your pardon, sir, forthe liberty I have taken in sending for you, " said I; "but as I havejust learnt your intention of leaving this place to-day, I feel it myduty to entreat that you will not on my account shorten your visit hereeven an hour. I am perfectly aware that after what has passed betweenus it would ill suit the feelings of either to remain longer in the samehouse: so very great, so total a change from the intimacy of friendshipmust render any future intercourse the severest punishment; and yourresolution of quitting Churchhill is undoubtedly in unison with oursituation, and with those lively feelings which I know you to possess. But, at the same time, it is not for me to suffer such a sacrifice as itmust be to leave relations to whom you are so much attached, and are sodear. My remaining here cannot give that pleasure to Mr. And Mrs. Vernonwhich your society must; and my visit has already perhaps been too long. My removal, therefore, which must, at any rate, take place soon, may, with perfect convenience, be hastened; and I make it my particularrequest that I may not in any way be instrumental in separating afamily so affectionately attached to each other. Where I go is ofno consequence to anyone; of very little to myself; but you are ofimportance to all your connections. " Here I concluded, and I hope youwill be satisfied with my speech. Its effect on Reginald justifies someportion of vanity, for it was no less favourable than instantaneous. Oh, how delightful it was to watch the variations of his countenance while Ispoke! to see the struggle between returning tenderness and the remainsof displeasure. There is something agreeable in feelings so easilyworked on; not that I envy him their possession, nor would, for theworld, have such myself; but they are very convenient when one wishesto influence the passions of another. And yet this Reginald, whom avery few words from me softened at once into the utmost submission, andrendered more tractable, more attached, more devoted than ever, wouldhave left me in the first angry swelling of his proud heart withoutdeigning to seek an explanation. Humbled as he now is, I cannot forgivehim such an instance of pride, and am doubtful whether I ought not topunish him by dismissing him at once after this reconciliation, orby marrying and teazing him for ever. But these measures are each tooviolent to be adopted without some deliberation; at present my thoughtsare fluctuating between various schemes. I have many things to compass:I must punish Frederica, and pretty severely too, for her application toReginald; I must punish him for receiving it so favourably, and for therest of his conduct. I must torment my sister-in-law for the insolenttriumph of her look and manner since Sir James has been dismissed; for, in reconciling Reginald to me, I was not able to save that ill-fatedyoung man; and I must make myself amends for the humiliation to whichI have stooped within these few days. To effect all this I have variousplans. I have also an idea of being soon in town; and whatever may bemy determination as to the rest, I shall probably put THAT projectin execution; for London will be always the fairest field of action, however my views may be directed; and at any rate I shall there berewarded by your society, and a little dissipation, for a ten weeks'penance at Churchhill. I believe I owe it to my character to completethe match between my daughter and Sir James after having so longintended it. Let me know your opinion on this point. Flexibility ofmind, a disposition easily biassed by others, is an attribute which youknow I am not very desirous of obtaining; nor has Frederica any claimto the indulgence of her notions at the expense of her mother'sinclinations. Her idle love for Reginald, too! It is surely my duty todiscourage such romantic nonsense. All things considered, therefore, itseems incumbent on me to take her to town and marry her immediately toSir James. When my own will is effected contrary to his, I shall havesome credit in being on good terms with Reginald, which at present, infact, I have not; for though he is still in my power, I have given upthe very article by which our quarrel was produced, and at best thehonour of victory is doubtful. Send me your opinion on all thesematters, my dear Alicia, and let me know whether you can get lodgings tosuit me within a short distance of you. 

Your most attached

S. VERNON. 

XXVI

MRS. JOHNSON TO LADY SUSAN

Edward Street. 

I am gratified by your reference, and this is my advice: that you cometo town yourself, without loss of time, but that you leave Fredericabehind. It would surely be much more to the purpose to get yourself wellestablished by marrying Mr. De Courcy, than to irritate him and the restof his family by making her marry Sir James. You should think more ofyourself and less of your daughter. She is not of a disposition to doyou credit in the world, and seems precisely in her proper place atChurchhill, with the Vernons. But you are fitted for society, and itis shameful to have you exiled from it. Leave Frederica, therefore, to punish herself for the plague she has given you, by indulging thatromantic tender-heartedness which will always ensure her misery enough, and come to London as soon as you can. I have another reason for urgingthis: Mainwaring came to town last week, and has contrived, in spiteof Mr. Johnson, to make opportunities of seeing me. He is absolutelymiserable about you, and jealous to such a degree of De Courcy that itwould be highly unadvisable for them to meet at present. And yet, if youdo not allow him to see you here, I cannot answer for his not committingsome great imprudence--such as going to Churchhill, for instance, whichwould be dreadful! Besides, if you take my advice, and resolve to marryDe Courcy, it will be indispensably necessary to you to get Mainwaringout of the way; and you only can have influence enough to send him backto his wife. I have still another motive for your coming: Mr. Johnsonleaves London next Tuesday; he is going for his health to Bath, where, if the waters are favourable to his constitution and my wishes, he willbe laid up with the gout many weeks. During his absence we shall be ableto chuse our own society, and to have true enjoyment. I would ask you toEdward Street, but that once he forced from me a kind of promise neverto invite you to my house; nothing but my being in the utmost distressfor money should have extorted it from me. I can get you, however, a nice drawing-room apartment in Upper Seymour Street, and we may bealways together there or here; for I consider my promise to Mr. Johnsonas comprehending only (at least in his absence) your not sleeping in thehouse. Poor Mainwaring gives me such histories of his wife's jealousy. Silly woman to expect constancy from so charming a man! but she alwayswas silly--intolerably so in marrying him at all, she the heiress of alarge fortune and he without a shilling: one title, I know, she mighthave had, besides baronets. Her folly in forming the connection was sogreat that, though Mr. Johnson was her guardian, and I do not in generalshare HIS feelings, I never can forgive her. 

Adieu. Yours ever, ALICIA. 

XXVII

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill. 

This letter, my dear Mother, will be brought you by Reginald. His longvisit is about to be concluded at last, but I fear the separation takesplace too late to do us any good. She is going to London to see herparticular friend, Mrs. Johnson. It was at first her intention thatFrederica should accompany her, for the benefit of masters, but weoverruled her there. Frederica was wretched in the idea of going, andI could not bear to have her at the mercy of her mother; not all themasters in London could compensate for the ruin of her comfort. Ishould have feared, too, for her health, and for everything but herprinciples--there I believe she is not to be injured by her mother, orher mother's friends; but with those friends she must have mixed (a verybad set, I doubt not), or have been left in total solitude, and I canhardly tell which would have been worse for her. If she is with hermother, moreover, she must, alas! in all probability be with Reginald, and that would be the greatest evil of all. Here we shall in time be inpeace, and our regular employments, our books and conversations, withexercise, the children, and every domestic pleasure in my power toprocure her, will, I trust, gradually overcome this youthful attachment. I should not have a doubt of it were she slighted for any other woman inthe world than her own mother. How long Lady Susan will be in town, orwhether she returns here again, I know not. I could not be cordial in myinvitation, but if she chuses to come no want of cordiality on my partwill keep her away. I could not help asking Reginald if he intendedbeing in London this winter, as soon as I found her ladyship'ssteps would be bent thither; and though he professed himself quiteundetermined, there was something in his look and voice as he spokewhich contradicted his words. I have done with lamentation; I look uponthe event as so far decided that I resign myself to it in despair. If heleaves you soon for London everything will be concluded. 

Your affectionate, &c. , C. VERNON. 

XXVIII

MRS. JOHNSON TO LADY SUSAN

Edward Street. 

My dearest Friend, --I write in the greatest distress; the mostunfortunate event has just taken place. Mr. Johnson has hit on the mosteffectual manner of plaguing us all. He had heard, I imagine, by somemeans or other, that you were soon to be in London, and immediatelycontrived to have such an attack of the gout as must at least delay hisjourney to Bath, if not wholly prevent it. I am persuaded the gout isbrought on or kept off at pleasure; it was the same when I wanted tojoin the Hamiltons to the Lakes; and three years ago, when I had a fancyfor Bath, nothing could induce him to have a gouty symptom. 

I am pleased to find that my letter had so much effect on you, and thatDe Courcy is certainly your own. Let me hear from you as soon as youarrive, and in particular tell me what you mean to do with Mainwaring. It is impossible to say when I shall be able to come to you; myconfinement must be great. It is such an abominable trick to be ill hereinstead of at Bath that I can scarcely command myself at all. At Bathhis old aunts would have nursed him, but here it all falls upon me; andhe bears pain with such patience that I have not the common excuse forlosing my temper. 

Yours ever, ALICIA. 

XXIX

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MRS. JOHNSON

Upper Seymour Street. 

My dear Alicia, --There needed not this last fit of the gout to makeme detest Mr. Johnson, but now the extent of my aversion is not tobe estimated. To have you confined as nurse in his apartment! My dearAlicia, of what a mistake were you guilty in marrying a man of his age!just old enough to be formal, ungovernable, and to have the gout; tooold to be agreeable, too young to die. I arrived last night about five, had scarcely swallowed my dinner when Mainwaring made his appearance. I will not dissemble what real pleasure his sight afforded me, nor howstrongly I felt the contrast between his person and manners and those ofReginald, to the infinite disadvantage of the latter. For an hour or twoI was even staggered in my resolution of marrying him, and though thiswas too idle and nonsensical an idea to remain long on my mind, I do notfeel very eager for the conclusion of my marriage, nor look forward withmuch impatience to the time when Reginald, according to our agreement, is to be in town. I shall probably put off his arrival under somepretence or other. He must not come till Mainwaring is gone. I am stilldoubtful at times as to marrying; if the old man would die I might nothesitate, but a state of dependance on the caprice of Sir Reginald willnot suit the freedom of my spirit; and if I resolve to wait for thatevent, I shall have excuse enough at present in having been scarcely tenmonths a widow. I have not given Mainwaring any hint of my intention, orallowed him to consider my acquaintance with Reginald as more than thecommonest flirtation, and he is tolerably appeased. Adieu, till we meet;I am enchanted with my lodgings. 

Yours ever, S. VERNON. 

XXX

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MR. DE COURCY

Upper Seymour Street. 

I have received your letter, and though I do not attempt to conceal thatI am gratified by your impatience for the hour of meeting, I yetfeel myself under the necessity of delaying that hour beyond the timeoriginally fixed. Do not think me unkind for such an exercise of mypower, nor accuse me of instability without first hearing my reasons. In the course of my journey from Churchhill I had ample leisure forreflection on the present state of our affairs, and every review hasserved to convince me that they require a delicacy and cautiousness ofconduct to which we have hitherto been too little attentive. We havebeen hurried on by our feelings to a degree of precipitation which illaccords with the claims of our friends or the opinion of the world. Wehave been unguarded in forming this hasty engagement, but we must notcomplete the imprudence by ratifying it while there is so much reasonto fear the connection would be opposed by those friends on whom youdepend. It is not for us to blame any expectations on your father's sideof your marrying to advantage; where possessions are so extensive asthose of your family, the wish of increasing them, if not strictlyreasonable, is too common to excite surprize or resentment. He has aright to require; a woman of fortune in his daughter-in-law, and I amsometimes quarrelling with myself for suffering you to form a connectionso imprudent; but the influence of reason is often acknowledged too lateby those who feel like me. I have now been but a few months a widow, and, however little indebted to my husband's memory for any happinessderived from him during a union of some years, I cannot forget that theindelicacy of so early a second marriage must subject me to the censureof the world, and incur, what would be still more insupportable, thedispleasure of Mr. Vernon. I might perhaps harden myself in time againstthe injustice of general reproach, but the loss of HIS valued esteemI am, as you well know, ill-fitted to endure; and when to this may beadded the consciousness of having injured you with your family, how am Ito support myself? With feelings so poignant as mine, the conviction ofhaving divided the son from his parents would make me, even with you, the most miserable of beings. It will surely, therefore, be advisable todelay our union--to delay it till appearances are more promising--tillaffairs have taken a more favourable turn. To assist us In such aresolution I feel that absence will be necessary. We must not meet. Cruel as this sentence may appear, the necessity of pronouncing it, which can alone reconcile it to myself, will be evident to you when youhave considered our situation in the light in which I have found myselfimperiously obliged to place it. You may be--you must be--well assuredthat nothing but the strongest conviction of duty could induce meto wound my own feelings by urging a lengthened separation, and ofinsensibility to yours you will hardly suspect me. Again, therefore, I say that we ought not, we must not, yet meet. By a removal for somemonths from each other we shall tranquillise the sisterly fears of Mrs. Vernon, who, accustomed herself to the enjoyment of riches, considersfortune as necessary everywhere, and whose sensibilities are not of anature to comprehend ours. Let me hear from you soon--very soon. Tell methat you submit to my arguments, and do not reproach me for using such. I cannot bear reproaches: my spirits are not so high as to need beingrepressed. I must endeavour to seek amusement, and fortunately manyof my friends are in town; amongst them the Mainwarings; you know howsincerely I regard both husband and wife. 

I am, very faithfully yours, S. VERNON

XXXI

LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON

Upper Seymour Street. 

My dear Friend, --That tormenting creature, Reginald, is here. My letter, which was intended to keep him longer in the country, has hastened himto town. Much as I wish him away, however, I cannot help being pleasedwith such a proof of attachment. He is devoted to me, heart and soul. He will carry this note himself, which is to serve as an introduction toyou, with whom he longs to be acquainted. Allow him to spend the eveningwith you, that I may be in no danger of his returning here. I have toldhim that I am not quite well, and must be alone; and should he callagain there might be confusion, for it is impossible to be sure ofservants. Keep him, therefore, I entreat you, in Edward Street. You willnot find him a heavy companion, and I allow you to flirt with him asmuch as you like. At the same time, do not forget my real interest; sayall that you can to convince him that I shall be quite wretched if heremains here; you know my reasons--propriety, and so forth. I wouldurge them more myself, but that I am impatient to be rid of him, asMainwaring comes within half an hour. Adieu!

S VERNON

XXXII

MRS. JOHNSON TO LADY SUSAN

Edward Street. 

My dear Creature, --I am in agonies, and know not what to do. Mr. DeCourcy arrived just when he should not. Mrs. Mainwaring had that instantentered the house, and forced herself into her guardian's presence, though I did not know a syllable of it till afterwards, for I was outwhen both she and Reginald came, or I should have sent him away at allevents; but she was shut up with Mr. Johnson, while he waited in thedrawing-room for me. She arrived yesterday in pursuit of her husband, but perhaps you know this already from himself. She came to this houseto entreat my husband's interference, and before I could be aware ofit, everything that you could wish to be concealed was known to him, andunluckily she had wormed out of Mainwaring's servant that he had visitedyou every day since your being in town, and had just watched him to yourdoor herself! What could I do! Facts are such horrid things! All is bythis time known to De Courcy, who is now alone with Mr. Johnson. Do notaccuse me; indeed, it was impossible to prevent it. Mr. Johnson has forsome time suspected De Courcy of intending to marry you, and wouldspeak with him alone as soon as he knew him to be in the house. Thatdetestable Mrs. Mainwaring, who, for your comfort, has fretted herselfthinner and uglier than ever, is still here, and they have been allcloseted together. What can be done? At any rate, I hope he will plaguehis wife more than ever. With anxious wishes, Yours faithfully, ALICIA. 

XXXIII

LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON

Upper Seymour Street. 

This eclaircissement is rather provoking. How unlucky that you shouldhave been from home! I thought myself sure of you at seven! I amundismayed however. Do not torment yourself with fears on my account;depend on it, I can make my story good with Reginald. Mainwaring is justgone; he brought me the news of his wife's arrival. Silly woman, whatdoes she expect by such manoeuvres? Yet I wish she had stayed quietlyat Langford. Reginald will be a little enraged at first, but byto-morrow's dinner, everything will be well again. 

Adieu!

S. V. 

XXXIV

MR. DE COURCY TO LADY SUSAN

--Hotel

I write only to bid you farewell, the spell is removed; I see you asyou are. Since we parted yesterday, I have received from indisputableauthority such a history of you as must bring the most mortifyingconviction of the imposition I have been under, and the absolutenecessity of an immediate and eternal separation from you. Youcannot doubt to what I allude. Langford! Langford! that word will besufficient. I received my information in Mr. Johnson's house, from Mrs. Mainwaring herself. You know how I have loved you; you can intimatelyjudge of my present feelings, but I am not so weak as to find indulgencein describing them to a woman who will glory in having excited theiranguish, but whose affection they have never been able to gain. 

R. DE COURCY. 

XXXV

LADY SUSAN TO MR. DE COURCY

Upper Seymour Street. 

I will not attempt to describe my astonishment in reading the note thismoment received from you. I am bewildered in my endeavours to formsome rational conjecture of what Mrs. Mainwaring can have told youto occasion so extraordinary a change in your sentiments. Have I notexplained everything to you with respect to myself which could bear adoubtful meaning, and which the ill-nature of the world had interpretedto my discredit? What can you now have heard to stagger your esteem forme? Have I ever had a concealment from you? Reginald, you agitateme beyond expression, I cannot suppose that the old story of Mrs. Mainwaring's jealousy can be revived again, or at least be LISTENED toagain. Come to me immediately, and explain what is at present absolutelyincomprehensible. Believe me the single word of Langford is not of suchpotent intelligence as to supersede the necessity of more. If we ARE topart, it will at least be handsome to take your personal leave--butI have little heart to jest; in truth, I am serious enough; for to besunk, though but for an hour, in your esteem Is a humiliation to which Iknow not how to submit. I shall count every minute till your arrival. 

S. V. 

XXXVI

MR. DE COURCY TO LADY SUSAN

----Hotel. 

Why would you write to me? Why do you require particulars? But, sinceit must be so, I am obliged to declare that all the accounts of yourmisconduct during the life, and since the death of Mr. Vernon, which hadreached me, in common with the world in general, and gained my entirebelief before I saw you, but which you, by the exertion of yourperverted abilities, had made me resolved to disallow, have beenunanswerably proved to me; nay more, I am assured that a connection, of which I had never before entertained a thought, has for some timeexisted, and still continues to exist, between you and the man whosefamily you robbed of its peace in return for the hospitality with whichyou were received into it; that you have corresponded with him eversince your leaving Langford; not with his wife, but with him, and thathe now visits you every day. Can you, dare you deny it? and all this atthe time when I was an encouraged, an accepted lover! From what have Inot escaped! I have only to be grateful. Far from me be all complaint, every sigh of regret. My own folly had endangered me, my preservation Iowe to the kindness, the integrity of another; but the unfortunate Mrs. Mainwaring, whose agonies while she related the past seemed to threatenher reason, how is SHE to be consoled! After such a discovery as this, you will scarcely affect further wonder at my meaning in bidding youadieu. My understanding is at length restored, and teaches no less toabhor the artifices which had subdued me than to despise myself for theweakness on which their strength was founded. 

R. DE COURCY. 

XXXVII

LADY SUSAN TO MR. DE COURCY

Upper Seymour Street. 

I am satisfied, and will trouble you no more when these few lines aredismissed. The engagement which you were eager to form a fortnight agois no longer compatible with your views, and I rejoice to find thatthe prudent advice of your parents has not been given in vain. Yourrestoration to peace will, I doubt not, speedily follow this act offilial obedience, and I flatter myself with the hope of surviving myshare in this disappointment. 

S. V. 

XXXVIII

MRS. JOHNSON TO LADY SUSAN VERNON

Edward Street

I am grieved, though I cannot be astonished at your rupture with Mr. De Courcy; he has just informed Mr. Johnson of it by letter. He leavesLondon, he says, to-day. Be assured that I partake in all your feelings, and do not be angry if I say that our intercourse, even by letter, mustsoon be given up. It makes me miserable; but Mr. Johnson vows that if Ipersist in the connection, he will settle in the country for the rest ofhis life, and you know it is impossible to submit to such an extremitywhile any other alternative remains. You have heard of course that theMainwarings are to part, and I am afraid Mrs. M. Will come home to usagain; but she is still so fond of her husband, and frets so much abouthim, that perhaps she may not live long. Miss Mainwaring is just come totown to be with her aunt, and they say that she declares she will haveSir James Martin before she leaves London again. If I were you, I wouldcertainly get him myself. I had almost forgot to give you my opinion ofMr. De Courcy; I am really delighted with him; he is full as handsome, Ithink, as Mainwaring, and with such an open, good-humoured countenance, that one cannot help loving him at first sight. Mr. Johnson and heare the greatest friends in the world. Adieu, my dearest Susan, I wishmatters did not go so perversely. That unlucky visit to Langford! but Idare say you did all for the best, and there is no defying destiny. 

Your sincerely attached

ALICIA. 

XXXIX

LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON

Upper Seymour Street. 

My dear Alicia, --I yield to the necessity which parts us. Undercircumstances you could not act otherwise. Our friendship cannotbe impaired by it, and in happier times, when your situation is asindependent as mine, it will unite us again in the same intimacy asever. For this I shall impatiently wait, and meanwhile can safely assureyou that I never was more at ease, or better satisfied with myself andeverything about me than at the present hour. Your husband I abhor, Reginald I despise, and I am secure of never seeing either again. HaveI not reason to rejoice? Mainwaring is more devoted to me than ever; andwere we at liberty, I doubt if I could resist even matrimony offered byHIM. This event, if his wife live with you, it may be in your power tohasten. The violence of her feelings, which must wear her out, may beeasily kept in irritation. I rely on your friendship for this. I am nowsatisfied that I never could have brought myself to marry Reginald, andam equally determined that Frederica never shall. To-morrow, I shallfetch her from Churchhill, and let Maria Mainwaring tremble for theconsequence. Frederica shall be Sir James's wife before she quits myhouse, and she may whimper, and the Vernons may storm, I regard themnot. I am tired of submitting my will to the caprices of others; ofresigning my own judgment in deference to those to whom I owe no duty, and for whom I feel no respect. I have given up too much, have been tooeasily worked on, but Frederica shall now feel the difference. Adieu, dearest of friends; may the next gouty attack be more favourable! andmay you always regard me as unalterably yours, S. VERNON

XL

LADY DE COURCY TO MRS. VERNON

My dear Catherine, --I have charming news for you, and if I had not sentoff my letter this morning you might have been spared the vexation ofknowing of Reginald's being gone to London, for he is returned. Reginaldis returned, not to ask our consent to his marrying Lady Susan, but totell us they are parted for ever. He has been only an hour in the house, and I have not been able to learn particulars, for he is so very lowthat I have not the heart to ask questions, but I hope we shall soonknow all. This is the most joyful hour he has ever given us since theday of his birth. Nothing is wanting but to have you here, and it is ourparticular wish and entreaty that you would come to us as soon as youcan. You have owed us a visit many long weeks; I hope nothing will makeit inconvenient to Mr. Vernon; and pray bring all my grand-children; andyour dear niece is included, of course; I long to see her. It has beena sad, heavy winter hitherto, without Reginald, and seeing nobody fromChurchhill. I never found the season so dreary before; but this happymeeting will make us young again. Frederica runs much in my thoughts, and when Reginald has recovered his usual good spirits (as I trust hesoon will) we will try to rob him of his heart once more, and I am fullof hopes of seeing their hands joined at no great distance. 

Your affectionate mother, C. DE COURCY

XLI

MRS. VERNON TO LADY DE COURCY

Churchhill. 

My dear Mother, --Your letter has surprized me beyond measure! Can it betrue that they are really separated--and for ever? I should be overjoyedif I dared depend on it, but after all that I have seen how can one besecure And Reginald really with you! My surprize is the greater becauseon Wednesday, the very day of his coming to Parklands, we had a mostunexpected and unwelcome visit from Lady Susan, looking all cheerfulnessand good-humour, and seeming more as if she were to marry him when shegot to London than as if parted from him for ever. She stayed nearly twohours, was as affectionate and agreeable as ever, and not a syllable, not a hint was dropped, of any disagreement or coolness between them. I asked her whether she had seen my brother since his arrival in town;not, as you may suppose, with any doubt of the fact, but merely to seehow she looked. She immediately answered, without any embarrassment, that he had been kind enough to call on her on Monday; but she believedhe had already returned home, which I was very far from crediting. Yourkind invitation is accepted by us with pleasure, and on Thursday next weand our little ones will be with you. Pray heaven, Reginald may not bein town again by that time! I wish we could bring dear Frederica too, but I am sorry to say that her mother's errand hither was to fetch heraway; and, miserable as it made the poor girl, it was impossible todetain her. I was thoroughly unwilling to let her go, and so was heruncle; and all that could be urged we did urge; but Lady Susan declaredthat as she was now about to fix herself in London for several months, she could not be easy if her daughter were not with her for masters, &c. Her manner, to be sure, was very kind and proper, and Mr. Vernonbelieves that Frederica will now be treated with affection. I wish Icould think so too. The poor girl's heart was almost broke at takingleave of us. I charged her to write to me very often, and to rememberthat if she were in any distress we should be always her friends. I tookcare to see her alone, that I might say all this, and I hope made her alittle more comfortable; but I shall not be easy till I can go to townand judge of her situation myself. I wish there were a better prospectthan now appears of the match which the conclusion of your letterdeclares your expectations of. At present, it is not very likely, Yours ever, &c. , C. VERNON

CONCLUSION

This correspondence, by a meeting between some of the parties, and aseparation between the others, could not, to the great detriment of thePost Office revenue, be continued any longer. Very little assistanceto the State could be derived from the epistolary intercourse of Mrs. Vernon and her niece; for the former soon perceived, by the styleof Frederica's letters, that they were written under her mother'sinspection! and therefore, deferring all particular enquiry till shecould make it personally in London, ceased writing minutely or often. Having learnt enough, in the meanwhile, from her open-hearted brother, of what had passed between him and Lady Susan to sink the latter lowerthan ever in her opinion, she was proportionably more anxious to getFrederica removed from such a mother, and placed under her own care;and, though with little hope of success, was resolved to leave nothingunattempted that might offer a chance of obtaining her sister-in-law'sconsent to it. Her anxiety on the subject made her press for an earlyvisit to London; and Mr. Vernon, who, as it must already have appeared, lived only to do whatever he was desired, soon found some accommodatingbusiness to call him thither. With a heart full of the matter, Mrs. Vernon waited on Lady Susan shortly after her arrival in town, and wasmet with such an easy and cheerful affection, as made her almost turnfrom her with horror. No remembrance of Reginald, no consciousness ofguilt, gave one look of embarrassment; she was in excellent spirits, andseemed eager to show at once by ever possible attention to her brotherand sister her sense of their kindness, and her pleasure in theirsociety. Frederica was no more altered than Lady Susan; the samerestrained manners, the same timid look in the presence of her mother asheretofore, assured her aunt of her situation being uncomfortable, andconfirmed her in the plan of altering it. No unkindness, however, on thepart of Lady Susan appeared. Persecution on the subject of Sir James wasentirely at an end; his name merely mentioned to say that he was not inLondon; and indeed, in all her conversation, she was solicitous only forthe welfare and improvement of her daughter, acknowledging, in terms ofgrateful delight, that Frederica was now growing every day more and morewhat a parent could desire. Mrs. Vernon, surprized and incredulous, knew not what to suspect, and, without any change in her own views, only feared greater difficulty in accomplishing them. The first hopeof anything better was derived from Lady Susan's asking her whether shethought Frederica looked quite as well as she had done at Churchhill, asshe must confess herself to have sometimes an anxious doubt of London'sperfectly agreeing with her. Mrs. Vernon, encouraging the doubt, directly proposed her niece's returning with them into the country. LadySusan was unable to express her sense of such kindness, yet knew not, from a variety of reasons, how to part with her daughter; and as, thoughher own plans were not yet wholly fixed, she trusted it would ere longbe in her power to take Frederica into the country herself, concluded bydeclining entirely to profit by such unexampled attention. Mrs. Vernonpersevered, however, in the offer of it, and though Lady Susan continuedto resist, her resistance in the course of a few days seemed somewhatless formidable. The lucky alarm of an influenza decided what might nothave been decided quite so soon. Lady Susan's maternal fears were thentoo much awakened for her to think of anything but Frederica's removalfrom the risk of infection; above all disorders in the world she mostdreaded the influenza for her daughter's constitution!

Frederica returned to Churchhill with her uncle and aunt; and threeweeks afterwards, Lady Susan announced her being married to Sir JamesMartin. Mrs. Vernon was then convinced of what she had only suspectedbefore, that she might have spared herself all the trouble of urginga removal which Lady Susan had doubtless resolved on from the first. Frederica's visit was nominally for six weeks, but her mother, thoughinviting her to return in one or two affectionate letters, was veryready to oblige the whole party by consenting to a prolongation of herstay, and in the course of two months ceased to write of her absence, and in the course of two or more to write to her at all. Frederica wastherefore fixed in the family of her uncle and aunt till such time asReginald De Courcy could be talked, flattered, and finessed into anaffection for her which, allowing leisure for the conquest of hisattachment to her mother, for his abjuring all future attachments, anddetesting the sex, might be reasonably looked for in the course of atwelvemonth. Three months might have done it in general, but Reginald'sfeelings were no less lasting than lively. Whether Lady Susan was orwas not happy in her second choice, I do not see how it can ever beascertained; for who would take her assurance of it on either side ofthe question? The world must judge from probabilities; she had nothingagainst her but her husband, and her conscience. Sir James may seem tohave drawn a harder lot than mere folly merited; I leave him, therefore, to all the pity that anybody can give him. For myself, I confess that Ican pity only Miss Mainwaring; who, coming to town, and putting herselfto an expense in clothes which impoverished her for two years, onpurpose to secure him, was defrauded of her due by a woman ten yearsolder than herself.