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LADY ANNE GRANARD.
153

diffused through the whole circle of their acquaintance; and when the happy event has actually taken place, the bride and bridegroom are, as if they had not only never been seen before, but were especially worthy of being seen, so pressing, so numerous are the invitations heaped upon them.

After all, it says something for the kind-heartedness of human nature, this readiness to sympathize; whether they are or are not, the young couple are supposed to be happy: and it is an amiable feeling that prompts the many to rejoice with them. It is curious to observe that there are some delusions which are for ever renewed; experience shows, that ninety-nine marriages lead to great wretchedness on either side; and yet, people go on with congratulations as warm and as sincere as if there were common and constant cause for the said congratulations.

No one was more rejoiced at the prospect of Isabella's marriage than Mrs. Palmer; she saw all the advantages of the connexion, and she could not help having a secret feeling of self-congratulation that she had had some hand in bringing the matter about. Mr. Glentworth had called expressly to communicate his marriage. "I may," said he, "have done a foolish thing in marrying such a mere girl, but I do it with a firm belief, that it is her happiness I have chiefly consulted."

"Isabella is deeply attached to you," replied Mrs, Palmer; "and she is not only a pretty, but a very