chased at Rome and elsewhere;. . .and, finally you shall see my new home—the splendid house and grounds I used to covet so greatly. Alas! how far the promise of anticipation exceeds the pleasure of possession!. . .There's a fine sentiment! I assure you I am become quite a grave old matron!. . .pray come, if it be only to witness the wonderful change. Write by return of post, and tell me when your vacation commences, and say that you will come the day after, and stay till the day before it closes. . .in mercy to
Yours affectionately
Rosalie Ashby."
I shewed this strange epistle to my mother, and consulted her on what I ought to do. She advised me to go; and I went—willing enough to see Lady Ashby—and her baby too—and to do anything I could to benefit her by consolation or advice, for I imagined she must be unhappy, or she would not have applied to me thus—but feeling, as may readily be conceived, that, in accepting the invitation, I made a great sacrifice for her, and did violence to my feelings in many ways, instead of being delighted with the honourable distinction of being
