better to be envied than pitied, whatever be the home struggle. Although this letter is vexatious, I must not forget that my little entertainment has brought me a visiter in the Marquess of Wentworthdale, on an errand of no small moment, as the Countess of Rotheles may soon learn, to her surprise, for I shall, probably, see him at the Opera to-night."
The girls remarked that their mamma was smarter, and, indeed, looked better than they had ever seen her; and Georgiana observed, "I wonder what mamma could mean about the marquess? he is a very nice old man. I am sure if he were going to marry her, I should like him very much, and I think it would be a very suitable thing."
"So it would, but I think there is no likelihood of it; I am afraid he is more likely to think of you or me."
Conjecture on this or any other topic was ended by the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Penrhyn, with a whole packet of letters from the absent sisters, which were read with the most heartfelt delight, especially as there was, from each writer, an assurance that Mary had benefitted greatly. Isabella did not write exactly as might have been expected—playfully, or even contentedly; she appeared so anxiously endeavouring to improve her mind, in order to render herself worthy of the husband she passionately admired, that she was losing her youth, in its best season, for enjoyment; and her sisters all exclaimed against knowledge so dearly purchased.
