gotten the girl by this time, otherwise I would now give consent. By writing a handsome letter, ascribing my refusal to a wicked report now proved to be entirely false (and which, if true, would have com promised the happiness of my most beloved child), I shall get over the matter in a way to prove me the best of mothers, and in time, it stands to reason that be will be grateful.
"There is no saying where he may be, but, if addressed to his grandfather, it would, undoubtedly, take effect; besides, if the girl were disposed of, the marquis would be less tempted, and more at liberty to see the advantage of a suitable match; even at the worst, if he must needs have a young wife, or none, I can send for Helen, who is perfectly at liberty, and, being really a sensible girl, must see at once how completely a marriage with the marquis would set her above all her sisters. One cannot expect every thing in this world, so if one gets the happiness she desires, another may be thankful for the grandeur she achieves. It would be hard, indeed, for me not to catch a single nobleman, after so ardently desiring at least three out of the five."
Lady Anne fulfilled her intention: she did not write a book, but she did write a letter, which she could do much better, and which was much more to her credit than her projected authorship. She also went out a great deal to evening parties, which increased her
