heart in your hand for jays to peck at;" be prudent, and you will command fortune; never forget, for a moment, that
"the maid who loves,
Goes out to sea upon a shattered vessel,
And puts her trust in miracles for safety."
As Lady Anne uttered the last words, she appeared exhausted, and, after taking a jelly, disposed herself to sleep, leaving poor Helen to cogitate over the words she had last uttered, and conclude, with a deep sigh, that she was herself in the precise situation described; and that Arthur Hales, in his worst troubles, was no nearer shipwreck than her own happiness was at this very moment.
But Georgiana entered on tiptoe, recited every word of the short letter received by Mr. Palmer, and withdrew, leaving her to think and think again, what could possibly bring up Lord Meersbrook to town before his brother, at a time, too, when certainly he was called upon to attend to his aged relations. No business was even alluded to; and surely none, save of the heart, could induce a man so situated, to quit for an hour objects of such dear and commanding interest. "It is fine talking to be free, and to be prudent; say what mamma will, my lot is cast; I must love, and I must be unhappy."
