Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/317

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LADY ANNE GRANARD.
315

she can visit Louisa and Isabella, that the affections of the sisters as such are most happily in the same state of delectable exercise that they have been blest with since their childhood. Of late she has become more stationary, from believing that her presence has a happy effect on the dear, aged relatives she loves so entirely, and who are still able to exercise the rites of hospitality, and receive an old friend with a warm welcome. Need we say, with how much especial delight Georgiana receives Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, when the shortness of the journey tempts them to visit those they esteem so highly, and her they love so dearly? Every one of the sisters, and their husbands no less, receive the worthy couple with delight; but it will be concluded that there is a double tie, which unites them to Lady Meersbrook and Lady Hales.

The Countess of Rotheles still continues abroad, but is said to be really in a declining state; and Mr. Palmer frequently prophesies that she will die before Georgiana is of age, thereby sparing her husband's executors trouble. He often chuckles over the idea of Lady Anne's frightening her to death, and wishes heartily he had witnessed the