way; she reflected that she might lose her daughter, and with her the possibility of success, and resolved, after a mature consideration, that it would be wiser to resign the present flattering prospect than run the risk of hurrying her daughter to an early grave; she kindly, therefore, gave up her own wishes to gratify those of her daughter. It cost her many a severe pang to decline such an advantageous alliance; but she at length submitted, like a good mother, to the superior authority of the dear child, and even gave up reproaching her. When the ready widower appeared on the appointed day firmly believing that his heavenly mediator had settled every thing in his favour, to his astonishment he met with a refusal, sweetened however, with so much politeness, that it was like wormwood covered with sugar. He soon resigned himself to his fate, and was no more affected than if a bargain for malt had been broken off. Indeed, he had no reason to despair; his native city has never experienced any want of amiable maidens, answering to Solomon’s description, and well qualified to make
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