We are still young, and there is no urgency for an immediate union.

In the mean time, I will endeavor to prepare myself to be the companion of a philanthropist by practising on thy theory, and, by expanding my own affections, render myself worthy to be the wife of one who has so large a stake in society, and who loves so many and so truly.
"Thine imitator and friend, "Without change, "ANNA ETHERINGTON.
"To Sir JOHN GOLDENCALF, Bart.
"P.S .-- You may perceive that I am in a state of improvement, for I have just refused the hand of Lord M'Dee, because I found I loved all his neighbors quite as well as I loved the young peer himself." Ten thousand furies took possession of my soul, in the shape of so many demons of jealousy.

Anna expanding her affections! Anna taking any other stake in society than that I made sure she would accept through me! Anna teaching herself to love more than one, and that one myself! The thought was madness.

I did not believe in the sincerity of her refusal of Lord M'Dee.

I ran for a copy of the Peerage (for since my own elevation in life I regularly bought both that work and the Baronetage), and turned to the page that contained his name.