On one hand, so much is due to the wishes of your late husband, in every point of view, that if Lord Vargrave be worthy of Evelyn's esteem and affection, it would be most desirable that she should prefer him to all others.

But if he be what I hear he is considered in the world,--an artful, scheming, almost heartless man, of ambitious and hard pursuits,--I tremble to think how completely the happiness of Evelyn's whole life may be thrown away.

She certainly is not in love with him, and yet I fear she is one whose nature is but too susceptible of affection.

She ought now to see others,--to know her own mind, and not to be hurried, blindfold and inexperienced, into a step that decides existence.

This is a duty we owe to her,--nay, even to the late Lord Vargrave, anxious as he was for the marriage.