And you shall see my poodle, too: a splendid little charmer imported from Paris: and two fine Italian paintings of great value--I forget the artist.

Doubtless you will be able to discover prodigious beauties in them, which you must point out to me, as I only admire by hearsay; and many elegant curiosities besides, which I purchased at Rome and elsewhere; and, finally, you shall see my new home--the splendid house and grounds I used to covet so greatly.

Alas! how far the promise of anticipation exceeds the pleasure of possession! There's a fine sentiment! I assure you I am become quite a grave old matron: pray come, if it be only to witness the wonderful change.

Write by return of post, and tell me when your vacation commences, and say that you will come the day after, and stay till the day before it closes--in mercy to 'Yours affectionately, 'ROSALIE ASHBY.' I showed this strange epistle to my mother, and consulted her on what I ought to do.

She advised me to go; and I went--willing enough to see Lady Ashby, and her baby, too, and to do anything I could to benefit her, by consolation or advice; for I imagined she must be unhappy, or she would not have applied to me thus--but feeling, as may readily be conceived, that, in accepting the invitation, I made a great sacrifice for her, and did violence to my feelings in many ways, instead of being delighted with the honourable distinction of being entreated by the baronet's lady to visit her as a friend.