Lady Frances was about to read them aloud, but Constantia prevented her.

"I have read it over and over, dearest, though wherefore I hardly know;

my lot is cast in a way so different from that she imagines. The

precepts are for the promotion of happiness, which I can never expect to

enjoy--never to be cited as an example of connubial excellence. I shall

leave no record that people in after years will point at, and say,

Behold, how lovingly they lived together! But read it, Frances, read it:

to you it may prove salutary, for you will be happy in your union, and

with one whom you can love."

The Lady Frances took the letter with a trembling hand, and read as

follows:-"Richmond, 1657, the 2d day of June.

"Your letter, which I had the happiness to receive some time

since, my dear young friend, notwithstanding its melancholy

theme, afforded me real satisfaction. It is true that your loving

mother has been removed; but blessed is the knowledge which

instructs you that she and all her excellences came from God, and

have now but been taken back to their own most perfect source;

that you are parted for a moment, to meet again for eternity! Her

soul conversed so much with God while it was here, that it

rejoices to be now freed from interruption in that hallowed

exercise. Her virtues were recorded in heaven's annals, and can

never perish: by them she yet teaches us, and all those to whose

knowledge they shall arrive. 'Tis only her fetters that have been

removed; her infirmities, her sorrows that are dead never to

revive again--nor would we have them: we may mourn for ourselves

that we walk so tardily in her steps, that we need her guidance

and assistance on the way. And yet, dearest Constance, but that

the veil of tearful mortality is before our eyes, we should see

her, even in heaven, holding forth the bright lamp of virtuous

example and precept, to light us through the dark world we must

for a few years tread.

"But I have heard tidings lately, and from the Lady Claypole too,

of which, methinks, to your mother's friend, you have been over

chary. Ah! maidens care not to prate of their love affairs to

matrons. Silly things! they would go their own course, and think

for themselves! without knowing how to go, or what to think! The

besetting sin of youth is--presumption: but it is not your sin,

my gentle girl; it was some species of modesty withheld your

pen--yet I heard it. My husband, albeit not a very frequent guest

at Whitehall, pays his respects there sometimes, mainly out of

his duty and regard to the Lady Claypole; for he is no scorner of

our sex, and holds it a privilege to converse with wise and holy

women. She informed him, and not as a matter of secrecy, that you

would soon be wedded to Sir Willmott Burrell; and, although we

know him not, we readily believe that he is a good and honest

gentleman, commanding our esteem, because beloved of you--the

which, I pray you, advise him of--and say we hope he will number

us among his friends. I never doubted your wisdom, Constantia,

and those cannot wed well who do not wed wisely. By wisely, I do

not mean that longing after foolish gain and worldly

aggrandisement, which vain women, alas! covet more than the

enjoyment of their lives and the salvation of their souls. I

would have a woman seek for her husband one whom she can love

with an ardent, but not idolatrous passion; capable of being a

firm, consistent friend; who has sufficient knowledge and virtue

to sit in council within her bosom, and direct her in all things.

Having found such, the wife should desire and strive to be as a

very faithful mirror, reflecting truly, however dimly, his own

virtues. I have been long wedded, and, thank God, most happily

so. We have become as a proverb among our friends; and matrons,

when they bless their daughters at the altar, wish them to be as

happy as Lucy Hutchinson. Had your blessed mother lived, my

advice might have been almost impertinent; but now, I am sure you

will not take it ill of a most true friend to speak a little

counsel: my words may be but as dew-drops, yet there is a spirit

within you that can convert them into pearls. But counsel ought

to be preceded by prayer--and I have prayed--Will you take ill

the supplication? I know you will not.




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