The Buccaneer - A Tale

"But all these matters must be left to the discretion of your

judgment, which, if well-tempered, will direct them in a fitting

manner; always remembering, the most seemingly insignificant

point that contributes the smallest atom to domestic happiness is

worthy the attention of a truly wise and peace-loving female. It

is better not to be concerned about trifles; but some men, and

men not of particularly small minds either, are very anxious as

to things which appear of no moment: in that case, the best way

is to humour them, and then, by introducing some strong motive,

wile them on to better: this must be done skilfully, or it will

fail of success. A woman's first desire should be her husband's

goodness; her next, his greatness. Matrimony is a bondage, but

one that carries with it the protection which is as necessary to

a woman as the air she breathes; with a tender husband, after a

little time, she will find the chains so overgrown by affection,

which is the woodbine of the moral garden, that, instead of being

enslaved, behold, she finds peace, love, and safety within the

charmed circle.

"I commenced a letter, my sweet friend, yet, I fear me, have

written an homily; but forgive it, Constance, and take it as it

is intended.

"I hear the Lady Frances is with you. I pray you call me to her

remembrance. She is a lively but honourable lady, and I should be

glad that Mr. Rich found favour in the sight of her father; for I

do believe her heart has been fixed, at least more fixed upon him

than upon any other, for some time. We have been passing a few

days in this dear spot--the nest, I may well call it, of our

affections. My husband, in the days of his bachelorhood, had been

cautioned to take heed of Richmond, as a place so fatal to love,

that never any disengaged young person went thither who returned

again free; and I wonder not at it, for there is a sober and most

happy beauty in its very aspect, that tranquillises and composes

the thoughts to gentleness and affection. We have visited our old

music-master, at whose house we both boarded for the practice of

the lute! He was so pleased to find I still studied! observing

that many married ladies relinquished it soon; and he praised my

husband's execution on the viol in no small degree.

"Adieu, my dear young friend. We crave earnestly to be kindly

thought of by him whom your soul 'delighteth to honour!' May the

blessing of the Lord dwell within your house, and sanctify all

things for your good! Such is the prayer of your true and loving

friend, "LUCY HUTCHINSON.