a charm of feminine softness over her whole person, which was to
many very attractive, though not striking. The equanimity of her temper
had the effect of perpetuating that smooth and dimpled description of
countenance which is peculiar to childhood; so that, although a year older
than Matilda, she appeared younger; and when they were seen together among
strangers, she was considered as a younger sister, supported by the kind
attentions of her superior; for Matilda, although very modest, was
dignified, and her person, being elegant and tall, confirmed the idea.

In a short time, Mrs. Hanson received several offers from men of fortune
for Matilda, all of which were politely but positively refused; for the
poor girl always showed a decided dread of leaving her mother, and very
justly observed, that a very intimate acquaintance was necessary between
persons who bound themselves to so sacred and indissoluble a connection
as marriage; and although naturally too generous and ingenuous to suspect
others of acting from unworthy motives, she was yet aware that a young
woman who has a large fortune in her own disposal, and who has neither
father nor brother to investigate the private character of those who
address her, has need of a more than ordinary share of prudence, and will
be wise in delaying a consent which deprives her of all control over the
wealth of which Providence has appointed her steward.

Although thus wise in her decision on this important point, and ever
assigning reasons which showed how utterly unbiassed her affections were
towards the candidates for her favour, yet Matilda did not always act with
equal wisdom; she was excessively fond of dancing, and as she acquitted
herself with uncommon grace, perhaps vanity furnished her with an
additional motive for her desire to partake this amusement more frequently
than it suited her mamma; and once she accepted an invitation to a private
ball, when Mrs. Weston was her chaperon. Waltzing was introduced, and
Matilda, though by no means pleased with the general style of the dance,
was struck with certain movements which she thought graceful, and the day
following began to practise them with her young _protegee_.

"I think you waltz very well," said Mrs. Weston.

"I soon should do so, I dare say, if I practised it; but as it was new to
me, I durst not venture last night, although I made a kind of half promise
to Sir Theodore Branson, that I would do it the very next time