so that they became in
some degree divided in person, but their attachment remained the same. Mrs.
Hanson was desirous that her daughter should take a more extensive view of
society than was necessary for Ellen; she dreaded an early marriage for
her, although she thought it desirable to bring her into society, being
persuaded that young women of large fortune too frequently are rendered
unhappy in the marriage state, by being dazzled at their first outset in
life by the novelty, and gaiety of the scene around them, which leads them
to expect a continuance of the same brilliant career, incompatible with the
duties of that state into which they incautiously plunge; whereas a short
time passed in life, would show them the inefficacy of trifling amusement
and splendid show to procure real satisfaction, and lead them to
investigate those circumstances in the minds and situations of their
admirers, most likely to ensure their future felicity, and most consonant
with their real wants and wishes. The judicious mother saw, with the truest
pleasure, that the well-turned mind of her daughter ever pointed to the
scenes of simple enjoyment and virtuous intelligence which illumined her
early years; but, in her peculiar situation, she was aware that Matilda,
to a certain degree, should adopt the apostle's advice--"Try all things,
cleave to that which is good."

On the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Harewood, as the young people advanced
towards maturity, had felt it a point of delicacy, however sincere and
ardent their friendship might be, in a slight degree to abstain from that
intimate and daily intercourse which had so long and happily subsisted
between the families. The days were past when Charles could romp with, or
Edmund instruct, Matilda; and although they held the same rank in society,
yet as the noble fortune of Matilda (increased materially by the retired
way in which her mother lived during her infancy) entitled her to marry a
nobleman, Mr. Harewood did not choose that the presence of his sons should
cause reports which might prevent her from receiving offers of this nature.
He was attached to Matilda, as if she had indeed been his child, but he was
too independent, as well as too honest, to render either his present
affection, or his past services, the medium of increasing the general
regard Matilda had manifested for both his sons into a decided predilection
for either: nor was he aware that either of the young men had for her t