ans of her
own land, and I have lately seen some articles of such
manufacture of most rare beauty. As to your jewels, consider your
husband's desire; if he care for them, deck yourself with much
attention, and wear those that please him best. Your mother's
diamonds were of the finest water, as befitted her rank, and I am
sure you will never carry counterfeits, whether of gems or of
gold. I have heard of those who affect the vanity of great
expenditure at small cost, and I hold them in contempt; for every
thing about a woman should emblem her own heart, and be pure,
even as she is pure. Simplicity in dress is ever in harmony with
beauty, and never out of place; yet are there state times when it
is expected that the high-born carry bravery, as the horses bear
high and waving plumes--to make the pageant grand; and though his
Highness, at first, deemed it expedient to lessen such
extravagance, yet my dear husband assures me that his children
lack nothing worthy the state of princes.

"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 honou