ever closed--to
catch, perhaps, a view of his room, or a passing glimpse of his
emaciated and fading figure. If that sad and lonely vigil was kept by
her whom I suspected, deep, indeed, and mighty, was the love, which
could so humble the heart, and possess the spirit, of the haughty and
high-born Countess of Roseville.

I turn to a very different personage in this veritable histoire. My
father and mother were absent, at Lady H.'s, when my marriage was fixed;
to both of them I wrote for their approbation of my choice. From Lady
Frances I received the answer which I subjoin:--

"My dearest Son,

"Your father desires me to add his congratulations to mine, upon the
election you have made. I shall hasten to London, to be present at the
ceremony. Although you must not be offended with me, if I say, that with
your person, accomplishments, birth, and (above all) high ton, you might
have chosen among the loftiest, and wealthiest families in the country,
yet I am by no means displeased or disappointed with your future
wife, to say nothing of the antiquity of her name. (The Glanvilles
intermarried with the Pelhams, in the reign of Henry II.) It is a
great step to future distinction to marry a beauty, especially one so
celebrated as Miss Glanville--perhaps it is among the surest ways to the
cabinet. The forty thousand pounds which you say Miss Glanville is to
receive, makes, to be sure, but a slender income; though, when added
to your own, it would have been a great addition to the Glenmorris
property, if your uncle--I have no patience with him--had not married
again.

"However, you will lose no time in getting into the House--at all
events, the capital will ensure your return for a borough, and maintain
you comfortably, till you are in the administration; when of course
it matters very little what your fortune may be--tradesmen will be too
happy to have your name in their books; be sure, therefore, that the
money is not tied up. Miss Glanville must see that her own interest, as
well as yours, is concerned in your having the unfettered disposal of
a fortune, which, if restricted, you would find it impossible to live
upon. Pray, how is Sir Reginald Glanville? Is his cough as bad as ever?
He has no entailed property, I think?

"Will you order Stonor to have the house ready for us on Friday, when
I shall return home in time for dinner? Let me again congratulate you,
most sincerely, on your choice. I always thought you had more c