hearing the
circumstances that form its subject matter.

"Charles, my dear, I always knew that my dear grandpapa was a kind and
forgiving man; and, to tell the truth, I felt a conviction that such
sincerity of heart, and such unexampled purity of purpose as yours,
would not be permitted long to suffer. Read the letter again my love."

Her husband, whose mild features were absolutely radiant with an
expression of delight--an expression that was elevated, besides, with a
glow of fervent and devotional feeling--now read the letter again, which
was to the following effect:--

"My dear Maria,--I do not think that a man of my years--now near
seventy-two--who feels how many duties he has neglected in this life,
and who, consequently, knows how much he requires to be forgiven, ought
any longer to class himself with those who are disposed to withhold
their pardon from human error. I wrote some time ago to your father,
requesting, nay, commanding him, to suffer himself to be reconciled to
you; but his reply was, that, although he was not averse to it in due
time, yet he said that for the present he must decline it--not so much,
he added, for want of affection for you, as that he might the more
strongly manifest a sense of his displeasure at your conduct, in
throwing yourself away upon an 'educated beggar.'"

The hectic of a moment, as Sterne beautifully says, came across his
fine and handsome features as he uttered the words; and he added,
"He forgets, my love, that my family is not, as your grandpapa says,
inferior to his own."

"Do not dwell on that, dearest Charles," she added, "but let us hear
good old grandpapa out."

"No, my dear Maria, I differ with your papa; Mr. Temple was not an
educated beggar, but an educated and accomplished gentleman, whose
family, in point of blood and birth; is equal even to ours. Still, my
love, you know that on many accounts, and as persons to whom you were so
justly dear, and who felt such a strong interest in your settlement and
position in life, we had reason to feel offended at the step you took in
marrying him. That, however, is past--and now let it be forgotten. Your
papa still loves you tenderly, my Maria; for I could observe that in a
passage where he said it was necessary that you should suffer a little
longer, there were the marks of tears--and of tears too, that fell
thickly. Now, however, for something that will cheer my own favorite.
I have succeeded in getting Mr. Temple ap