uld have been less about himself, and more about
the lady. He should have omitted the agriculture altogether, and been
more sure of his loved one's tastes before he suggested the sunny
south and the Como villa. It is true that he was circumstanced as few
lovers are, with reference to his mother; but still I think he might
have been less lachrymose. Sophia's answer, which was sent after the
lapse of a day or two, was as follows:--

Harley Street, ---- ---- ----.

MY DEAR LUCIUS,

I am not surprised that you should feel somewhat
low-spirited at the present moment; but you will find,
I have no doubt, that the results of the next week will
cure all that. Your mother will be herself again when this
trial is over, and you will then wonder that it should
ever have had so depressing an influence either upon you
or upon her. I cannot but suppose that papa has done the
best as to her advisers. I know how anxious he is about
it, and they say that he is very clever in such matters.
Pray give your mother my love. I cannot but think she
is lucky to have Mrs. Orme with her. What can be more
respectable than a connection at such a time with such
people?

As to your future residence, do not make up your mind
to anything while your spirits are thus depressed. If
you like to leave Orley Farm, why not let it instead of
selling it? As for me, if it should be fated that our lots
are to go together, I am inclined to think that I should
prefer to live in England. In London papa's position might
probably be of some service, and I should like no life
that was not active. But it is too early in the day to
talk thus at present. You must not think me cold hearted
if I say that what has as yet been between us must not be
regarded as an absolute and positive engagement. I, on my
part, hope that it may become so. My heart is not cold,
and I am not ashamed to own that I esteem you favourably;
but marriage is a very serious thing, and there is so much
to be considered! I regard myself as a free agent, and in
a great measure independent of my parents on such a matter
as that; but still I think it well to make no positive
promise without consulting them. When this trial is over
I will speak to my father, and then you will come up to
London and see us.

Mind you give my love to your mother; and--if it have any
value in your eyes--acce