who don't get married are intended to be
desolate; and perhaps it is better for them, if they
bestow their time and thoughts properly,--as I hope you
do, my dear. A woman with a family of children has almost
too many of the cares of this world, to give her mind as
she ought to the other. What shall we say then of those
who have no such cares, and yet do not walk uprightly?
Dear Dorothy, be not such a one. For myself, I acknowledge
bitterly the extent of my shortcomings. Much has been
given to me; but if much be expected, how shall I answer
the demand?

I hope I need not tell you that whenever it may suit you
to pay a visit to Exeter, your room will be ready for you,
and there will be a warm welcome. Mrs. MacHugh always asks
after you; and so has Mrs. Clifford. I won't tell you
what Mrs. Clifford said about your colour, because it
would make you vain. The Heavitree affair has all been put
off;--of course you have heard that. Dear, dear, dear! You
know what I think, so I need not repeat it.

Give my respects to your mamma and Priscilla,--and for
yourself, accept the affectionate love of

Your loving old aunt,

JEMIMA STANBURY.

P.S.--If Martha should say anything to you, you may feel
sure that she knows my mind.

Poor old soul. She felt an almost uncontrollable longing to have her
niece back again, and yet she told herself that she was bound not
to send a regular invitation, or to suggest an unconditional return.
Dorothy had herself decided to take her departure, and if she chose
to remain away,--so it must be. She, Miss Stanbury, could not demean
herself by renewing her invitation. She read her letter before she
added to it the postscript, and felt that it was too solemn in its
tone to suggest to Dorothy that which she wished to suggest. She had
been thinking much of her own past life when she wrote those words
about the state of an unmarried woman, and was vacillating between
two minds,--whether it were better for a young woman to look forward
to the cares and affections, and perhaps hard usage, of a married
life; or to devote herself to the easier and safer course of an
old maid's career. But an old maid is nothing if she be not kind
and good. She acknowledged that, and, acknowledging it, added the
postscript to her letter. What though there was a certain blow
to her pride in the writing of it! She did tell herself that in
thus referr