ite specimen of budding womanhood? but I feel
that I shall get extravagant if I begin to dwell upon her charms. You
have seen her--judge for yourself; but you do not _know_ her as I do;
and I shall tell you that her personal beauty is but a faint emblem of
the beauties of her mind and character. She is Aubrey's youngest--now
his only sister; and he cherishes her with the tenderest and fondest
affection. Neither he, nor his mother--with whom she spends her time
alternately--can bear to part with her for ever so short an interval.
She is the gay, romping playmate of the little Aubreys; the demure
secretary and treasurer of her mother. I say _demure_, for there is a
sly humor and archness in Kate's composition, which flickers about even
her gravest moods. She is calculated equally for the seclusion of Yatton
and the splendid atmosphere of Almack's; but for the latter she seems at
present to have little inclination. Kate is a girl of decided character,
of strong sense, of high principle; all of which are irradiated, not
overborne, by her sparkling vivacity of temperament. She has real
talent; and her mind has been trained, and her tastes directed, with
affectionate skill and vigilance by her gifted brother. She has many
accomplishments; but the only one I shall choose here to name is--music.
_She_ was one to sing and play before a man of the most fastidious taste
and genius! I defy any man to hear the rich tones of Miss Aubrey's voice
without feeling his heart moved. Music is with her a matter not of _art_
but of _feeling_--of passionate feeling; but hark!--hush!--surely--yes,
that is Miss Aubrey's voice--yes, that is her clear and brilliant touch;
the ladies have ascended to the drawing-room, and we must presently
follow them. How time has passed! I had a great deal more to tell you
about the family, but we must take some other opportunity.

Yes, it _is_ Miss Aubrey, playing on the new and superb piano given by
her brother last week to Mrs. Aubrey. Do you see with what a careless
grace and ease she is giving a very sweet but difficult composition of
Haydn? The lady who is standing by her to turn over her music, is the
celebrated Countess of Lydsdale. She is still young and beautiful; but
beside Miss Aubrey she presents a somewhat painful contrast! 'T is all
the difference between an artificial and a natural flower. Poor Lady
Lydsdale! you are not happy with all your fashion and splendor; the
glitter of your diamonds cannot