nor the wisdom to
perceive that a resolution may be better broken than kept; and
though perhaps themselves gaining some desired end by the yielding
of their elders, I believe any indulgence so granted (that is,
after being emphatically denied) never fails to leave on the
youthful mind an impression of want of judgment or determination in
those they have to do with.

We dine with the Fitzhughs on Tuesday week; I like Emily much,
though she will talk of human souls as "vile;" I gave her Channing
to read, and she liked it very much, but said that his view of
man's nature was not that of a Christian; I think her contempt for
it still less such. As we are immortal in spite of death, so I
think we are wonderful in spite of our weakness, and admirable in
spite of our imperfection, and capable of all good in spite of all
our evil.

A----'s guitar is a beauty, and wears a broad blue scarf and has a
sweet, low, soft voice. Mr. Pickersgill is going to paint my
portrait; it is a present Major Dawkins makes my father and mother,
but I do wish they would leave off trying to take my picture. My
face is too bad for anything but nature, and never was intended for
_still_ life. The intention, however, is very kind, and the offer
one that can scarcely be refused. I wish you would come and keep me
awake through my sittings.

Our engagements--social and professional--are a dinner party at the
Mayows to-morrow; an evening party on Monday; Tuesday, the opera;
Wednesday I act Isabella; Thursday, a dinner at Mr. Harness's;
Friday I act Bianca; Saturday we have a dinner party at home; the
Monday following I act Constance; Tuesday there is a dance at the
Fitzhughs'; and sundry dissipations looming in the horizon.

Good-by, and God bless you, my dear H----. I look forward to our
meeting at Ardgillan, three months hence, with delight, and am
affectionately yours,

F. A. K.

A---- and I begin our riding lessons on Wednesday next. We have got
pretty dark-brown habits and red velvet waistcoats, and shall look
like two nice little robin-redbreasts on horseback; all I dread is
that she may be frightened to death, which might militate against
her enjoyment, perhaps.

What you say about my brother John is