“I have been congratulating myself, that amidst all your multitudinous avocations at this eventful time, the reading of my periodical epistle will be some relief to you, and in benevolent consideration of your overwhelming cares, intend--in spite of your late reproof on my levity, which natheless, dear Christian, is not levity, but _fun_--to fill this, at present unsullied sheet, with as much nonsense as possible. However, I will so far subdue my propensities, as to make my second sentence--concerning, as it does, so very important an event in the family--a serious enough one. I have a feeling about this marriage of James’s which I can hardly explain, even to myself; I suppose, because it is the first break in the family, the first introduction of change; and it seems so extraordinary a thing at first, that we, who have lived all our lives together, should be able to form connections nearer and dearer with others, than those which exist among ourselves. I could almost be glad, Christian, that _your_ loss--forgive me for speaking of it--will preserve you to us all; and James’s choice too rather surprises me! I was not wont to have a very high idea of Elizabeth Rutherford’s qualities; I hope, however, for James’s sake, that I have been greatly mistaken: I have written him a congratulatory letter. I must confess to you though, that my congratulations would have been much more cordial, had our new sister-in-law come nearer my ideal. You know that I have a very high standard.