“I have only to add my dear Sophia, that my Henry’s elder Brother dieing about the same time, Lady Bridget became a Widow like myself, and as we had always loved each other in idea from the high Character in which we had ever been spoken of, though we had never met, we determined to live together. We wrote to one another on the same subject by the same post, so exactly did our feeling and our actions coincide! We both eagerly embraced the proposals we gave and received of becoming one family, and have from that time lived together in the greatest affection.” “And is this all? said I, I hope you have not done.” “Indeed I have; and did you ever hear a story more pathetic?” “I never did—and it is for that reason it pleases me so much, for when one is unhappy nothing is so delightful to one’s sensations as to hear of equal misery.” “Ah! but my Sophia why _are you_ unhappy?” “Have you not heard Madam of Willoughby’s Marriage?” “But my love why lament _his_ perfidy, when you bore so well that of many young Men before?” “Ah! Madam, I was used to it then, but when Willoughby broke his Engagements I had not been dissapointed for half a year.” “Poor Girl!” said Miss Jane. LETTER the THIRD From a YOUNG LADY in distressed Circumstances to her freind A few days ago I was at a private Ball given by Mr Ashburnham. As my Mother never goes out she entrusted me to the care of Lady Greville who did me the honour of calling for me in her way and of allowing me to sit forwards, which is a favour about which I am very indifferent especially as I know it is considered as confering a great obligation on me “So Miss Maria (said her Ladyship as she saw me advancing to the door of the Carriage) you seem very smart to night—_My_ poor Girls will appear quite to disadvantage by _you_—I only hope your Mother may not have distressed herself to set _you_ off. Have you got a new Gown on?” “Yes Ma’am.” replied I with as much indifference as I could assume. “Aye, and a fine one too I think—(feeling it, as by her permission I seated myself by her) I dare say it is all very smart—But I must own, for you know I always speak my mind, that I think it was quite a needless piece of expence—Why could not you have worn your old striped one? It is not my way to find fault with People because they are poor, for I always think that they are more to be despised and pitied than blamed for it, especially if they cannot help it, but at the same time I must say that in my opinion your old striped Gown would have been quite fine enough for its Wearer—for to tell you the truth (I always speak my mind) I am very much afraid that one half of the people in the room will not know whether you have a Gown on or not—But I suppose you intend to make your fortune to night—. Well, the sooner the better; and I wish you success.” “Indeed Ma’am I have no such intention—” “Who ever heard a young Lady own that she was a Fortune-hunter?” Miss Greville laughed but I am sure Ellen felt for me.