As Lady Darnley's breast glowed with that exalted fervent charity which embraces the wide extended interests of men, of communities, of the species itself; it is easy to conceive how her heart exulted at finding her nephew so deserving of all she had done for him. But though she felt the greatest satisfaction at his being so conformable to her wishes, and his fortune so adequate to his beneficence; the same sensibility rendered her wretched for the evident melancholy in which he was plunged. Her social affections ever awake, even on those whose objects lie beyond the nearer ties of nature, on many occasions gave her most painful sympathetic feelings; so deeply was she interested in the fortunes of all with whom she had any connection. How then must she mourn to observe, that, notwithstanding the possession of every advantage of person and wealth, her nephew was miserable!--If men would but consider how many things there are that riches cannot buy, they would not be so fond of them--for all the outward advantages Lord Munster had, were, to a man in his situation of mind, _landscapes_ before a _blind man_, or _music_ to one that _is deaf_. Delicacy kept Lady Darnley from interrogating her nephew on the subject of his grief; sensible that the remotest desire _from her_, must amount to a command _to him_. She only, at parting, insinuated the happiness it would afford her to see him ally himself suitably to some lady of merit: and, as Lady Eliza was to accompany him to town, requested him to moderate her liveliness, and to be a careful observer of her conduct. 'I never see (said she) a single man, who hath passed middle age in celibacy, where no particular security arises from his profession or character; but I think I see an unsafe subject, and a very dangerous instrument for any mischief that his _own_ parts may _inspire_, or _other men's_ may _prompt him_ to: As to other achievements of virtue, a distinction _ought_, I think, to be _made_; because, in common acceptation, there is a variety of things which pass under that name, and are generally applauded, which, properly estimated, would not _deserve it_. A regard to posterity hath carried arms, arts, and literature, further than any other motive ever did or could. Who is so likely to be influenced by this regard as they who are to leave behind them the darling pledges of their affection, in whom they hope to have their names continued, and all the fruits of their study, toil, and exploits, abiding and permanent?' Lord Munster assured the Countess, that he would ever think it his glory to conform to her wishes in ever respect. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME VOLUME II Soon after Lord Munster's arrival in London, he wrote Lady Darnley the following letter. From the Earl of Munster to the Countess of Darnley. 'My Dear Aunt,