When Penelope had first entered the apartment she had announced the purpose of her call, and had, by the assistance of the Darnleys, stated the views with which she was going to London: for so reluctant was she to mention the fact, that its annunciation was almost extorted from her by those who knew beforehand what were her intentions. After a very little and very cold common-place talk, uttered merely from a feeling of the necessity of saying something, the conversation dropped, and the parties looked awkwardly at one another. Then did Mr Darnley, assuming a right reverend look, address himself to Miss Primrose. “Now, Miss Primrose, before we part, let me as your friend, and as a friend of your late uncle, give you a little parting advice. I am sorry that you have determined on taking this step, and had you condescended to consult me on the subject, I certainly should have dissuaded you from the undertaking. But, however, that is past. Though I rather am surprised, I must acknowledge that, recollecting as you must, how strongly your late worthy uncle used to speak against this pursuit, you should so soon after his decease resolve to engage in it. But, however, you are perfectly independent, and have a right to do as you please. I do not say that in this pursuit there is anything inconsistent with religion and morality. I would by no means be so uncharitable. But I should have thought, Miss Primrose, that, considering your high spirit, you would hardly have condescended to such an employment; for I may call it condescension, when I consider the prospects to which you were born: but those, I am sorry to say, are gone. As you have then fully resolved upon thus making a public display of your musical talents, which, for anything I know to the contrary, may be of the highest order--for I do not understand music myself--you will perhaps excuse me if, as a friend of your late uncle, and really a well-wisher to yourself, I just take the liberty to caution you against the snares by which you are surrounded. Beware of the intoxications of flattery, and do not be unduly distressed if you should occasionally in the public journals be made the subject of ill-natured criticism. For I understand there are many young and inexperienced writers who almost regularly assail by severe criticism public performers of every kind; and they make use of very authoritative language. Now this kind of criticism would be very offensive to a person who was not aware that it is the production of ignorant, conceited boys. I was once acquainted with a young man who made acknowledgments to me that have given me a very different view of the critical art from that which I formerly entertained. But, my good young lady, there are severer trials which await you than these: you will be very much exposed to the society of the vicious and dissipated. You will have need of all your caution and circumspection to take care that your religious and moral principles