And now the daughter of the soap-boiler had become countess, both father and daughter were delighted in the highest degree, nor was Philip himself less pleased. Upon examining, however, his pecuniary resources, the Right Hon. the Earl of Trimmerstone found that his means were not quite adequate to his rank, or equal to his expectations: for the property received with Celestina was rather a large than a small proportion of the wealth of Sir Gilbert Sampson. This was mortifying; but there was still a fine prospect to look forward to in the event of old Mr. Martindale's decease: therefore the Earl and Countess of Trimmerstone resolved to keep up the dignity of their rank at as little expense as possible. This resolution was certainly very good, but unfortunately it proved to be good for nothing. For in a certain rank there are certain expenses which are absolutely unavoidable; and then it might be naturally supposed that, when Mr. Martindale had made a sacrifice for the purpose of raising his relative's rank, he would alter the tenor of his whimsical will. Under the influence of this consideration, and by the power of unavoidable circumstances, it happened that the Earl of Trimmerstone, though in possession of more ample means than were ever enjoyed by the Hon. Philip Martindale, found himself almost as necessitous and as embarrassed as ever. His most amiable countess loved splendor, and therefore found it to be absolutely necessary. When, therefore, they set up their establishment in town, though they thought that they were using a very high degree of economy, they brought upon themselves the imputation of extravagance, and in fact somewhat more than the imputation. But what could they do? They must live as other persons of the same rank. In addition to the evils of ill-managed expenditure, there arose another very serious difficulty, or rather trouble, to the newly-married pair. The Countess loved splendor, but she had not been properly tutored to manage it; there she was clumsy in display, and tasteless in decoration. She had not the power of carrying off the absurdities of fashion with the proper grace and indifference of right-honorable impudence. Frequently, therefore, his lordship felt ashamed of his countess; and not unfrequently, some of his companions and friends would amuse themselves at his expense; and he always felt himself in jeopardy, as if about to hear the word "soap" mentioned. The Earl of Trimmerstone not finding the Countess much of a companion, sought elsewhere for the pleasures of society. The Countess of Trimmerstone loved not solitude, but unhappily was by no means select in her associates. Being resolved not to be proud, so as to neglect her old acquaintance, her ladyship found it difficult to keep a very choice circle of acquaintance in her new sphere. There were not wanting persons of rank and distinction amidst her visitors and companions, but these were not always of the best kind. In her innocence and good-humor