“My dear child, of course I congratulate you, and I wish you all happiness; but have you thoroughly made up your mind? You do not know the world yet; you have no idea what marriage means; and you are so diffident, and unassertive. I think that the post of wife to Mr. Blagdon is too _big_ for you!” “I’m afraid in some ways it is,” she assented. “I am not accustomed to money. The most I have ever had to spend as I chose, was the ten pounds Uncle Tom gave me last Christmas. Still, I think Mr. Blagdon and I will get on together; he is so kind, he brings me the most lovely flowers and jewels, and says that once I am married to him, I shall do exactly as I please.” “I wonder what you will please to do?” “I will try to please _him_, and set about learning ever so many things--to ride well--to talk amusingly--and----” “It is not so easy to ride well, and talk amusingly,” Mrs. Hesketh quickly interposed. “Such things come by nature. Now shall I give you a little advice? Do not make confidantes of anyone in a hurry--be yourself, and keep to yourself till you know a little more of life and do not expect too much; remember that marriage is a blessing to few, a curse to many, and a great uncertainty to all.” Letty broke into a merry laugh. “Well, you _are_ a Job’s comforter!” “Never _over_-exert yourself to please; your husband’s imagination may endow you with great gifts.” “And when I am found to be merely a silly, inexperienced little chit of seventeen?” “Oh, experience will come fast enough. I want you to promise me one thing.” “I will promise you anything you like,” said Letty recklessly. “Then if you are in any trouble or difficulty come to _me_--whatever you tell me, will be sacred, and as an old stager, if I may call myself so, I can advise you what to do, and what not to do.” “I can promise you this with all my heart, and I would a thousand times rather come to you than to Aunt Dorothy,” and her delicate lips trembled. “She has always been so cold to me.” “Well, at any rate, she is immensely proud of you now, my dear. You know she is a typical, strong-willed sort of person, who lies awake at night thinking of what is for everyone’s good. She cannot concentrate on _one_ individual.” “Yes, and at present she is thinking day and night about the wedding preparations: Uncle has given two hundred pounds to spend on my trousseau, and aunt is choosing it; but I have been allowed to have a say in my wedding dress. I’m sure I don’t know how we shall squeeze all the congregation into the church.” “You have seen your mother-in-law, have you not?”