Danger of Example and Manners. either by the caresses of children, or other manœuvres, to a most beautiful, though indelicately-exposed, bosom. The amiable and modest Lady Harriet Norton, though she cannot be easily warped by the conduct, nor adopt in the smallest instance the manners, of Mrs. Fernonville, yet the consequences derived from the acquaintance of Lady Harriet to Mrs. Fernonville, has made that Lady ever desirous of being in all her parties; and she has cultivated the acquaintance with eagerness, pretending a great affection for Lady Harriet; and, when in her company, she has generally endeavoured to induce Lady Harriet to think like herself; but that is impossible; yet her example and manners are dangerous, it is not improbable, but what she may make Lady Harriet not quite so cheerfully contented as formerly; for it is the invariable aim of Mrs. Fernonville, and most ladies of her description, to depreciate Half a word to the Wise. gentleness and prudence in wives; but more particularly do they inveigh against submission, and it is the constant maxim she preaches up to Lady Harriet, that, for her part, no husband shall ever dictate to her and then she will endeavour to persuade the meek and gentle Lady, to order her carriage, whenever she thinks proper, and drive wherever she pleases. All such advices are incapable of turning a mind of rectitude, like Lady Harriet's; but how many are there, and excellent young women too, who are not so shielded by strength of mind, and to whose happiness and tranquil content Mrs. Fernonville might do the most serious injury! Lady Harriet Norton is wedded to one of the worthiest of men ; but his health often suffers from indisposition: Was she not the most affectionate of wives, who delights in the happiness she feels only as she imparts felicity Conclusion. to her husband, how easily might she be led to believe her situation, not only very uncomfortable, but unhappy; and by asserting her rights, and suffering no one to dictate to her, as Mrs. Fernonville ad. vises, she might render herself actually and indeed completely wretched. hope, however, that she will be superior to this, and justify still the truth of these lines, once addressed to her by her accomplished husband: 66 -Son cœur a comme les Dieux "Et le bonheur d'en faire!" We SIR CHARLES GRAINGER, AND LADY INGLEBY. Cur me querelis exanimas tuis?" HORAT. ii. 17. COME, come, I am weary of so much snivelling!" said Sir Charles Grainger to the unfortunate Lady Ingleby; who now seeing the glaring effects of her imprudence and folly in their true light, wept over that happiness which for her was gone by, never to be recalled; to that fame which was clouded for ever; and for that onceadored child, whose interests she had slighted and disregarded in the moment of unheeding passion. Such was the result, Sir Charles, of thy cloyed affection! Such is the treatment the woman must consequently expect who forgets the most sacred duty; and such is the gratitude too often shown by unthankful man. |