 whom a marriage, such as the world terms imprudent, banished in early life from the notice or protection of it; but, though they could refuse their suffrage to the match, they could not controul its happiness; and, during the life of Mr. Boothby, (for that was her husband's name) she experienced all the felicity of which wedlock is susceptible. Yet on her husband's death, which happened about five years after their marriage, the state of his affairs was found to be such, that she stood but too much in need of that assistance which her relations denied her.
At the time of her giving the family this offence, I was a boy: and I scarce ever heard of her name till I was apprized of her misfortunes. Whatever services I have been able to do her, I have found repaid by the sincerest gratitude, and improved to the worthiest purposes.
Upon the late event of my aunt's death, I was naturally led to wish her place supplied by Mrs. Boothby; she has done me the favor to accept of my invitation, and I expect her here this evening. Of any thing like authority in this house, Miss Lucy, you shall be always independant; but I flatter myself she has qualities sufficient to merit your friendship." Lucy returned such an answer, as the kindness and delicacy of this speech deserved; and it was agreed, that, for the present, her purpose of leaving Bilswood should be laid aside.
In the evening the expected lady arrived; she seemed to be about the age ot fifty, with an impression of melancholy on her countenance, that appeared to have worn away her beauty before the usual period: some traces however still remained, and her eyes▪ when they met the view of the world, which was but seldom, discovered a brilliancy not extinguished by her sorrow.
Her appearance, joined to the knowlege of her story, did not fail to attract Miss Sindall's regard; she received Mrs. Boothby with an air, not of civility, but friendship; and the other showed a sense of the obligation conferred on her, by a look of that modest tender sort, which equally acknowleges and solicits our kindness.
With misfortune a good heart easily makes an acquaintance. Miss Sindall endeavoured, by a thousand little assiduities, to strow this lady the interest she took in her welfare. That reserve, which the humility of affliction, not an unsocial• spirit, seemed to have taught Mrs. Boothby, wore off by degrees; their mutual esteem encreased as their characters opened to each other
