entirely owing to the partiality with which I could not but regard an acquaintance formed under the roof of our worthy friend; the alteration is in herself; and I now perceive how illiberal and injudicious are often the sentiments and impressions inspired by an imperfect knowledge. Mrs. Weldon, in her own house, and in private, possesses not merely the gaiety which amuses, but that good sense and knowledge of the world which must charm and improve all who are admitted to an intimacy with her. These good qualities are blended with a flow of spirits uncommonly elevated, which diffuses a vivacity over her manner and appearance that on a superficial acquaintance may be mistaken for levity, but which, on a

nearer view, I find proves merely the natural result of a sprightly turn of mind, added to an early introduction into life; circumstances that in general arive defiance to bashfulness, at least to that painful degree of it that accompanies awkwardness.
She was so kind as to insist on our remaining with her the whole day, and at her earnest request an apology was dispatched to Mrs. Hindon; indeed I have not spent one so entirely to my satisfaction since my arrival. Mrs. Weldon was equally amusing, whether we conversed on gay or serious subjects; and uninterrupted by company, we chatted over affairs that mutually interested us.
I was extremely sorry however to find that she did not regard Madame de Clarence with that cordial esteem which I imagined every one must be disposed to feel for a character so amiable; and she let us into some little circumstances relating

to family dissentions, which I never should have suspected to have occurred between a couple who always behave, at least in company, with the utmost apparent good humour and politeness to each other. Mrs. Weldon even told us, that poor Madame de Clarence has an unfortunate failing in her temper, which renders herself and her husband equally miserable: she possesses, it seems, an unhappy degree of jealousy, that leads her to conclude almost every young woman, whose visits are frequent in the family, the object of Monsieur de Clarence's affections; and no sooner is she convinced of her error in one place, than her suspicions are turned to another quarter, however improbable and extraordinary.
This is a most unfortunate disposition, and sincerely to be lamented; for I fear, according to Mrs. Weldon's account, it is quite incurable. She gave me innumerable instances of her weakness in this

particular; and added, that as she had been for some time an inmate of her family, she had not failed herself to experience the effects of