At first when we came here, and when the amount of our legacy was
first promulgated, we were in a terrible flutter. Andrew became a
man of fashion, with all the haste that tailors, and horses, and
dinners, could make him. My father, honest man, was equally
inspired with lofty ideas, and began a career that promised a
liberal benefaction of good things to the poor--and my mother was
almost distracted with calculations about laying out the money to
the best advantage, and the sum she would allow to be spent. I
alone preserved my natural equanimity; and foreseeing the necessity
of new accomplishments to suit my altered circumstances, applied
myself to the instructions of my masters, with an assiduity that won
their applause. The advantages of this I now experience--my brother
is sobered from his champaign fumes--my father has found out that
charity begins at home--and my mother, though her establishment is
enlarged, finds her happiness, notwithstanding the legacy, still
lies within the little circle of her household cares. Thus, my dear
Bell, have I proved the sweets of a true philosophy; and, unseduced
by the blandishments of rank, rejected Sir Marmaduke Towler, and
accepted the humbler but more disinterested swain, Captain Sabre,
who requests me to send you his compliments, not altogether content
that you should occupy so much of the bosom of your affectionate
RACHEL PRINGLE.
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