We are now, my dear Henrietta, at a most delightful seat; during two months, gaiety has presided here: It belongs to a widow, scarce twenty. Enchanted with her new state, she comes to pass the year of her mourning here, only to meditate in peace on her future choice, when decency will permit her to make herself amends for what she suffered with an old husband, whom she hated with all her heart. She has the most beautiful face you can conceive, a fine heighth, an air of dignity, and a most engaging sincerity; in giving an account of her sufferings, she scarce can smother her laughter. The old Lord was jealous, and she could have overreach'd him, she could. – This agreeable silly creature has just as much sense, as is necessary to amuse herself, and to please.

Miss Annabella, her sister, is a very different creature: Was never out of this magnificent seat, where she has always lived with her father only. Her figure is noble, and interesting, her air sweet and delicate; she has a great deal of breeding, and more sentiment. She wants nothing, in short, but knowledge of the world; but if she has not all the graces which that bestows, she is free from the vices to which it leads; Vices, which, it is so difficult to avoid in polite circles, where they have found the contemptible art of forgiving mutually every defect of the heart. I am always enraged, when I hear this criminal indulgence, honoured with the name of softness of manners, knowledge of human nature, and a condescension indispensable in society. O! this Sir Harry; – he is insupportable; every thing displeases him. – I thought him of a more equal temper: People must be very amiable to appear so to those who see them every day; I am out of patience with him; he advises me to throw away a nosegay that Sir James has gathered himself, and has just given me; Sir Harry has not breathed since I have had it; he brings me twenty examples of illness, occasioned by the too strong perfume of jonquills; he assures me they are very bad for the head.