Cautious as Mr. Wharton had ever been with regard to the persons, English more especially, whom Agnes was suffered to become acquainted with, he was compelled, about this time, to relax somewhat from the severity of his system.

A family party from England, the leader of which, Mrs. Le Strange, was the sister of Mrs. Marchmont's late husband, was hourly expected at Paris. A handsome hotel had been taken for one of her daughters, just married; whilst the other three were to accompany their mother to the residence of Mr. Wharton, whose guests they were for a / time invited to become. The youngest girl, however, a great favourite with the bride, and with her new brother-in-law, it was finally settled should remain with them; and consequently Mrs. Le Strange, with only two of her flock, made her appearance at Mr. Wharton's.

Between Mrs. Le Strange and Mrs. Marchmont, there was no other affinity than that resulting from family connexion; in disposition they were essentially different. The latter was vain, silly, good-natured, easily intimidated, and perhaps from that very circumstance dangerous, since fear could have rendered her capable of almost any excess. Fortunately she was, if dealt with by one who understood her, just as easily reassured.

Mrs. Le Strange was completely a woman of the world, intent upon forwarding the interests of her family; remarkable for self-possession, skilful in practising upon the foibles of others, yet incapable of meanness, except upon a large scale. She descended to no petty tricks, but formed schemes that had / magnificence in them; decided that her daughters should all attain to high rank; that her eldest son should rise to the first dignities in the state, (he was a member of parliament,) and that the younger, (a Woolwich cadet,) should hereafter surpass his cotemporaries in valour, abilities, and success.