Certainly, Madam, I am here as much instructed as entertained. I learn of the best of mothers the value of those duties, which she fulfils with so much delight. Living with her, and observing her in the midst of her family, we see her so perfectly contented, that all our astonishment at the sacrifices she has made, in order to arrive at such pure felicity, entirely ceases. Such is the power of true virtue! At a distance her brilliancy strikes, and excites astonishment and admiration; but near us, she is so beautiful, so affecting, and so persuasive, that her dictates cease to appear difficult. She does better than dazzle; she engrosses, she charms, she attaches.

Adelaide and Theodore this day received the sacrament for the first time. After our return from church, my aunt retired with Adelaide and me into her closet, and, seating herself between us, she took one of her daughter's hands, and putting it in mine, said, – Now I flatter myself you will look on Adelaide as your friend. It is true, she has neither your experience nor your understanding; but you well know she would not have been admitted to the sacrament, was I not perfectly sure she is no longer a child; therefore we can now talk before her without constraint, and trust her with our most secret conversations. At these words Adelaide, quite softened, leant gently on her mother's shoulder, and tenderly clasped my hand, which she still held: my aunt continued her discourse, thus – I am now going to reap the fruits of those cares I dedicated to you, my dear Adelaide. I shall never more be compelled to impose penances on you, or humiliating punishments. You will now become my most pleasing companion, and my tenderest friend. On pronouncing these words, my aunt could not refrain from tears. Adelaide threw herself at her feet; and with an expression and sensibility as earnest as it was natural and affecting, said to her happy mother all that the best-founded gratitude could inspire.