“Betsy has, if Possible, been still More fortunate than her Sister, although you know Bella was always reckoned the Beauty of the Family, though some people certainly preferred Betsy’s Looks too.  She has made a Complete conquest of Major M’Tavish, of the Militia, who, Independent of his rank, which is certainly very High, has also distinguished himself very Much, and showed the Greatest bravery once when there was a Very serious Riot about the raising the Potatoes a penny a peck, when there was no Occasion for it, in the town of Dunoon; and it was very much talked of at the Time, as well as Being in all the Newspapers.  This gives us all the Greatest Pleasure, as I am certain it will also Do Lady Juliana and you, my dear Mary.  At the same time, we Feel very much for poor Babby, and Beenie, and Becky, as they Naturally, and indeed all of us, Expected they would, of Course, be married first; and it is certainly a great Trial for them to See their younger sisters married before them.  At the same Time, they are Wonderfully supported, and Behave with Astonishing firmness; and I Trust, my dear Mary, you will do the Same, as I have no Doubt you will All be married yet, as I am sure you Richly deserve it when it Comes.  I hope I will see you Very soon, as Lady M’Laughlan, I am certain, will Make you most Welcome to call.  We are living in Most elegant Lodgings—­all the Furniture is quite New, and perfectly Good.  I do not know the Name of the street yet, as Lady M’Laughlan, which is no wonder, is not fond of being Asked questions when she is Upon a Journey; and, indeed, makes a Point of never Answering any, which, I daresay, is the Best way.  But, of Course, anybody will Tell you where Sir Sampson Maclaughlan, Baronet, of Lochmarliie Castle, Perthshire, N. B., lives; and, if You are at any Loss, it has a Green door, and a most Elegant Balcony.  I must now bid you adieu, my dear.  Mary, as I Am so soon to See yourself.  Sir Sampson and Lady M’Laughlan unite with Me in Best compliments to the Family at Beech Park.  And, in kind love to Lady Juliana and you, I remain, My dear Mary, your most affectionate Aunt,

GRIZZEL DOUGLAS.

"P.S.—­I have a long letter for you from Mrs. Douglas, which is in my Trunk, that is Coming by the Perth Carrier, and unless he is stopped by the Snow, I Expect he will be here in ten days.”

With the idea of Grizzy was associated in Mary’s mind all the dear familiar objects of her happiest days, and her eyes sparkled with delight at the thoughts of again beholding her.

“Oh! when may I go to Bath to dear Aunt Grizzy?” exclaimed she, as she finished the letter.  Lady Juliana looked petrified.  Then recollecting that this was the first intimation her mother had received of such an event being even in contemplation, she made haste to exculpate her aunt at her own expense, by informing her of the truth.  But nothing could be more unpalatable than the truth; and poor Mary’s short-lived joy was soon turned into the bitterest