128. from Isabella to Albert. Nov. 28. 
gradually fallen into habits that blasted their happi- 
nefs in this world for ever, even where the heart it- 
self was naturally just, beneficent, and kind.” 
Here fhe stopped. A solemn silence ensued for se- 
veral minutes. We were all deeply affected with what 
fhe said. My mind retraced my past conduct. I 
felt, to my fhame and regret, that I had on many oc~ 
casions been inattentive to these circumstances, espe- 
cially while I was at the boarding school, where I 
met with so many objects that chagreened my temper. 
I was alarmed lest these uselefs indulgences had made 
imprefsions already on my countenance, that could 
not be effaced._My eyes accidentally were turned 
~towards Mary ; but hers met mine with such an en- 
couraging mildnefs of sympathy, that IJ felt a plea- 
sure greater than J can exprefs. Mrs D. at that _ 
moment resumed her discourse. 
‘‘ J was pretty far advanced in life,” said the, 
‘* before I had adverted to these things myself; but — 
I had the happinefs 'to live with parents whose kind- © 
nefs and judicious conduct to me, would have left 
me without excuse, if J had ever fallen into fits of 
ill humour. Being happy at home, I had little 
‘temptation of falling into excefses, that many of my 
companions could with greater difficulty avoid. 
But I recollect perfectly the circumstance that first 
led my mind into the train of thought I now pur- 
sue. 
“‘ Soon after I was married, as I attended a so- 
Jemn confirmation in the church, where the bifhop 
officiated, [a confirmation, said fhe to me, my dear, 
is a sacred rite in our church, by which young persons 
ee ee 
