fjgi. letter from Isabella to Alhert, t'JJ 



fare as in that of my own daughters ; and were I 

 not convinced that the acquiring a habit of industry 

 at an early period of life, was of the utmost conse- 

 quence to female happinefs, believe me, I never 

 fliould have bestowed half the pains about it I have 

 done. 



" If we were all certain that we fliould die young, 

 I fhould not have thought this a matter of great im- 

 portance ; for at an early period of life our minds are 

 so volatile and flighty, — there are so many new ob- 

 jects to attract our attention, — and nature has attach- 

 ed such power to the charms of youth, — and others 

 are then so much disposed to bear with follies and 

 impertinencies from us, as to make life pafs very 

 smoothly on at that period, even where no durable 

 fund, or sources of amusement have been prepared. 

 But when years steal on, the world will no longer tole- 

 rate girliflj impertinencies ; the adulation which youth 

 and beauty obtain, begins to subside ; and amusements 

 of another sort become necefsary even in the prime of 

 life. But when old age approaches, a woman who has 

 not accustomed herself to find amusement in work 

 of one sort or other, becomes the most uncomfor- 

 table being imaginable. She is no longer able to par- 

 take in active amusements abroad ; iLe is deserted 

 at home ; solitude becomes a burden flie cannot sup- 

 port ; and flie has scarcely an alternative left, but 

 either to betake herself to the card table or the clo- 

 set." 



I fhuddered at this recital. " You seem to be 

 startled, my dear, at this Ihocking description ; but 

 be not afraid, there i^ no necefsitj for being reduced 



