don't know what could be the matter with me; I was so very low, and felt really ill. It was even a trouble to speak. The settling of our little plans, all looked so much in earnest, that I began reflecting more seriously than I generally do, or approve of. I don't think that very thoughtful people can ever be happy. As this is my maxim, adieu to all thoughts. I have made a determination to be pleased with everything and with everybody in Edinburgh,- a wise system for happiness, is it not? I enclose the lock. I have had almost all my hair cut off. Miss Nicholson has taken some, which she has sent to London to be made into something, but this you are not to know of, as she intends it as a present for you. I am happy to hear of your father's being better pleased as to money matters; it will come at last, don't let that trifle disturb you. Adieu, Monsieur. J'ai l'honneur d'être votre très humble et très Obéissante C. C. The Same to the Same. CARLISLE, Nov. 27, 1797. You have made me very triste all day. Pray, never more complain of being poor. Are you not ten times richer than I? Depend upon yourself and your profession. I have no doubt you will rise very high, and be a great rich man, but we should look down to be contented with our lot and banish all disagreeable thoughts. We shall do very well. I am sorry to hear you have such a bad head; I hope I shall nurse away all your aches. I think you write too much; when I am mistress I shall not allow it. How very angry I should be with you if you were to part with Leonore!1 Do you really believe I should think it an unnecessary expense where your health and pleasure could be concerned? I have a better opinion of you, and I am very glad you don't give up the cavalry, as I love anything that is stylish. Don't forget to find a stand for the old carriage, as I shall like to keep it in case we go on any journey; it is so much more convenient than the postchaises, and will do very well till we can keep our carriage. What an idea of yours that was to mention where you wish to have your bones laid! If you were married I should think you were tired of me. A very pretty compliment before marriage! I hope sincerely I shall not live to see that day. If you always have such cheerful thoughts, how 1 Scott's horse, named for Burger's ballad, which he had just translated. very pleasant and gay you must be! Adieu, my dearest friend; take care of yourself if you love me, as I have no wish that you should visit that beautiful and romantic scene, the burying-place. Adieu, once more, and believe that you are loved very sincerely by C. C. The Same to the Same. CARLISLE, Dec. 10, 1797. IF I could but really believe that my letter only gave you half the pleasure you express, I almost think, my dearest Scott, that I should get very fond of writing, just to indulge you, that is saying a great deal. I hope you are sensible of the compliment I pay you, and don't expect I shall always be so pretty behaved. You may depend on me, my dearest friend, for fixing as early a day as I possibly can, and if it happens not to be so soon as you could wish, you must not be angry with me. It is very unlucky you are such a bad housekeeper, as I am no better. I shall try. I hope very soon to have the pleasure of seeing you, and of telling you how much I love you; but I wish the first fortnight was over. With all my love, and all sorts of pretty things, adieu. CHARLOTTE. P. S. Étudiez votre Français. Remember you are to teach me Italian in return, but I shall be a stupid scholar. The Same to the Same. CARLISLE, Dec. 14, 1797. I HEARD last night from my friends in London, and I shall certainly have the deed this week. I will send it to you directly; but not to lose so much time as you have been reckoning, I will postpone any little delay that might happen by the post by fixing next Wednesday for your coming here, and on Thursday, the 21st, O my dear Scott, on that day I shall be yours forever. C. C. P. S. Arrange so that we shall see none of your family the night of our arrival. I shall be so tired and such a fright, I shall not be seen to advantage. Leigh Hunt to his Betrothed. This letter was written by LEIGH HUNT to his betrothed three or four years before their marriage, when he was just beginning to be known in literary and journalistic circles. He was not more than twenty-two when he was engaged to be married, and his Marienne at this date could not have been more than sixteen, so that the faults of handwriting and blotting about which he lectures her, may be pardoned in one who was still a school-girl. GAINSBOROUGH, Thursday, DEAREST GIRL, - My journey to Doncaster is deferred till next week, so I sit down to write you a day earlier than I intended, in order that you may have two letters instead of one this week to make up for former deficiencies. A very heavy rain last night has made the snow vanish from the fields, which look delightfully green this morning. I walked out to enjoy the lively air and the universal sunshine, and seated myself with a book on the gateway at the bottom of a little eminence covered with evergreens, a little way from Gainsborough. It seemed the return of spring; a flock of sheep were grazing before me, and cast up every now and then their inquiring visages as much as to say, "What singular being is that so intent upon the mysterious thin substance he is turning over with his hand?" The crows at intervals came wheeling with long cawings above my head; the herds lowed from the surrounding farms; the windmills whirled to the breeze, flinging their huge and rapid shadows on the fields; and the river Trent sparkled in the sun from east |