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 in his discontinuing his visits, and soon after marrying somebody else. Penelope makes light of her conduct, but I think such treachery very bad. It has been the ruin of my happiness. I shall never love any man as I loved Purvis, I do not think Tom Musgrave should be named with him in the same day.’

‘You quite shock me by what you say of Penelope,’ said Emma, ‘could a sister do such athing? Rivalry, treachery between sisters! I shall be afraid of being acquainted with her. But I hope it was not so; appearances were against her.'

‘You do not know Penelope. There is nothing she would not do to get married. She would as good as tell you so herself. Do not trust her with any scerets of your own, take warning by me, do not trust her; she has her good qualities, but she has no faith, no honour, no scruples, if she can promote her own advantage. I wish with all my heart she was well married. I declare I had rather have her well married than myself.’

‘Than yourself! yes I can suppose so. A heart wounded like yours can have little inclination for matrimony.’

‘Not much indeed—but you know we must marry. I could do very well single for my own part; a little company, and a pleasant ball now and then, would be cnough for me, if one could be young for ever; but my father cannot provide for us, and it is very bad to grow old and be poor and laughed at. I have lost Purvis, it is true; but very few people marry their first loves, I should not refuse a man