Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/188

180 just in the degree that the end selfishly regards external things, it is not difficult to perceive that, if a young lady’s money have been the principal virtue in the eyes of her lover, a marriage with him must result in disappointment, and, perhaps, in the most heartfelt misery. One, therefore, who has the misfortune (shall we say?) to inherit riches, needs to be more watchful than any other, lest her hand be yielded to one who thinks more of her wealth than of her person and virtues. She will be in less danger from accepting the hand of one, born, like herself, to the possession of wealth, if he be virtuous, high-minded, and actively engaged in some useful employment as a professional man, or merchant, than in accepting the hand of one whose external condition is unequal to her own. In the former case, tastes, habits, and social relations, will be more equal, and the chances of happiness much more in her favor. But, if she believe herself to be sincerely loved for herself alone, by one who possesses intelligence, manly virtue, and tastes that harmonize with her own, and she truly and sincerely love him in return, let her accept the offer of his hand, even if he have not a tithe of the wealth that has fallen to her lot.

In marriage there should always exist a