Page:Lady Anne Granard, or Keeping up Appearances Volume 2.pdf/40

38 by degrees, until the whole being is absorbed in one object, and holds existence as tending to one end. Communion of thoughts, and fears, and hopes, on the most important subjects and doctrines that can affect the human mind and agitate the immortal soul—difficulties that retard, and delicacies that enhance the blessing, long promised but never obtained, form altogether bonds for the heart, from which it can be never wholly exempt so long as life and memory endures—for what may be termed the small fibres, as well as the substantial cordage, contribute to bind it. The habits of seeing through another's eyes, of referring to another's judgment, and using your own on her behalf—of pitying her sorrows or her pains, trembling for her happiness or her life, rejoicing in her joy, and exulting in her excellence—these are the spirit's sacred marriage bonds, rarely felt in their most extensive character, and only felt by the best and noblest of mankind, never broken with impunity, or severed even by death, though time, which tames down all passion, and religion, which controls and purifies all motive, may bestow a sweet and even glorious sunset to a cloudy or tempestuous day—but we return. Miss Granard had always received the kindest attention from her brother-in law, but she remarked that he henceforward paid her more respect than he was wont, and sought to place Isabella more immediately under her surveillance; and, although, in point