Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/314

312 sense of the mutability of all human affairs, an extreme solicitude to please the object of our choice, or, perhaps, the impression left by past afflictions, which have threatened to sever us from it, leaves a sense of fear and anxiety, incompatible with present enjoyment. The general cause of depression to a bride, on that most awful day, arises from her leaving the paternal home, withdrawing herself from those dear and tender arms, which have hitherto protected her from every evil, bestowed on her every indulgence, read her wishes in her eyes, and never disappointed them, save to ensure her happiness. No wonder such brides weep and tremble at the unknown world on which they are entering; no wonder they look inquiringly to him, whom they have promised to obey, as if to read how much he will demand. From emotions of this nature, Lady Anne Granard's daughters were all most happily exempt; and although the sweet seriousness of shrinking modesty, and of devout gratitude to Heaven, overspread their countenances, Helen and Georgiana were truly happy; and each, after rising from their elegant and abundant déjeûné, prepared to set out, with their future partners, in