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 *possible," said our hero, "but we may have to try a similar experiment, to ascertain our content or discontent. I have no doubt but our fortune will very soon surpass your brother's, and be in a fair way of equalling Sir Edward's." Maria stared. "I don't understand you, my dear, what do you mean? you are certainly castle-building."—"The castle is already built; and now, Maria, I have a very important piece of intelligence to communicate to you." He accordingly explained to her the information he had just received, and gave her the letter to peruse.

To pretend that Maria was so exalted and disinterested, as to grieve at the death of a cousin, who was not peculiarly engaging, with whom she was on no terms of friendship, beyond mere civility and attention; when the departure of that cousin made her husband possessor of six