Page:The life of Charlotte Brontë (IA lifeofcharlotteb02gaskrich).pdf/272

 which the changes are rung even to weariness. But I suppose one must not heed it, or think the case singular. Nor, I am afraid, must one expect her to improve. I read in a French book lately, a sentence to this effect, that 'marriage might be defined as the state of two-fold selfishness.' Let the single therefore take comfort. Thank you for Mary's letter. She does seem most happy; and I cannot tell you how much more real, lasting, and better-warranted her happiness seems than ever 's did. I think so much of it is in herself, and her own serene, pure, trusting, religious nature. 's always gives me the idea of a vacillating, unsteady rapture, entirely dependent on circumstances with all their fluctuations. If Mary lives to be a mother, you will then see a greater difference.

"I wish you, dear E., all health and enjoyment in your visit; and, as far as one can judge at present, there seems a fair prospect of the wish being realised. "Yours sincerely, 2em