in every respect determined to appear a suitable partner, trusting that he would comprehend her feelings, and in time reward them. She now knew what she had to dread; no circumstance could arise to her in future life so pungent in its inflictions as that which she had passed through.
Perhaps she was right; the more acute suffering was passed, and the rival in her grave was less to be dreaded than she had been in life; nevertheless, there was much to fear, for, when we are unwise enough to compare the living with the dead (since the grave hallows its victims, shrouding their faults and beatifying their virtues), the living are seldom deemed their equals. The impressions made in early life are so vivid, and those of poor Glentworth had been so reiterated and woven, as it were, into his nature, they were never likely to be erased, and his standard of excellence was so high, it was not to be expected any second woman could ever reach it till he had forgotten the first, who had all the advantages of his own young imagination to assist her attractions.
Isabella had this advantage, that the only person to whom she could speak at all, was one to whom she could speak freely, and who really felt for her. and acted towards her, as if she were a daughter, transferring the regard he had felt for Margarita to one whose meekness and firmness, unbounded love and unhesitating obedience, made him earnestly desire her welfare. That he understood her well, and spoke very
