I had planned it all, I do assure you; you would have made such a nice couple."
Emily felt any thing but inclined to thank her for this arrangement; however, in spite of Mrs. Opie, it is not always proper to say all one thinks; so she only observed, "You must not blame me—it was my misfortune, not my fault."
"True, true. Poor dear! it was too bad of your aunt to take Francis from you, and so I shall tell her. Going to be married, indeed! and a widow only seven months! I wonder what will become of all her nice new mourning! What shameful waste!"
Before they parted, it was settled that Mrs. Clarke should call on Mrs. Arundel, and join her persuasions to those of Emily. Mr. Boyne Sillery had, excepting one short visit, been away for the last fortnight; and during his absence, she might probably be more open to conviction.
Emily returned home, and passed perhaps one of the most wretched days of her life. Great misfortunes have at least their dignity to support them; but the many and small miseries of life, how they do gall and wear away the spirit! The contrast with the elegance and
