"Then, if it be so, Lady Sefton, I may speak plainly. Candour is a
necessity of Mr Darcy's character and mine. I cannot deny that Charlotte's
imagination was touched, however slightly, by Willoughby's romantic tales
and appearance. Young minds are susceptible--"
Indeed, Sophia, there was a false glitter about him which I, for one,
instantly distrusted; but the inexperience of the young will ever be a
danger. I said as much and she continued:--
"Calm recollection and these frightful events have, however, wrought a
complete cure and a revulsion of feeling which has turned her mind to Mr
Sefton's worth with full appreciation. If later--_much_ later--he
should make an application, I believe he might hope for a success which I
venture not to promise. Her parents are also to blame for incaution. But
the future may yet be all brightness."
As for Henry, his affection is unaltered, and perhaps deepened, by these
occurrences. And it has impressed me, Sophia, that possibly Mr and Mrs
Darcy might have had more exalted aspirations for their lovely heiress
than a mere baronet's son had not this shade fallen on her opening flower.
I think it is the Swan of Avon who observes that there is a soul of
goodness in things evil, and so it may have proved in this instance.
As to Marianne Brandon, the whole affair has cost her a severe illness, in
which she incessantly deplored her own impulsive nature, though all did
their utmost to mitigate the blow. "Shall I never acquire the calm
judgment and sober reason which alone can preserve from such errors?" was
her cry. "Surely I, who have so much reason to distrust the name of
Willoughby, should have hesitated to introduce one of that fatal race to
the notice of friends."
I fear she will never forgive herself; but it may prove a warning to a
being whose only fault is incaution, and a too warm belief in human
nature. The Colonel is, and will be, her unfailing support.
Although nothing definite has yet been said, the Admiral is now inspecting
Hoddesden House, with a view to our young couple's occupation, and I hope
ere long to send you the joyful news of the addition of a daughter to my
comforts.
I should not conclude without dwelling on the danger of insufficient
introductions; and something might also be said of the impiety of
admitting false gods to adorn a Christian library, even as objects of art.
But my Sophia is well able to draw her own conclusions and her
affectionate sister will now, with all good wishes and endearing thoughts,
conclude.