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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827 Excerpt:... with one rough blast: cradled in affluence, she knows not the thousand difficulties to which a reverse of fortune would subject her. She thinks her wants are few, because she is not aware of the various engines which are daily at work to prevent her being sensible of any. Compare her situation with that of the female peasant, whose real modesty may indeed be as shrinking and as sensitive, yet whose habits are of a totally different kind. She has been accustomed to the change of seasons; the wind may blow "as it listeth," it affects neither her frame nor her spirits.. Her nerves are braced to labour; she earns her bread with cheerfulness, and her simple wants are easily supplied. Mr. Arlington, after the first introduction, sought the society of Ellen in every place. To Mrs. Elmsley he was politely attentive, who, not suspecting the real magnet of attraction, gave him a general invitation to her house; and he not only now made one of every party, but even their morning walks or drives must be enlivened by his presence. Thus perpetually in his society, Ellen could not long remain insensible to the impassioned ardour of looks, which told her, though in silent yet persuasive language, that she was beloved. Mrs. Elmsley was deceived, but she was deceived by her own vanity; had she not been thus blinded, she could not have failed to perceive the real state of the case. Miss Mansel was too watchful to be deceived; she understood the situation of the parties better than themselves. To her surprise and vexation, she saw the flame kindling in the bosom of Mrs. Elmsley, as well as in the breast of the young and unconscious Ellen. She had not watched the looks of Mr. Arlington in vain; and before either he or Ellen had dared to whisper to themselves their he...