I remember that you once made an observation, which you said, you was
obliged to Mrs. Norton for, and she to her father, upon an excellent
preacher, who was but an indifferent liver: 'That to excel in theory,
and to excel in practice, generally required different talents; which
did not always meet in the same person.' Do you, my dear (to whom
theory and practice are the same thing in almost every laudable
quality), apply the observation to yourself, in this particular case,
where resolution is required; and where the performance of the will of
the defunct is the question--no more to be dispensed with by you, in
whose favour it was made, than by any body else who have only
themselves in view by breaking through it.

I know how much you despise riches in the main: but yet it behoves you
to remember, that in one instance you yourself have judged them
valuable--'In that they put it into our power to lay obligations;
while the want of that power puts a person under a necessity of
receiving favours--receiving them perhaps from grudging and narrow
spirits, who know not how to confer them with that grace, which gives
the principal merit to a beneficent action.'--Reflect upon this, my
dear, and see how it agrees with the declaration you have made to your
aunt and sister, that you would not resume your estate, were you to be
turned out of doors, and reduced to indigence and want. Their very
fears that you will resume, point out to you the necessity of resuming
upon the treatment you meet with.

I own, that (at first reading) I was much affected with your mother's
letter sent with the patterns. A strange measure however from a
mother; for she did not intend to insult you; and I cannot but lament
that so sensible and so fine a woman should stoop to so much art as