"But all these matters must be left to the discretion of your
judgment, which, if well-tempered, will direct them in a fitting
manner; always remembering, the most seemingly insignificant
point that contributes the smallest atom to domestic happiness is
worthy the attention of a truly wise and peace-loving female. It
is better not to be concerned about trifles; but some men, and
men not of particularly small minds either, are very anxious as
to things which appear of no moment: in that case, the best way
is to humour them, and then, by introducing some strong motive,
wile them on to better: this must be done skilfully, or it will
fail of success. A woman's first desire should be her husband's
goodness; her next, his greatness. Matrimony is a bondage, but
one that carries with it the protection which is as necessary to
a woman as the air she breathes; with a tender husband, after a
little time, she will find the chains so overgrown by affection,
which is the woodbine of the moral garden, that, instead of being
enslaved, behold, she finds peace, love, and safety within the
charmed circle.
"I commenced a letter, my sweet friend, yet, I fear me, have
written an homily; but forgive it, Constance, and take it as it
is intended.
"I hear the Lady Frances is with you. I pray you call me to her
remembrance. She is a lively but honourable lady, and I should be
glad that Mr. Rich found favour in the sight of her father; for I
do believe her heart has been fixed, at least more fixed upon him
than upon any other, for some time. We have been passing a few
days in this dear spot--the nest, I may well call it, of our
affections. My husband, in the days of his bachelorhood, had been
cautioned to take heed of Richmond, as a place so fatal to love,
that never any disengaged young person went thither who returned
again free; and I wonder not at it, for there is a sober and most
happy beauty in its very aspect, that tranquillises and composes
the thoughts to gentleness and affection. We have visited our old
music-master, at whose house we both boarded for the practice of
the lute! He was so pleased to find I still studied! observing
that many married ladies relinquished it soon; and he praised my
husband's execution on the viol in no small degree.
"Adieu, my dear young friend. We crave earnestly to be kindly
thought of by him whom your soul 'delighteth to honour!' May the
blessing of the Lord dwell within your house, and sanctify all
things for your good! Such is the prayer of your true and loving
friend, "LUCY HUTCHINSON.