very creditable, common-place, amplifying style, so that a very little matter was enough for her: she could not do entirely without any; she must have something to write about, even to her niece; and being so soon to lose all the benefit of Dr. Grant's gouty symptoms and Mrs. Grant's morning calls, it was very hard upon her to be deprived of one of the last epistolary uses she could put them to.

There was a rich amends, however, preparing for her. Lady Bertram's hour of good luck came.

Within a few days from the receipt of Edmund's letter, Fanny had one from her aunt, beginning thus —

“My Dear Fanny, — I take up my pen to communicate some very alarming intelligence, which I make no doubt will give you much concern”.