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I have observed that nobody in London inquires about who another is; and

that in company everyone is treated on an equality, unless when there is

some remarkable personal peculiarity, so that one really knows nothing of

those whom one meets But my paper is full, and I must not take another

sheet, as my mother has a letter to send in the same frank to Miss Mally

Glencairn Believe me, ever affectionately yours, RACHEL PRINGLE

The three ladies knew not very hat to e in Rachel's ideas, and that it was not for the

better; and Miss Isabella expressed, with a sentiment of sincere sorrow,

that the acquisition of fortune seeht out some unamiable

traits in her character, which, perhaps, had she not been exposed to the

coreat world, would have slumbered,

unfelt by herself, and unknown to her friends

Mrs Glibbans declared, that it was a waking of original sin, which the

iniquity of London was bringing forth, as the heat of summer causes the

rosin and sap to issue from the bark of the tree In the meantime, Miss

Mally had opened her letter, of which we subjoin a copy

LETTER XX

Mrs Pringle to Miss Mally Glencairn

LONDON

DEAR MISS MALLY--I greatly stand in need of your advise and counsel at

this time The Doctor's affair cooes like snow off a dyke It is not to be told what has been paid

for legacy-duty, and no legacy yet in hand; and we have been obligated to

lift a whole hundred pounds out of the residue, and what that is to be

the Lord only knows But Miss Jenny Macbride, she has got her thousand

pound, all in one bank bill, sent to her; Thoot his five hundred pounds; and auld Nanse Sorrel, that was

nurse to the cornal, she has got the first year of her twenty pounds a