Spencer was not long returned from his northern excursion, when the papers informed him of Arbella's marriage with Mr. Sowerby. It piqued his vanity; yet ever equally ready at disguising what he really did feel, or assuming what he did not, he declared, in all companies, his satisfaction at finding, that a girl who had aimed so high, had at length made such a prudent, tolerable, decent sort of a match. Mrs. Stockwell's satisfaction was of a warmer and sincerer nature. Having every cause of discontent removed by her son being, at that time, in pursuit of another lady, she congratulated her niece Arbella with unmingled cordiality, and even went so far as to say that ‘as she was but young at house-keeping, she would not only be happy to give every assistance and advice in her power, but would (provided dear little Mrs. Sowerby was agreeable) spend the first months of her marriage with her.’ This, Arbella, though she continued on perfectly good terms with her aunt, civilly evaded. Not so the advances of her other relations, who were greatly induced, by the wealthy and respectable connexion she had, at length, formed, to overlook her previous slights. Thus divided between the duties she owed her husband, and the attentions required by her new-made friends, Mrs. Sowerby found her good humour and self-consequence return together, and had no longer any room for that gnawing discontent that had wasted her spirits, and preyed upon her peace.

Matilda continued, during the winter, to keep up a regular correspondence with Lady / Strathallan, who flattered her with hopes of seeing her the ensuing summer. To this prospect Miss Melbourne looked forward with serenity, if not with any very lively anticipations of delight; and as the gay season of spring returned, was far from being guilty of that ‘sullenness against nature,’ which refuses to appear sensible of its charms.