ABSTRACT
We will venture to ask any young girl if Lady Adelina’s theatrical contrition did not catch her attention, while Mrs. Stafford’s rational resignation escaped her notice? Lady Adelina is indeed a character as absurd as dangerous. Despair is not repentance, nor is contrition of any use when it does not serve to strengthen resolutions of amendment. The being who indulges useless sorrow, instead of fulfilling the duties of life, may claim our pity, but should never excite admiration; for in such characters there is no true greatness of soul, or just sentiments of religion; indeed this kind of sorrow is rather the offspring of romantic notions and false refinement, than of sensibility and a nice sense of duty. Mrs. Stafford, when disappointed in her husband, turned to her children. We mention this character because it deserves praise.
