""Purity of Heart or The Ancient Costume: A Tale"" is a novel written by an anonymous author who identifies herself only as ""An Old Wife of Twenty Years."" The book was first published in 1816 and tells the story of a young woman named Emily who is torn between two suitors: the wealthy and handsome Mr. Stanley and the kind and virtuous Mr. Elford. Emily's mother, who is obsessed with social status and wealth, encourages her to choose Mr. Stanley,...