Augusta. I think exactly as you do; tulips were never great favourites of mine. A hyacinth is certainly far superior, having a delightful perfume, as well as being a beautiful flower.

Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Stanly now entered the room, and the tea coming in soon after, the conversation became general. In the course of it Mrs. Mason informed Mrs. Stanly that Mr. and Mrs. Freeport with their daughter were expected every day at the great house. I shall be happy to see them again, added she, as they are very sensible intelligent people; and in this small place every agreeable addition to our society is welcome.

Mrs. Stanly joined with her in expressing her pleasure at their return, as she felt a great regard for Mrs. Freeport, having been acquainted with her in her younger days. With respect to Mr. Freeport she was silent; knowing his amiable wife spent many uneasy hours on his account, as he was proud and overbearing in his family. His servants and dependants trembling at his frown; whilst in company he appeared every thing that was affectionate and

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kind; making his wife feel his unkindness still more keenly when left alone with him.

Mrs. Freeport had still another source of uneasiness in her daughter Lucy, who, far from following her amiable example, was like her father, proud and haughty; treating every one she considered her inferior with the most marked contempt. In vain did her mother point out to her the folly of such conduct; in vain did she strive to convince her how many enemies she would make in the world by behaviour so detestable. Lucy was deaf to her remonstrances; and continued by her undutiful conduct to pain the heart of the best of mothers. Such was the state of the family when they left the country. Mrs. Stanly feared she should find her friend still labouring under the same depression of spirits as when they parted; for the unworthiness of her daughter, joined to the brutality of her husband, had given a mortal stab to the peace as well as to the health of Mrs. Freeport; who, though she strove to appear cheerful while with her friends, was evidently labouring under a decline.

They had not long resided in that neigh, bourhood, which made Mrs. Mason so completely unacquainted with the character of Mr. Freeport. That of the young lady it was impossible to conceal.

Well, said Helen, I cannot say I am very happy to hear of their return; for, whenever we go to the castle, Miss Freeport is so proud, that she will scarcely speak to us: and when she does, she seems to think it such a favour, that I would rather by half stay at home.

Augusta. I really believe she only sends for us, that she may have the pleasure of shewing us all the fine things she buys in London.

Julia. But her mother is so good-natured, and speaks so kindly to us; and when her daughter tries to humble us, the sweetness of her manner raises us again: when this has been the case, I have often seen the tears in her eyes, and have longed to throw my arms round her neck and to have kissed them off again.

Mrs. Stanly. You are a good girl, and will, I am certain, never cause your mother to shed a tear on your account. But I believe it is

time for us to put on our bonnets, or we shall not reach home before the sun sets.

The children rose to obey her; but Mrs. Mason would not hear of their departure till they had partaken of a syllabub which awaited them in the garden. They needed not many intreaties, but followed their kind conductor to the bower, where they cheerfully partook of the treat, and departed highly delighted with their visit. When they retired to rest, they could talk of nothing but the pleasant afternoon they had spent; and the agreeable days they hoped to spend with their new friends. Well, said Caroline, I think I never saw so happy a family;-every one seems anxious to oblige the other. And Mr. and Mrs. Mason are so fond of their children, and yet keep them in such good order! How mild was the reproof Mrs. Mason gave Helen for throwing down the table! I felt I almost loved her from the moment I saw her.

Emma. And so did I. Did you observe how pleased she looked at Julia whilst she was speaking of Mrs. Freeport and Lucy?—the tears almost came into her eyes.

Augusta. I am certain that Lucy Freeport, with all her fine things, never felt half the pleasure that Julia Mason experienced at that moment. I would rather by half be the one than the other. But good night. As we intend getting up early to-morrow morning, I think we had better not waste any more time in talking, but go to sleep.