CHAP. VII.

MORE than a week had elapsed without any thing happening to our young friends worthy of remark. They had once or twice seen the family at the parsonage; and every time felt more pleased with its inmates.

Mrs. Stanly was perfectly satisfied with the progress they made in their different studies; for Emma had kept to the good resolutions she had formed in the chaise, and never gave her aunt occasion to reprimand her for negligence or inattention.

One morning, after they had performed their various duties, Mrs. Stanly drew from her pocket three notes; presenting one to each of her nieces and her daughter, said with a smile, this, I think, will be an agreeable surprise, as I am certain you did not expect to receive tickets for a ball. What say you; are you ready for a hop?

They all joyfully answered in the affirma

tive; but agreed in wishing that the invitation had come from any one else than from Miss Freeport, from whom they received it.

But let me see when it is, said Augusta, eagerly looking over her card. Oh! the seventeenth-that must be the day after to-morrow. Come, then, let us put on our bonnets directly, and run to the parsonage to see if they are invited. May we, mama?

Mrs. Stanly. I have no objection to your walking there quietly, but I must beg you will not run; for if you overheat yourselves and take cold, you will not be able to go to the dance. You may at the same time inform Mrs. Mason that you will call for her daughters, as my carriage will take you all.

They promised to obey her injunctions; and set out arm in arm talking and laughing all the way, till they reached their place of destination.

Helen ran out to meet them; and they had soon the satisfaction of hearing that their friends were all to be of the party. I was wishing you would come, said the lively girl,

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for we can practise nicely now; we are just three couple.

Come, Mr. Charles, stand up this moment with Augusta, Julia shall have Emma, and I will take Caroline; but, stay for me one moment, (running out and returning immediately with an old wig and a hat). There, Julia, you must wear the hat, and I the wig-now we shall go on famously! I think I ought to begin, as my wig looks the most respectable.

Charles. What a madcap you are! It is impossible for us to dance, whilst you and Julia look such strange figures. Only see how you have made Augusta and her cousins laugh.

Helen. Oh! never mind; they will be better presently. Come, I will hum a tune, and give out the figure.

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The young people made several vain attempts to dance; but every now and then, catching a view of Helen, they burst into immoderate fits of laughter; in the midst of one of these Mr. and Mrs. Mason entered the room.

After speaking kindly to Augusta and her, cousins, Mrs. Mason, turning gravely to her daughters, said, my dear children, why have you thus disguised yourselves? Do you not know, added Mr. Mason, that a person often greatly suffers by being once seen in a ludicrous light; because ideas are then associated in the minds of the spectators, which perhaps can never afterwards be wholly parted. Thus, should strangers see you in this dress, might they not ever after connect something light and ridiculous with your character. Nay, (seeing them look extremely. disconcerted) I do not wish to interrupt your amusements: continue to dance, as I think it a pleasing healthy exercise; but always remember to let propriety be joined with your mirth.

After this, Mr. Mason left the room; and the young ones having taken off their unbecoming decorations, again tried to dance. But poor Helen, hurt by the reproof she had. received from her father, found her voice too unsteady to continue her employment of mu sician; which the others perceiving, immedi ately proposed sitting down.

Augusta then delivered her mama's message to Mrs. Mason, respecting their calling for Julia and Helen. To which proposal Mrs. Mason gladly acquiesced.

George then said, as our spirits are not so high as they were, suppose we all turn merchants, and tell, as well as we are able, of what our different clothes are made, and from whence they come.

Augustu. With all my heart.

Julia and Helen. And mine.
Caroline. I will try what I can do.

Emma. I am fearful I shall be able to say but little.

George. I will begin. The cloth of my coat is made of wool, manufactured princi pally in Yorkshire. The best wools for the purpose are those of Spain and England. When the wool is well cleaned, it is beat out, then spun into threads; these threads are wove into cloth. It is then again cleaned, and the nap raised by rubbing it backwards and for wards with the rough headed weed, called teazle: it is afterwards finished by dying. Now, Julia, it is your turn.