ville felt how much her sister was her superior. Far from dreading to meet her aunt, she is pleased with the idea, (whispered she to herself) while I tremble to think of the opinion she will form of me. For the future, however, I will study to deserve her esteem; and by my attention to her instructions I may perhaps merit it. These good resolutions soon dispelled her dejection, and the pleased Caroline had the satisfaction of observing a smile again appear on her countenance.

Nothing material occurred during the remainder of their journey. In the evening of the third day the chaise turned into a well planted pleasure ground, in the midst of which stood their aunt's elegant mansion.

Mrs. Stanly welcomed them to Bellfield, the name of her seat, with all the tenderness and affection of a mother. The sisters looked delighted at each other as they followed her into the drawing-room. After they had been seated some time, Mrs. Stanly observing them looking anxiously towards the door, and guessing their thoughts, said, with a smile, "you doubtless wonder that you have not

seen your cousin. She was very sorry to leave home the day I expected you; but a young friend of her's, who is ill, sent for her this morning, and she would not disappoint her by excusing herself. I shall expect her early to-morrow, as I know she will be anxious to see you. But, added Mrs. Stanly, (rising and ringing the bell) you must be fatigued after your long journey; I will order an early supper, and to-morrow I shall hope to see you perfectly refreshed.

Oh! how happy shall we live here, exclaimed they to each other, as they entered their chamber: dear Ann, you will soon see mamma, tell her how kind our good aunt is to us! Tell her how happy we are! and how good we mean to be, added Caroline, as the servant closed the door. The sisters chatted together for a few minutes, but being both tired, they were soon in a sound sleep.

R

CHAP. II.

THE next morning the sisters were awakened by hearing a light step in their room, the curtains of their bed were presently undrawn, and they beheld standing by the side of it a lovely girl of about fourteen years of age. In an instant they were in each other's arms. My dear cousins, exclaimed Augusta Stanly, (for it was her) I am fearful I have disturbed you; but my impatience to see you was so great, I could not be persuaded by mama to wait till you should come down stairs. But telling her I might perhaps be of some service to you in dressing, I left her preparing breakfast, and here I am ready to do any thing in my power to assist you.

"Emma. You are very kind, my dear cousin; "but having been accustomed to assist each "other, we need not trouble you."--They arose immediately, and being soon dressed, they descended together to the breakfast parlour,

where they found Mrs. Stanly waiting for them. They were received by her in the kindest manner; she was pleased to see them look so well and after their repast, told her daughter she must amuse her cousins, by shewing them every thing worthy their notice in or about the house.

Come, then, said Augusta, in the first place I will shew you my book-case; if you are fond of reading, I am sure you will be pleased with it, for my dear indulgent mother has lately given me several new publications. I have not yet read them all; but those that I have, I have been delighted with.

And so shall I, said Caroline, I dare say; for I really believe I could read from morning till night.

Augusta. And are you also, dear Emma, as fond of reading?

Emma (blushing). I do not doubt but I shall soon be as fond of it as you are.

Augusta. Oh! that you will I am certain, when you have read a little with mama. She is never tired of explaining those parts which we cannot comprehend; and makes the

most uninteresting work entertaining, by the pleasing anecdotes with which she intersperses it. And then she points out beauties, which I should pass over without attention did she not make me perceive them.

Curoline. Ah! how happy you are in having so kind a mother!

Emma. I never read to my mama in my life.

Caroline. Because she gets up so very late, and then she has only time to dress, before she goes out to pay morning visits; and what with plays, operas, and company at home, poor mama has very little time to think of

us.

Augusta. Oh! it is so very different living in the country, and in London.

Emma. And yet I am certain that she loves us dearly; for (with emotion) I never shall forget the tears she shed over us when we *parted.

Augusta. I hope you will not be dull here; for we visit but little, except it is with the rector's family, and we see them very often. There, (pointing with her finger) do you not