he thought to himself, I do hope the poor old woman has succeeded. Such was the

case, Mary Humphries and her daughter were indeed arrived, and on the following morning, when Mr. Lascelles called to see Margaret, he found them sitting at their work-table, in all the enjoyment of decent life. Esther Humphries had obtained a little work, and was performing with her accustomed neatness, the orders with which some neighbours had favoured her. Mr. Lascelles was very much pleased with the conversation of the mother, and the silent industry of the daughter.

There is no situation, however humble, that entirely excludes enjoyment; the pursuit of the silent duties of life, when those duties are under the Divine blessing, brings pleasure and satisfaction in the performance. We must be careful not to attribute the thorny path, exclusively to God, but remember; "The transgressors make paths for themselves, and walk in the light of their own guilt, and sin usually makes this a painful path; whereas the path of the righteous is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." The husband had been coachman in a great family, and Esther was his only child; she used to linger about the coach-house and stables, while

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the fond father would listen to her entreaties, and let her ride with him on the coach-box, till he drew near the door of the mansion: when some of the goodnatured servants would carefully place the little Esther on firm ground. This indulgence had been granted so often, that it was at last noticed by the young ladies of the family, and when Esther, who was in her sixth year, after one of her rides was returning to her mother, she was met by the youngest daughter, who putting her hand on the infant's head, said, Well, little one, have you had a ride?" had a ride?" Esther's pleading face was covered with blushes, as she replied, "Yes, Ma'am.' She was that sort, of child, whom we sometimes see, without any pretensions to beauty, yet with such a stamp of artlessness, and all the innocence of infancy so fresh upon her, that she made her way immediately, and the whole conversation during the morning ride turned upon Esther, and her fond father: it was settled among themselves, that if her parents would consent, she should form one of a little school newly established, where she would not only learn to read, work, and write, but be trained for future life, according to the natural inclination of her mind. Esther had a most useful active

mother, who had recommended herself by kindness in nursing, and performing other offices for her neighbours; the mistress of the school had among others shared her friendly attentions. Now though we are not about to prove, that gratitude is a prevailing principle; yet we have observed, that those who water shall be watered again, and these attentions on the part of Mary Humphries, had prepared the schoolmistress to take peculiar interest in the improvement of her daughter. The continuance of the child at school, during a series of years, had so completed her education as a work woman, that she executed every thing she undertook with uncommon neatness and ability. Never was a doll dressed so prettily as Esther's, every little slip was turned to some use by the assistance of her needle, and so well done, that it at length attracted the attention of her young mistresses, and it was settled that she should be apprenticed to a mantuamaker: not indeed one of the fashionables, but a neat orderly woman in the neighbourhood, whom they were accustomed to employ. She acquired from this instructress the art of fitting her young ladies, and was continually employed by them till circumstances removed them;

and this happened about the time Margaret Beal sent for her sister.

Before Joseph's departure for his father's dwelling, Michael determined to call on Mr. Jennings, and as he drew near Sizors, Miss Jennings perceived him; she was walking under the shade of her parasol, round a neat little garden in front of the house, in her small lace cap, and certainly had she appeared suitably to the station assigned her by providence, we must have owned she was a fine looking young woman. As it was, we could not help being sorry that the father and the mother laboured early and late to provide for the idleness and vanity of their numerous family. At Mrs. Finch's, Jeriima's eye was on every part of the establishment; but here, to have known the price of butter, or how many cheeses were made in a week, would have been deemed a vulgarity to which they could not stoop.

Michael bowed very coolly as he passed the young lady, and inquired of a dirty, slavish servant, if her master was at home? The girl said, "Yes," and Miss Jennings turning her steps towards the house, was about to lead him to her father. He however declined this favour, and said he would wait, as his business was private. The

farmer soon came out: he was a rough, honest, good looking man, of a very firm temper, not clever, though he understood his business, and applied to it closely. He thought his wife greatly mistaken in her mode of bringing up her daughters, yet was always silenced by, "Leave the girls to me, Mr. Jennings, you mind your boys." So it was, " Well, well," and a shrug, and the matter was settled.

Michael introduced his business with proposing a walk, that they might converse privately, Mr. Jennings secretly rejoicing in the hope of a respectable establishment for one of his daughters, readily accompanied him, and with the cheerfulness of a man who anticipates nothing but pleasure, began to joke with him on the times, how that they farmers should soon ride in their carriages. Michael

smiled, and said, "the times had been good, and no doubt many of them had made fortunes, that it bore hardest on young beginners: my business, Sir," said he, "is to inform you, that I understand my thoughtless brother, Joseph, has been endeavouring to recommend himself in your family, not considering the distinction that is to be made between the daughters of a substantial farmer, and the son of a labouring man: and I think it right, Sir,