tunate hit; for that he had known even ftranger things than that brought to bear. She hoped again to fee the day in which we might hold up our heads with the best of them; and concluded, fhe protested. fhe could fee no reason why the two Mifs Wrinklers fhould marry great fortunes, and her children get none. As this laft argument was directed to me, I protested I could fee no reafon for it neither, nor why Mr. Simpkins got the ten thousand pound prize in the lottery, and we fate down with a blank. I proteft, Charles,' cried my wife, this is the way you always damp my girls and me when we are in

16

you

fpirits. Tell me, Sophy, my dear, what 'do you think of our new vifitor? Don't think he feemed to be good-natured?" Immenfely fo, indeed, mamma,' replied fhe, I think he has a great deal to fay upon every thing, and is never at a lofs; and the more trifling the subject, • the more he has to fay.'-—“Yes,' cried Olivia, he is well enough for a man; but for my part, I don't much

like him, he is fo extremely impudent and familiar; but on the guitar he is 'fhocking.' These two laft fpeeches I interpreted by contraries. I found by this, that Sophia internally despised, as much as Olivia fecretly admired him. Whatever may be your opinions of him, my 'children,' cried I, to confefs a truth, he has not prepoffeft me in his favour. Difproportioned friendships ever terminate in difguft: and I thought, notwithstanding all his eafe, that he feemed perfectly fenfible of the diftance between us. Let us keep to companions of our < own rank. There is no character more 6 contemptible than a man that is a fortune-hunter; and I can see no reason why fortune hunting women fhould not be contemptible too. Thus, at best, we fhall be contemptible if his views are honourable; but if they be otherwife! I • should shudder but to think of that! It is true, I have no apprehenfions from the conduct of my children, but I think CA there

there are fome from his character.'-I would have proceeded, but for the interruption of a fervant from the 'Squire, who, with his compliments, fent us a fide of venison, and a promife to dine with us fome days after. This well-timed prefent pleaded more powerfully in his favour, than any thing I had to fay could obviate. I therefore continued filent, fatisfied with juft having pointed out danger, and leaving it to their own difcretion to avoid it. That virtue which requires to be ever guarded, is fcarce worth the centinel.

CHAP. VI.

The happiness of a country fire-fide.

A

S we carried on the former difpute

with fome degree of warmth, in order to accommodate matters, it was univerfally agreed, that we should have a part of the venison for fupper, and the girls undertook the task with alacrity.. I am forry,' cried I, that we have no neigh'bour or stranger to take part in this good cheer: feasts of this kind acquire a double relish from hofpitality.''Bless me,' cried my wife,

here comes our good friend Mr. Burchell, that faved. our Sophia, and that run you down fairly in the argument.' Confute me int argument, child!' cried I. • You miftake there, my dear. I believe there are but few that can do that: I never difpute

6

your abilities at making a goofe-pye, ⚫ and I beg you'll leave argument to me." -As I spoke, poor Mr. Burchell entered the house, and was welcomed by the family, who shook him heartily by the hand, while little Dick officiously reached him a , chair.

I was pleased with the poor man's friendship for two reafons; because I knew that he wanted mine, and I knew him to be friendly as far as he was able. He was known in our neighbourhood by the character of the poor Gentleman that would do no good when he was young, though he was not yet thirty. He would at intervals talk with great good sense; but in general he was fondeft of the company of children, whom he ufed to call harmless. little men. He was famous, I found, for finging them ballads, and telling them ftories; and feldom went out without fomething in his pockets for them, a piece of ginger-bread, or an half-penny whistle.

He