intelligent countenance of her eldest son, who was the very picture of his brave father, half-breathing a sigh for those she was deprived of.

I shall now describe some scenes, and bring you more intimately acquainted with my favourites, by leaving them to speak for themselves.

It was a very fine morning in June, and the birth-day of Edmund; he was fourteen.

Time, before Six o'Clock,

MORNING.

Scene, the Lawn before the House,

Anna and Eliza were very busily employed in folding something in silver paper; Elinor was earnestly teaching the little Laura some lines to sing under Edmund's window; and George poring over the notes of the air which he meant to accompany her in on a very nice little flute, the gift of Elinor on his last birth-day. Elinor seemed to have left nothing undone herself, but was anxious all should be ready to greet

greet her Edmund. At length the great clock struck six; the whole party assembled under their brother's window. Laura began her little serenade, accompanied by George's flute; the melody of her tones were very fine, and George was attentive and quite correct; in the chorus they were joined by Elinor, Anna, and Eliza; and as they all chaunted forth,

Edmund flew to embrace and thank them; he caught little Laura in his

arms,

arms, and bidding Elinor take hold of his arm, they set off to amuse themselves until breakfast.

ELINOR.

I have a present for you, Edmund; will you promise to wear it for my

sake? set down Laura, and look at it.

EDMUND.

What is this, Elinor? have

you in

deed painted this for me? oh, goodElinor, how can I thank you! I will always wear it, when I am grown a man, but now, how can I?

LAURA.

O brother, I have made a pretty chain of ribbon, on purpose to tie it,

and

and mamma said she would hang it round your neck; wont you like my chain as well as Elinor's picture?

ANNA and ELIZA, taking each a hand of Edmund.

ANNA.

From us you can have but one present, my brother, because we can feel that we are the same, and have no separate choice; take then this purse; it is our united gift; we both worked on it equally; say, will you love it

for us?

ELIZA.

Will you, dear Edmund?

EDMUND,