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Edmund.

My dear mamma, you are too good to me; but pray do not exert yourself too much; let us defer the concert to another day—until Elinor's birth-day, or even till Laura's; any thing rather than fatigue you.

MRS. BELField.

No, my dear boy, every thing is arranged. Lord Cecil's family cannot be put off, nor yet Mr. Onslow's; therefore let me see you enjoy your selves-it is my greatest happiness.

The family from Castle Coombe arrived about eleven; it consisted of Ladies

E 3

Ladies Sophia and Charlotte Anwyll, and their two brothers, Henry and Edward. Lord Wentworth, the eldest son, did not join the party; he was near eighteen, and the son of a former marriage; his mother was a first cousin of Mrs. Belfield's, and the . young Arthur was very high in her favour. The other children of this family will introduce themselves very shortly I shall only observe, that their mother too was dead; and Lord Cecil had brought his family, at their united entreaties, into Cornwall for a few months.

A Master and Miss Onslow, children

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of a gentleman in the neighbourhood, will likewise speak for themselves.

We are now to suppose the young party assembled in the saloon, proper compliments being past on all sides; and refreshments having been distributed among them all, to refresh them on the water, they set off, attended by the faithful Jones and another manservant, and also Mrs. Belfield's woman and Mrs. Martha.

EDMUND.

Lady Sophia, will you take my arm, and Miss Onslow the other. Come, gentlemen, assist the young ladies; see, my little Anna has already wet

her

her feet. Pray, Jones, assist us to get the ladies into the boat. Come, George, where is your flute? Eliza, here is your mandolin. Now, who are singers amongst us?

EDWARD AN WYLL.

I like "Hoist every sail to the breeze;" 'tis a pretty song, and will suit us, I think: do you know it, Miss Belfield; Sophia and Charlotte can sing it if they will.

ELINOR.

I don't know the song, but remember the tune, which I think very sweet. EDWARD ANWYLL, to Master Onslow.

This is fine playing, Master George

-he puts them all out.

GEORGE,

GEORGE, leaving off.

And suppose I do-'tis worse in you, Sir, to talk when ladies are singing. I play as well as I can; you had better behave as well, I think.

EDWARD ANWYLL, with a smile. You are warm, a little or so, my young Sir. Lend me your flute, and I will shew you how to play that tune.

GEORGE.

No, I never lend

my flute.

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EDWARD.

I don't want your flute-it is not so handsome a one I lay a shilling it did not cost half-a-crown.

GEORGE.

And you would lose your wager, for I

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