"How little every thing is," said Barbara, as they alighted at the cottage, "but very pretty though." 66 Pray come and see my garden," said Ellen, all impatience to visit it herself; but Miss Harcourt moved slowly. She had no taste for flowers, nor indeed for any thing in the country. Pray," said she to Clara, "what sort of neighbours have you? any quizzes ?” 66 "I do not know exactly who you mean," answered Clara; " but I am sure mama will have pleasure in showing you all the beauties of the neighbourhood; and I dare say, she will make some parties for us.” "Oh," said Barbara," that is not what I meant; it is your family I am come to see; and my papa does not chuse I should visit every body." Ellen, who had by this time satisfied herself that all was right in her little domain, and recollected it could not be equally interesting to her friend, now proposed showing her to the little apartment she was always for the future to consider her own, and here she left her to arrange her dress, always an important concern to Barbara. Order, cheerfulness, and regularity reigned in this little abode, and to Miss Harcourt the scene was new. They rose early the next morning, and began the day with family prayers, and reading a chapter in the Testament. After breakfast they pursued some useful employment for two or three hours, after which a little chaise kept for the accommodation of Mrs. Mordaunt, came to the door, while the young ladies prepared to walk by her side. On their return they were to call at the Parsonage, to the inmates of which they were all much attached. As they proceeded, the beauty of the prospects, and the fineness of the morning, called forth continued exclamations of delight from the Miss Mordaunts. Even the insects that winged their flight through the air, or crept under their feet, and the flowers that grew in wild profusion around them, arrested their steps, and excited their admiration. "What can you see in those nasty reptiles, and stinking weeds?" said Barbara. "We see," answered Ellen, "the wonderful, beautiful, and varied works of our Great Creator! How beautiful and varied you little know! We have a microscope at home, and I will show you, when we return, that this common fly is far more wonderful, and equally complete in its formation, as an ox, or an elephant; and that even this thistle is equally curious and useful. But now, dear Barbara, as you do not yet enter into these tastes, suppose we try to draw that picturesque-looking tree." "No," said her friend, "I am sure I cannot take any thing from nature. It is quite different from the patterns I am used to." "But how much more interesting! and easier than you think; do let us try?" C "No," said Barbara, "it is no use for me to try; you will be sure to do it better than I can. You are so much cleverer, that I see I must make up my mind to be always in the back ground." "Never mind, " said Clara; "I shall keep you company, for I do nothing well; only you must like botany, and let me teach you. I have such a nice collection at home, all dried by myself; I call it the Hortus Clara.' I hate gardens and fine flowers, but to run wild in woods and fields, seeking every day something new; and then to wonder what it can be, and go hunting through the great books, for mama never will tell me, to find it out at last, and wear it in triumph in my hair for the rest of the day; oh that is delightful! " Barbara began to think there must be something attractive in a pursuit that induced the giddy Clara to take so much trouble; therefore, as she foresaw she should have some difficulty in filling up her time at the cottage, she resolved, particularly as she heard it was the fashion in London, to try what she could make of botany. The inhabitants of the Parsonage welcomed their young friends with great affection. Miss Stanhope had been educated at home. She was amiable, affectionate, and lively; and Barbara thought she now perceived that the reason why Ellen had so long refused to give to her the title of friend, was, because it had already been allotted to Caroline. Jealousy, however, was not one of her faults, and she did full justice to the pleasing qualities of her new acquaintance. Indeed, there was a great resemblance between them; and had Barbara possessed the same advantages, she would have been equally good and happy. The Rector of Ashford was in easy circumstances, and in every respect an honour to the church of which he was a member. His wife was worthy of him; and their joint authority rendered this well-regulated household the abode of peace, benevolence, and piety. A ward of Dr. Stanhope, Edward Montague, occasionally resided with his guardian, and was now on a visit to the house. He was a retired, interesting youth, apparently devoted to study, but, from his amiable disposition, a universal favourite of the family. Alfred, the Doctor's only son, was likewise at home intended, at his own desire, for a sailor, he always fancied himself in love, and when introduced to Miss Harcourt, who, delighted with his gaiety, paid him great attention, he attached himself to her side, and resolved to lay his laurels at her feet. The whole family received Ellen's friend as their own; and several little parties were immediately arranged in honor of her. In these, every one was bound to contribute in some way to the amusement or instruction of the rest; and whether they were tempted |