and spirits, that in a short time no vestiges of my former indisposition remained. A favorable juncture this to invoke the Muses, and they graciously hailed my recovery, and renewed their smiles; and now, influenced by the rural scenery, I no longer felt disposed to burlesque my friends, but indulged in the more innocent amusement of writing soft pastorals and tender

sonnets.

"Some secret impulse wakes my former flame."

I was now often seen by the family in a pensive attitude, reclining under a tree, with my pen in my hand; or, even when within doors, this sentimental employment was not confined to my chamber, but I yielded to the flights of my imagination in whatever apartment or company I happened to be: and notwithstanding my previous resolution to keep every member of the family at a respectful distance, I rather think, had they appeared inquisitive, I might so far have tolerated their impertinence, as to have indulged them with a sight of some of my productions. But no such thing happened. Not the least curiosity was manifested, or apparent interest taken, in my unconcealed literary occupations, by any member of the family; for how intent soever I might be on my business, they were equally engaged and intent on their own.

When I had been sometime in this agreeable retreat, I was surprised one day by the arrival of a young man, of interesting appearance, and of simple, but not of rustic manners. He entered the house as though he was no stranger,

-the children assembled round him, and called him William,-and on the entrance of Mrs. Thoroughgood, he accosted her as his mother. Having had previously but a slight knowledge of the family, I had not heard of an elder son; I found that he was the son of Mr. Thoroughgood, by a former wife: he had lost his mother during his infancy, but he had become the object of a truly maternal affection to his step-mother, the present Mrs. Thoroughgood. The young man inherited sufficient property from his mother's family, to procure him an education somewhat above his father's circumstances, and to place him in a respectable apprenticeship, still leaving him a moderate sum with which to commence business. At this time the term of his apprenticeship had just expired.

His occasional visits, during my continuance at the farm, afforded me new opportunities of appreciating the merits of this amiable family. O that I had availed myself of such a favorable occasion for improving my own unsettled character! but, while involuntarily pleased with the traits of amiableness which I daily witnessed in parents and children, I never thought of making a salutary application of the lessons they presented, and by the contrast, which was but too evident, discovering and correcting my own deficiencies. I had always entertained a strong prejudice against step-mothers, but I was now constrained to admit the present instance as a decided exception to my general rule. In this important relation, the excellencies of Mrs. Thoroughgood's character shone conspicuous. Nor was the son undeserving of the affection of

which he was the object; his kind, attentive, and respectful carriage towards this amiable woman, plainly indicated that he knew her worth-that he knew himself also—and, at the same time, gave the best promise that he would acquit himself well in every relation of life.

In truth, many of the excellent qualities of this plain family, which I did not understand, and scarcely perceived at the time, my longer knowledge of the world, and maturer judgment have since enabled me to appreciate.

While they did not affect to appear above their circumstances, they spared no effort to improve them; especially to extricate themselves from unavoidable embarrassments under which they labored. Mr. Thoroughgood began business with a very small capital; he had a young family, and, besides, had lately been involved in an expensive lawsuit: it was this circumstance which had brought him acquainted with my father in his professional capacity. But it is surprising to see what great things may be effected by those who are thoroughly in earnest in their endeavors, and what apparently insurmountable difficulties may be overcome by those who have energy of character enough to grapple with them. Not at all discouraged by untoward circumstances, the Thoroughgoods only redoubled their efforts; for extrordinary efforts must be opposed to extraordinary difficulties, if ever they are to be surmounted: yet they did not sordidly abandon those rational comforts and enjoyments which were properly within their reach, and suitable to their bumble rank. The air of comfort and of cheerfulness which pervad

ed this lowly dwelling, precluded the idea of its being the abode of preying anxiety and care. Every day I became more ambitious of the respect and good opinion of my kind hosts; and I really believe that I began to obtain a higher place in their esteem than I possessed in the earlier stage of our acquaintance. What progress I might have made by a longer continuance amongst them, is uncertain; for I was suddenly called home to attend my mother, whose increasing weakness but too strongly confirmed my gloomy presages.

With very different sensations from those with which I entered, did I take leave of this peaceful dwelling: I suspended my poetic effusions, hung my harp on the willows, and hastened home, to devote my time and thoughts to my languishing mother.

I believe she participated in the advantages of my visit to the farm, as it had in some degree softened the asperity of my temper, and furnished me with a more correct idea of filial piety, from the pleasing example of it I had lately contemplated. I think, during the immediate season of affliction at least, I should have been almost amiable, could I have avoided the presence of Peter Patterson; but whenever I returned to my mother after having encountered him, my voice and manner were evidently changed, and some fresh symptom of her declining strength was always required to restore me to that tenderness of manner which her state demanded. On such occasions I redoubled my attentions; often, indeed, with more immediate regard to my own feelings than to her comfort;

and I fear that I might sometimes oppress her with officiousness, when I was laboring to atone for some unkindness or inattention.

CHAPTER III.

I HAD learned enough of religion while at the farm to convince me that it was indispensably necessary, at least in dying circumstances: and I was solicitous to communicate my new ideas on that important subject to my mother. But, alas! to accost her in the language of the Gospel, seemed to me like speaking in an unknown tongue, or like the blind attempting to lead the blind. Deeply did I feel my own inability for such a serious task, having not yet learned the first principles of the oracles of God. That 'one thing was needful,' in her case, I could not question; but my notions were too confused even to allow me to express such a conviction intelligibly. I did, however, venture to notice, in a cursory way, what I had observed at the farm respecting the general influence of religion on the family, and on the particular individuals of it, especially the custom of family worship, and the appearance of real devotion which invariably pervaded the service. I said it was evident, from their daily conduct, that they did not deem the use of a form of prayer, and receiving the sacrament, a sufficient passport into eternity, after a life devoted to the service of the world.

My mother sighed deeply, appeared much interested in what I said, and continually alluded