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 some time 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 stepmother, 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 favourable 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 lesson 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 stepmothers, 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 laboured. 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 endeavours, 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 extraordinary 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 humble rank. The air of comfort and of cheerfulness which pervaded this lowly dwelling, precluded the idea of its being the abode of preying anxiety and

care.

Every day I became more ambitious of