up to him as my model: happy if I may, in any degree, be able to form myself by it. Till I had the happiness of knowing you, Sir, I preferred the company of Dr. Barlow and Mr. Stanley, to that of any young man with whom I am acquainted.

After some further conversation, in which Sir George, with great credit to himself, bore a considerable part; Miss Aston took courage to ask me if I would accompany them all into the garden, as she wished me carry home intelligence to Miss Stanley, of the flourishing state of some American plants which had been raised under her direction. To speak the truth, I had for some time been trying to bring Lucilla on the tapis, but had not found a plausible pretence. I now enquired if Miss Stanley directed their gardening pursuits. "She directs all our pursuits," said the two bashful, blushing girls, who now for the first time in their lives, spoke both at once; the subject kindling an energy in their affectionate hearts,

which even their timidity could not rein in.

"I thought, Clara," said Sir George, "that Miss Phabe Stanley too had assisted in laying out the flower garden. Surely she is not behind her sister in any thing that is kind, or any thing that is elegant." His complexion heightened as he spoke, and he expressed himself with an emphasis which I had not before observed in his manner of speaking. I stole a glance at Lady Aston, whose meek eye glistened with pleasure, at the earnestness with which her son spoke of the lovely Phoebe.My rapid imagination instantly shot forward to an event, which some years hence will probably unite two families so worthy of each other. Lady Aston, who already honours me with her confidence, afterwards confirmed my suspicions on a subject, about which nothing but the extreme youth of both parties made her backward to express the secret hope she fondly entertained.

In our walk round the gardens, the Miss

Astons continued to vie with each other, who should be warmest in the praise of their young friends at the Grove. To Miss Stanley, they gratefully declared they owed any little taste, knowledge, or love of goodness, which they themselves might

possess.

It was delightful to observe these quiet girls warmed and excited by a subject so interesting. I was charmed to see them so far from feeling any shadow of envy at the avowed superiority of their young friends, and so unanimously eloquent in the praise of merit so eclipsing.

After having admired the plants, of which I promised to make a favourable report, I was charged with a large and beautiful bouquet for the young ladies at the Grove. They then drew me to the prettiest spot in the grounds. While I was admiring it, Miss Clara with a blush and some hesitation, begged leave to ask my advice about a little rustic building, which she and her sisters were just going to raise in honour of the Miss Stanleys. It was

to

to be dedicated to them, and called the

Temple of Friendship.

My brother," said she, "is kindly assisting us. The materials are all prepared, and we have now only to fix them up."

She then put into my hands a little plan. I highly approved it; venturing, however, to suggest some trifling alterations, which I told them I did, in order to implicate myself a little in the pleasant project. How proud was I when Clara added, "that Miss Stanley had expressed a high opinion of my general taste !"-They all begged me to look in on them in my rides, and assist them with my farther counsel; adding, that, above all things, I must keep it a secret at the Grove.

Lady Aston said, "that she expected our whole party to die at the Hall some day. next week." Her daughters entreated that it might be postponed till the latter end, by which time they doubted not their little edifice would be compleated. Sir George then told me, that his sisters had requested him to furnish an inscripG 6

tion,

me.

tion, or to endeavour procure one from He added his wishes to theirs that I would comply. They all joined so earnestly in the intreaty that I could not withstand them, "albeit unused to the rhyming mood."

After some deliberations, Friday in the next week was fixed upon for the party at the Grove to dine at Aston-Hall, and I was to carry the invitation. I took a respectful leave of the excellent Lady of the mansion, and an affectionate one of the young people; with whom the familiar intercourse of this quiet morning had contributed to advance my friendly acquaintance, more than could have been done by many ceremonious meetings.

When I returned to the Grove, which was but just in time to dress for dinner, I spoke with sincere satisfaction of the manner in which I had passed the morning. It was beautiful to observe the honest delight, the ingenuous kindness, with which Lucilla heard me commend the Miss Astons. No little disparaging

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