they wander through the profane pages of romance, or the more sublime theory of the moralist.

In order, however, to gratify the different tastes of different readers, and to amuse the young and thoughtless, as well as the more sedate, the following little histories, savoring of romance, are introduced. And yet, not only for amusement— profit may also be derived from the records of a pen, let it be recollected, uncontaminated with fiction. As an introduction to these biographical sketches, it may not be amiss to give the outlines of Frivola's leading features. She is tinctured with eccentricities, and piques herself upon her oddities. Those who are not inclined to partake of the simple fare prepared for youth, or who do not feel a relish for what is placed before them, need not, however, retire too hastily with discontent upon their brow. Variety is at hand, and every guest is at liberty to turn aside in search of something better suited to his taste; though the provision, it must be confessed, is but plain and homely; still it is wholesome, genuine, and liberally supplied. Should any of the company feel dissatisfied with their dessert, let them recollect that it is furnished at their own expense, and consequently all reproach on that score, must fall upon themselves.

By the will of an affectionate, though imprudent parent, Frivola was put in possession of a fortune at the early age of eighteen, that enabled her to indulge in all her eccentricities without the least

control. She possessed an extraordinary flow of spirits, and a levity of manners that needed a timely check; but being left to follow her own

1

inclination, she pursued her silly propensities without reserve, and indulged in all the caprices of a spoiled child.

Tired of rural walks, purling streams, and the sweet melody of the feathered choristers; she was determined, she said, to visit the metropolis, as soon as she became her own mistress. Accordingly, she soon took leave of her country cousins, and journeyed up to town with her Guardian, to be put in possession of her property; and then, to use her own expression, "to see a little of life without being subject to the control of age, or the rules of formality." On her arrival in town, she was set down, with visible marks of discontent on her countenance, at the door of her Aunt Agatha ; for, had she not paid her the first visit, no apology afterwards could have atoned for so flattering a mark of respect being withheld from her venerable relative. Luckily, however, her Aunt was on the eve of departure from town, to visit an ancient maiden, her bosom friend, with whom she was going to spend a few quiet months, in social converse; "or I," said her Niece, "should, in all probability, have been cooped up for a month or two, in order to repair a lace cloak, or to darn some abominable rent in a fine muslin gown," jobs naturally hoarded up for Nieces, in days of old.

After a night's repose, Frivola with joy took leave of her aunt; put herself into a hackney coach, and drove to the abode of another branch of her family, residing in the neighbourhood of Cavendish Square. Here she was received with open arms by a numerous and charming family. Her uncle welcomed her with tears of joy-her cousins anticipated a long and cheerful round of entertainments in her society, and her aunt was no less delighted to infold her in her arms. But a ridiculous notion of indulging a spirit of independence, would not allow her to avail herself of their flattering tokens of regard for any considerable time. Her plan was fixed before she reached town; and, in about three weeks after her arrival, being now entirely disembarrassed from the authority and scrutinizing eye of a guardian, she did not fail to put it in practice. She was a declared foe to restraint and ceremonious etiquette; and averse to obligations of any kind. The consciousness of being an unnecessary recipient of another's hospitality, would have destroyed her comfort, as well as have prevented the free exercise of her own will. She was also of opinion that long visits generally become irksome, as well to the visitor as to those visited, in spite of the most pressing invitation of the one, and the ready acquiescence of the other. "The first week," said she, " you are caressed and most indulgently attended to;-the second, you are kindly desired to consider yourself quite at

home, as they don't mean to make any stranger of you, but to look upon you merely as one of the family-and, the third, you begin to feel that you are obtruding upon some domestic concern or other; such as a large wash, a periodical house cleaning, or some such important affair. Hints that serve to remind you it is full time to take your departure, or to submit tacitly to a variety of inconveniences and mortifications repugnant to an independent spirit-a dilemma, above all others, to be dreaded."

Had Frivola ever been exposed to the vicissitudes of adverse fortune, it would be no great matter of surprise that she should be so averse to lay herself open to such vexatious occurrences; but blest with a competency, as she was, that rendered it unnecessary for her to seek an asylum among her friends from a motive of economy, it is but natural to suspect, that the love of liberty and the fear of restraint, preponderated above all other considerations. For it usually happens that those who can best provide for themselves, are at all times welcome visitors; while those to whom an hospitable accommodation might prove an acquisition, rarely escape the vexations and indirect hints that Frivola, probably, had little occasion to dread. Impressed, however, with these notions, she quitted her uncle's house, amidst the most flattering tokens of regret and esteem; and was earnestly solicited to become a frequent guest, as well as to prolong her visits.

Behold her then, in her new abode, remunerating her hostess with a regular stipend for her board; and the unreserved mistress of her time-subject to no restrictions-at liberty to read or to sit idle -to join the family, or to withdraw herself from society, without giving offence-to retire at ten, or to sit till twelve; and, in short, to be free and happy, and to continue at all times a welcome visitor, by making herself scarce among her friends.