vitude is best adapted to their abilities." "That is true, Sir," replied Mrs. Wilson, " and I shall advise my friends to seek for servants amongst them, for really these fine lady maids are very disgusting." "However, my dear," remarked Mr. Wilson, "you should consider that every one is not of your mind. Fine ladies must have fine maids, and the higher ranks of servitude must be supplied as well as the lower; so then we can do no harm by encouraging all the schools." The above observation found the party at the end of their walk, and closed the argument. CHAP. XIV. THE sanguine expectations Mr. Nichols had entertained respecting his son's usefulness in his new parochial charge, were not disappointed. A few months evinced that his style of preaching gained the attention of the lower class of his parishioners, and that plainness of diction, unassociated with any species of vulgarity, was not calculated to displease the more refined hearers. In short, no other impediment arose to a favourable reception of the young rector, but such as is necessarily attached to a faithful delivery of the humiliating truths of christianity. The Doctor was equally acceptable among his more fashionable parishioners. The physician considered his opinions on points he had before pronounced enthusiastic, because they were the opinions of a learned man, and for the same reason cultivates his acquaintance. His prejudices having so far yielded, hopes may be entertained that the result of due examination will be a conversion of heart, as well as an assent of understanding. The honest well meaning Esquire is now perfectly satisfied with the faithful delivery of the doctrines of grace, because it proceeds from a written page, and in a justly modulated tone of voice, unaccompanied by any other action than an occasional pointing with the finger, or a gentle rising of the hand. He resolved upon inviting his rector to his house on the first Sunday he heard him, as being the first of the Epiphany. The Doctor preached upon the subject, thereby evincing to the mind of the Esquire, his pretensions to the character of a true churchman. Probably Miss Wilson's opinion of her new rector will by some be deemed of importance; and those readers who think themselves qualified to decide on suitable matrimonial engagements, may already have formed some anticipations on the subject. Others may deem our history incomplete, if the pages are closed without a single hint of love, and the state of Miss Wilson's affections may be more interesting than that of her moral opinions. Desirous of gratifying all laudable curiosity, they shall be made known. Miss Wilson was so completely satisfied with the happiness she enjoyed under her father's roof, that the idea of quitting it was painful, and she could assign no other reason for a refusal she gave to the addresses of the young apothecary of the village; yet, when she thought of matrimony (which was very seldom) she imagined it might be a pleasant state, and by no means protested against it at some distant period. She considered her heart to be disengaged, for she had never been introduced to any gentleman she could think of uniting herself to with the smallest degree of complacency. Notwithstanding this, which could only produce their mutual happiness and usefulness in the married state. No objection being raised either by the lady or her relatives, excepting a six months delay of the union on the part of Mrs. Wilson, who contended that time was requisite to complete her daughter's knowledge of domestic management, it took place just two years after their first introduction to each others acquain tance. In the mean while, Miss Charlotte Jones gave her hand to the young farmer; but the alliance was not productive of happiness; the young man had chiefly been influenced in his choice by the handsome sum of five thousand pounds to be given the lady, whose smartness of repartee and general vivacity of manners were the objects of his admiration. In both these recommendations he suffered great disappointment, for the consciousness of adding so much to his coffers authorised his wife, as she imagined, to yield every species of household management to others, and consequently the addition of servants, with their attendant extravagances, left him in possession of an income less ample than he would have derived from the prudent superintendance of a fortuneless partner. In appreciating too the value of repartee and vivacity, he forgot they were qualities more fitted for public display than private comfort. His drawing room, when occupied by company, was enlivened by the sprightly sallies of his lady; but silence, listlessness of attention, if not absolute ill humour, usually attended his fire-side, and all home born happiness" after their marriage. flew away within three months The consequences hecame what might he expected; the young farmer sought for pleasure abroad, and soon entered into all the dissipations of a rural life; his estate and farm were left wholly to the management of others, and in less than two years it was discovered by his prudent relations that some revolution must take place in his affairs, or not a wreck of property would remain. In this dilemma he was advised to accept the offer of superintending an estate abroad, as he possessed much knowledge in agriculture. He embarked with his small remains of fortune for a foreign clime, leaving his wife and one son to the care and maintenance of her father. Though Charlotte was indifferent to the absence of her husband, she felt keenly the deprivation of her house, her new acquaintance, and, above all, the residence with her sister, who failed not to reproach her with her self procured misfortunes. Still, however, she indulged the hope of handsome remittances, which would raise her above her present dependant situation. But this hope was soon dissipated, for the fever of the climate proved fatal to her husband immediately after his arrival, and his property falling into dishonest management, never was restored to her possession. In this situation, her feelings may easier be conceived than described; those of her acquaintance who can commiserate with the unhappy, endeavour to pour into her breast the balm of consolation, but the majority pass by on the other side only with the comment "How changed is the formerly gay and admired Charlotte Jones." The extravagance of the married daughter operated greatly to the disadvantage of the single one; for as they were considered, and in reality were much alike in disposition, in this respect, no prudent youth had temerity enough to make any matrimonial proposals to Miss Jones. Her chagrin and disappointment at this circumstance have already produced in her character the temper and conduct which illiberality has indiscriminately attached to the antiquated single female. Without mental resources, taste for the accomplishments she has learnt, and, above all, destitute of the smallest degree of piety, she wears her life away uncheering and uncheered, a burden to herself and to society. What a contrast does Miss Nichols prove— she too appears destined to a single life, for her amiable qualities being united to great reserve of disposition and gravity of manners, seems calculated to exeite only the emotions of frigid esteem among her male acquaintance. Her extreme love for retirement, her taste for literature, her devotional frame of mind, and active dilligence of doing good, all conspire to render the single state agreeable, as affording more opportunity for the indulgence of each propensity. All the happiness attached to the "calm sequestered vale of life," is hers; while her affections are constantly exercised by her several relative connexions. Of Mr. Gregory Wilson we have less pleasing sensations to mention, for we are under the necessity of leaving him labouring with corroding anxiety; a paralytic seizure has confined him to his chamber, and obtruded on his careless mind the awful thought of dissolution. In such a situation nothing but the consolations of religion, and the affectionate attentions of a tender wife could render life in the smallest degree comfortable. He has despised both, and now too late discovers his error. Respecting the first, some hope may be indulged that it is not irretrievable; but a sick chamber is not congenial to the culture of any science, human or divine. He hears his brath |