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with her husband or friends, she would be fencing or shouldering a musket, and, in lieu of properly reproving her servants or children, beating, or perhaps killing them. I would, however, Mary, have you observe, that I do not mean to inculcate cowardice; for a proper exertion in case of necessity is yet more praiseworthy in women than in men, because they are not usually, by constitution, either strong or valiant. Had the lady alluded to encouraged her brother by her discourse, and calmed the fears he must necessarily have felt, to have the charge of a sister in an engagement, by her own placid behaviour, then retired, and bending in private before her Creator, have entreated his protection you not think she would have been more truly respectable and interesting than when enveloped with fire and smoke, and stained with blood, dealing death among the enemy ?"

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"A thousand times, my dear Sir," returned Charles:, "but I fancy the cou

rage of Mrs. Spragg was an uncommon instance; for I have observed that ladies are usually very fearful- my sister Mary will scream at the sight of a mouse, or even a small insect."

"Such affected pusillanimity is yet more disgusting than assumed courage," replied his father; " and I should instantly conceive a very mean opinion of the understanding of any one that should act thus. A mouse is not only an innocent, but also a very pretty creature; and I can conceive nothing more highly ridiculous than to see a person of four or five feet high, running away from an animal scarcely an inch from the ground.".

"Indeed, papa," returned Mary, "I think on reflection, it is very foolish, and I will endeavour not to be alarmed at them."

"You will do well, my love,” answered he," for such fear is contemptible. Do you not consistently caress dogs and cats, which are a hundred times bigger, and have a far more fero

cious appearance than mice? But you are accustomed to see them, and they therefore cause you no apprehension." "But they are tame, papa."

"So, doubtless, would mice, were they fed and used the same; but they have many enemies to fear, and therefore, Nature has given them the instinct to conceal themselves in holes from the larger animals."

This conversation was continued until they reached the gentleman's house where they dined, and towards evening they continued their way to Acton.

CHAP. XXIV.

A GOOD DISPOSITION TO BE PREFERRED TO

GENIUS OR

ACQUIREMENTS. CONTINUA

TION OF MR. WILLIAMS'S STORY.

MR. Williams was rejoiced at the return of Mr. Richardson, nor were Frank and Patty less so, to see their youthful benefactors, with whom having for a short time withdrawn, Mr. Williams, in the warmest terms, expressed how sensibly he felt the obligations he owed to Mr. Richardson for his goodness to his distressed relatives.

Willing to change the discourse, Mr. Richardson asked him his opinion concerning them, as he judged that they were now become acquainted with each other.

They want improvement, Sir, "answered he: "but, thank God, they appear to possess good natural dispositions; and all the genius and acquirements in the world,

unless the innate principle of virtue directs them, are worthless, or only enable the possessors to soar to higher flights of wickedness, and increase their condemnation. I am therefore satisfied; and trust, as they appear virtuously disposed, to be able to make them all I wish."

The entrance of the children prevented more discourse; and all being drawn round the fire, Mr. Richardson requested Mr. Williams to continue his narrative.

Continuation of the Adventures of Mr. Williams the Surgeon, and the Rajah Ali Saab.

"THE bramin, after examining us some moments, replied, Though I would, at the hazard of my life, succour suffering virtue, yet I will never screen falsehood or vice. Who ye are, or what ye may have taught this boy I know not: but of this I am certain, that he is not the son of Rajah Doul Saab, as that child is of

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