"Come, come," said Edward, found themselves alone, " look bright side If find large party at Mrs Watkinson's, in all probability meet some very agreeable people there, and enjoy the feast of reason flow of soul find the Watkinson house so pleasant leave it with regret even St Leonard's "

" believe Mrs Watkinson is in fashionable society," said Caroline, "or Mrs St Leonard known her I heard ladies here talking last evening of Mrs St Leonard, and from what they said that elite lite "

"Even if ," observed Mrs Morland, "are polish of manners and cultivation of mind confined exclusively to persons class ? "

"Certainly not," said Edward, "the most talented and refined youth at our college, and he in whose society the greatest pleasure, son of bricklayer "

ladies' drawing-room, after dinner, the Morlands heard conversation between several female guests, who all seemed Mrs St Leonard by reputation, talked of her party that was to "come off" evening

"I hear," said one lady, "that Mrs St Leonard is an unusual number of lions "

She then proceeded to name gallant general, elegant wife and accomplished daughter; celebrated commander navy; two highly distinguished members of Congress, and even an ex-president Also several most eminent American literati, and two first-rate artists

Edward Morland felt he , "Had I three ears I'd hear thee "

"Such woman as Mrs St Leonard can always command the best lions found," observed another lady

"And then," said third, " told that she has such exquisite taste in lighting and embellishing her always elegant rooms And her supper table, whether for summer or winter parties, is so beautifully arranged; all the viands are so delicious, attendance servants so perfect--and Mrs St Leonard does the honors with ease and tact "

"Some friends that visit her," said fourth lady, "describe her parties as absolute perfection She always manages to bring together those persons best fitted to enjoy 's conversation Still no one is overlooked or neglected Then everything at her reunions is proportioned--she has just enough of music, and just enough of whatever amusement may add pleasure of her guests; and still no appearance of design or management on her part "

"And better than all," said the lady who had spoken firsts " Mrs St Leonard is kindest, most generous, and most benevolent of women--she does good in every possible way "

" listen no longer," said Caroline to Edward, rising her seat "If I hear any more absolutely hate the Watkinsons How provoking sent us the first invitation had only thought of waiting till hear from Mrs St Leonard ! "

"For shame, Caroline," said her brother, "how talk so of persons never seen, and you ought grateful kindness invitation; even has interfered with another party, that confess seems to offer unusual attractions Now presentiment that find the Watkinson part evening very enjoyable "

tea was over, Mrs Morland and her daughter repaired toilettes Fortunately, fashion as good taste, has decided that, at summer party, the costume ladies should never go beyond an elegant simplicity Therefore our two ladies in preparing for their intended appearance at Mrs St Leonard's, were enabled to attire themselves in manner not seem out of place smaller company they expected to meet Watkinsons Over an under-dress of lawn, Caroline Morland put on white organdy trimmed with lace, and decorated with bows of pink ribbon back of her head was wreath of fresh and beautiful pink flowers, tied with similar ribbon Mrs Morland wore black grenadine over satin, and lace cap trimmed with white

but quarter past nine o'clock when their carriage stopped Watkinson door The front house looked very dark Not ray gleamed Venetian shutters, glimmer beyond the fan-light over the door was almost imperceptible coachman had rung , an Irish girl opened the door, cautiously (as Irish girls always do), and admitted them entry, where one light only was burning in branch lamp "Shall we go upstairs ? " said Mrs Morland "And what for would ye go upstairs ? " said the girl in pert tone "It's all dark there, and there's no preparations Ye can lave your things here a-hanging rack party ye're expecting ? Blessed are them what expects nothing "

The sanguine Edward Morland looked rather blank intelligence, sister whispered to him, "We'll get off to Mrs St Leonard's we possibly can When did you tell the coachman ? "

"At half past ten," brother's reply

"Oh ! Edward, Edward ! " she exclaimed, "And I dare say be punctual keep us here till eleven "

"_Courage, mes enfants_," said their mother, "_et parlez plus doucement "

The girl then ushered them back parlor, saying, "Here's the company "

The room was large and gloomy checquered mat covered the floor, and all the furniture was encased in striped calico covers, lamps, mirrors, etc concealed under green gauze The front parlor was entirely dark, and back apartment was no other light than shaded lamp on large centre table, round assembled circle of children of all sizes and ages On backless, cushionless sofa sat Mrs Watkinson, and young lady, whom she introduced as her daughter Jane And Mrs Morland in return presented Edward and Caroline

" rocking-chair, ma'am ? " inquired Mrs Watkinson

Mrs Morland declining the offer, the hostess took it herself, -sawed nearly the whole time very awkward, high-legged, crouch-backed rocking-chair, and shamefully unprovided with anything form of footstool

"My husband is away, at Boston, on business," said Mrs Watkinson " at first, ma'am, I able to here this evening, for our way company absence; but my daughter Jane over-persuaded me to send "

"What pity," thought Caroline

" take us find us, ma'am," continued Mrs Watkinson "We use no ceremony with anybody; rule is never ourselves way give parties [looking dresses ladies] Our first duty is to our children, and waste our substance on fashion and folly They'll have cause to thank us when we die "

Something like sob was heard centre table, at which the children were sitting, and boy was seen to hold his handkerchief face

"Joseph, my child," said his mother, " cry no idea, ma'am, what an extraordinary boy how the bare mention thing as our deaths has overcome him "

another sob behind the handkerchief, Morlands thought it now sounded like smothered laugh

"As saying, ma'am," continued Mrs Watkinson, "we never give parties We leave all sinful things vain and foolish My daughter Jane telling me, that she heard of party going on tonight widow St Leonard's only fifteen years since her husband died carried off with three days' illness, but two months after they were married domestic that lived , so all And there now, living in an elegant house, and riding in her carriage, and dressing and dashing, and giving parties, and enjoying life, as she calls it Poor creature, how I pity her ! Thank heaven, nobody that goes to her parties If never wish them again in my house an encouragement to folly and nonsense--and folly and nonsense are sinful so, ma'am ? "

"If carried too far certainly become so," replied Mrs Morland

" heard," said Edward, "that Mrs St Leonard, though ornaments gay world, has kind heart, beneficent spirit and liberal hand "