was desirous that others also should witness her perfection in it, a musical party was invited, in which Ellen was the chief performer, and met with the greatest applause. Her heart was scarcely proof against this, especially when she saw both her father and mother delighted with the encomiums bestowed on her, and she experienced the truth of an observation made by the wisest of men, that "it is more difficult to bear praise than censure." She heard of nothing through the room, or even when she had left it, but the excellence of her performance; for, her maid had heard enough from the servants below, (who are generally retailers of their master's opinion,) to be ready also to offer her compliments on this great occasion; and Ellen was conscious that she took too much pleasure in hearing them.

The next morning, her senses were a little returned; but still she felt more pleasure in touch. ing her instrument again, and recollecting the praises she had received, than in any thing else. No book pleased her like her music-book: but it was not long she could remain so unlike herself; and a letter from her aunt soon recalled her thoughts to their usual turn.

It was thus poor Ellen felt the evils of a situation, in which many of my young readers

might possibly suppose no evil could arise; but as she advanced in life, she more evidently saw the pride, envy, and detraction, which love of pleasure and admiration insensibly lead to.

CHAPTER X.

"Pleasure is deaf, when told of future pain;
"And sounds prophetic are too rough to suit
"Ears, long accustom❜d to the pleasing lute."

COWPER.

MR. R. Stanley's whole attention was now be come so engrossed by music, that he was seldom engaged in any other way; and his wife found cards and dress equally attractive, they became quite a fashionable couple, were hardly ever seen together, and never in public at the same place. While her mornings were fully occupied in fancying ornaments for the evening, his were employed in looking over music, listening to the opinion of those he thought the best judges of whatever came out new, and taking every opportunity of making himself known, as a patron of all who wished to bring forward any new piece, or to raise their characters as public performers.

Ellen, though she was sensible that neither her father's nor mother's pursuit could, in the end, produce the happiness they wished, yet felt

unable to prevent it, and therefore continued to walk the same round, endeavouring to please both; and when she found herself gradually rising in the affections of her father, she would indulge a hope that she might hereafter lead him to a higher aim: but of her mother, she could form no such pleasing expectations; the continuał round of company she was in, and her increasing fondness for all-prevailing cards, with which when Time is decked,

"He charms a world, whom fashion blinds

"To his true worth, most pleas'd when idle most;
"Whose only happy, are their wasted hours."

COWPER.

-gave Ellen scarcely an opportunity of seeing her, much less of conversing with her on any subject: but in their different engagements, (for, as Ellen's skill in music qualified her both to give and receive amusement in her father's parties,) she more frequently went out with him than with her mother.

This amiable girl had now been nearly two years, without seeing her beloved aunt, whose heart yearned to behold her; and in every letter, though she forbore to express how very earnestly she desired it, there was an enquiry, if she thought her parents could spare her, at least for a few weeks. Ellen was as eager for their

permission as her aunt; and with an anxious bosom she waited their reply.-Her mother said she had no objection; but Mr. Stanley remarked, that the Oratorios would soon commence, and that he had procured tickets for her." Surely,' said he," you will not leave town at such a time."

Thus challenged, Ellen knew not what to answer; not that the considerations her father had mentioned, were of sufficient weight to prevent her feeling a little disappointed. Her rapid imagination had already conducted her to Milwood: yet, as she was sensible her aunt would not rejoice in seeing her, if it was not with the entire approbation of those she left, she called up all her resolution, and with great good humour, answered, "She was much obliged to her father, and as he was so kind as to wish it, she would defer her visit till the Oratorios were ended."

She did not then ask when that would be: but the next time she had the newspapers in her hand, she carefully examined if any thing was there said of them, and found they were to continue during the next month.

Their daughter's so readily deferring the longwished-for pleasure of seeing her aunt, was gratifying both to Mr. and Mrs. Stanley; and the latter began to think that now she was a little