greatly increased, and many of the streets "completed, to the great convenience of "the city."

On their reaching home the conversation ceased, and the children retired to their apartments.

CHAP.

CHAP. XIX.

A Skill in Needle-work necessary to Females.---Gratitude of Charlotte Glover. ---Account of the Church of St. Mary Overie.---Monument of the Poet Gower.

Of a Dwarf.---Epitaph on Richard Humble and his Family.

SOME few days the weather proving unfavourable, the children did not go out, but appeared perfectly satisfied at home; for if any little shadow of discontent was perceptible in the countenance or manners of Mary, Charles took such pains to repress and banish it, that, ashamed not to merit his kindness, she strove to be amused until some interesting subject caught her attention, and she was in reality so.

One morning Mr. Richardson sent for them down as soon as their lessons were concluded, and addressing them, said, “ I "have, my dear children, procured some R 2 "information

"information this morning, which, I think, "will give you pleasure; therefore ring the bell, Mary, and desire the housekeeper to be called."

Mary obeyed, and the old gentlewoman presently appeared, with a roll of linen in her hand.

"Mrs Morton," said Mr. Richardson, "have you the address of Charlotte "Glover?"

"Yes, Sir: but if you wish to see her, she is now in my apartment. She has just brought home some shirts I gave her to make for you; and though I have seen a great deal of good work in my life, I think I never saw any so well "made before."

As she spoke she presented the linen: but Mr. Richardson replied, "I am no judge, Mrs. Morton: shew them to Mary---I should like her opinion.” Mary took one of the shirts, and examining it, said, “Indeed, рара, it seems

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very neat but, like you, I am not a "judge."

"A skil

"A skill in needle-work was not necessary in my education, Mary, but must "be attended to in yours; for though I "do not intend you to turn sempstress, I "shall expect you to understand when "work is properly executed, and to be "able to give the needful orders respecting "it."

Mary promised observance, and Mr. Richardson ordered Charlotte Glover to be sent up.

The appearance of this poor woman was much altered, and plainly evinced that the greater part of the sum Mr. Richardson had advanced had not been improvidently expended, as she was decently clothed, and very clean, though the materials of her. dress were coarse.

i

Mr. Richardson having informed her that he was well satisfied with her work,advanced her a farther sum, saying, as be-fore, it was to be placed to account.

Charlotte appeared almost overpowered with her gratitude: but, at length, she said, "Oh, Sir! God hath received my con"trition,

R. 3

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trition, and accepted my repentance, "or he would not thus bless me. Next "to him, all my thanks are due to you, "whom, in this instance, he has made the "agent of his will. I have now a com"fortable bed, a wholesome meal, and "warm clothing---blessings I knew not "the value of, until the earth had been my bed, I had groaned with hunger, "and had shivered for want of necessary "raiment. May I ever, as at present, be "sensible of my happiness, nor ever more deservedly forfeit it."

"I trust, you never will: but we are "sometimes tried, in order to see whether "the resolutions made in sickness and ad

versity will continue in health and prosperity. One of these trials, though in a "humble degree, awaits you. The banker, "who had your cash, I have inquired, "out from the address Mrs. Morton, re

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quested of you, and I have the pleasure to inform you, that, in the course of a fortnight, all his affairs will be rein

"stated,