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OF OXFORD-STREET. BOND-STREET. HAY-
HILL. SOHO-SQUARE.

MR. RICHARDSON was too fully employed the ensuing morning to devote any time. to his young people, who, however, he was rejoiced to find, were perfectly satis fied at home. In the evening he was not unmindful of them: and after tea, among other subjects, informed them that the banker who had the money in his hands appertaining to Charlotte Glover, had that day paid her the full sum; and he had no doubt but, from the whole of her behaviour, she would make a proper use of it.

"I saw William Parker in the counting-house to-day, Sir," said Charles," and was much pleased, when he was absent

a few minutes, to hear how well the clerks spoke of him."

"I sincerely believe him a good lad," replied Mr. Richardson; "and am not a little satisfied to hear that his cousin George goes on very discreetly, and that their mothers are likewise doing well."

The discourse then turned on improving and entertaining subjects; and having passed an agreeable evening, they retired for the night.

Early the next day, Mr. Richardson sent for the young folks, and informed them, he had business at the foundation called Christ-church, of which he was one of the governors, and, if they chose, they might accompany him.

The children expressed their thanks, and on their way thither asked several questions concerning the institution.

"It was," replied he, " originally the house of Grey Friars, or Mendicants, founded about the year 1225. The church was reckoned particularly magnificent, endowed by vast sums from the

devout, and so high was the character of the poor friars for sanctity, that many, at the hour of death, intreated to be laid within their expiatory walls. Thus, multitudes of all ranks were crowded into this reputed holy ground; and, among others of the most distinguished rank, four queens Margaret the Second, wife to Edward the First; Philippa, wife to Edward the Third; and Isabella, wife to William Warren, titular queen of Man. On the dissolution of religious houses, this church, after being stripped of its ornaments, was made a store-house for French prizes, and the monuments in consequence destroyed; but Henry the Eighth, just before his death, caused it to be opened for divine service, and granted it to the city. In the short reign of that amiable young Prince, Edward the Sixth, he founded the present charity for distressed children, who are fed, clothed, educated, and apprenticed, at proper ages, to different trades. The building was consumed in the great fire

of London, but rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren."

Mr. Richardson having performed his business, the carriage proceeded slowly through Smithfield, which their father informed them was the great market for cattle of all kinds, as also the spot where Bartholomew fair is annually kept.

« The fair, if I recollect aright, is very ancient, Sir," said Charles.

"It was at first granted by Henry the Second, and was for several years a scene of mirth and festivity: but, at length becoming the resort of the lewd of all denominations, many regulations necessarily took place, which have in some measure curbed the spirit, but restored the more to be desired decency and decorum. But you have been reading the History of England, Charles; cannot you favour us with some account of it ?".

"It was, Sir," said Charles, " for many reigns the scene of tilts and tournaments, also the spot where accusations

were decided by combat a custom derived from the Saxons; the party that prevailed being ever supposed to have justice on their side."

Ah, Charles!" said Mr. Richardson, "to use an old proverb, in those days, how often did might overcome right!"

"Too frequently, Sir, I fear," returned Charles. "But, I should not omit one particular: the people of rank fought with sword and lance, but the poorer disputants were only allowed a pole, armed with a heavy sand-bag, with which they were to decide their guilt or innocence."

Charles ceased, and Mr. Richardson replied, "But, has no other event made Smithfield remarkable ?"

Yes, Sir. In this spot the rebel Wat Tyler was slain, being first struck off his horse by Walworth, lord mayor of London, who could no longer endure his insolence to the youthful monarch Richard the Second. It has also, Sir, been the scene of events of so horrible a nature,