he odd
figure she made, and did actually torment her with a hundred witty
jokes. After having put her a little into order, they quitted her in
search of new amusements, and were soon seen at the top of a
neighbouring hill.

Miss Caroline found it very difficult to reach this hill; for her fine
shoes, that were made very tight, in order to set off her feet the
better, greatly retarded her speed. Nor was this the only
inconvenience; for her stays were drawn so close, that she could not
properly breathe. She would very willingly have gone home to change her
dress, in order to be more at ease; but she well knew that her friends
would not give up their amusements to please her caprice.

Her playmates having reached the summit of the hill, enjoyed the
beautiful prospect that surrounded them on all sides. On one hand were
seen verdant meadows; on the other the riches of the harvest, with
meandering streams that intersected the fields, and country seats and
cottages scattered here and there. So grand a prospect could not fail of
delighting them, and they danced about with joy; while poor Caroline
found herself obliged to remain below, overwhelmed with sorrow, not
being able to get up the hill.

In such a situation, she had leisure enough to make the most sorrowful
reflections. "To what purpose," said she to herself, "am I dressed in
these fine clothes? Of what a deal of pleasure do they debar me; and do
not all my present sufferings arise merely from the possession of them?"
She was giving up her mind to these distressing thoughts, when she
suddenly saw her friends come running down the hill, and all crying out
together as they passed her. "Run, run, Caroline! there is a terrible
storm behind the hill, and it is coming towards us: if you do not make
haste, your fine silk slip will be nicely soused!"

The fear of having her slip spoiled, recalled her strength; she forgot
her weariness, pinched feet, and tight-laced waist, and made all the
haste she could to get under cover. In spite of all her efforts,
however, she could not run so fast as her companions, who were not
incommoded by their dresses. Every moment produced some obstacle to her
speed; at one time by her hoop and flounces, in the narrow paths she had
to pass through; at another, by her train, of which the furzes
frequently took hold; and at others by Mons. Pomatum and Powder's fine
scaffold work about her head, on which the wind beat down the branches
of such tree