-work. Our little company were struck
into a sort of silent wonder and admiration at the splendid appearance
of everything around them; nor could they find words to express the
various reflections that passed in their minds, on seeing such a variety
of dazzling gaudy things: but when they came to the needlework, Miss
Jenny could not help smiling, to see how every one seemed most fixed in
attention upon that sort of work, which she herself was employed in, and
she saw in every face a secret wish, that their own piece of work might
be finished with equal neatness and perfection. The housekeeper was
greatly pleased to see them so much delighted, and answered all their
questions concerning the stories that were represented in the pictures
and tapestry as fully as the time would permit; but Miss Jenny, being
fearful of exceeding the hour in which they would be expected home, told
them they must not now stay any longer, but if their governess would
give them leave, and it would not be troublesome to Mrs. Wilson, they
would come another time. She answered, that it was so far from being
troublesome, that she never had more pleasure in her life, than to see
so many well-behaved young ladies, who all seemed not only pleased with
what they saw, but doubly delighted, and happy, in seeing each other so;
and for her part, she could wish they were to stay with her all their
lives; and, in short, they should not go till they had been in her room,
and eat some sweetmeats of her own making. The good woman seemed to take
so much delight in giving them any pleasure, that Miss Jenny could not
refuse accepting her offer; and, when they were all in her room, Polly
Suckling said, 'Well, this is a most charming house; I wish we could all
live here for ever. How happy must the lord and lady of this fine place
be!'

'Indeed, my little Polly,' said Miss Jenny, 'you may be very much
mistaken; for you know our good governess has taught us, that there is
no happiness but in the content of our own minds; and perhaps we may
have more pleasure in viewing these fine things, than the owners have in
the possession of them.'

'It is very true,' said the housekeeper, 'for my lord and lady have no
delight in all this magnificence; for, by being so accustomed to it,
they walk through all these apartments, and never so much as observe or
amuse themselves with the work, the pictures, or anything else, or if
they observe them at all, it is rather with a look tha