of a captain in the American navy, who had left
her only a moderate income--sufficient, but no more, for the wants of
herself and daughter. Mr. Franklin was a lawyer of six-and-twenty, who
had been advised to repair the effects of too severe professional
application, by change of air, and a year's idleness and travel.

The conversation was scarcely finished, when the subject of it was
announced.

After the usual salutations, Mr. Franklin said he had come, according
to appointment, to accompany the ladies on a walk, and to see the
lions of London, where they had arrived some days before. In a few
minutes, hats, shawls, and gloves, being duly put in requisition, they
had left their lodgings in Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square, and
were wending their way toward Regent Street and the Strand, through
the crowds of this wonderful and magnificent metropolis, of which
every thing was a delightful curiosity, and where, amid the millions
around, they knew and were known by scarcely a human creature.

Every stranger, newly arrived and walking about London, has noted the
effect of this prodigious town upon him; and how singularly he is lost
in its immensity, overwhelmed by its grandeur, and bewildered amid its
endless multiplicity of attractions. So it was with our little party.
Excited by the thousand novel and dazzling objects, the hours fleeted
away like minutes; and it was late before they had executed or even
formed any plans.

"Let us at least go somewhere," said Caroline. "Let us go to St.
Paul's, or Westminster Abbey, or the Tower; and we have, beside,
purchases to make--for ladies, you know, Mr. Franklin, have always
shopping to do."

"Well, as it is so late," said Mrs. Clifford, "and we have promised to
call on Mrs. Porter at half past two, I propose to leave the lions for
another morning, and only enjoy our walk to-day."

"Then, ma'ma, let us go to that splendid shop, and look at the lace
once more. Only think, Mr. Franklin, we yesterday saw lace, not
broader than this, and I had a half fancy to buy some for a new
dress--and what do you suppose it cost?"

"I am little versed," said Franklin, "in such mysteries--five pounds,
perhaps--"

"Twelve pounds--twelve pounds and a half sterling--sixty American
dollars. I never saw any thing so superb. Ma'ma says I ought not even
to look at such a luxury."

"But is lace really such a luxury?" inquired Franklin, smiling.

"You can have no idea how exquisite this is!"