l. In our way, Mr. Stanley expressed the pleasure it gave him,
that Lady Aston was now so convinced of the duty of making home
agreeable to her son, as delightfully to receive such of her friends as
were warmly disposed to become his.

Sir George, who is extremely well bred, did the honors admirably for so
young a man, to the great relief of his excellent mother, whom long
retirement had rendered habitually timid in a party, of which some were
almost strangers.

The Miss Astons had some difficulty to restrain their young guests from
running directly to look at the progress of the American plants; but as
they grew near the mysterious spot, they were not allowed to approach it
before the allotted time.

After dinner, when the whole party were walking in the garden, Lady
Aston was desired by her daughters to conduct her company to a winding
grass-walk, near the little building, but from whence it was not
visible. While they were all waiting at the appointed place, the two
elder Miss Astons gravely took a hand of Lucilla, Sir George and I each
presented a hand to Ph[oe]be, and in profound silence, and great
ceremony, we led them up the turf steps into this simple, but really
pretty temple. The initials of Lucilla and Ph[oe]be were carved in
cypher over a little rustic window, under which was written,

"SACRED TO FRIENDSHIP."

In two niches prepared for the purpose, we severally seated the two
astonished nymphs, who seemed absolutely enchanted. Above was the
inscription in large Roman letters.

The Astons looked so much alive, that they might have been mistaken for
Stanleys, who, in their turn, were so affected with this tender mark of
friendship, that they looked as tearful as if they had been Astons.
After reading the inscription, "My dear Clara," said Lucilla to Miss
Aston, "where _could_ you get these beautiful verses? Though the praise
they convey is too flattering to be just, it is too delicate not to
please. The lines are at once tender and elegant." "We got them," said
Miss Aston, with a sweet vivacity, "where we get every thing that is
good, from Stanley-Grove," bowing modestly to me.

How was I elated; and how did Lucilla blush! but though she now tried to
qualify her flattery, she could not recall it. And I would not allow
myself to be robbed of the delight it had given me. All the company
seemed to enjoy her confusion and my pleasure.

I forgot to mention, that as we crossed the park, we had seen ent