the expenses which they do not _want_, it is adding an
expense which they do not _see_. But surely, at a mansion where an
affluent family actually _live_, all reasonable indulgences should be
allowed. And where a garden and green-house are to supply to the
proprietor the place of the abdicated theatre and ball-room; and
especially when it is to be a means in her hands of attaching her
children to the country, and of teaching them to love home, I declare
myself in favor of the conservatory."

Lucilla's eyes sparkled, but she said nothing.

"It would be unfair," continued Mr. Stanley, "to blame too severely
those, who, living constantly in the country, give a little in to its
appropriate pleasures. The real objects of censure seem to be those who,
grafting bad taste on bad habits, bring into the country the amusements
of the town, and superadd to such as are local, and natural, and
innocent, such as are foreign, artificial, and corrupt."

"My dear Stanley," said Sir John, "we have resolved to indemnify our
poor neighbors for two injuries which we have been doing them. The one
is, by our having lived so little among them: for I have now learned,
that the mere act of residence is a kind of charity even in the
uncharitable, as it necessarily causes much money to be spent, even
where little is given. The other is, that we will endeavor to make up
for our past indifference to their spiritual concerns, by now acting as
if we were aware that the poor have souls as well as bodies; and that in
the great day of account, the care of both will attach to our
responsibility."

Such a sense of sober joy seemed to pervade our little party that we
were not aware that the night was far advanced. Our minds were too
highly set for much loquacity, when Ph[oe]be suddenly exclaimed. "Papa,
why is it that happiness does not make one merry? I never was half so
happy in my life, and yet I can hardly forbear crying; and I believe it
is catching, sir, for look, Lucilla is not much wiser than myself."

The next day but one after this conversation our valuable friends left
us. Our separation was softened by the prospect of a speedy meeting. The
day before they set out, Lady Belfield made an earnest request to Mr.
and Mrs. Stanley that they would have the goodness to receive Fanny
Stokes into their family for a few months previous to her entering
theirs as governess. "I can think of no method so likely," continued
she, "to raise the tone of educa