done with me."

"Nothing more," said Mr. Weston; and Mark retired.

"Mark," continued Mr. Weston, "has the greatest propensity for using hard
words. His _receased_ means deceased. He was excessively angry with Bacchus
the other day for interfering with him about the horses. 'Nobody,' said he,
'can stand that old fellow's airs. He's got so full of tomposity, that he
makes himself disagreeable to everybody.' By _tom_posity, I suppose you all
know he meant pomposity. Bacchus is elated at the idea of going with us. I
hope I shall not have any trouble with him."

"Oh! no, uncle," said Alice; "he is a good old fellow, and looks so
aristocratic with his gray hair and elegant bows. Ellen and I will have to
take him as a beau when you are out. Aunt Phillis says, that he has
promised her not to drink a drop of any thing but water, and she seems to
think that he has been so sober lately that he will keep his word."

"It is very doubtful," said Mr. Weston; "but the fact is he would be
troublesome with his airs and his _tomposity_ were I to leave him; so I
have no choice."

"Dear Alice," said Ellen, fixing her large dark eyes on her; "how can I
ever be grateful enough to you?"

"For what?" asked Alice.

"For getting sick, and requiring change of air, which is the first cause of
my being here on my way to the great metropolis. Whoever likes a plantation
life is welcome to it; but I am heartily sick of it. Indeed, Miss Janet,
good as you are, you could not stand it at uncle's. Ten miles from a
neighbor--just consider it! Uncle disapproves of campmeetings and
barbecues; and aunt is sewing from morning till night; while I am required
to read the Spectator aloud. I have a mortal grudge against Addison."

"But, my dear," said Miss Janet, "you must remember you are to return to
your uncle's, and you must not learn to love the great world too much."

"Perhaps," said Mr. Barbour, who was much depressed at the approaching
parting, "Miss Ellen may not mean to return to her uncle's. A young lady
with good looks, and a heavy purse, will be found out in Washington. She
will just suit a great many there--clerks with small salaries, army and
navy men with expensive habits; and foreign attaches, who, being nothing in
their own country, turn our young ladies' heads when they come here."

"So you think I am destined for no other fate than to pay a
fortune-hunter's debts. Thank you, Mr. Barbour!"

"The fact is, Mr. Barbour wants you himself,