n my
childhood from similar accidents.

"I am not one, Miss Forsyth, who can reconcile it to myself to gain
the affections of young people by flattery; but I cannot withhold the
encouragement of an expression of approbation, when I really feel it
to be deserved by the exercise of self-denial and honourable industry.
I am told that you are now earning such approbation from all who feel
an interest in you. Believe, therefore, that it is with as much
sincerity as good-will, that Mr Rathbone and myself add the word
_respect_ to the affection with which we subscribe ourselves,--

"Your friends,--

"F. and S. Rathbone."

Jane had escaped to the parlour almost as soon as she began this letter,
and her eyes were so dimmed by tears that she could scarcely proceed.
Isabella, who was far more anxious about Jane and the letter, than about
the box, immediately followed her, and they finished it together.
Isabella was almost as much pleased, quite as much touched, with the
part which concerned Jane, as with that which respected her father. She
kissed her affectionately, and rejoiced that others were aware of her
merit; others who could encourage it as it deserved, and reward it
better than those in whose behalf her self-denial and industry were
exerted.

In the mean time Alfred and Harriet were extremely impatient to proceed
with the examination of the box, but Hannah would not allow it till Jane
and Isabella were present. They soon returned to the kitchen, and it
would be difficult to say whose countenance exhibited the most
astonishment as the various presents were brought forth to view. A
little card-paper box, well stuffed with cotton-wool, contained a
handsome plain gold watch, which, with its seal and key, were intended
for Jane. A drawing-box, well fitted up with colours and pencils of all
kinds, and accompanied with a large quantity of drawing-papers, and two
sketch-books, was directed to Isabella. A pretty writing-desk, filled
with all the comforts and luxuries which can appertain to that pretty
article of furniture, bore Harriet's name; as did also a large quantity
of music, which astonished her not a little, as, though she much wished
it, she had not yet begun to learn, and had no prospect of such an
indulgence for a long time to come. Her sisters thought it a very
likely mistake for Mrs Rathbone to make: as one sister drew, she might
easily imagine that another played. But Harriet coul