pleased, for the house, although not
fitted up with anything like luxury, contained within itself abundance
of objects to afford amusement and instruction to the inmates when
confined by bad weather.

There was a first-rate library, in the first place, and a very
interesting museum, illustrating all parts of the world. The articles
in it were well arranged, and every one had a clearly written and full
description attached to it. The articles from each country were placed
together, and the countries were arranged according to their respective
quarters of the globe. There were good maps, and many pictures
illustrating the scenery or habits and customs of the inhabitants. Many
hours might be passed profitably in it, which is not often the case with
museums. At all events, I have never found that I could carry away much
information from one. At the same time, I own that I think very likely
I may have a more correct notion of the forms of animals, and of the
shape of boats and buildings of foreign countries, than I should possess
had I not visited the British Museum, and others of less note. The most
advantageous way of visiting a general museum is to go with a definite
object each time, and to attend exclusively to that object. I have
never seen a museum better arranged than that which had been formed by
Mr Bracebridge, aided by his sons, who were great collectors for it,
and accordingly took a warm interest in its success. However, not only
studiously disposed people found amusement in the house. There was a
billiard table, and foils, and boxing-gloves, and single-sticks, and
basket-sticks, and implements for all sorts of less athletic games at
which ladies can play.

"Why, Ernest, you live in a perfect paradise of a home," exclaimed
Buttar, as at last they reached the sleeping-rooms which Mrs
Bracebridge had appropriated to her young guests.

"My father and mother make it so," said Ernest, enthusiastically. "They
regulate everything so well, and yet we have such perfect liberty. Our
father trusts us entirely. He tells us that there are certain things
which he does not wish us to do--sometimes he gives us his reasons, and
very good ones they are; at other times he gives no reason, but simply
says we are not to do certain other things, and we know that his reasons
are good, so we do not think of doing them. Frequently he leaves us to
act according to our discretion, and gives us only general rules for our
g