been said of them, as was observed of one of our great poets, that "he could scarcely drink tea without a stratagem." Circumstances broke off the intimacy that had subsisted between this family and my father's; and it was fortunate for me that my intercourse with them thus terminated, although it was not until I had been disgusted with the system which pervaded the whole family. I have since heard that not one of the young people have turned out well. One of the daughters eloped from the paternal roof, and made a disgraceful marriage; and the sons, whom I have heard described as spirited young men, have not continued to brook its restraints. They have broken through them, and have run riot almost to their ruin. But let us turn from this disagreeable episode, as soon as you have told how such evils may be avoided.

MRS. B. — Uniform but gentle restraint may generally prevent the vices of childhood from gaining ground. I cannot but be of opinion, that when deceit and disobedience have attained strength in the infant mind, it must be attributable either to the neglect or the abuse of parental power. By proper care their growth may generally be checked, and the opposite virtues encouraged. And this may be done without any severe measures, or any diminution of the happiness which nature has allotted to that season of life. No one, who has witnessed the ill-humour and caprice of a petted child, will declare that its happiness is comparable to that of the little cheerful being whose will is governed by the superior judgment of its parents. But this subject

is worthy of much more consideration than a conversation between you and myself will permit. Therefore we will close it with observing, that she who desires to govern her children judiciously, must commence her task by governing herself.

leave you

me,

MRS. L. But before I should like to hear you discuss another branch of domestic management, though one of minor importance. Many satisfy themselves that the restraint of their tempers towards their domestics is not requisite, if they set them an example in observance of all the forms of religion, and of avoidance of any acts of immorality; but I do not imagine that you will allow such latitude.

MRS. B.- Indeed, example is of the greatest importance to our servants, particularly those who are young, whose habits are frequently formed by the first service they enter. With the mild and good, they become softened and improved; but with the dissipated and violent, are too often disorderly and vicious. It is, therefore, not among the least of the duties incumbent on the heads of families, to place in their view such examples as are worthy their imitation. But these examples, otherwise praiseworthy, should neither be rendered disagreeable, nor have their force diminished by any accompaniment of ill-humour. Rather, by the happiness and comfort resulting from our conduct towards our domestics, should they be made sensible of the beauty of virtue and piety. What we admire, we often strive to imitate; and thus they might be led on to imbibe good principles, and to form regular and virtuous habits.

It is not within the domestic circle only that good temper should be exercised; it is an invaluable possession even amongst the more distant connections of social life. It is a passport with all into their esteem and affection. It gives a grace to the plainest countenance, and to the fairest is an ornament which neither time nor disease will destroy. Every day of life teems with circumstances by which it may be exercised and improved. Towards the husband, it is manifested by forbearance, when he is irritated and vexed; and by soothing, comforting, and supporting him, when under the pressure of deeper and more afflicting troubles. It is shown towards children and servants, by willingness to promote their enjoyments, while superiority is mildly but steadily exerted, to keep them in proper subjection. It is exhibited in every direction, by unwillingness to offend; by not opposing our own opinions and pleasures to the prejudices of others; and it is above all demonstrated by the cheerful even tenor of spirits that dwells within the wellgoverned mind, and which renders it happy almost in spite of vexations and sorrows.

58

CONVERSATION VI.

FORMS OF VISITING.- MORNING CALLS. DINNER EVENING PARTIES.

PARTIES.

MRS. L.- Having satisfied me with regard to some important points of conduct, allow me, my dear madam, to consult your experience respecting those minor circumstances, connected with society and domestic economy, to which newly-married ladies are frequently strangers. It is too much the fashion to confine the attention of juvenile females to the acquisition of those accomplishments which may adorn them for the drawing-room, while they neglect to attain useful knowledge until they require it for immediate practice. Of the number of these young women, I must unhappily count myself; though perhaps more fortunate than many others, in having so kind and experienced a friend as yourself at hand, with whom I can hold such agreeable consultations. In the first place, I wish to know, the forms to be observed in morning visiting; in what manner, and at what time, I am to return the attentions of those whose cards are spread upon my table. Some of them, I perceive, have been left by persons whom I very highly esteem; others, by individuals with whom I am unacquainted; and

some, even by those with whom I have no desire to be intimate.

MRS. B. A newly-married woman, on arriving at her future home, will have to send her cards in return for those which are left at her house, after her marriage. She may afterwards expect the calls of her acquaintance; for which it is not absolutely necessary to remain at home, although politeness requires that they should be returned as soon as possible. But having performed this, any further intercourse may be avoided (where it is deemed necessary) by a polite refusal of invitations. Where cards are to be left, the number must be determined according to the various members of which the family called upon is composed. For instance, where there are the mother, aunt, and daughters (the latter having been introduced to society), three cards should be left.

Morning visits should not be long. In this species of intercourse, the manners should be easy and cheerful, and the subjects of conversation such as may be easily terminated. The time proper for such visits is too short to admit of serious discussions and arguments. The conduct of others often, at these times, becomes the subject of remark; but it is dangerous and improper to express opinions of persons and characters upon a recent acquaintance; and a young married female would do wisely, to sound the opinions and to examine for herself the characters of a new circle of acquaintance, before exposing her own sentiments. I do not mean that she should be afraid of broaching them, but that she should avoid the possibility of unknowingly