12 THE children's SCHOOL. 



seeing me look thoughtful, '' by pursuits that enlarge 

 your understanding and improve your heart. Come 

 with me, my love; you shall assist me in teaching 

 twenty little girls their duty, in a school that I have 

 established at a short distance. Their good dame, to 

 whom I pay a small stipend, instructs them in read- 

 ing and working ; but I take upon myself to explain 

 the importance of religion and virtue, the necessity of 

 governing the temper, and the advantages of order and 

 good habits. The little prattlers all love me ; and I 

 seldom pass an hour more pleasantly than in behold- 

 ing the improvement of this innocent assembly." I 

 accompanied her to the school, and enjoyed a delight 

 that I had never felt before. I intend to repeat my 

 visits, and have taken particular charge of six of these 

 children. At the sight of their benefactress, love and 

 veneration were spread on every countenance, and 

 each seemed eager to obtain a smile of approbation. 



Sometimes our table is covered with maps of differ- 

 ent countries ; and my aunt elucidates the climate, 

 produce, and character of the inhabitants of each. 



Her favourite study is Natural History, in which 

 she is assisted by Mr. Palmer, who has a very exten- 

 sive knowledge on the subject. They wish to initiate 

 me, but I am such a novice that I fear they will 

 have a great deal of trouble. However, I am desirous 

 of turning my attention that way, from the pleasure I 



