162 A NEST INCASED IN GROWING WOOD. 



a point to instruct her in every branch of family eco- 

 nomy. I am her scholar; and, though very awk- 

 ward in my new business^, I hope, whenever we meet, 

 to regale you with puddings and preserves of my 

 own making. It is one of my dear aunt's maxims, 

 that nothing is trivial or mean that is useful; and 

 that the comfort and order of a family depend very 

 much upon an attention to trifles. No part of her 

 household escapes her observation ; and she is desir- 

 ous that I should acquire those domestic habits, 

 which are so different from my former mode of life, 

 that I should find them an unpleasant task, were it 

 not for the example and condescension of Rachel, who 

 not only instructs me, but also gives me her assistance, 

 and lightens my labours by the pleasures of her con- 

 versation. 



Mrs. Saville has just entered the house, with 

 something in her hand, and summons me down 

 stairs. I obey her call, and will resume my pen 



presently. 



^ ji^ ^ # 



An elm, near our house, was cut down some time 

 ago, and the sawyers have been this day employed 

 to divide it into planks. Upon cutting it up, they 

 discovered a hollow place, nearly in the centre of the 

 tree, containing a bird's nest, and several eggs, which 



