20 BERTHA'S VISIT TO HER 



my cousin feel a little neglected, if we continue 

 our own pursuits, without any attention to hers ?" 



" Certainly, were that the case but I think, 

 my love, that as Bertha will have her own em- 

 ployments, she may not, perhaps, at first like to 

 make one of our happy family school ; but 

 though occupied ourselves, I am sure we shall 

 never be inattentive to her feelings." 



ft I dare say Bertha knows that to be always 

 employed is the chief secret of happiness," said 

 my uncle ; " and I arn convinced that both you 

 and she will perceive that we never enjoy the 

 society of our friends so much, as when we have 

 earned it by useful labour or moderate restraint. 3 ' 



Just then the letters were brought in ; one of 

 them from cousin Hertford, who is now visiting 

 the Western Isles, seemed to give great delight 

 to the whole party. 



Wth. After breakfast is over, Mary and 

 Caroline retire to my aunt's dressing-room, 

 where they go on with their studies. I long to 

 be admitted to sit there in the mornings, and 

 share in their employments. 



Mary is not so pretty as Caroline, but she has 

 a most expressive countenance ; her health has 

 been delicate, and she is timid and reserved in 

 company, but very lively when we are quietly 

 together. They are both very charming, but 

 different in many respects. 



