104 BERTHA'S VISIT TO HER 



time these broken hills were palaces these long 

 undulating mounds were streets and this deso- 

 late solitude was filled with the busy subjects of 

 the proud daughter of the East." 



My dear Mamma, I hope you will not think 

 that I fill up my journal with too long extracts ; 

 but I was so much interested in all that relates 

 to Babylon, that I could not deny myself the 

 pleasure of copying some parts of this great book, 

 \vhich I am sure will not for a long time make 

 its way to Rio. 



Sept. 9. Do you recollect, dear Mamma, that 

 I mentioned in my journal about a fortnight ago, 

 my uncle's surprise at meeting an old acquaint- 

 ance at the harvest home, who, when he formerly 

 knew him, was in the gay world ; and who, 

 it then seemed very improbable would have to 

 lead a rural life, and to associate with plain far- 

 mers ? My uncle's notice was attracted by his 

 very gentlemanlike air, even in the homely dress 

 of a farmer ; and when he discovered who he 

 was, he doubted at first whether he should address 

 him, as he feared that the evident change in his 

 situation might make it disagreeable to him to be 

 recognised. However, they did renew their ac- 

 quaintance, and my uncle obtained permission 

 to wait on him. 



He rode to see him in a few clays, and was 

 much charmed with the neatness of his farm 



