UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 131 



assist each other, they never officiously interfere 

 in one another's occupations, because each has 

 abundance of their own. 



But I must continue my history. When they 

 had told my uncle of their intended donations, 

 he said, in his playful manner, " Most puissant 

 friends, if I were allowed a voice in this affair, I 

 would say that Bertha ought to have an inde- 

 pendent portion, which she could cultivate or 

 spoil, to her own satisfaction. If your aunt has 

 no objection, I will give her a certain spot near 

 Caroline's garden, which requires a good deal to 

 be done to put it into order. A little steady 

 employment will be of great use in breaking her 

 into the noble science of horticulture ; and she 

 can lay out her domain to her own taste. May 

 I hope this suggestion meets with your appro- 

 bation? 1 ' 



" Oh yes," said Wentworth ; " we all approve 

 of your amendment. Papa, though we are sorry 

 not to have the pleasure of making a general 

 contribution in her behalf. However, I know 

 she will require help ; and I engage to be her 

 labourer, and do all her hard work.' 7 



4C And I," said Frederick, " will be her little 

 garden boy her slave, if she likes ; for I know 

 she comes from a country where slaves are em- 

 ployed." 



" Well then, Bertha," said my uncle, " I will 

 shew you this piece of ground j and, if you like 



