Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/141

Rh was debating the matter with myſelf, I happened to mention, that we were in want of a ſchool-miſtreſs. She eagerly adopted the plan, and perſevering in it theſe laſt ten years, I find her a moſt valuable acquiſition to our ſociety.

She was formed to ſhine in the moſt brilliant circle—yet ſhe relinquiſhed it, and patiently labours to improve the children conſigned to her management, and tranquillize her own mind. She ſucceeds in both.

She lives indeed alone, and has all day only the ſociety of children; yet ſhe enjoys many true pleaſures; dependence on God is her ſupport, and devotion her comfort. Her lively affections are therefore changed into a love of virtue and truth: and theſe exalted ſpeculations have given an uncommon dignity to her manners; for ſhe ſeems above the world, and its trifling commotions. At her meals, gratitude to Heaven ſupplies the place of ſociety. She has a tender, ſocial heart, and, as ſhe cannot ſweeten her ſolitary draught, by expreſſing Rh