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Mrs. B. I'm sure those who can find it out in her have a quicker discernment than I can pretend to. How unlucky it was that we came to the house last night, without enquiring before hand the state of the family! I thought I should have fainted when they told me of the marriage; and when I saw that creature in my sweet sister's place!

Bea. I pitied you, my dear Susan, very much, indeed I did; but it would have look'd pettish and unforgiving in us to have gone away again at that late hour; and I think we must stay with them till to-morrow. For the children's sake we must endeavour to be on good terms with them. But here come William and Sophia.

(Enter William Beaumont and Sophia, talking as they enter.)

Wil. You like the yellow-streak'd carnations best?

Soph. Yes, I think they are the prettiest, tho' we have but very few of them.

Wil. O then I'll make our gardener sow a whole bushel of carnation-seed when I get home,that we may have a good chance, at least, of raising some of the kind you admire. And what else can I do for you, Sophy? Shall I copy some of my friend's verses for you? or send you some landscapes for your drawing-book? or—did not you say you should like to have a rocking-horse for little Tony?

Soph. Indeed you are very good, cousin.