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166 declared his resolution to go as near the cow as he would. I will not take upon me to say that his little heart was perfectly free from palpitation, but that lay in his own bosom, where none could discover its feelings but himself; so let us give him as much credit for courage as we can, and acknowledge him to have been a noble little fellow in thus trusting himself amongst a number of horned cattle.

The whole party now entered the farmyard, where they saw eight fine cows, fat, sleek, and beautifully clean, who yielded several pails of rich milk, the steam of which, added to the breath of the cows, cast a delightful fragrance around. Mrs. Wilson then entreated her company to return to the house, where tea was provided, and a delicious syllabub.

The farmer now came back, and refreshed himself with a cup of ale, which was very comfortable after the fatigues of the day. "I have had," said Mrs. Benson, "great pleasure in viewing your farm, Mr. Wilson, which appears to me to afford all the desirable comforts and conveniences of life, and I most sincerely wish a continuance of your prosperity. If it is not an impertinent question, pray tell me, did you inherit the farm from your father, or was it purchased with the fruits of your own industry?" "Neither my wife nor I have led