of making handsome presents. Nevertheless, she was disappointed in the little progress of her matrimonial schemes; there was no preference for one daughter more than another; he was equally kind and affectionate to all. One morning his visit terminated in a most satisfactory manner; he gave each of the elder girls a sealed paper, which, when opened, was found to contain a hundred pounds. To them it seemed the riches of the world, and each was expressly enjoined to spend it on what she liked best. Only those who have often wanted money—wanted it painfully and mortifyingly—who have constantly been debarred gratifications common to those among whom they live—only those can tell the delight of suddenly possessing a large sum of money, to do just what they please with. How many enjoyments of taste, fancy, and kind feeling were comprised in the possession! Even Mary was quite animated.
"We will," exclaimed she, a faint colour warming her cheek at the very idea, "have an excursion into the country—really the country. Fancy, if it be but for a week, having a cottage, into whose garden we can walk unobserved, and gather the roses ourselves. What delicious strolls of a summer evening in the fields, where the hay has just been cut; and through green lanes, covered with wild honeysuckle!" Louisa was silent; but there was a smile round her dimpled mouth, which betrayed how pleasant was the reverie in which she indulged.
