31
crown, my good neighbours considered it as an auspicious omen of my future fortune. Nor have I had any reason to view it in a contrary light; for though my life, (the rest of which has been spent in Lord Longland's family,) has not been free from troubles, it has been sweetened by many mercies. But I must have tired you with talking of myself," continued Mrs Mason; "for what interest can you take in the story of my childhood?"
"But I do indeed, Mrs Mason, I take a great interest in it," cried Mary; "and I have learned from it more of the consequences of early education, than from many of the books I have read upon the subject. Pray tell me how you went on at Hill Castle? and tell me how soon it was that you saw my mother, and what she was then like?"
"She was then exactly what you are now, my dear young lady. The same height, the same soft voice, the same fair complexion, and the same mild expres-
