mselves were tied together with strong cord, which was hidden by the
foliage. By this means they were made into long wreaths, which were hung in
festoons all round the room, and had an exceedingly beautiful effect, while
over the doors and windows arches were formed of the same materials; but
when the greens were brought nearer to the eye, natural flowers were used,
which, being cut very short in the stem, preserved themselves fresh and
beautiful, and perfumed the place with the most delightful odours.

Though this employment was charming, yet it was necessarily fatiguing, and
the children went to bed at an early hour. Not long after they had retired,
Mr. and Mrs. Harewood heard a carriage, and while they were conjecturing
who it might be, to their great surprise, the long-expected stranger, Mrs.
Hanson, was announced.

They were truly rejoiced to see her; for, although personally unknown to
them, they were much disposed to esteem and love her, both from the style
of her letters, and the many traits of her conduct and character given by
Zebby, who was an able eulogist, since she ever spoke from the heart, and
although ignorant, was by nature acute and penetrating.

The anxious mother, sensible that forms were not necessary to be attended
to, in addressing the worthy couple to whom she came a welcome, though
unknown guest, first inquired after her only child. When told that she was
in bed, and fast asleep, having been much fatigued when she retired, she
immediately declared that she would not have Matilda awoke for her own
gratification--a declaration which confirmed the good opinion the family
already entertained of her. She could not, however, resist the very natural
desire she felt of beholding that dear object of her solicitude, from whom
she had been so long parted; and she therefore visited her room, and,
softly kissing her forehead, observed, to the great satisfaction of Mrs.
Harewood, that she had never seen her look so well before, which was
certainly the fact, though her weariness had induced some degree of
paleness.

Tears rose to the eyes of the fond mother, and often, often were they
turned to the bed which contained all her earthly treasure, ere she could
tear herself away; and Mrs. Harewood felt aware that silent prayers
occupied her heart for the future welfare and progressive virtue of a
being naturally so very dear, and whose bad passions, at the time of their
parting, had given so little rational hop