state were of the noblest kind. In his
estimation, it was the institution the best calculated for the permanent
happiness of a rational being. Fully sensible how much the colour of his
future life must depend upon the person whom he should call his wife, he
determined to make his choice with circumspection. Surely, said he, if
we are solicitous respecting the character and temper of a person who is
to make a short excursion with us, it behoves us to be extremely careful
respecting one who is to be our companion in the journey of life. He was
first introduced to Charlotte at a ball. The dancing had just begun, and
she was entering into it with all that gayety which youth and health
inspire (for it was a diversion of which she was very fond) when she was
informed that her father was suddenly taken ill and would be glad to see
her, if she could consent to give up the evening's pleasure. She waited
not for consideration; but regardless of place or person, she flew out
of the room, and totally forgot, in the desire to relieve her parent,
that she should thereby lose a diversion, to which she had looked
forward with the greatest delight. Benignus, who had been charmed with
her person and conversation, was delighted with this proof of the
goodness of her heart, and determined to offer her his hand, if he
should find her as amiable at home as she was captivating abroad. He was
introduced the next day into her father's house by a friend of his, who
was a relation of the old gentleman's. They were shown into the
invalid's room. Charlotte, with her arms round her father's waist, was
gently helping him to rise in the bed; and her expressive countenance
showed how tenderly she sympathized in the pain he felt. As soon as she
was gone out of the room, her father, whose heart was warm with
gratitude, could not help breaking out into an exclamation of his
happiness in possessing such a daughter, whose dutiful and affectionate
attention, he said, disarmed sickness of its sting. Benignus went home,
in love with Charlotte, and from that time he became a constant visiter
at her father's house. He found her mind as accomplished as her heart
was benevolent. He doubted not but that so amiable a daughter would make
as amiable a wife. He married her, and has not been disappointed.
Blessed in each other's affections, they enjoy as much happiness as this
life is capable of affording: theirs is

----"the mild majesty of private life,
Where