e daytime, but the farmer's servants, and
all the neighbors, to read and write in the evening. This gave not only
Mr. Grove but all the neighbors a high opinion of her good sense and
prudent behavior; and she was so much esteemed that most of the
differences in the parish were left to her decision.

One gentleman in particular, I mean Sir Charles Jones, had conceived
such a high opinion of her that he offered her a considerable sum to
take care of his family and the education of his daughter, which,
however, she refused. But this gentleman, sending for her afterwards
when he had a dangerous fit of illness, she went and behaved so
prudently in the family and so tenderly to him and his daughter that he
would not permit her to leave his house, but soon after made her
proposals of marriage. She was truly sensible of the honor he intended
her, but, though poor, she would not consent to be made a lady until he
had effectually provided for his daughter.

All things being settled and the day fixed, the neighbors came in crowds
to see the wedding; for they were all glad that one who had been such a
good little girl, and was become such a virtuous and good woman, was
going to be made a lady. But just as the clergyman had opened his book,
a gentleman richly dressed, ran into the church, and cried, "Stop!
stop!"

This greatly alarmed the congregation, particularly the intended bride
and bridegroom, whom he first accosted and desired to speak with them
apart. After they had been talking some little time, the people were
greatly surprised to see Sir Charles stand motionless and his bride cry
and faint away in the stranger's arms. This seeming grief, however, was
only a prelude to a flood of joy which immediately succeeded; for you
must know, gentle reader, that this gentleman, so richly dressed and
bedizened with lace, was that identical little boy whom you before saw
in the sailor's habit; in short, it was little Tom Two-Shoes, Mrs.
Margery's brother, who had just come from beyond sea, where he had made
a large fortune. Hearing, as soon as he landed, of his sister's intended
wedding, he had ridden in haste to see that a proper settlement was made
on her; which he thought she was now entitled to, as he himself was both
able and willing to give her an ample fortune. They soon returned to
their places and were married in tears, but they were tears of joy.

379

_Evenings at Home_, one of the important books
in