ably. She therefore proposed to enliven
that dull period by introducing the children.

"This little change has not only succeeded in our own family, but has
been adopted by many of our neighbors. For ourselves, it has answered a
double purpose. It not only delights the little things, but it delights
them with less injury than the usual season of their appearance. Our
children have always as much fruit as they like, after their own dinner;
they do not therefore want or desire the fruits, the sweetmeats, the
cakes, and the wine with which the guests, in order to please mamma, are
too apt to cram them. Besides, poor little dears, it mixes too much
selfishness with the natural delight they have in seeing company, by
connecting it with the idea of the good things they shall get. But by
this alteration we do all in our power to infuse a little
disinterestedness into the pleasure they have in coming to us. We love
them too tenderly to crib their little enjoyments, so we give them two
pleasures instead of one, for they have their dessert and our company in
succession."

Though I do not approve of too great familiarity with servants, yet I
think that to an old and faithful domestic, superior consideration is
due. My attendant on my present tour had lived in our family from his
youth, and had the care of me before I can remember. His fidelity and
good sense, and I may add, his piety, had obtained for him the privilege
of free speaking. "Oh, sir," said he, when he came to attend me next
morning, "we are got into the right house at last. Such a family! so
godly! so sober! so charitable! 'Tis all of a piece here, sir. Mrs.
Comfit, the housekeeper, tells me that her master and mistress are the
example of all the rich, and the refuge of all the poor in the
neighborhood. And as to Miss Lucilla, if the blessing of them that are
ready to perish can send any body to heaven, she will go there sure
enough."

This rhapsody of honest Edwards warmed my heart, and put me in mind that
I had neglected to inquire after this worthy housekeeper, who had lived
with my grandfather, and was at his death transplanted into the family
of Mr. Stanley. I paid a visit, the first opportunity, to the good
woman in her room, eager to learn more of a family who much resembled my
own parents, and for whom I had already conceived something more tender
than mere respect.

I congratulated Mrs. Comfit on the happiness of living in so valuable a
family. In return