home intelligence to Miss Stanley of the flourishing state of some
American plants which had been raised under her direction. To speak the
truth, I had for some time been trying to bring Lucilla on the tapis,
but had not found a plausible pretense. I now inquired if Miss Stanley
directed their gardening pursuits. "She directs _all_ our pursuits,"
said the two bashful blushing girls, who now, for the first time in
their lives, spoke both at once; the subject kindling an energy in their
affectionate hearts, which even their timidity could not rein in.

"I thought, Clara," said Sir George, "that Miss _Ph[oe]be_ Stanley too,
had assisted in laying out the flower garden. Surely she is not behind
her sister in any thing that is kind, or any thing that is elegant." His
complexion heightened as he spoke, and he expressed himself with an
emphasis, which I had not before observed in his manner of speaking. I
stole a glance at Lady Aston, whose meek eye glistened with pleasure, at
the earnestness with which her son spoke of the lovely Ph[oe]be. My
rapid imagination instantly shot forward to an event which some years
hence will probably unite two families so worthy of each other. Lady
Aston, who already honors me with her confidence, afterward confirmed my
suspicions on a subject about which nothing but the extreme youth of
both parties made her backward to express the secret hope she fondly
entertained.

In our walk round the gardens, the Miss Astons continued to vie with
each other who should be warmest in the praise of their young friends at
the Grove. To Miss Stanley, they gratefully declared, they owed any
little taste, knowledge, or love of goodness which they themselves might
possess.

It was delightful to observe these quiet girls warmed and excited by a
subject so interesting. I was charmed to see them so far from feeling
any shadow of envy at the avowed superiority of their young friends, and
so unanimously eloquent in the praise of merit so eclipsing.

After having admired the plants of which I promised to make a favorable
report, I was charged with a large and beautiful bouquet for the young
ladies at the Grove. They then drew me to the prettiest spot in the
grounds. While I was admiring it, Miss Clara, with a blush, and some
hesitation, begged leave to ask my advice about a little rustic building
which she and her sisters were just going to raise in honor of the Miss
Stanleys. It was to be dedicated to them, and c