al and
affectionate attention with which the younger treated her somewhat
infirmer friend, and anticipated all her wants. The charm of such
actions lies chiefly in the manner in which they are performed,--in
things which appear small and insignificant, but which are never lost
upon a susceptible heart.

"I began by saying that I esteemed myself fortunate in being
permitted to deliver to the fair recluses the compliments with which
I was charged by my grandfather, who had had the honour of visiting
them fifty years ago. Their beauty indeed they had lost, but not
their memory: they remembered the C--- C--- very well, immediately
produced an old memorial of him, and expressed their wonder that so
young a man was dead already. Not only the venerable ladies, but
their house, was full of interest; indeed it contained some real
treasures. There is scarcely a remarkable person of the last half
century who has not sent them a portrait or some curiosity or antique
as a token of remembrance. The collection of these, a well-furnished
library, a delightful situation, an equable, tranquil life, and
perfect friendship and union,--these have been their possessions; and
if we may judge by their robust old age and their cheerful temper,
they have not chosen amiss."

During the summer of 1833, Miss Catherine Sinclair, the clever authoress
of "Modern Accomplishments," made an excursion through Wales, and thus
describes her visit to Plas Newydd:--

"No eyes but those of a poet are worthy to behold the celebrated
valley of Llangollen, where we next proceeded, after having drawn
largely on the firm of Messrs. Wordsworth, Cowper, Thomson, and Co.
for language to pay a due tribute of admiration to this surpassing
scene,--but who has a genius equal to the majesty of nature? I
thought of the Mahometan who turned back when he observed some such
rich and fertile plain, saying, he had been only promised one
Paradise, and did not wish to enjoy it upon earth. Instead of
following his example, however, we advanced, trying to fancy
ourselves on the banks of the Rhine, to which so many travellers have
compared this beautiful valley. Pray employ your unrivalled taste in
imagining the rugged mountains,--the sparkling river,--the ancient
trees,--the smiling cottages,--the daisied meadows, and the fertile
gardens,