ney, and
gratitude
towards Mr.
Childrens - Roses and Emily
objects.
Let me then, for once, have the
satisfaction of reflecting that a small part
of it ministers to the comfort of one whose
virtues and talents would dignify and
adorn any situation. In this praise I am
sincere; in the motive of it perhaps I am
selfish. In plain terms, my dear madam,
I once more intreat you to receive my
Emily. The parental feelings which per-
vade your own bosom will lead you to
judge of mine; anxious, to a degree of
agony, for the welfare of my child, yet I
have hitherto mistaken the means of pro-
moting it; and I view her, at present,
the victim of my ill judged opinions. I
despise the fantastical theories of modern
education, and would prefer her mind a
perfect blank, rather than have it impress-
ed with such ideas as I have too fre-
quently discovered in the school-trained
girls of fashion. To you only would I
dare to confide her, for you only can
transform her to what I wish. I am
aware how difficult will be the task I
would impose upon you, and that it can
f4
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? 104 ROSE AND EMIIiY; OR,
never be in my power to offer a sufficient
compensation; all I can do is to solicit
your acceptance of some pecuniary re-
turn, which, like my gratitude, shall be
for life; and, like the friendship of my
Emily, shall succeed to your daughters.
If you have the humanity to receive my
child, you must permit me to render
your establishment liberal and easy. I
am an unsettled being; my heart carries
in it the image of my lost Emily, and
cannot long attach itself to one spot;
change is my only relief; it is my inten-
tion soon to quit England for two years
or more; travelling does not permit of
instruction ; and unless you receive my
child, she. must be her father's com-
panion* In leaving her under your pro-
tection, my mind would derive a consola-
tion it has long in vain required. Let me
implore you to take this proposal into
serious consideration, and I shall wait
your reply with anxious impatience. "
This letter excited in Mrs. Sydney
a powerful interest both for the father
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 105
and child. She perceived the advan-
tages which would result to herself and
daughters in acceding to Mr. Blandford's
request, but self-interest did not for a mo-
ment influence her decision. The more
she considered the subject, the more con-
vinced was she of her own inability to
educate Emily for the sphere. of life in
which her fortune would, probably, re-
quire her to move; yet every re-
view represented her as a neglected
child, whose errors could only be eradi-
cated by an unremitted course of affec-
tionate attentions. . . She . knew Emily
was attached to her, and had frequently
observed that from her the most trivial
expression of encouragement, or a glance
of disapprobation, had decided her either
to pursue or desist from any thing that
might be in agitation- This influence
over her inclinations would enable her
the more easily to correct what was
wrong in her habits or. temper; but
though she might regulate the impulses
of her heart, and reform the predominant
F5
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? 106
ROSE AND EMILY; OH,
failings of her disposition, how could she
instruct her in those accomplishments
"which form often a principal, and she
thought, in some degree, really an essen-
tial part of . education for the rich and
noble? Sometimes, indeed, more valu-
able acquirements are sacrificed for the
attainment of these, yet to some extent
they are necessary. Her own daughters.
were educated for the confined rank in
which Providence had placed them; she
only wished they should possess in them-
selves those mental resources and inno-
cent amusements which might render
them companionable and domestic. Isa-
bel had been early instructed by her
father in French, and accustomed to
converse in k with her parents and bro-
ther; and. Rose was beginning the same
'language. Drawing had been a study
which the beautiful country they inha-
bited, rendered a source of pleasure tlw
most interesting, and this taste was cul-
tivated in Isabel till it had already attain-
ed excellence. Botany, in their rural
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
107
rambles, formed another part of their
amusements; they delighted to trace
the germ in the bud, to watch the bud
expanding into the flower, to trace the
hand of Providence in the formation and
- protection of the simplest objects in the
creation, and thus, "looking through
nature up to nature's God," to find new
causes of gratitude and adoration. With
music and dancing they were totally un-
acquainted, and these latter accomplish*
ments Mrs. Sydney believed absolutely
necessary, in educating Emily for that
world in. which she would one day ap-
pear. She scarcely suffered herself to
reflect on the advantages she and her
daughters would derive from her ac-
ceding to Mr. Blandford's proposal, or
on the tender and anxious affection she
felt for Emily; for so powerful was the
conviction, that were she to undertake
her education, she should be defective
in some of its material points, and he
therefore unjust to engage in it, that she
conscientiously resolved to decline it aU
f6
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? 108
ROSE AND EMILY f 0Hr
together, and resort to the humble task she
had previously determined upon,ofteach-
ingvillage children. She therefore request-
ed the favour of an hour's conversation
? with Mr. Blandford, and communicated
to him her reasons for refusing a trust
she was incompetent to discharge; at
the same time acknowledging, with every
sentiment of gratitude, the honour he
had conferred upon her in wishing to
consign his daughter to her care. Mr.
Blandford listened attentively, and when
she ceased said, "Are these all your ob-
jections All," answered Mrs. Syd-
ney. "We then differ materially in our
opinions," said Mr. Blandford; . " and^
pardon me if I say, that all the objections
you have advanced, only operate with
me as so many arguments in favour of
the plan of education which you would
adopt. It is for the cultivation of her
mind I am most solicitous; . I wish not
for any of those artificial graces, prac-
tised to allure the eye or charm the<<ear. .
I wish her to be an intellectual com-
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 109
panion and a domestic friend; and
though it is probable she may move in
the highest ranks, it is not there I wish
my child to gain her only applause. To
the approbation or those whose observa-
tions extend no farther than the grace
with which a woman enters a draw-
ing-room ; the air of fashion which marks
her dress and manner, I attach no value;
but. I am ambitious she should be dis-
tinguished by the few who appreciate
superiority of mind.
"It is said a dancing. master is not
only essential to teach how to move with
ease, but also how to sit or stand still;
your daughters, I suppose, have not
had the advantages of such an instructor,
yet I have never perceived in them the
slightest awkwardness; on the contrary,
every movement of Isabel displays a
gracefulness that tuition could not give \
and little Rose, whether playful or in-
active, is elegant and unembarrassed.
Improve? the understanding, cultivate
the best feelings of the heart, and the
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? 110 ROSE AND EMILY J OR,
body moves in sympathy \ it may not be
strictly fashionable, but it will be ' a grace
beyond the reach of art. ' Whenever
Emily is required to mix in the world,
even though she. cannot dance a reel
in the newest Caledonian steps, or sing
with the science of a professor, yet I
shall introduce her with pride and con-
fidence, if. I receive her, after a few. years,,
from your: instruction. However exqui-
site my enjoyment of music, I have no
wish that she should learn it;. on this
subject, I do not argue from my feelings,
but from general observation, and the
peculiar situation of my child. She has,
I grieve to say, lost some years which
ought to have been directed to useful ap-
plication, and has no time to bestow on
this study. To acquire even a moderate
degree of execution on any instrument,
many hours of every day must be em-
ployed, which might be filled up more
advantageously; it is, in fact, one of
those accomplishments in which a per-
son can seldom arrive at excellence,
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
Ill
without the sacrifice of, what I consider,
more valuable attainments. Landscape-
drawing and botany will give her an in-
terest in nature; the French language
will open to her mind new sources of de-
light in reading, and afford new plea-
sures in conversation. ; geography will
enlarge her ideas of the habitable globe,
and history will impart some knowledge
of human nature; and, to become all
that is amiable, she has only to follow
the example you and your daughters
will constantly set before her. Isabel
has already been taught by you. " "Not
only by me," interrupted Mrs. Sydney;
"but by another, more competent to
teach her than I am. " "Be that as it
may," replied Mr. Jilandford, "to such
an education as you can give her, I should
think half my fortune well appropriated.
A father may instruct and guide a son,
but a daughter requires the endearments
and gentle admonitions of her own sex.
Pity, therefore, my poor Emily, bereft
as she is of a mother, and with a father
-
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? 112 ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
unsettled in his present habits, uncertain
in his future projects. "
"I have no hesitation, Sir," replied
Mrs. Sydney, "in avowing my wish to
accede to yours, and if you can be satis-
fied with my humble exertions to render
Miss Blandfbrd like my own children,
I shall engage in her education with
pleasure ; but I fear" "Fear nothing
madam, I wish her only to be like them
consent to receive my child, and I am
happy. " "I will, Sir, for one twelve-.
month; but if, at the end of that period I.
you' are disappointed in your expecta-
tions, I shall request to relinquish the
charge. " "I consent to your stipula-
tions," replied Mr. Blandfbrd, "and bless
you for accepting the trust, even for that
time. O Emily 1" exclaimed he, "you
. in whom are centered all my hopes of
earthly happiness, ! jou will yet realize
them all. " "Do not " said Mrs. Sydney
calmly, " assure yourself too sanguinely
of my success. I think Emily naturally
amiable, and I hope I shall strengthen
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 113
every virtuous propensity of her disposi-
tion; but we cannot be certain of suc-
cess in our best attempts. "
Mr. Blandford, after a p? use, said--
"I have already made some arrange-
ments in the event that you would re-
ceive my daughter, and 1 hope I shall
not meet with any opposition to the steps
I have taken, as I imagined I was anti-
cipating your wishes. Your former ha-
bitation, madam, is nearly ready for your
reception. '' Mrs. Sydney bowed her head
in silence. "If you have any objection
? if you would prefer any other place. "
"O no, Sir--of all spots it is the dearest
to me--it is peculiarly consecrated. "
"The house," proceeded Mr. Bland-
ford, " has been several weeks engaged,
and is now repairing by my orders, in
the hope that you would be induced to
become the protectress of my daughter.
I will now hasten the workmen, thltt be-
fore I quit the village, I may have the
consolation of seeing you, your dear
girls, and my fortunate Emily, its inha-
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? 114 ROSE AND EMILY; OH,
bitants. " "Be it so," said Mrs. Sydney,
"I have no words to thank you. "
When it was rumoured that Mrs. Syd-
ney was to return to the parsonage, more
than usual diligence was employed to put
it in repair; for every one of the work-
men had some remembered act of Mr. or
Mrs. Sydney's kindness to relate, and
they redoubled their exertions in order
to repay it.
Mr. Blandford's benevolence had also.
been felt by every child of suffering ift
the parish, and his name was blessed by
every lip.
The respect entertained for Mrs* Syd^.
ney, and gratitude towards Mr. Blandford,
lightened labour of its weight ;; and in a
few weeks the furniture, which had been
purchased at a neighbouring market town,
was placed in the parsonage. The gar-
den was only cleared of its weeds, for he
knew that pruning and planting would
afford pleasure to Mrs. Sydney and her
daughters.
. While these preparations were going
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH: 115
. forward, Mr. Blandford called one day
at Mrs. Sydney's with a landscape, which
he requested Isabel to copy--" It is in
your style," he said, " and I think you
- will execute it nearly as well; if not, it
wilL be excellent as a study. " He was
himself no mean artist, and had fre-
quently, in his rambles round the village,
taken sketches of its scenery. From the
few specimen* he had seen of Isabel's
drawing, he thought the talent might be
cultivated to advantage, and he wished
to encourage her to pursue it. "This,"
he said, "is a little gem--how glowing
is that tint--how gradually declining that
? shade--how fine the sky--what harmony
in every part. . I purchased it to-day at
B , and was told that the artist was
a lady in the neighbourhood, but I could
. not learn her name. Do not you think,
Miss Sydney, it is extremely like a view
near the river? I could almost declare I
had sat fishing in the Derwent beneath
that alder, for how decidedly it is an
aldei;-*-then the distant church,i the; Qpt*
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? 116 ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
tage nestling under that hanging wood,
the projecting rock--it must be the very
same--do not }Tou think so? "
As he made this second appeal, he
turned his head towards her; she had
half retired from observation; her crim-
soned cheek and downcast eyes betrayed
some extraordinary agitation. "My
Isabel," are you not well? " said her
mother, who had, till that moment, been
attending to a little narrative of Rose's,
and had scarcely heard the remarks of
Mr Blandford, "are yOu not well? "
** Yes mamma, quite well,"' and taking
the drawing from Mr. Blandford, was
hurrying out of the room. "Let me see
it, my dear girl," said her mother "before
you take it away. " Isabel returned with
a reluctant step, and the instant Mrs.
Sydney's eyes glanced on the landscape
they were directed to her daughter with
an expression of surprise and enquiry--
"Has this drawing ever been out of your
possession Isabel ? the Inst! " She paused*
"Yes mamma," replied Isabel, "this draw-
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 117
ing has been out of mypossession. " "How
could you part with it, my child? " said
Mrs. Sydney with emotion. "I must
then explain myself," replied Isabel, and
running up stairs, returned in an instant
with the original, the "last" which Mr.
Sydney had ever sketched, and froma spot
to which he was particularly attached.
"This is the drawing mamma. O I
could never part with it. " "Explain
the other. " "It is a copy I made ; and,
forgive me for concealing any thing from
you, I took it early in a morning before
you and Rose were up; I requested
good Mr. Price to dispose of it, with
another, and with the money which I
received, I procured a few things which
I thought you required, and which you
imagined came from some of our kind
neighbours. Forgive this artifice, my dear
mamma. -, it is the first your Isabel has ever
. practised. " "Forgive you! " exclaim-
ed her mother fondly clasping her in her
arms " beloved child i rather let me bless
you. " "I am sure," said Rose, " I
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? IIS ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
knew nothing of it mamma. " "I believe
you my dear girl," replied Mrs. Sydney
with a smile that played through her
tears; "indeed I believe you Rose. "
This incident gave Mr. Blandford new
reasons to congratulate himself on the
measures he had taken for the benefit of
his daughter, and for the future happiness
of Mrs. Sydney and her children. " .
In a few weeks the repairs of the par-
sonage were completedtwo female ser-
vants engaged, and a man who was to fill
every department out of doors. Nothing
was omitted, on the part of Mr. Bland-
ford, which he imagined would conduce
to the comfort of this interesting family;
and as he reflected on the action he was
performing, the blessings he was dispen-
sing, and Yhe advantages that would be
derived by his Emily from a constant re-
sidence with Mrs. Sydney and her chil-
dren, his heart swelled with emotions the
most benignant, the most grateful. Never
had his wealth appeared to him of so
much value. He felt that, like mercy,
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? SKETCHES 0E YOUTH. 119*
*s It is twice blessed; it blesseth him
that gives, and him that takes and he
thanked that gracious Providence^ which
by one of those events we blindly deno-
minate chance, had guided him to that
spot, and made him the 'happy instru-
ment of rescuing merit from poverty and
sorrow.
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? 120
ROSE AND EMILY; OK,
CHAR IX.
It was on the first of January that Mrs.
Sydney quitted the humble roof which
had sheltered them in indigence and sor-
row, for that which had been the abode
of prosperity and happiness. The oldyear,
like another volume of her life, was closed
for ever. ; but the events that had marked
it were written on her memory in inde-
lible characters: a new one was now
opened, and its blank pages excited
mingled sensations of hope and fear; but
while her mind was agitated by these va-
rious reflections, gratitude to the bene- v
factor who had thus raised her and her
children from poverty, and to that God
who had ordained it, was the predomi-
nant feeling of her bosom.
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? 8JCETCHES OF YOUTH. J21
The return to an abode so long dear
to them, was marked by varied emotions
of joy and grief, as different recollections
pressed upon their minds. Mrs. Syd*
ney's eyes were dimmed with tears, when,
leaning on the arm of Isabel, she entered
the white gate'of the garden, which se-
parated the house from the village road;
and once more seated in the little par-
lour, she alternately pressed her children
to her bosom, her heart silently and fer-
vently blessing them ; but she could not
articulate her welcome to that home to
which they were so unexpectedlyrestored.
The first emotions having subsided,
Mrs. Sydney reflected upon the import-
ant task she had pledged herself to per-
form; it was equally one of duty and
gratitude, and she determined to exert
all the powers of her mind, and to call in
all the aid of religion, to enable her to
subdue the regrets that still hung so
heavily on her heart, in order faithfully
and conscientiously to execute the task
assigned her. . ? ?
G
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? 122 ROSE AND EMILY OR,
Mr. Blandford passed the evening at the
parsonage, and consigned Emily toher ma-
ternal care, and her entire guidance, for
at least one twelvemonth; but expressed a
a hope that she would protect her for what-
ever length of time he might be absent
from England. He was happy to find
Mrs. Sydney more cheerful than he had
ever before seen her; a fuint smile, like
the gleamings of a wintry sun, for a few
moments played upon her face, and as
she looked at her children and Emily,
she seemed to say--" It is for these I
smile. " Isabel was, as usual, gentle and
endearing, attentive to every look of her
mother, and anxious to anticipate her
every wish ; while little Rose was all joys
prattle, and activity. Emily received
her father's parting kiss and blessing with
many tears; but the affectionate sooth-
ings of Mrs. Sydney, the tender caresses
"of her daughters, and the novelty of her
situation, in a short time chased them
away; yet she sat thoughtful an'd silent.
Mr. Blandford settled a small annuity
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 123
Upon Ruth, who went to reside with a
sister in the neighbourhood of London.
The next morning he left the village, his
mind pursuing that train of sweet reflec-
tions which always result from the con-
sciousness of having performed our duty
to God and our fellow creatures; nor
. could he forbear looking-forward to that
period when he should receive his Emily
from the hands of her kind instructors;
when he should find her the graceful
woman, the intellectual companion, the
affectionate friend; and when all his
wishes for her would be at once realized.
After he had quitted them the pre-
ceding evening, Mrs. Sydney attended
the little girls to their chamber, which
was fitted up with two neat beds, and
another in an adjoining room for a ser-
vant. Rose, who had always been ac-
customed, every night and morning, to
offer up her humble petitions to her
Maker, knelt down, and "lisp'd with
holy look her evening prayer. " When
she had ended, and Mrs. Sydney had
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? 124 HOSE AND EMILY; OR,
given her a kiss and blessing, she turned
to Emily, who had been standing by her;
"Repeat your prayers, my love," said
Mrs. Sydney. Emily, in some confusion,
muttered over a few almost unintelligible
words; then pausing, and hiding her
head in Mrs. Sydney's lap, burst into
tears. "Why do you cry? " enquired
her kind friend; "Have you forgotten
them? " "No,*' she sobbed, "I never
knew any more; I never liked saying
my prayers, and I don't know what they
mean. " "My poor child! " exclaimed
Mrs. Sydney, tenderly taking her hand,
"my poor Emily, attend to me seriously
and I will teach you. Prayer is a duty
we owe to our Maker, as an humble con-
fession of our dependance upon him, and
an acknowledgment of his mercy and
goodness. It is from him we derive our
existence; by him we are supported;
6 in him we live, and move, and have our
being and we should pray to him night
and morning, to render us more deserving
of his gracious care and protection, and of
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
125
all the blessings we receive from him; but
another time, my dear girl, I will explain
to you more fully tht nature of this obli-
gation; for the present, good-night, and
may God bless you. "
Rose was soon asleep, with the lightest,
sweetest visions of joy and happiness
floating on her buoyant fancy. With
Emily it was otherwise ; *she thought that
her ignorance must have humbled her in
the regard of Mrs. Sydney, and she felt
in every respect her inferiority to Rose,
who was two years younger than herself.
When Mrs Sydney went into their room
to give them a last look at night, she
found them both asleep; but on Emily's
. cheek the tears were still moist.
The next morning Rose was the first
in the family who awoke; she was soon
dressed, and regardless of a cold and
frosty air, ran over the garden. The
sun brightly gilded every object, and
though not warm as her hopes, was cheer-
ful as her fancy; she bounded over the
well known paths; flew to the honey-
G3
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satisfaction of reflecting that a small part
of it ministers to the comfort of one whose
virtues and talents would dignify and
adorn any situation. In this praise I am
sincere; in the motive of it perhaps I am
selfish. In plain terms, my dear madam,
I once more intreat you to receive my
Emily. The parental feelings which per-
vade your own bosom will lead you to
judge of mine; anxious, to a degree of
agony, for the welfare of my child, yet I
have hitherto mistaken the means of pro-
moting it; and I view her, at present,
the victim of my ill judged opinions. I
despise the fantastical theories of modern
education, and would prefer her mind a
perfect blank, rather than have it impress-
ed with such ideas as I have too fre-
quently discovered in the school-trained
girls of fashion. To you only would I
dare to confide her, for you only can
transform her to what I wish. I am
aware how difficult will be the task I
would impose upon you, and that it can
f4
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? 104 ROSE AND EMIIiY; OR,
never be in my power to offer a sufficient
compensation; all I can do is to solicit
your acceptance of some pecuniary re-
turn, which, like my gratitude, shall be
for life; and, like the friendship of my
Emily, shall succeed to your daughters.
If you have the humanity to receive my
child, you must permit me to render
your establishment liberal and easy. I
am an unsettled being; my heart carries
in it the image of my lost Emily, and
cannot long attach itself to one spot;
change is my only relief; it is my inten-
tion soon to quit England for two years
or more; travelling does not permit of
instruction ; and unless you receive my
child, she. must be her father's com-
panion* In leaving her under your pro-
tection, my mind would derive a consola-
tion it has long in vain required. Let me
implore you to take this proposal into
serious consideration, and I shall wait
your reply with anxious impatience. "
This letter excited in Mrs. Sydney
a powerful interest both for the father
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 105
and child. She perceived the advan-
tages which would result to herself and
daughters in acceding to Mr. Blandford's
request, but self-interest did not for a mo-
ment influence her decision. The more
she considered the subject, the more con-
vinced was she of her own inability to
educate Emily for the sphere. of life in
which her fortune would, probably, re-
quire her to move; yet every re-
view represented her as a neglected
child, whose errors could only be eradi-
cated by an unremitted course of affec-
tionate attentions. . . She . knew Emily
was attached to her, and had frequently
observed that from her the most trivial
expression of encouragement, or a glance
of disapprobation, had decided her either
to pursue or desist from any thing that
might be in agitation- This influence
over her inclinations would enable her
the more easily to correct what was
wrong in her habits or. temper; but
though she might regulate the impulses
of her heart, and reform the predominant
F5
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? 106
ROSE AND EMILY; OH,
failings of her disposition, how could she
instruct her in those accomplishments
"which form often a principal, and she
thought, in some degree, really an essen-
tial part of . education for the rich and
noble? Sometimes, indeed, more valu-
able acquirements are sacrificed for the
attainment of these, yet to some extent
they are necessary. Her own daughters.
were educated for the confined rank in
which Providence had placed them; she
only wished they should possess in them-
selves those mental resources and inno-
cent amusements which might render
them companionable and domestic. Isa-
bel had been early instructed by her
father in French, and accustomed to
converse in k with her parents and bro-
ther; and. Rose was beginning the same
'language. Drawing had been a study
which the beautiful country they inha-
bited, rendered a source of pleasure tlw
most interesting, and this taste was cul-
tivated in Isabel till it had already attain-
ed excellence. Botany, in their rural
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
107
rambles, formed another part of their
amusements; they delighted to trace
the germ in the bud, to watch the bud
expanding into the flower, to trace the
hand of Providence in the formation and
- protection of the simplest objects in the
creation, and thus, "looking through
nature up to nature's God," to find new
causes of gratitude and adoration. With
music and dancing they were totally un-
acquainted, and these latter accomplish*
ments Mrs. Sydney believed absolutely
necessary, in educating Emily for that
world in. which she would one day ap-
pear. She scarcely suffered herself to
reflect on the advantages she and her
daughters would derive from her ac-
ceding to Mr. Blandford's proposal, or
on the tender and anxious affection she
felt for Emily; for so powerful was the
conviction, that were she to undertake
her education, she should be defective
in some of its material points, and he
therefore unjust to engage in it, that she
conscientiously resolved to decline it aU
f6
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? 108
ROSE AND EMILY f 0Hr
together, and resort to the humble task she
had previously determined upon,ofteach-
ingvillage children. She therefore request-
ed the favour of an hour's conversation
? with Mr. Blandford, and communicated
to him her reasons for refusing a trust
she was incompetent to discharge; at
the same time acknowledging, with every
sentiment of gratitude, the honour he
had conferred upon her in wishing to
consign his daughter to her care. Mr.
Blandford listened attentively, and when
she ceased said, "Are these all your ob-
jections All," answered Mrs. Syd-
ney. "We then differ materially in our
opinions," said Mr. Blandford; . " and^
pardon me if I say, that all the objections
you have advanced, only operate with
me as so many arguments in favour of
the plan of education which you would
adopt. It is for the cultivation of her
mind I am most solicitous; . I wish not
for any of those artificial graces, prac-
tised to allure the eye or charm the<<ear. .
I wish her to be an intellectual com-
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 109
panion and a domestic friend; and
though it is probable she may move in
the highest ranks, it is not there I wish
my child to gain her only applause. To
the approbation or those whose observa-
tions extend no farther than the grace
with which a woman enters a draw-
ing-room ; the air of fashion which marks
her dress and manner, I attach no value;
but. I am ambitious she should be dis-
tinguished by the few who appreciate
superiority of mind.
"It is said a dancing. master is not
only essential to teach how to move with
ease, but also how to sit or stand still;
your daughters, I suppose, have not
had the advantages of such an instructor,
yet I have never perceived in them the
slightest awkwardness; on the contrary,
every movement of Isabel displays a
gracefulness that tuition could not give \
and little Rose, whether playful or in-
active, is elegant and unembarrassed.
Improve? the understanding, cultivate
the best feelings of the heart, and the
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? 110 ROSE AND EMILY J OR,
body moves in sympathy \ it may not be
strictly fashionable, but it will be ' a grace
beyond the reach of art. ' Whenever
Emily is required to mix in the world,
even though she. cannot dance a reel
in the newest Caledonian steps, or sing
with the science of a professor, yet I
shall introduce her with pride and con-
fidence, if. I receive her, after a few. years,,
from your: instruction. However exqui-
site my enjoyment of music, I have no
wish that she should learn it;. on this
subject, I do not argue from my feelings,
but from general observation, and the
peculiar situation of my child. She has,
I grieve to say, lost some years which
ought to have been directed to useful ap-
plication, and has no time to bestow on
this study. To acquire even a moderate
degree of execution on any instrument,
many hours of every day must be em-
ployed, which might be filled up more
advantageously; it is, in fact, one of
those accomplishments in which a per-
son can seldom arrive at excellence,
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
Ill
without the sacrifice of, what I consider,
more valuable attainments. Landscape-
drawing and botany will give her an in-
terest in nature; the French language
will open to her mind new sources of de-
light in reading, and afford new plea-
sures in conversation. ; geography will
enlarge her ideas of the habitable globe,
and history will impart some knowledge
of human nature; and, to become all
that is amiable, she has only to follow
the example you and your daughters
will constantly set before her. Isabel
has already been taught by you. " "Not
only by me," interrupted Mrs. Sydney;
"but by another, more competent to
teach her than I am. " "Be that as it
may," replied Mr. Jilandford, "to such
an education as you can give her, I should
think half my fortune well appropriated.
A father may instruct and guide a son,
but a daughter requires the endearments
and gentle admonitions of her own sex.
Pity, therefore, my poor Emily, bereft
as she is of a mother, and with a father
-
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? 112 ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
unsettled in his present habits, uncertain
in his future projects. "
"I have no hesitation, Sir," replied
Mrs. Sydney, "in avowing my wish to
accede to yours, and if you can be satis-
fied with my humble exertions to render
Miss Blandfbrd like my own children,
I shall engage in her education with
pleasure ; but I fear" "Fear nothing
madam, I wish her only to be like them
consent to receive my child, and I am
happy. " "I will, Sir, for one twelve-.
month; but if, at the end of that period I.
you' are disappointed in your expecta-
tions, I shall request to relinquish the
charge. " "I consent to your stipula-
tions," replied Mr. Blandfbrd, "and bless
you for accepting the trust, even for that
time. O Emily 1" exclaimed he, "you
. in whom are centered all my hopes of
earthly happiness, ! jou will yet realize
them all. " "Do not " said Mrs. Sydney
calmly, " assure yourself too sanguinely
of my success. I think Emily naturally
amiable, and I hope I shall strengthen
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 113
every virtuous propensity of her disposi-
tion; but we cannot be certain of suc-
cess in our best attempts. "
Mr. Blandford, after a p? use, said--
"I have already made some arrange-
ments in the event that you would re-
ceive my daughter, and 1 hope I shall
not meet with any opposition to the steps
I have taken, as I imagined I was anti-
cipating your wishes. Your former ha-
bitation, madam, is nearly ready for your
reception. '' Mrs. Sydney bowed her head
in silence. "If you have any objection
? if you would prefer any other place. "
"O no, Sir--of all spots it is the dearest
to me--it is peculiarly consecrated. "
"The house," proceeded Mr. Bland-
ford, " has been several weeks engaged,
and is now repairing by my orders, in
the hope that you would be induced to
become the protectress of my daughter.
I will now hasten the workmen, thltt be-
fore I quit the village, I may have the
consolation of seeing you, your dear
girls, and my fortunate Emily, its inha-
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? 114 ROSE AND EMILY; OH,
bitants. " "Be it so," said Mrs. Sydney,
"I have no words to thank you. "
When it was rumoured that Mrs. Syd-
ney was to return to the parsonage, more
than usual diligence was employed to put
it in repair; for every one of the work-
men had some remembered act of Mr. or
Mrs. Sydney's kindness to relate, and
they redoubled their exertions in order
to repay it.
Mr. Blandford's benevolence had also.
been felt by every child of suffering ift
the parish, and his name was blessed by
every lip.
The respect entertained for Mrs* Syd^.
ney, and gratitude towards Mr. Blandford,
lightened labour of its weight ;; and in a
few weeks the furniture, which had been
purchased at a neighbouring market town,
was placed in the parsonage. The gar-
den was only cleared of its weeds, for he
knew that pruning and planting would
afford pleasure to Mrs. Sydney and her
daughters.
. While these preparations were going
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH: 115
. forward, Mr. Blandford called one day
at Mrs. Sydney's with a landscape, which
he requested Isabel to copy--" It is in
your style," he said, " and I think you
- will execute it nearly as well; if not, it
wilL be excellent as a study. " He was
himself no mean artist, and had fre-
quently, in his rambles round the village,
taken sketches of its scenery. From the
few specimen* he had seen of Isabel's
drawing, he thought the talent might be
cultivated to advantage, and he wished
to encourage her to pursue it. "This,"
he said, "is a little gem--how glowing
is that tint--how gradually declining that
? shade--how fine the sky--what harmony
in every part. . I purchased it to-day at
B , and was told that the artist was
a lady in the neighbourhood, but I could
. not learn her name. Do not you think,
Miss Sydney, it is extremely like a view
near the river? I could almost declare I
had sat fishing in the Derwent beneath
that alder, for how decidedly it is an
aldei;-*-then the distant church,i the; Qpt*
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? 116 ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
tage nestling under that hanging wood,
the projecting rock--it must be the very
same--do not }Tou think so? "
As he made this second appeal, he
turned his head towards her; she had
half retired from observation; her crim-
soned cheek and downcast eyes betrayed
some extraordinary agitation. "My
Isabel," are you not well? " said her
mother, who had, till that moment, been
attending to a little narrative of Rose's,
and had scarcely heard the remarks of
Mr Blandford, "are yOu not well? "
** Yes mamma, quite well,"' and taking
the drawing from Mr. Blandford, was
hurrying out of the room. "Let me see
it, my dear girl," said her mother "before
you take it away. " Isabel returned with
a reluctant step, and the instant Mrs.
Sydney's eyes glanced on the landscape
they were directed to her daughter with
an expression of surprise and enquiry--
"Has this drawing ever been out of your
possession Isabel ? the Inst! " She paused*
"Yes mamma," replied Isabel, "this draw-
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 117
ing has been out of mypossession. " "How
could you part with it, my child? " said
Mrs. Sydney with emotion. "I must
then explain myself," replied Isabel, and
running up stairs, returned in an instant
with the original, the "last" which Mr.
Sydney had ever sketched, and froma spot
to which he was particularly attached.
"This is the drawing mamma. O I
could never part with it. " "Explain
the other. " "It is a copy I made ; and,
forgive me for concealing any thing from
you, I took it early in a morning before
you and Rose were up; I requested
good Mr. Price to dispose of it, with
another, and with the money which I
received, I procured a few things which
I thought you required, and which you
imagined came from some of our kind
neighbours. Forgive this artifice, my dear
mamma. -, it is the first your Isabel has ever
. practised. " "Forgive you! " exclaim-
ed her mother fondly clasping her in her
arms " beloved child i rather let me bless
you. " "I am sure," said Rose, " I
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? IIS ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
knew nothing of it mamma. " "I believe
you my dear girl," replied Mrs. Sydney
with a smile that played through her
tears; "indeed I believe you Rose. "
This incident gave Mr. Blandford new
reasons to congratulate himself on the
measures he had taken for the benefit of
his daughter, and for the future happiness
of Mrs. Sydney and her children. " .
In a few weeks the repairs of the par-
sonage were completedtwo female ser-
vants engaged, and a man who was to fill
every department out of doors. Nothing
was omitted, on the part of Mr. Bland-
ford, which he imagined would conduce
to the comfort of this interesting family;
and as he reflected on the action he was
performing, the blessings he was dispen-
sing, and Yhe advantages that would be
derived by his Emily from a constant re-
sidence with Mrs. Sydney and her chil-
dren, his heart swelled with emotions the
most benignant, the most grateful. Never
had his wealth appeared to him of so
much value. He felt that, like mercy,
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? SKETCHES 0E YOUTH. 119*
*s It is twice blessed; it blesseth him
that gives, and him that takes and he
thanked that gracious Providence^ which
by one of those events we blindly deno-
minate chance, had guided him to that
spot, and made him the 'happy instru-
ment of rescuing merit from poverty and
sorrow.
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? 120
ROSE AND EMILY; OK,
CHAR IX.
It was on the first of January that Mrs.
Sydney quitted the humble roof which
had sheltered them in indigence and sor-
row, for that which had been the abode
of prosperity and happiness. The oldyear,
like another volume of her life, was closed
for ever. ; but the events that had marked
it were written on her memory in inde-
lible characters: a new one was now
opened, and its blank pages excited
mingled sensations of hope and fear; but
while her mind was agitated by these va-
rious reflections, gratitude to the bene- v
factor who had thus raised her and her
children from poverty, and to that God
who had ordained it, was the predomi-
nant feeling of her bosom.
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? 8JCETCHES OF YOUTH. J21
The return to an abode so long dear
to them, was marked by varied emotions
of joy and grief, as different recollections
pressed upon their minds. Mrs. Syd*
ney's eyes were dimmed with tears, when,
leaning on the arm of Isabel, she entered
the white gate'of the garden, which se-
parated the house from the village road;
and once more seated in the little par-
lour, she alternately pressed her children
to her bosom, her heart silently and fer-
vently blessing them ; but she could not
articulate her welcome to that home to
which they were so unexpectedlyrestored.
The first emotions having subsided,
Mrs. Sydney reflected upon the import-
ant task she had pledged herself to per-
form; it was equally one of duty and
gratitude, and she determined to exert
all the powers of her mind, and to call in
all the aid of religion, to enable her to
subdue the regrets that still hung so
heavily on her heart, in order faithfully
and conscientiously to execute the task
assigned her. . ? ?
G
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? 122 ROSE AND EMILY OR,
Mr. Blandford passed the evening at the
parsonage, and consigned Emily toher ma-
ternal care, and her entire guidance, for
at least one twelvemonth; but expressed a
a hope that she would protect her for what-
ever length of time he might be absent
from England. He was happy to find
Mrs. Sydney more cheerful than he had
ever before seen her; a fuint smile, like
the gleamings of a wintry sun, for a few
moments played upon her face, and as
she looked at her children and Emily,
she seemed to say--" It is for these I
smile. " Isabel was, as usual, gentle and
endearing, attentive to every look of her
mother, and anxious to anticipate her
every wish ; while little Rose was all joys
prattle, and activity. Emily received
her father's parting kiss and blessing with
many tears; but the affectionate sooth-
ings of Mrs. Sydney, the tender caresses
"of her daughters, and the novelty of her
situation, in a short time chased them
away; yet she sat thoughtful an'd silent.
Mr. Blandford settled a small annuity
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 123
Upon Ruth, who went to reside with a
sister in the neighbourhood of London.
The next morning he left the village, his
mind pursuing that train of sweet reflec-
tions which always result from the con-
sciousness of having performed our duty
to God and our fellow creatures; nor
. could he forbear looking-forward to that
period when he should receive his Emily
from the hands of her kind instructors;
when he should find her the graceful
woman, the intellectual companion, the
affectionate friend; and when all his
wishes for her would be at once realized.
After he had quitted them the pre-
ceding evening, Mrs. Sydney attended
the little girls to their chamber, which
was fitted up with two neat beds, and
another in an adjoining room for a ser-
vant. Rose, who had always been ac-
customed, every night and morning, to
offer up her humble petitions to her
Maker, knelt down, and "lisp'd with
holy look her evening prayer. " When
she had ended, and Mrs. Sydney had
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? 124 HOSE AND EMILY; OR,
given her a kiss and blessing, she turned
to Emily, who had been standing by her;
"Repeat your prayers, my love," said
Mrs. Sydney. Emily, in some confusion,
muttered over a few almost unintelligible
words; then pausing, and hiding her
head in Mrs. Sydney's lap, burst into
tears. "Why do you cry? " enquired
her kind friend; "Have you forgotten
them? " "No,*' she sobbed, "I never
knew any more; I never liked saying
my prayers, and I don't know what they
mean. " "My poor child! " exclaimed
Mrs. Sydney, tenderly taking her hand,
"my poor Emily, attend to me seriously
and I will teach you. Prayer is a duty
we owe to our Maker, as an humble con-
fession of our dependance upon him, and
an acknowledgment of his mercy and
goodness. It is from him we derive our
existence; by him we are supported;
6 in him we live, and move, and have our
being and we should pray to him night
and morning, to render us more deserving
of his gracious care and protection, and of
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
125
all the blessings we receive from him; but
another time, my dear girl, I will explain
to you more fully tht nature of this obli-
gation; for the present, good-night, and
may God bless you. "
Rose was soon asleep, with the lightest,
sweetest visions of joy and happiness
floating on her buoyant fancy. With
Emily it was otherwise ; *she thought that
her ignorance must have humbled her in
the regard of Mrs. Sydney, and she felt
in every respect her inferiority to Rose,
who was two years younger than herself.
When Mrs Sydney went into their room
to give them a last look at night, she
found them both asleep; but on Emily's
. cheek the tears were still moist.
The next morning Rose was the first
in the family who awoke; she was soon
dressed, and regardless of a cold and
frosty air, ran over the garden. The
sun brightly gilded every object, and
though not warm as her hopes, was cheer-
ful as her fancy; she bounded over the
well known paths; flew to the honey-
G3
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