No More Learning

Mr. Price would send them to Mrs. Syd-
ney as a remedy he thought requisite for
her health, and as a present from him. ^
self.
The bitterness of sensation which had
accompanied Mr. Blandford into the
country, the keen sense of mankind's
injustice and ingratitude, had yielded to
softer feelings since his departure from
the scene where he had experienced
them; anJ, relieved from the lethargic
dullness whnsh a mind, without any po-
sitive resource in itself, would probably
have sunk into, by the interesting situ-
ation of Mrs. Sydney's family, he began
to think there were some really amiable
beings in the universe, and that elegance
of mind might be combined with simpli-
city of manner.
His little girl,. vexed at his walking
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 48
out so often without her, and weary of
having no other society than that of
Ilutlv met him with tears and repin-
ings. "I am tired to death, papa,
(C)f this nasty place; I have nobody
to play with, nobody to speak to but old
Ituth, and she scolds me all day long for
pulling up the things in the garden.
What do I care for the frightful garden;
it has nothing in it but roses aiid honey-
suckles, which grow as well in the hedges;
uiy dolls are broken, and so are all my
playthings: do, pray papa, take me back
ia London, for I hate this place. " "But
if you had a play. fellow, Emily, should
you hate it then? " "No, if she was a
nice one, and would let me do as I like. "
"I will try and find you one," said Mr. .
Bland ford. "Oh, do papa^ but I'sha n't
like those ugly girls with stuff gowns and
straight hair combed smooth over their
races; what frights they are! " "Well,"
replied Mr. Blandford, w we must look
round the village for another. "
Mr. Blandford had observed, with in-
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? 44
ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
ternal chagrin, the difference between
the simple and unobtrusive, yet lively
Rose, and his rude and discontented
Emily. The truth began to dawn upon
his mind. He had prohibited the whole
system of modern education as inculca-
ting only cunning and artifice; a gem
rough from the mine he considered as a
greater treasure than when it had re-
ceived an artificial polish. Emily was
that gem ; unused to controul, she could
not submit to contradiction, and was
seldom good-humoured except when she
wasfollowing her own inclinations. Some-
times Mr. Blandford would undertake to
teach her himself, but her disposition had
so much stubborn strength, that he found
it difficult to be. nd it to any form, and he
therefore indolently relinquished the at-
tempt. He had not spoken of his little
girl to Mrs. Sydney, because the plan
he wished to pursue respecting her, was
to exclude her from an intercourse with
children even of her own age^ lest she
should meet with any ill example; and
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 45
though he respected Mrs. Sydney and
admired her daughters, a kind of cauti-
ous reserve had entwined itself about his
heart, whenever Emily became the sub-
ject of his thoughts.
The next day he only sent to enquire
after Mrs. Sydney, and was informed that
she was worse; he called the succeed-
ing one, and found she had received the
Madeira, and believed herself somewhat
better; he learnt too that the good apo-
thecary, modestly declining to send it
in his own name, had said that it came
from a lady who was anxious for her re-
covery. "Another worthy character,"
thought Mr. Blandford, and he begun
to suspect that human nature had its
good, as well as bad propensities.
Little Rose, the instant she perceived
him stepping over the stone fence, ran to
take his hand, and to tell him a long story
of a pet lamb of Phcebe Bloomfield's that
followed her wherever she went, and
that Phoebe said it sh. ndd never be kill-
id--not even when it was grown into a
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? 46 ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
great sheep; that she had been reading
a pretty tale to her mamma, and had
found a sweet-briar in the corner of her
own garden. To this medley of intelli-
gence Mr. Blandford listened with an
affectionate smile, and asked her whe-
ther she should like a play-mate. "Yes,
that I should," said Rose, "Phoebe
Bloomfield plays with me sometimes, and
I love her very much, she is so good;
but I cannot teach her to read, though
I try very often; she likes I should
read to her; but I wish she could
read herself. '. ' What would you
say to my little girl? " "Your little
girl? Oh, dear! have you a little girl,
alid never told me of her before, never
brought her with you to see me? "
** You seem surprised, Rose," said Mr.
Blandford. "Yes, so I am; for every
body knows mamma has me and Isabel;
and I wonder I never knew vou had a
little girl; but is she here? in this very
village? oh, pray let me see her; I am
sure I shall love her; how tall is she?
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? SKETCHES'OF YOUTH.
47
^can she run and play? " "Yes, my
sweet Rose, she can run and play, and
is taller and older than you. " "Well,
that is nice--but what is her name ? '?
"Emily. " <<? g*Ehat is a very pretty
name; when sfflRpsee her? " "To-
'morrow; if your mamma will allow me"
to introduce her. "
Mrs. Sydney felt, though she forbore
to express astonishment, at this reserve
respecting his child; and instantly gave
not only her consent, but earnestly in-
treated him not to delay her visit
till the next day, but to permit her to
come that evening; and proposed to send
Isabel for her. Mr. Blandford refused
to have Isabel sent, but promised to bring
her himself in the evening.
Whilst they were conversing, a girl, of
about twelve years old, entered the room,
bending beneath the weight of a large
basket, and curtsying respectfully to Mrs.
Sydney, said, that her mother, with her
humble duty, begged her acceptance of
its contents. A faint blush passed over
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? 48 ROSE AND EMILY J (C)a,
Mrs. Sydney's cheek, and a tear swam
in her eye; taking the girl's hand, she
sent her love and thanks to her mother.
"Can I, madam," said the child, "be of
any service to you this afternoon; my
mother says she does not want me, and
if you would be so kind as let me stay
and do something for you, she would be
obliged to you. " "You may stay, my
good girl," said Mrs. Sydney, "but I
believe there is nothing to do; Rose and
Isabel are, you know, early risers, and as
active as yourself. " "Yes ma'am, but
it is not for them to do what I do, and it
goes to my heart, and so it does to my
mother's, to think that they should," cried
she, bursting into tears. Mrs. Sydney
kissed her cheek, and said, " Well--
stay this afternoon to give us pleasure,
and to-morrow you may come and be
useful. " "Thank you, madam," said
the child, dropping a curtsy, and retired
into another apartment. "That is Phoebe
Bloomfield," said Mrs. Sydney, daughter
to the worthy people who so benevolently
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? SKETCHES Ol' YOUTH.
49
Jont me this cottage; and this basket
probably contains a part of the produce
of their farm and dairy. . . Ulhey endea-
vour to anticipate allmy wishes,. and more
than . supply; . all my wants. I should
wound them "were I to refuse their kind-
ness, but. I fear it will never be in my
power to return it," ;:
When Mr. Blandford was gone, the
idea of a new companion, Mr. Blandford's
little girl too,. Mr. Blandford who was
so. . kind to her mamma that . she loved
? him . deavlyi rendered the naturally buoy-
ant spirits. of Hose so. light and gay, that
? she jumped and talked. all the afternoon;
? and calling Phoebe, told her she Was go.
? ing to have a new play-fell oW. "I ain
sure," said Phoebe sorrowfully,# I should
be always glad to play with you, and do
any thing for you. " ** Yes,1l know that,
Phoebe," said Rose, " but fcfcis" is Mr.
Blandford's little girl," " I don't know*"
replied Phoebe, that you will like her
the better for ;that; for I hear she will
have her own way in every thing. " Bose
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? . 50
ROSE AND EMILY; OH,
was a little vexed, but turning to Isabel
said--" Well, now tell me what kind of
a girl you think Emily is? " "How can
I possibly tell F said her sister. She
may have blue eyes, or black eyes--light
hair, or dark hair, or red hair. " ** Oh
no," exclaimed Rose, '< not red hair, I
am sure she has not red hair, I cannot
endure red hair. " "Then," said poor
Phoebe dejectedly, " you don't like
mine. " "But I love you," says Rose.
"You know, Phcebe, I love you, and I
forgot you had red hair, I never think
about it," cried she, kissing her; " you are
so good that I think of nothing else but
that when Hook at you. " "Well," said Isa-
bel, do not talk so fast, my Rose, but tell
me what sort of a girl you wish her to be. "
"I shall like her, whatever she is," said
Rose; because^ she is Mr, Blandford's;
but I think," continued the little fanciful
prattler, " that she is very tall and very
thin, with light hair and blue eyes, per-
'haps like you, Isabel. , I think too, she
is very polite; for you know, mamma,
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? SKETCllKS OF VOUTHr 51
Emily comes from London. " . Mrs. Syd-
ney smiled. "London does not render
every one polite, my child } but sup-
pose you called her Miss Bkndford, as
she is older than you, and a stranger. "
*' I will, mamma. Miss Blandford, then,
I think, must be very sensible;, and will
tell me a great deal about St* Paul's, and
the Monument, and the Tower, and the
wax-work, and pictures, and all the
strange birds and beasts; and then I
dare say she has a great many books, and
will let me read with her, and will tell
me stories; and oh! if she should play
on the piano! I shall be so happy, shall
I not Isabel? " "Indeed, my dear Rose,
I think you will, if all you fancy should
prove true. " "Oh, how I wish evening
was come," said Rose, " I can think of
nothing but Emily--MUs Blandford I
mean/' ** Suppose. you water your
flowers, that will amuse you for some
time," said Isabel.
'* I am glad you
thought of it," replied Rose, and away
ran the light hearted girl, followed by
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? 62
ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
Phoebe. She soon rapped at the win-
dow--"Isabel, they are coming--I1 can
see them at a distance and returning. ,
she waited at the stone steps till they
arrived; and giving her hand to Emily,
both to welcome and assist her, told her
she had been watching for her a long
time. Emily surveyed her with a look,
whichj though it did not invite further
kindness, did not entirely check the over-
flowing joy of Rose's heart. "I am glad
you are come," she said. "You are a
kind little girl," replied Mr. Blandford,
and I hope Emily ancF you will be good
friends. " "That we shall," answered
Ilose. Emily had withdrawn her hand,
. and seemed doubtful whether to be
rplcased or not. "" '?
Mr. BlandfeTd, 'in neglecting to edu-
cate liis 'daughter, merely designed to
preserve her mind free and uncontami-
nated; in excluding her from all inter-
course with others, he imagined he
should avoid the danger of any pernici-
ous example; but'he had not considered
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? SKETCIIKS OF YOUTH. J3
that the society of the vulgar and \mt
educated, amongst whom, in his absence,
she was unavoidably thrown, possessed
poison still more injurious. With them
she had imbibed pride, cunning, and dis-
content. She knew they were her de-
pendents, and she exercised over them
all the petty power with which she
thought herself invested. She saw their
stratagems and artifices, and a habit of
evasion and concealment was too' soon
acquired. She heard therrt envy ithfc
situation of their superiors* andjshfcbfc-
came. dissatisfied, ajso,. Her person indi-
cated health and s^ength; her features
were handsome, b$t they wore anYe>>- .
pressiqn of ? haughtiness and contempt
which^repdledaffecjion; The brilliancy
of a fine brown eye was obscured by a
lurking look of sullen suspicion, and/a
pretty mouth spoiled by the poutings of
ill*humou,*. o . :. m\J \' <v/. '. ' . . m
Mrs* Sydney was grieved to see the
neglect whidirappeared in;her dress and
person; her hands were 'dirty, her fine
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? 54
ROSE AND EMILY; OR,
muslin frock torn and scarcely tied, and
her bonnet bent so as to have entirely
lost its original form.
Accustomed to treat children with
tenderness, Mrs. Sydney took her hand,
and affectionately kissed her; '* My
little girl," she said, "has but few to as-
sociate with, and will be delighted to
know you; you will find her a kind-
hearted, good child, and I hope will like
her. " Miss Blandford made no reply,
but looked at Mrs. Sydney with an half-
i uplifted eye of sly examination. "Which
do you prefer," said Mrs. Sydney, " town
or country? " *? I like London best. "
** You have generally lived there," said
Mrs. Sydney. "But why do you like it
best? " enquired her father. "I know,"
she replied, holding down her head.
"And I wish to know also," said Mr.
Blandford tf Well 0w>n,* if I must tell
you, I have in London, Barrett, and Tho-
mas, and Williams to play with, and here
I have only old Ruth, and I hate her, she
is so cross. Barrett Would so romp with
me"-- "Hush, hush," exclaimed her
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
55.
father, drawing her to him. "You will
*like the country when you are more ac-
customed to it; and as to Barrett and
Thomas, you were not with them. ''
"But I was though, for as soon as you.
went out, Williams always sent me into
the servants' hall, and then she went out
walking; and I liked the fun there; for
Barrett would so romp. " "Well, well,"
$aid Mi'r Bkndford, in'an angry tone--
"no more of this. " ? . . . . j
iTfhe; evident distress and displeasure
of Mrv Blandford,. during Emily's de-
scription of her London pleasures, made
Mrs. Sydney desirous of changing the
subject, and endeavour to draw Emily
towards her; but she kept equally dis-
tant both from her and Rose, who talked
of her flowers, of her good friend Phoebe
Bloomfield, and the pretty walks about
the village. When the time of departure
came, Mrs. Sydney entreated Mr. Bland-
forcl to allow his daughter to be fre-
quently his guest. He thanked her,
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? 56 ROSE AND EMILY J Oft^
adding--" How. different. is she from
Rose! " Mrs. Sydney had remarked the
contrast as forcibly as he had; and was
astonished that a man, whose character
appeared so benevolent, whose principles
were so correct, whose heart was so ten-
der, and whose understanding was so
good, should have neglected the first of
duties--that of a parent. Sad incon-
sistency . of feeling, and perversity of
reasoning!
In returning home, Mr. Blandford re-
flected seriously on his manner of bring-
ing up Emily, (for educating it could not
be termed,) and began to fancy it might
fee ? erroneous. His chief object was; to
preserve her mind'free from the follies
and fopperies of fashion, and lie there-
fore would engage rio one in his domestic
establishment, but persons of ithe'most
uncultivated' mhidfr;1 believing that ? n>>
them he should find simplicity of. nature,
and incorruptible integrity. Alas! ho\v
mistaken! lie thought of Mrs. Sidney;
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH.
si
and was surprised that, in the very bo-
som of retirement, he had found an un-
derstanding of high ? culture; manners
refined and easy, united with an elegant
simplicity. He had seen what he termed
life; in the higher walks, it is true, he
had long trod* He thought he had also
seen the lower paths; he had been pre-
sent at a haymaking holiday, and a har-
vest home ;. he had witnessed the rustic;
merriment of these festivities, and be-
lieved himself competent to judge of
mankind in . general; but the interme-
diate class had . never fallen under his ob-
servation. Pride on his side, prevented
his mixing with them as an equ-d; and
pride on their :side, forbade him but as
an equal. Though he despised the su- >
perficial refinement of many town bred
persons of both sexes, he never imagined
that the country could produce any vir-
tues but those of the heart; and he sa-
crificed all hope of meeting with supe-
riority of intellect, or charm of manner, ?
D. 5. .
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? 58
ROSE' EMILY; Oil,
in his search after simplici. y and inte-
grity; but of the fallacy of this long in-
dulged theory, he became more con-
vinced every time he saw and conversed
with Mrs. Sydney.
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? SKETCHES OF YOUTH. 59
?
CHAP, IV.
Hose was invited to spend the next after-
noon with Emily. . What joy to pay a
visit! Though her expectations in regard
to Emily's person and accomplishments
had not been realised, still the books and
playthings she \ras sure of. Emily, on
her past* was internally pleased to have
foundrone? who,\as younger than herself*
she imagined would be^ easily induced to
conform to all. her wishes. , and over whom
she could exercise all her imagined
power. She collected together the frag-
ments of. her scattered toys, and . met
little Rose with more good humour than
she had shewn the evening before. After
dressing and undressing the remains o? .
(C)6
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? >>0
HOSlv ASD JE3IIL. Y J OR,
a wax doll, turning the winch of a dis-
cordant hand-organ, looking at the pic-
tures designed for a magic lantern, and
various other spoiled instruments of
childish amusement, till both were weary,
Rose asked to see her books. "Oh,"
said Emily, " I wi&lobk for them ; here
is one about birds and beasts, and the
prints are coloured from life. " "Colour-.
e~d from fife V exclaimed Rose; " well,
this is* delightful''^ now I shali know
exactly what the animals ai*e like; for i
have ofteii wished to see all the. ereatures-
that fly in the air, and that tun about oft
the earth;. and about fishes and insects,
and, in short, every thing in the whole
world. Now here is a. print of the hyena/'.
continued: she, afe' she turned over the
leaves of the book,' a very savage ani-
mal, and not easily tamed, some people
say never, ? but mamma" saw one in thf
tower many year^'age^ whi<eb7 Was almost
as! gerftfe sis &''c&. *1. As gentld as a.
cat,". said^EmilyyJwitfe'flf,sil? et< ? ? <<<< why
^iey' Are ilfe'? fcriwaest <aft& forces!