[*] These verses are a quotation from that tender fable of the Sparrowand the Dove, in the 'Fables for the Female Sex.'
The eagle now, without any hesitation, pronounced the dove to be deservedly the happiest of the feathered kind; and however unwilling the rest of the birds were to assent to the judgment given, yet could they not dispute the justice of the decree.
Here Miss Jenny ceased reading, and all the little company expressed by their looks, that they were overjoyed at the eagle's determination; for they had all in their own minds forestalled the eagle's judgment, of giving the preference to the dove.'Now, my good children,' said Mrs.Teachum, 'if you will pass through this life with real pleasure, imitate the dove; and remember, that innocence of mind, and integrity of heart, adorn the female character, and can alone produce your own happiness, and diffuse it to all around you.'
Our little company thanked their governess for her fable; and, just at that instant, they heard a chariot drive into the court, and Mrs.Teachum went out to see what visitor could be arrived so late in the evening; for it was near eight o'clock.
They all remained in the room where their governess left them; for they had been taught never to run out to the door, or to the windows, to look at any strangers that came, till they knew whether it was proper for them to see them or not.
Mrs.Teachum soon returned with a letter open in her hand, and remained some little time silent; but cast on every one round such a tender and affectionate look, a tear almost starting from her eye, that the sympathising sorrow seemed to spread through the whole company, and they were all silent, and ready to cry, though they knew not for what reason.'I am sorry, my little dears,' said Mrs.Teachum, 'to give your tender bosoms the uneasiness I fear the contents of this letter will do, as it will deprive you of that your hearts so justly hold most dear.' And, so saying, she delivered to Miss Jenny Peace, the following letter:--'To Miss Jenny Peace.'Monday night, June 24.
'My dear niece,--I arrived safe at my own house, with your cousinHarriet, last Saturday night, after a very tedious voyage by sea, and a fatiguing journey by land.I long to see my dear Jenny as soon as possible, and Harriet is quite impatient for that pleasure.
'I have ordered my chariot to be with you tomorrow night; and I desire you would set out on Wednesday morning, as early as your inclination shall prompt you to come to'Your truly affectionate aunt, 'M.NEWMAN.
'I have writ a letter of thanks to your kind governess, for her care of you.'
It is impossible to describe the various sensations of Miss Jenny's mind, on the reading this letter.Her rising joy at the thoughts of seeing her kind aunt safely returned from a long and tedious voyage, was suppressed by a sorrow, which could not be resisted, on parting with such dear friends, and so good a governess; and the lustre which such a joy would have given to her eye, was damped by rising tears.Her heart for some time was too full for utterance.At last, turning to her governess, she said, 'And is the chariot really come, to carry me to my dear aunt?' Then, after a pause, the tears trickling down her cheeks, 'And must I so soon leave you, madam, and all my kind companions?' Mrs.Teachum, on seeing Miss Jenny's tender struggles of mind, and all her companions at once bursting into tears, stood up, and left the room, saying, 'She would come to them again after supper.' For this prudent woman well knew, that it was in vain to contend with the very first emotions of grief on such an occasion, but intended, at her return, to show them how much it was their duty and interest to conquer all sorts of extravagant sorrow.
They remained some time silent, as quite struck dumb with concern, till at last Miss Dolly Friendly, in broken accents, cried out, 'And must we lose you, my dear Miss Jenny, now we are just settled in that love and esteem for you, which your goodness so well deserves?'
