fold to her, she had the thought to send and inquire what she could do for their comfort. I remember one instance in which a chair for the support of a very sick and distressed woman was required. I saw her obtain the permission of her amiable mother to send one to the invalid, and I shall never forget the pleasing animation of her countenance. I likewise heard from the excellent young woman, who was her agent in all these cases, how effectual the services of a child had proved to a family in circumstances of the deepest distress. I impute much of this amiable philanthropy to the good example she has in her mother. I wish I could impress upon my young friends how much they have it in their power to help their fellow-creatures. Sophia Welmore, to my knowledge, never expends a penny in any eatable whatever for herself. She has been taught to understand that the table prepared for her by the order of her parents is to suffice. Thus, she has none of those Epicurean longings after good things which so frequently disgrace children; and her happiness is consequently much encreased by this judicious plan, for how often does sickness succeed to these luxurious feasts. I could enumerate many instances of Sophia Welmore's liberality, but I am now so near the conclusion of my task that I must really curb my inclination which would certainly lead me to pursue a subject so grateful to my feelings; and what I wish particularly to recommend to the imitation of my readers is this-That as the happy circumstances

of that class of children to whom I particularly address myself, exempts them from experiencing any of the real miseries of life, I advise them to consider all the advantages of their situation, and like my amiable Sophia, exert their little power in purposes so agreeable to the dictates of humanity.

I am now compelled to close this Chapter, as it is proper, before I take my final leave of you, that I should make one morning's perambulation in that circle from which I have drawn a great part of my spectatoral information. So, for the last time, imagine to yourselves, that you see Goody Argus setting off upon her tour of inquiry. But do not expect too much. Travellers are often very unfortunate in the hour which they choose for their depatrure; yet I am vain enough to imagine that as my road is one of my own planning, as I have never called in the assistance of any artist to aid my views, I repeat, that under all these circumstances, I presume to think that I have a right to expect some encouragement from the juvenile world. I do not aspire to a royal letter patent, but shall certainly feel much disappointed if I attain not that patent so much in your power to bestow, namely, your patience to my miscellaneous subjects, and your cordial belief that Arabella Argus is the sincere friend of children,

CHAP XIV.

A Medley.

THE unsettled situation in which we left Master Ashton some time since, made me resolve upon calling in square this morning. I did so; and, much to my regret, I found young Ashton making preparations for his going to school, Lady Ashton assured me, that it was entirely against her wishes, but that they had been so unfortunate in their tutors, that Sir George had lost his patience, and was now so determined, that she had lost all influence with him. She intreated me to exert myself in her interest; this I declined, considering it a matter of much delicacy,

and indeed my respect for the feelings of the boy, (who appeared to enter but languidly into the arrangement) would have deterred me from an interference so unavailing.

The entrance of Sir George restrained the importunities of his lady.—“So you find we have decided at last," said the baronet; "our wrong-head is going to school." I bowed." You do not approve of the measure, I perceive," continued Sir George. I replied, with sincerity, "that I considered the parents, in these cases, ought to be the best judges." The baronet smiled, and telling his son to retire, he spoke unreservedly on the subject: but, when I heard that there had been six tutors engaged and dismissed, in the course of six months, I could not but imagine, that the mistaken tenderness of the parents, must have united with the whims of the boy, to occasion a change so frivolous, if not disgraceful; and I really considered, that the child must be benefited, by being removed to a school, where, at least, he must acquire one beneficial lesson,-humility. In fact, there is scarcely a more dangerous sort of knowledge, than that which the too great indulgence of parents frequently induces;-I mean, that of letting children feel their importance, their power, over our hearts, if not our understandings. I know that it would be difficult to prove this to many parents; but the season may arrive, in which their own disappointment will corroborate my assertion.

That Sir George and Lady Ashton will experience this, in a degree proportioned to their weak guardianship of their son, cannot be doubted. I left young Ashton to his fate, and proceeded to the house of Mrs. Barlow. It cannot be supposed that I was influenced to this call by my esteem for these young ladies :-no; I must confess that a motive of curiosity led me thither. I saw Lady Liston alight from her carriage, and enter their house; and, as I had previously spoken to her ladyship, and been much pleased by her manners, I availed myself of the opportunity of again enjoying her conversation. I must candidly add, that I purposed, consistently with politeness, to make some inquiries after Miss Osborn, as I knew she was acquainted with the family. I found the Miss. Barlows wholly unemployed, though it was morning ; they appeared to me, as if waiting in the expectation of compliments from their mother's visitors, for I observed that they were at some trouble to hold their heads very high, in fact, quite beyond what is graceful: and they were continually smoothing their hair with small pocket-combs,-a custom (setting aside the vanity of the action) highly indelicate, When Lady Liston addressed herself to either of them, they answered in a voice scarcely to be heard; while the courtesy that accompanied their reply, was the most fantastical movement I ever beheld;-such a slide, or rather a retrograde sweep.

I had not dismissed the singularity of this modern