The Adopted Daughter: A Tale for Young Persons

ather and mother were kind to us," said one of the old women, "and so is he and his wife also: she lets nothing be wasted in her dairy, or h

ch them plain needle-work, &c. The bigger boys used to walk to a neighbouring village to school, and as she found the man had a large family, and bore an excellent character, she did not set up any other in opposition to him, but engaged to pay him for those boys whose parents could not afford it. Her servants were or

and a black servant were all they saw. Her table and sideboard were neatly spread, without any appearance of ostentation; and by the great respect with which she treated her guests, she taught her servants to do the same. After dinner, Mrs. Meridith led them to the garden and pleasure-ground, and consulted Mr. Campbell on the improvements she intended; and by every action endeavoured to shew that she affected no superiority over them. Mrs. Campbell soon lost the restraint her being a stranger had occasioned, and Mrs. Meridith found her a sensible, well-informed woman. From this time she grew more attached to the family, and had frequent opportunities of o

many thanks, and on her repeating that she had long tho

ought up in the plainest and most industrious habits, "and I had intended," said he, "to follow her plan in regard to this second Anna; we have only o

attached to the place, and we know Anna can learn no evil of her. Will it be acting right, therefore, to deprive Mrs. Meridith of the amusement Anna will be, or Anna of the advantages Mrs. Meridith's fo

sed at finding her so situated; though I should fear, was he to know it, it would tem

e he knew that they should take the charge of her, it was very unlikely he should think of her now. The fear of offending Mrs. Meridith went a great way in gaining their consent, and it was agreed

always busy, and something to look forward to from every employment which will be useful to ourselves and others. I should never wish to see our little Anna any other than a farmer's wife, such as

Mr. Campbell, "and a farm-house is not exempt from the loss of family and f

less occasion to give one away; but you knows best; I would not be the child's hindrance;

master, "for Mrs. Meridith seems inclined to

and often; and told me never to take the children out for a walk without calling there; and latterly, some how or other, I never have, for let me go which way I would, the boys always contrived to come home round by Rosewood,

e could talk upon, she always found enough to say upon them; and she did not leave off till she was perfectly s

m her play with the boys, and the great mastiff dog who was letting them all ride upon his back. On being asked if she would like to live wi

see you every day,"

the artless child, "and old Molly, and

roaching on your goodness already, Madam,

Meredith, anxious to see the child accede to her propo

d, looking towards Mrs. Campbell, who

Mrs. Meridith, "but wo

the child; "and I do love you dearly,

, "nor won't come and live with me, and Bella, and Syphax!" th

een," her little eyes sparkling with pleasure, "and William and

s. Meridith, "and when you sleep at

and John to

ildren were the whole of that day; and Mrs. Meridith, afraid of Anna's expressing any dislike to remaining with her at night, would have wished William and John to sleep there, also; but Mr. Campbell advised her otherways, as it might make her expect it another time, "and I," said he, "may have as much trouble to make my boys willing to return home, as you apprehe

ear lady should be vext at finding her otherwise. The novelty of the room, and her new attendant, with the pretty little bed which had been prepared for her, all took Anna's attention, and s