823 ' L548V v.l ■<^^y'M'. M ^ 'r ^. I !^p|^jf. V ■'-^. ■■^/ '/£^/^^ /i^ ^ idA-^^t^^^ /^S^ yxrx LIB R_ARY OF THE UN IVERSITY or ILLI NOIS L548v y.l The person charging this material is re- sponsible for its return to the library from which it was withdrawn on or before the Latest Date stamped below. Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books are reasons for disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the University. To renew call Telephone Center, 333-8400 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN tlAY 1019^0 MAR 8 1993 L161— O-1096 Digitized by tine Internet Archive in 2009 witin funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/villageanecd6tes01leno VILLAGE ANECDOTES; , THE JOURNAL OF A YEAR,/'^'^ FROM SOPIIIJ TO EDWARD WITH ORIGINAL POEMS, By MRS. LE NOm. IN THREE VOLUMES* VOL. I.. LONDON, 1»RI2JTBD FOR VERNOR AND HOOD, 31, POULTRY, By A. WilTcn, Wild Court, Lincoln's Inn FkUls. 1804. -f-: **.'>*^' 823 advertisemI':nt. TZ/jB Editor solicitu the indulgence of the Header to the Jist q/' Errata ut the end of this work, and is bound injustice to acknoivledge that they are not to he imputed to the Author : JJer distant residence precluded' her from examining the proof' ^ sheets; and consequently, she is not responsible for any errors -§ that have arisen during the progress of her work through the ^^ press. — Ihe Editor and Printer, at the same time, think ^ themselves entitled to some indulgence Bei?ig lut little ac- 3. ' quainted with the Lady's hand-writing, they found it ex* tretnely difficult to decypher ; and were at too great a distance to consul her In numerous instances, they were aldiged to gurss at her meaning, and even to make one.— This plain statement of tho matter will account for most of the Errata of these volumes. The W" A^VERT1SEME^•T. The Novel was read vver in MS. hy a Gentleman of taste and learnings who spoke of u in terms of great approlation. The good opinion which the Editor entertained of that Gcn- tieman's judgment, aiid the reasons lohich he had for think' ing favourably cf the Author, prevailed upon him to under- t-ake the office of Corrector of the Press, from a MS. written in the Author's worst manner. lie has taken no other iiheriy with the Work, than to siippressor change t lie 7ia)Tes tf places and persons-, the recent date of the events related rendering tJiis precaution necessary. — For the opinions, therefore, ani principles contained in it — for its merits and demerits, vjhat- ever these may he — the Writer only is responsille. The Editor will not attempt to forestall the public judgment ; but, being ^ow brought to a close, he must add, that if the pleasure derived^ hy the reader of these volumes should a^ual what he has. him" self received, it will he very considerable. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. SOPHIA TO EDWARD. To Mr. JVillars. M ,Atigufl^5i 179 1 J- AM fo far fafe arrived, my ever dear Edward ; and, while I am waiting for the friends, who are to meet me here, and con- dudl me to my retirement, I have the unexpected good fortune of meeting with a gentleman going to P , who engages to deliver to you this little billet (if the winds allow it. ) I write in hafte while he dines ; a thoufand tender thoughts crowd on my mind fo fall, that they efface one VOL. r, B another 2 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. another — and could I write them, my tears would go near to efface them all ! — This, then, is the laft of my writing, which for many, many months, is likely to reach you. The wind is veering : alas ! even this you may not receive. — My letter is called for. — «The bearer will aiTurc you of my health; Heaven preferve, through all his perils, my deareH Tailor ! So prays unceafingly his faithful, afFedionate SOPHIA. Southlandsy Fridayy Aug. 26. Seven in the morning. My deareft Edward is beginning his journal as he promifed ; and at this dif- tance we have ftill the faiisfadion of con- verfmo; too;ether. — How fares it v/ith my love ?— Have you received my little billet ? — Have VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 3 — Have you failed? — To thefe fond quef- tions I muft fuppofe anfwers. — While I relate what, alas! you may never never read. — Forgive this prattle, oh my heart's dear mafler; it relieves me. — Now then to my journal. Mr. Peterfon arrived at the inn foon after I had difpatched my letter, with one of his daughters, a very pretty' young woman, to bear me company^ an attention which much oblisfed me. "VVe reached this place before dark, where I was received by Mrs. Peterfon, another daughter, and a fon, with great cordiality. 1 iliall introduce all the family to you in due time; but till I know them a little more particularly myfelF, I will not hazard remarks. I retired early to reft, and, thanks to fatigue, have flept well. — But your journey yefterday, your com- pany in the coach ? Methinks I hear you fay — Well, my love, you lliall have it all. B 2 Our 4 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Our company confided of a lady and her child, a boy about four years of age; a female quaker, rather precife, but very good natured ; a raw young. Wellhman, who informed us he was o;oinp: to take the diverlions of the field on his native moun- tains ; and a pleafant, genteel, middle- aged man, who neither let us into the light of his profeflionnorof hispurfuits: he, however, made no fecret of his principles, which, like all of the republican clafs, he was ever ready to force into notice, with or without introdudion. You may be- lieve we had fome fmart difputes ; and I was rather oijt of humour with him, when a little incident that occurred, after din- ner, fettled him high in my efteem, not- withftanding the difference of our opi- nions. Our hafty meal difpatched, the young Wellhman difappeared, and did not return till we were all taking our places in the coach : he apologized for his abfence, and with much embarraffment related the caufe; VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 5 caufe ; he had been ro offer a bill for pay- ment in the town, which, on account of fome informality, was relufed : what was to be done ? He was without refource, in a ftrange place, and the waiter Hood gaping for his unpaid reckoning. The poor youth was hcii taring at the coiicii door, in a flate of dillrefs, which I leave you to imagine, when our democrat having afl';:ed him a few quellions, flept out and took him afide ; their conference was not long; the youth returned, ftept lightly into the coach, and the waiter vaniffied. Nothing was faid in explanation ; but, in the courfe of the journey, the young man enquired the gentleman's addrefs in town : this was, however, fufficient, and I could not but be interefled for a man who, with fuch generous readinefs, flept in to the afnliance of a perfon, with whofe con- nctflions it clearly appeared he was unac- quainted. — Was it not noble, my dear Edward, and like a generous tar } Yet 1 B 3 believe 6 VILLAGE ANECDOTES** believe he was not of that profeHioFr^ though fo eminently worthy to be fo. He was well-bred, well-informed^ and en-- tertaining — I am forry he is a republican^ and fo I told him. 1 could have told him much more; but the remembrance of the tales I could relate freeze my blood ; and it is with the utiiioft reludlance that I fpeak of them. It was to this gentlernaa I was obliged for an opportunity of con- veying the little billet, which I hope you have received ; a friend of his was the meffenger — Of him you may poflibly gather fome intelligence.— You fee I fancy myfelf talking to you — and that you can guefs I wiihed to hear who is the proprie- tor of fo \^or!:hy a charad:er. — I forget you cannot know that he interefls your wife. — Nothing further occurred worth relating. My journey, upon the whole,, was as pleafant as, circumflances conli- dered, it could be, and we fared very to- lerably at the inns.. AdLeu^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Adieu, my dear Edward 1 I leave you, to drefs for dinner — We keep early hours ; a cullom to which I conform with great fatisfaclion. Thursday m&rntf'gy A tig. 27, I have had a little time to look about me, my dear Edward, and can now make you acquainted with the fort of fituation of my new abode. Mrs. L.*s account was tolerably accurate, when fhe recom- mended it as a comfortable retreat for me during your abfencc ; but I fhall be more particular. The houfe, which is very old, and rather vafl than commodious, is agreeably fituatcd on the (idc of a hill, well Ihel- tered from the cold winds, and command- ing a rich, though not very extenfive view. My apartment is exactly in. the B 4 centre ; 9 VILLAGE ANECDOTES* centre ; the wirrdows projedl, not in the modern form of a bow, but in the very an- tique one of a fcjuare. The front over- looks the garden, which runs with a gentle flope, and is bounded by woods which cover the hill. From one fide there is an opening to the country, whence peeps the village fpire, and the chimnies of an old maniion-houfe, between the trees. The oppofite commands a greca lane, the direcl road to the houfe, whence I can def:ry all paiTengers.. My room 13 large, and being eiieemed the pleafanteft in the houfe, was, on ihat account, al- lotted to me: it is rather diftant from the reR of the family ; but Mrs. Peterfon tells me file is in expectation of a further addi- tion to it, a young perfon who is. her huf- band's niece and ward. She loft both her parems early, and is now coming to refide entirely with her uncle's family. — She is to occupy the room which joins to mine, and then Mrs. P. fays llie hopes I ftiall uot VILLAGE ANECDOTES. f not find it fo naked. What I have feen of the walks about are very pleafant ; the air is good, and the neighbourhood,. I hear, confiding c'iiefiy of farmers and graziers. In good circuinfi:ances, and much upon a par^ very fociable. There is nobody but fervants at the great houfe ; the owner is a bachelor^, and hardly ever refidcs there- As for our family, they appear united and obliging, and every thing that in my Ed- ward's abfence I can defire, is to my wifli. They call to breakfafi. — Adieu, my love ! I have a deal of bufincfs ; as yet 1 have fettled nothing in its proper place : thefc necelTary arrangements, and ^ walk, will' probably occupy me all day, and prevent my writing, even though I had more lo fay, than to repeat afiurancesot tendcrnefs and unalterable regard, which it is fweet to repeat, although they were never called in quclUon, » 5 Friday^ JO VILLAGE ANECDOTES.. Friday y 28, I -walked yeilerday with the Mifs Peter^ fons to the church I fee from_ mv win- dow, and around the deferted manfion- houfe — where " Thick weeds around th' untrodden courts arife." If the houfe is deferred, the groves are^. hovv'cver, well inhabited — I never faw fuch thriving colonies of rooks before. — Op- pofite the maniion-houfe, and within the Vvalls of the church-yard, is the parfonage ;. a neat rural abode — The cafement win- dows are half concealed with vines inter- mixed with honeyfuckles — Under the projecting cornice of the finl and only iiory, the fvvallows have found fuch reli- gious fanctuary, that I counted no lefs than iliirty neds in a row. We peeped over the quickfet hedge to admire the fiower garden, which is flill very g:\y as well VILLAGE ANECDOTES* If \^-eIl as very neat ; in ihort, the whole of this little retreat was fc much to my taRe, conveying fuch ideas of quiet, comfort, and feclufion, that I was concerned, from downright felfifhnefs, to hear that the in- cumbent was old, infirm, and unfociable; he neither goes out nor receives company ; the duty is chiefly done by a young man, for whom Southlands being too dull, he refides chiefly at M — ■ — , the next market town. Caftmg a look towards the church fpire on our return, methought the wea- ther-cock pointed fair for your departure; I breathed a filent, fervent prayer for my Edward's fafetyl and from that moment paf- fed without noticing whatever was pointed out to my ^'bfervation; my whole foul wms with my love. I faw the fails afcend, the pi'ot'take his flation, the veiTel plough the deep. — I heard the confufed (liouts of th*j feamen, and could d;ftinguifli from the rell my Fdward s voic •, bidding a long adieu to Sophia and his native land ! E 6 Some 12 VILLAGE ANECDOTZS.- Some flanzas occurred to me, written fevei- ral years ar:o, on feeing a fliip fail from Dover. On my return, I returned to my apartment, and diverted my melancholy hy committing them to paper. To-mor- row I will tranfcribe them fair, to con^ vince my Edward- that a feaman's life al- ways interefted me; I knew noL then the worthieft of them, or perhaps the^thverfe. had been omitted. Saturday^ 29^ ON SEEING A VESSEL SAIL> Yon Hiip prepar'd the port to leave. Her canvas fvvells, her anchors heave, She courts the fav'ring gale : Her jovial crew,Jier rudder's guide, , Wait but the flowly-rifirig tide To fpread their vent'rou* fail. Oh ! wond'rous proof of bold dcfiga. Of art that's only not divine, Say, whither art thou bound ? What barb'rous coaft, what hoftlle fhore, "What diilant ^Yorld wilt thou explore, What unplough'd ocean found ?. Whom VILLAGE ANECDOTES* IJ Whom does thy fpacious hold contain? Sons for whom mothers weep in vain, The father torn from home, (While fifcers hope to ftay the tears Gf their lafl parent's widow'd years,) In thee, alas ! may roani^ Some truant youtHin thee may part^ The fov'rcign of a virgin heart, That beats for him alone, Whofe plighted" vows of endlefs love, She never doubts will faithful prove,. Still judging from her own* Tell not the fond, confiding maid. How oft her truft v/ili be betray'd, Hovv' oft the youth forfworn. Wound not her unfufpeI had almoft: faid, a little bold. Mifs Anne, the youngefl, is taller and thinner than her lifter; has largeeyes, lefs bright, but more expreflive than hers ; a pale com- plexion, and is, upon the whole, a delicate and pretty-looking girl. Her manners are gentle and infinuating; a little flattering fometimes, but 1 believe it is natural to her, and that fhe means nothing lefs than art. From what I have faid, you will allow they have charms, and that our paftoral beaux are expofed to fome danger. Tuesday, VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I9 Tuesday^ Sept, K I havejufl received your letter, ipy dear Edward ; it has unfitted me for writing— You have then failed— alas ! when fiiall I hear from you again. Wednesday^ Seph^, I ought to be thankful, my dear Edward^ for the pleafure I enjoyed yeflerday, and I feel repining that I j:annot hope for a re- petition of it ; yet fhips fomerimes pafs you — you may touch at land, and fure you will not lofe an opportunity of quieting your anxious Sophia's fears. Some of the noify party who flept here iafl night, rofc early to purfue their fporC this morning. I was not flirring, and faw nothing of them. The company of yefter- day were the two Mr. Bertrams, already mentioned'; 2'J^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES. mentioned ; two brothersof the Mifs Fig- gins's, much better bred than the refl of the company ; a Mr. Grove, a tall, dark man, with manners infinitely difgufling ; his younger brother, more perfonable and agreeable ; thefe gentlemen live but a fliort mile from hence, and often call : and a little brifk fellow named Deacon, who took it into his head to be extremely at. tentive and troublefome to me. We dined at rather a late J^our for the accommoda- tion of the fportfmen, who brought h'ome a few birds and very keen appetites. Our Jadies took care to fill their plates, and they themfelves did not omit to fill their glalTes ; we left them, foon after the cloth was removed, in high glee. The wind being a little troublefome, Mifs Peterfons were afraid to run die rilk of incommoding their head drelfes by ex- pofing themfelves to it. I had no fuch apprehenfions, and am beiides rather apt to VILLAGE ANECDOTES, '21 to gather fpirits from a refrefhing gale. I Arolled out attended only by your faith- ful failor, who is my conflant companion. — I found the weather very pleafant, and prolonged my walk, almofi: unconfcioufly, over fome grounds which brought me to a wild common ; this fpot is mod agree- ably diverfified i — the ground is uneven; there is wood and water, and, to ufe the language of improvers, it has great capa- bilities. — I faw neither hovel nor human creature, and felt as if it was all my own. I was leaning over a gate to admire a very beautiful view of the country, which it af- forded me through a break in the trees^ when a loud bark of my guard and compa- nion direded my eye to the fide of the hedge, where the apparitionofatall thin man, flow- ly advancing, caufed me fome furprize : I turned rather haflily, I believe, and per- haps flartled; for the perfon, who was now within hearing, begged me not to be alarmed or to hurry ;— *^ No lady has any thing 22 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. thing to fear from me^ madam/' faid he, *^ nor indeed any human creature; I am very harmlefs, I afTure you." This faid, he bowed with a grace not very common in thefe parts, and purfued his walk. As he palTed me, I had leifure to obferve him; he feemed about thirty, of an inte- refting melancholy countenance ; his ap- pearance genteel, though negligent, and a book in his hand. I could have excufed this rencounter, my dear Edward, which will fpoil the folitary rambles from which I had promifed myfelf fo much pleafure, when I took poiTefTion of my common, little dreaming it v/as already tenanted. — This folitary wanderer, what can he be ? Has he, like me, loft a beloved compa- nion ? — Is he unhappy, or only of a ro- mantic turn? — «' From better habitation fpurn'd, " Rclu now fettled my next door neighbour, is in her eighteenth year; fhe is neither fo fhortas her elded coufin, nor fo tall as the younger, but fhe has a more exprefTive countenance, and is more interefling than either of them. Her drefs is not at all fafhionable, and her timid air and look flill l.efs fo. The firft of thefe dcfedls her coufins are already preparing to do away; the latter appears fo much her native difpolition, that I doubt if the air of VVeftminfter could remove it, hov/ much iefi. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. JI kfs that of Southlands. When her mother died. Vat was condu^fled by a maiden aunt of hers, who reiided at Boulogne, to aeon- vent there ,- after a few years this relation alfo dying, (he was removed to the uncle*s, who lately depofited her here; he lives on his own eilate in a remote part of Shrop- faire, and flie has been ufed to fee fo little company, that even Southlands muft an- pear gay to her. You will fay I am in hafte to form a judgment, when I tell you I think her very amiable; fhe is at leafl: to me very prepoiTelling. Her timidity has nothing in It farouche, or forbidding ; Cefl: cette Pudeur douce, innoccnte, enfantine, Q^ii colore le front avec rouge divine : 'Tis that fweet coyncfs, innocently fliy, That tints the forehead with rofeate dye : and her features, when fhe fpeaks, which is not {o often as one could wi(h indeed, are fo exprefiive of a fweet temper and a guile- lefs heart, that I cannot but believe them. c 4 Adieu 32 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Adieu my love 1 do not be jealous if I leave you to join my new acquaintance and neighbour in a walk. Saturday i Sept. 30. As we were yedcrday chatting after din- ner, Mifs Harriet's early lofs of her mo* ther having been mentioned, I propofed to her to adopt her for my daughter, pro- vided {he would be very dutiful ; fhe pro- mi fed to be veiy affecftionate, and we are aorreed. Mr. Peterfon advifed me to fend for my hufband from fea, or get another, and have children of my own; for it was a great chance, he faid, if you do not get another ivife. His fon allured me, that if you flay away feven years I have a right to marry again, and was of opinion that the term ought to be altered to months : I afFeded to laugh, my dear Edward ; but every thing that reminds me of the probability of your being VILLAGE ANECDOTES. ^3 being loup- ahfent, of the impolTibility of my hearing trom you often, rends my heart; and 1 fometimes find it difficult to rcftrain my tears. Sunday^ Sept, 6, Mifs Peterfon has undertaken the fuper- intendance of her coufin's toilet ; yefter- day hfer fifler likewife contributed her aid, that fo ru ment of her appearance, and defire her to look at it in the glafs, turns aiide, as from a fight no ways agreeable to her. Mifs Pe- terfons wonder I am not more fafhionable; I excufe myfelf on the fcore of your ab- fence. I thought, my Edward, that at a farm-houfe, in a remote village, one hun- dred and fifty miles from the capital, I fhould, at leaft, have had the liberty to have^ been as unfafhionable as I chofe : but lux- ury treads on the heels of wealth, and has penetrated even here. Not that I have any intention of affe6iing fingularity; I like to follow Madam Fafliionat a modefl:, or focial diflance ; avoiding to be cither firfi or lafl in her train, as well as all ex- tremes, eminently extravagant or incon- venient: I do not choofe to wear a hat that will not fliade me from the weather; be- caufe I love air and exercife for my own fake, and my complexion for my Edward's. Yellerday Harriet, encouraged by my ex-, ample. VILLAGE ANF.CDOTES. 35 ample, abfolutely refufed to have her draw hac cut and fpoiled, in fpite of her cou-r fin's difpleafure and remonftrances. Monday, Sept. 7. Mifs Peterfons do not love walking for its own fake ; tlrcy will go on foot three, or even four miles, if it is to pay a vilit, but dcteR a droll that has no objed: but the enjoyment of air and exercife. Mifs Peterfon fays, fhe can find no pleafure in rambling over a dreary common, to be blowed about and tanned like a gipfey: nor yet in clambering ftiles, over dewy corn fields, where you never meet a human crea- ture of the leaft decent appearance. A walk on the parade at M — , when there are foldiers quartered in town, is fomething like : the band plays every evening, and you are fure to meet genteel company : there's nooccafion to go from home to fee c 6 green 36 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. green trees, and corn fields, and ftieep and cows, and clowns ; there are always plenty ivithin fight of the windows. Happily for me Mifs Harriet is not of the fame way of thinking; flie enjoys a walk, and is always happy to bear me company. Ac - cufl:omed to folitude, fhe is more alarmed than pleafed, if by chance we meet with any thing human in our rambles. The Mifs Peterfons have reafon to be as well pleafed as I am with this difference of lafte in their coufin, as it relcafes them from a confiniint which fom.etimes their complaifance impofed on them. Harriet and I tie on our flraw hats with handker- chief*;, and with each a flick and Sailor to defend us, fally forth, fearlefs of winds and weather. ff'idnesdaji VILLAGE ANECDOTES* 2% Wednesdayy S(pt, 9. I am jufl- returned, my love, from a very pleafant flroll to the common 1 have heretofore mentioned; but which I had not ventured fince to vifit alone : with a companion there could be no impropriety, even though chance had again ronducted thither, at the fiime hour, the perfon I formerly met. No one, however, ca.ne to interrupt us; and we feated ourfclves under the fhade of a group of aged oaks, its venerable inhabitants, — " Who, as they bow their hoary heads, relate, " In murm'ring founds, the dark decrees o fate; " While vifions, as poetic eyes avow, " Cling to each leaf, andfwarm on ev'ry bough.'* A gentle breeze that whifpered among the branches, and the folitary fituation, brought thefe lines, of Gray to my recol- lecflion : I repeated them to my compa- nion ; who entered fo much into their fpirit. jj VILLAGE ANECDOTES. fpirit, that flie feemed fearful, as well as I, of interrupting, by her voice, the f|-illncfs fo favorable to the foft murmurs of the gale. After enjoying it, in filence, fome minutes, — *^ How could not one fancy," faid fhe, *^ that it really fpoke to us, in fome un- known tongue?'* — '' A lively imagina- tion/' I anfwercd, '' certainly might ; nor can one wonder that illiterate people, who love the marvellous, have fometimes be- lieved, they heard articulate founds in the air. A hail Horm, particularly, is often preceded by a noife that feems fo unac- countable, when there is no wind, that it is natural enough, for perfons not accuf- tomed to invefligation, to apprehend a fupernaturalcaufe ; and, their imagination^., once heated, to be perfuadcd that they dif- tinguifli threats of vengeance from Heaven itfelf upon a guilty world. Harriet faid Ihe never had heard^ other noifes in the air than what was quite uiual; fuch as wind, diltant thunder/ or the dalhing of the V ILL AGE anecdotes;. 39 the waves againft the fliore, which Ihe had often diflinguiflied from her convent, and always with a very pleafing kind of me* lancholy. " The billows lafh the found- ing fhore.'* — *' How beautiful is that image, my dear Mrs. Willars/' conrinued fhe, '* in the poem we were reading this morning.*' We agreed, that it was only on the fea coaft that its force and truth eould be adequately felt. You will per- ceive by this little fpecimen of our con- verfation, my dear lid ward, that I have found a companion after my own heart ;•— what a treafure in the ab fence of its maf- ter! Our riiiiig friend (hip bids fair to be permanent; at leall all human probability is:'in its favour. Were we either of us prone to the litrle jealoufics fo commonly baneful to ic^ exigence, the diiierence in our age migiit exclude them : from clafli- ing interefts, we are in as little danger a» from rivalry ; and our minds, as flu as I can hitherto judge^ feeni fo truly kindred, that 40 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. that methinks, I hope 1 fnall not be mif- taken, wc may defy every thing but death to difunite tnem. Wednesday, 9. The weather has been unfiv-.ra^»le to our ramble . m; dear Edward; we have fpenr the ^^reaieft part of the day in my room, each reading by turns, vvh le the other was at work. Harriet has not been fpoiled by novel reading ; her ftudies have been almofl wholly confined to books of devotion ; and, young as Ihe is, reafon and reflecflion have already charms for her. She thinks Telemachus and the Prince of Abyflinia the mod entertain- ing books in the world ; they are the only- works of imagination flie has yet read.— The Ramblers have been our companions to-day; nor would Ihe confent to change them, as I propofed, for lighter reading. I fliall VILLAGE ANECDOTES* 4I I fliall fubfcribe, for her, to the library at M ; for it is proper fhe iihould be a little acquainted with hiflory ; and, as it is not my favorite fludy, I am but ill-pro- vided. Truth, when it paints the errors and vices, that, in all ages, have difgraced mankind, always fills me with melancholy. I am, befides, fo naturally difpofed to ef- poufe the caufe of the unfortunate, that I am always molt interefted for the van- quifhed, the captive, and opprefTed, even when fullering their deferts : and thus I am in continual pain. Is it wonderful, or inexcufeable, when the real pidlures of life are fo fad, one fliould have recourfe, for relief, to the fairy pencil of imagina- tion ; which, at leaft, renders the profpe(5l agreeable ? If a melancholy incident, or a depraved charader, in a romance, affedt the heart or fliocks the judgment, one has the confolation of reflecfting that it is not true. Neverthelefs, I diflike all fuch books where very depraved charaders are intra- 42 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, introduced, or atrocities related, my aim of relief is fruftrated, and I turn with difguft from the page. The weather clears, and we are going to take the benefit of itj for the foil here is Co gravelly, that the rain mul> continue a long time before the ways are imprac- ticable, to fuch determined walkers as Harriet and I. Adieu, my love I Thursday i 10. T am jufl returned from an excurfion to M , with Mr. Petcrfon : he ufually goes thither on horfeback; but was pre- vailed upon by his favorite daughter, Mifs Anne, to drive her and me in the chaife* With her afiiflance I did the little bufi- nefs that I went upon, viz. made fomc purchafes and fubfcribed to the library. Wc VILLAGE ANECDOTES* 43 We dined at a Mr. Parkitt's, a friend of the family's; and whofe wife, a lively^ pleafant, little wonaan, made us very wel- come. In complaifance to my conducflrefs, I was obliged lo walk the fireets rather more than was quite agreeable to me ; for in proportion as fhe diflikes rural excur- fions, I deteft the parading of a town. It muft be confefTed, the notice fhe at- tradled from fonne red-coats, who are quartered there, was gratifying to a youth- ful heart: I felt it was fo, and fuffered myfelf to be led, t*ca as fhe chofe. Friday y IK The morning has been wholly dedicated to a review of the books I chofe yeflerday. The coUedion that the library at M— alToxded, except in novels, was neither large 44 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. large nor feled; it afforded, however, fomc hiflory and voyages, and with thefe we mud: lliift for the prefenr. M* is a very fmall town, and its re- fources, inevery kind, are but indifferent, at leafl in the commercial way. Mifs Peter- fon affures me it is very gay and fociable; for being too circumfcribcd to furnifh more than one fet of company, all who can entertain at all meet fociably together, and form parties moil evenings without object- ing to each other upon the fcore of profef- fion or trade, as is the cafe in mod provin- cial towns, where the dodlior's lady defpifes the apothecary's, the apothecary's the gro- cer's, the grocer's the ihoemaker's, &c. I am glad our near neighbours at M have fo much fenfe, and I fliall be happy to be acquainted with them. The county town is full five and twenty miles from hence, and a vifit there is talked of here as one to the metropolis. I hive VILLAGE ANECDOTES, 45 I have concluded a bargain with Mrs. Petcrfon for the board of my friend Sai- lor, which it is certainly very juft 1 fhould pay. She railed fome difficulties, which, however, were fpeedily removed. In the afternoon w^e regaled ourfelves with a long walk, the firft thefe three days. The evening has introduced a ftranger^ of whom more to-morrow : at prefent I have jufl time to fay, good night, my Edward. Saturday^ 12. Wc were fitting down to rather a late •difliof teayefterday, for our long walk had made the family wait, when Mr. Peterfon ■entered, introducing, to our great furprifc, a gentleman whom I immediately recol- ledled to be the fame I once met with upon the common. ^' Come wife,'* faid hcj 5' let's have a cup of good tea, and give this 46 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, this gentleman one ; he has juft done me si piece of fervice, and I hope we (hall be better acquainted.'* The ftranger, who, from the appearance of his new acquaintance, could not haveexpedied to have feen fuch fmart ladies in his family, looked a little difcon- certed, and ftammered o ut a awkward apo- logy for his drefs ; he w^as even retiring, but Mr. Peterfon would by no means al- low it : he told him he Jhould flay, and as for his girlsthey were ufed to fee men look like men, and not powdered and frifled like monkies. *' Look at Tom and I,'* added he. The reference wms indeed very proper, and calculated to put Mr. Ewer into conceit with himfelf. The father had a long beard, a dirty fhirt, a coloured handkerchief by way of cravat, a coat .adorned with fpors of different colours, and his flockings hanging about his heels : the fon had, perhaps, wafhed his face and combed his hair in the morning, and that ■was a:U the difference* Mr- Ewer, though negli- VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 47 negligently dred, was yet perfedlly neat ; he had a loofe coat and pantaloons, and an air of cleanlinefsand gentility that pierced through every difguife; he took his place at the tea table, and foon became perfedly at eafe with the company. Mifs Peterfon was the firfl to inquire the nature of the fervice he had rendered her father; and we gathered fronni the two gentlemen what follows: — Mr. Peterfon returning alone from the Plough, a public houfe beyond the common, fo frequently alluded to, obferved at fome diftance a man with a gun in his hand, entering a fmall wood which belongs to him ; he knew the fellowto be a notorious poacher, and alone, and un;irmed as he was, quickened his pace to overtake him, which he did not till he was advanced into the thickefl: part of the wood: he then called to him, and ordered him peremptorilyto give up his gun. The man, who it feems was a little in liquor, gave 4? VILLAGE ANECDOTES. gave him rough language, and fworc that it muft be a much better man than Mr. Peterfon, who is, however, tali and powerful, that fhould make him give up a gun or any thing elfe that he had a mind to keep. Mr. Peterfon, whofe courage was alfo warm from the public houfe he had juft quitted, advanced to force away the fubjed of contention; the fellow levelled it at him, and fvvore he would fire if he came on another flep : at this moment Mr. Ewer, who was traverfing the wood in his way home, arrived on the fpot, unheard in the noife of the difpute; hefeized the poacher's arm, almoll: in the ad of drawing the trigger, and with Mr. p — »s help ealily fecured him, whom, how- ever, they releafed, on his pleading his fa- mily,and promife of future good behaviour, in token of which he delivered up his gun, and engaged to do the fame by his dog. We all ihuddered at this relation ; Mrs. Peterfon VILLAGE ANECDOTES, 49 Peterfon fcolded her hufband upon feveral accounts; for going out, for drinking at the plough, for following the man, and con- cluded by alTuring him, that fhc expedled he would one day come fliort home. The eldefl daughter blamed the indulgence fhevvn the culprit, in which opinion fhe was hearts ily feconded by Mr. Thomas, who added, that he fliould have knocked his brains out with as little remorfe as he would a mad dog*s ; for a poacher was no better : all agreed it was very lucky that Mr. Ewer happened to pafs that way, particu- larly as he faid it was what he had never done before of an evening, and was in- duced to do then, merely to humour Mrs. Clarke's, his landlady's youngcd child, fwho had afked him for nuts. Mifs Anne thanked him with her eyes full of tears, while Harriet changed colour {o perpe- .tually, that I really was afraid fhe would have fainted. Mr. Peterfon, who by the ti;me he had f wallowed a dozen cups of tea, VOL, I, D began 50 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. began to wonder at his own temerity, and increafe in gratitude towards his deliverer; Ihook him heartily by the hand, infifled upon feeing him often, and would by no means fuffer him to go before fnpper. Cards were introduced, and Mr. Peterfon was well fatisfied with his Hew acquaint- ance's performance at whifl — " I thinks/* laid he, *' I plays as good a game as moft people; but this gentleman's almofl too hard for me now and then.'* With his manners and converfation every one had reafon to be fatisfied — the firll, gentle, eafy, and unafTuming ; the latter, Ihewing good fenfe and information, without dif- playing it: in fhort, my dear Edward, he is really an agreeable man, and adefirable acquilition to our fociety : he is engaged to dine here on Sunday, when you fnall liear more of him. He retired foon after fupper, with apparent unwillingnefs ;^— *' But I would not give more trouble than I can help/' faid he, " and therefore will not VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 51 not make Mrs. Clarke, who is an early rifer, watch beyond her ufual hour: had I known the good fortune that awaited me, I would have been provided with a key." I like to fee people fo confiderate.— Adieu, my Edward I Sunday i 13, — Nine o* clock — Evening. *'; My dear Edward has but a fecond place in my thoughts to-day, except in my pray- ers ; myjournal therefore has refted till this hour. r ^ We were all at work in the parlour ytt^ ierday, when our new acquaintance, Mr. Ewer, called with inquiries after our health ; he congratulated himfelf highly, on the ac- cident which introduced him. he faid, to fd charming a family, in being ufeful to it; artd brought a meflage from Mrs. Clarke Da to UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY £2 VILLAGE; ^J^EpDOTES, to remind Mrs. Peterfon that fhe had pro- mifed to take tea with her, and requeuing that it might be a family party. Mrs. p—r — - feemed nothing loth, and confulted her daughters, who faid, they had no vacant day in the following week but Wednefday, and Wednefday was accordingly fixed. We have engaged you, Mrs. Willas, faid the eldefl-, to Mifs Groves, on Monday ; Tuefday v/e are to take. you to Mrs. Ben- netts, and Thurfday is the ball at M , where I hope you will go with us ; Friday we fliall be tired, ^or perhaps not returned, and Saturday is, you know, an awkward day. I would willinglyhaveefcaped from their ' fchemp, but the ball. is. all I am permitted tq,deglii>p, the other engagements being profefe.dly on my account. Thefp vifi^s are very \n(ipid to me, my dear Edward! but as.^hey are meant to amufe me, I fliall endeavour, at leaft, to feem amuf^d. IVfr. Ewer's viiit was jiot a very ftiort one; we fell VILLAGE ANECDOTES. JJ fell into difcourfc upon books, with which itiappqs^rs he take^ Ciire rp^be well fijpplied from l^Qnddn, and he oifered the loan of them in fo handfome a manner, that I be- lieve I fliall not fcruple to avail myfelf of his civllky, to fupply the deficiencies of the colleclion at M— — . The ladies drop- ping off one by one to their toilets, Mr. Ewer at length took his leave, and Mrs. P — —, who. h^d waited the moment with im;patience,.hardly fuffered him to be out of hearing, before (he faid, (bethought the man did not intend to go away ; that if he had a hankering after either of her daugh- terjs, (he could aflure him hewQuld lofehis time, with his books, and poetry, and (luff. She never, for her part, knew any good come of reading: there was poor Harriet's mo- ther always poring over books and non- fenfe; (lie had read hqrfel.f into a confump- tio.n ; had (he buftled about, and minded her family, (lie might have been alive now : She thanked God fhe had no book- D3 i(h J4 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. iili people in her family. The afternoon proving wet, we all fpent it together; our gentlemen came home late, rather merry, and not at all agreeable. After fervice this morning Harriet and I, choofing a round-about way home, was fur- prized in a Ihower : we ran for fhelter to a cottage; which entering rather abruptly, for the rain fell in good earnefl, we furprifed a middle-aged woman, furrounded with children, and in tears : as fhe rofe to re- ceive us, we perceived that fhe was far ad- vanced in her pregnancy. She gave us chairs, and before we could inquire the caufe of her diftrefs, a little thing looking me earneflly in the face, faid, " Dad*s gone away."— And Rover too," faid another, *' and all the bread ; and mam*s fpinning work." The poor v^oman's tears redou- bled at their little innocent complaints : flie informed us, that her hufband was really gone off with every moveable that he VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 55 he could carry, even to her fmall flock of child-bed linen. That it was true, as he was rather a loof? chap, fhe fomqtimes did- not fee him for feveral days ; but fhe was afra;id this time he was gone for good. That file had not a morfel of bread in the houfe, nor a halfpenny to procure any.— We gave our mite to this diftreffed mother, •who immediately difpatched her eldefl: child to the village for a loaf. We en- gaged to fupply^ her lofw. Madam!'' — *' There is a little bird that will be a great; tell-tale if ever it reaches him ; but^ ala.s ! that is 5^., uncertain.;" *' Well^ Madam, we will fay no more VILIAGE ANECDOTES, 69 upon that, head ;•— - |:eU ,nie how I huye don^ this little fondling cap." In thj^^.afternopn w,^ paid .(piU'.yifi.t tp Mifs Grove^ whot^i \^'e, foui^df.with only her brothers and Mr. Deacon : the latter has transferred his attentions (he has a tafle for thQ pen/orro/a, hQ\vCj\erpe-CanFie|by itj'from me to flarriet, with atmoft^as little probability of fuccefs : — poor youth ! Mifs Grove is not like either of her brothers in p^rfon- but in difpoiition feems t,o favour the c^^lder : fne has -no bad featiirc,but her riofe, which is remarkably turned up, and gives to her countenance that fafcartic turn which prevails too much in her convcrfation. From' this fketch of the lady .you will expedl to hear 'that we had all the visage g,ofIip ; ' no al?r fent pei-fon vv^s' fpapd ; and' we. had eyien a feW friiart Uih^s at ' ibiiVe piefent. ! Mr, jTCterfon fparr.ea a ^ood, ddnl with, her: ^ but yii •VILLAGE ANECDOTES. but his chance was but a bad one : fhe has fome wit, and a great flow of words. Nor cards, nor fyllabubs relieved us ; at length Mrs. Peterfon, to my great comfort, "re- colledled that it was late, and broke up the party. I forgot too that it is late : — good night, Jny Edward. Tuesday Night, Sept, 15. We have been hard at work all day, and have every thing, that is very neceflary, in readinefs to take to-morrow morning to our protegee. Another infipid vifit is over.— Mrs. Bennct has all the ill-nature of her neigh- bour, without any of her wit. Sheabufes one for being well drell ; another, becaufe hot fo rich s a third for being better bred than VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Jl than herfelf. In (hort, my dear Edward, I have caught her fpleen, and am returned quite out of humour ; fatigued too, and almoft wet through, for it rained all the -way home. Mrs Peterfon advifes me to bed ; I believe fhe is right, and fhall there-* fore bid you adieu. Wednesday Night y SepL 10, Before breakfaft this morning, Harriet and I, with our (licks, our bundle, arid dog, fet off for the cottage: it is fituated about half a mile down a lonely, dirty lane, which branches out of that which deads to the village: there is, however, a nearer and plealiinter way acrofs fome grounds, which, of courfe, we took. - We found Mrs. Smith ftill up, delivered our little prefent, with a promife' 'of mote as foonas time would permit. She was very thankful^ yi VILLAGE ANECDOTES, thankful^ which I was glad to find, as it gave Harriet great pleafuie, and made her think her trouble overpaid ; and I fhould have been concerned that her young heart, in its earl/ offerings at the fhrine of bene- volence, had met with the repulfe of un- thankfulnefs. 1 cautioned her, however^ on our return, that ir was what {he muflbe prepared to encounter with in the difcharge of her duties, and arm her mind to fup- port without difcouragemcnt. Gratitude, my dear Edward, we know, is not the vir- tue of the ignorant ; it is very rare indeed in all degrees, and, when we only do our duty, why fhould we be uneafy that it is not taken in account here, when we are fo fure it will be hereafter. We defired the poor woman to fend one of her children to let us know when flie is brought to bed, and took our leave. We returned part of the way by the fide .of a fmall river which winds through Mr. Pcterfon's VILLAGE ANECD0TC3. 73 Peterfon^s meadow land, and has a bridge acrofs this lane. We had jufl turned into the fecond field beyond, and were walking ' by the fide of a high hedge, when the re- port of a gun fo near as to lead me .for a moment, \o fuppofe that the fliot had wounded Harriet, made us both fcream cut together ; for The had the fan:ie ap- prehenlion for me. A poor mangled par- tridge fell fluttering at our feet ; and the fportfmen, Mr. Grove and Mr. Deacon, Vv'ith ieveral dogs, in the fame inftant,' made their appearance from the next field. They picked up their bird/ hoped we were more frightened than hurt, and went away. The noife of our fcreamiS had, however, alarmed a more gentle knight : Mr. Ewer was fifliing on the river's bank ; lie leaped a hedge which feparated and concealed us ; and ran eagerly to ofier his afTi fiance, be- fore he knew to whom. *' I little thought," faid he, as he advanced, " when I heard the cry of diftrefs fo near, the fair damfel?; VOL. I. E were 74 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Avere peifons fo interefling to me: What has alarmed you, ladies? was it the gun I heard, or the fportfmen I jufl favv ?*' He uas not to be denied feeing us home; al- ledging, that his inclination and his good fortune had alike conftituted him the champion of the family. " I am a true knight, indeed, ladies," continued he ; '* as valorous as enthuiiaftic ; and almoft as thin as Don Quixote himfelf. I am ready to engage any monilcr in your defence. — Do afk Mifs Harriet, if fhe has not long lince dubbed me the knight of the rueful countenance?" *' If ever ilie did, iir,'* faid I, '' this morning's adventure muft certainly alter her opinion, for you appear wonderfully in fpirlts." ~ In effed:, Ed- ward, he entertained us extremely, chatted, laughed — almoft rattled. I looked at him feveral times with amazement, to be con- vinced if it really was the fame Mr. Ev»'er, who is ufually fo ferious and penfive. Arrived at the houfe, he recollected he had VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 75 had left his fifhing tackle and fport by the river's fide; and haflened back to fccurc them. I have afiifled, with great pleafure, all the morning, in contriving Harriet's drefs for to-morrow's ball : it is very fimple, and becomes her extremely; I have been trying it on her, and feel as pleafed and as proud, to fee her look fo v.ell, as if Ihe were, indeed, my daughter. The little gipfey fteals an approving glance at the glafs ; and blu flies when llie fees that I obfcrve her. You know we were to drink tea at Farmer Clarke's. We fct out early, for it is full two miles from hence. Mr. Ewer met us about half way ; he had al- ready apprifed us, that his hofls, though very good people, were not extremely well bred ; we were therefore the lefs furprifed, (I mean Harriet and myfelf, the reft of 1: 2 the 76 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. the party had been there before,) that the farmer fliould prefer a pipe, by the kitchen fire, to our company ; or that the eldeft boy, aged about fix teen, ihould run away and hide himfelf. Mrs. C'^.rke received us in a fmall neat parlour, which" is let to Mr. Ewer; the cafement window is overgrown with wood- bine and jeiTamy ; and it is as ruftick as its owners, though in a far different flyle. — The younger children all ran to meet Mr^ E\ver,aiidc.xked whaL he had brought therh? they hung about his knees the whole even- ing; nor would he fuller them to be fent away before their bed-time, in fpite of their mother's fe:^rs of their being trou- blefome. All the Mifs Figgins, efcorted by their elded broLl.er, arrived foon after us ; and we had quire a jolly party. Mrs. Clarke found excellent cream, brown bread, and butter: VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 77 butter: the red of the cntciTainmcnt was turnillied by. Mr. Ewer, who was all fuffi- cient to it. — V/e had fruit, cakes, wine, and punch in abundance, to which we did great honour. Mr. Kw-er Wc*s attentive and polite to all, without diflindtion: his morning fpir its had not forfaken him; he had agreeable things to fay to every one; little fports to amufe us, and at length fet us all ringing, himfejf giving the ex- ample with thefc fweet words of Mr. Hayley's : " 'Tis memory's aid, my fighs Implore." He has an agreeable voice, and great ta{le. He afterwards fung the following ftanzas, to the tune of the '' Lafs of Parie*s Mill ;" and accompanied with the flute fuch as chofe that afn fiance, O fhield me from the hearf, Averfe to pity's pains ; Where frlendfhip claims no part, And fclf unrivall'd reigns. E 3 Love, 78 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Love, from a fiegc fo vain, His blunted arrows turns; Or entrance if he gain, With favage fury burns. Be mine that gentle mind, Where foft affedions dwell. And ail the loves combin'd. Have found a ihelter'd ceU. No ragefhall intervene. Wild tumult to oppofe ; My Sylvia ihaU be queen. And banifh all her foes. Every one fung in their turn as wdl as they could, for the good chear had in- ipired us all ; even Harriet, at length, vanquifiied her timidity; and gave us — " In my pleafant native plains." She was much applauded, for her voice is mufic itfelf : in fliort, our tea vifit lafted till ten o'clock ; and even then we parted with reludance ; — the young ladies all agreeing, that Mr. Ewer is a charming man. Thursday^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 79 Thursdayy 17. The young folks are (^:i out for M — ; they drefs and flccp at Mr. Packit's. — Poor Harriet was fadly out of fpirits ; for llic received a letter from her coufin, in- forming her of the marriage of her uncle Jarvis, to his hand-maid Betty, jufl be- fore breakfaft. This event, though ex-- pedled, gives her great concern; nor is it at all agreeable to any of the faniily. It has extremely ruffled Mrs. Peterfon ; and I have been fitting alone all the morning, very much mifTing my young friend. A little robin, whom wc often fed from my window, came to keep me company : I have thus addrefled him : AUTUMN. ON THE ROBIN. When mlfts obfcure the morning ray, Scarce clearing ere 'tis noon ; Yet foft the air, ferene the day, Tho' fwift its radiance flies away, Still evening clofing foon. ^ 4 Now So VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Now richeft colours v/e behold. The Coping wood difplay; For ere the leaves forfake their hold, With ev'ry tint from red to gold, I'hey're midft the verdure gay. Then, haPcen, fwest familiar guefl, Pvcfume thy fav'rite ftand ; There plume thy wing, diftend thy cheft, There (ing fecure, and take at icil Thy wages from my hand. With crumbs the verdar.t lawn Til ilrcw, Still glean'd frem eaclv repaft ; Frefli grain fhall drink the early dew, My Winter warbler all for you, Beneath my window caft. When filent all the tuneful traui, 'Tis fweet thy voice to hear; Soft telling, in mellifluous ftrain, Now fober Autumn comes again. The matron of the year. Thy matins still, yon grove beSdc, Each morning let me hear; Refume the fong at even tide, While hollow winds rcfounding wide, Announce the clofing year. When fcar'd at V/iiiter's brow aullere, Each tender, Summer-frienJ My ruftic dwelling come not near, liafte then, my fohtude to chear, My lonely mc;'J attend. So VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Si So flaall my open cafcment fiill "A friendly ilielter prove, When froft bound is the filcnt rill, When hoar the lawr, and bare the hill, Asd chearlefs all the grove. Mrs. Peterfon informs me, that Har- riet's mother was the daughter of a mer- chant of good repute in London ; who, after many years marriage, not having if- fue, funk his pjoperty in an ai'.nuity, on the joint lives of his wiie and himfelf, and retired into tlie country ; in Icfs than two years after this ftep, his wife proved with child^ and Harriet was this latter fruit. Unable to give her a fortune, they be- ftowed great pains on her education ; and had the fatisfadlion, before they left this world, of feehig her well fettled in it, as the wife of Mr. Peterfon ; vvh.o, though not rich, was in eafy circumflanccs, of an unexceptionable charad:er, and a very good match for their daughter. This Mr. Pe- terfon, being the elded brother, iniierited E 5 a fmall 82 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. a fmall paternal edate, uhich, however, came to him incumbered ; and loiing his wife, whom he tenderly loved, when Har- riet, their only child, was but twelve years old, he gave himfelf up to an unhappy propenfity, to drinking, which (hortened his days. He was never an aclive man; and left his affairs in fo bad a condition, that it was necelTary to difpofe of the eftate : it produced only 1500/. This is Harriet's whole dependance ; and with this her uncle thinks to match her to fome one of his rich neighbours, and will probably fucceed. Mr. Deacon fcems much taken with her, and has every poffi- ble encouragement from her friends. Mr. Peterfon came home this evening, from a market whifh he attends, a little elevated: his wife took the opportunity, rather unwileiy, to vent fome hoarded ill- humour upon him, and refufed to give him fome liquor which he dellred, al- ledging VILLAGE ANECDOTES, 83 ledf^in^* that he had had too much already. He lent her to the devil, in very plain Englidi ; and, late and dark as it was, i^Qt off to his favorite houfe of reforr, the Plough, where he is fure of having, for his money, every thing he calls for. Mr. Peterfon loves a little drink and conviviality; and fometimes, I think, (we are all apt to judge for others, you know,) that were I his wife, I fliould contrive, were it only from motives of oeconomy, to let him have them at home. He has many good qualities ; he is jufl, hofpitable, and friendly.— His wife has alfo her's ; but they are of a dlff'erent, perhaps, too oppofite cad : her ill-judged parlimony drives him to expence ; and her frequent ill-humour from home. — She is 'out of temper becaufe he go^s out ; he goes out becaufe fhe is out of temper: thus the effed: produces the caufe, the caule the effed, in per^jctual rotation. The elded E 6 daughter 84 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, daughter fides with her mother, and is her favourite; the younge?!: with the fatherl- and both are furpr fed, and not quite pleafed, with the preference 1 fo evidently give Harriet to either. Adieu for to- night, my Edward ! Friday y IS. A little mefTenger arrived from Mrs. Smith, this morning, to fay, his mammy was brought to bed of a daughter. Mrs. PeLcrfon has fince been with me to fee her: we found her, in ti.e care of fome neigh- bours, cheerful, ajid tolerably recovered. Mrs. Peterfon, one of whofe good quali- ties it is, to be \ery tender to the lick, pa'd her great attention; and is, at this moment, engaged in preparing caudle for her, with her ovvn hands. Mr. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 85 Mr. Thomas PcteiTon has jud brought word, that Squire Altenden, the Lord of the Manor, and owner of the eftace and .gieat houfe, is drad. The heir is a young- er brother, with whom he was at variance ; and who is an utter (tranger here. We are all in alarm left he fhould be fond of fporting, and tenacious of rights, which have been fo wholly negledte^j by the late proprietor, (to whom Mr. Thomas was game-keeper,) that they are become quite obfolcre. In efte6t, it apj ears that the tenants would have rcafon to rcgrn their lofs : they have been all growing ri'li, tor many, years, upon the fame rents, eOa- bliftied for a centurv, while rhe pri-. e of their produce has doubled ; while the wood anil game has been abfolutely at their dif- pofal, under a carelefs mafter. Mr. Ewer called this morning with a pre- fent of a fine perch, which he had caught^ to Mrs. Pcterfon ; he faid he was engaged j^ to 86 VILLAGE ANECDOTES* to fpend the eveninrr at Mr. Grave's, whi- ther our gentlemen are alio go le. — He is quite the fafhion at tnis moment. Friday night. Our ladies did not return till evening: they flayed dinner at Mr. Packitt's ; whofe wife, I fhould inform you, is a filler of Mr. Bertram's. Mifs Peterfon was in hafte to let us know, that there was a large ball, and a charming company; that Ihc danced with a fmart officer, notwithftand- ing her engagerrent to Mr. Pertram ; the drclTes of the ladies of note, &;c. Mifs Anne too was ready with her de- fcriptions to fupply whatever her fifter might omit. Harriet alone was iilent, and even dull : I was impatient till I had her all to myfelf, in my own apartment ; nor was fhe lefs fo, to communicate her ob- fei^ations : VILLAGE ANECDOTES, 8/ fervations : as foon as tea was difpatched, we withdrew, and left the ladies to them- felves. " Well, my love, I have a birth and a death to announce to you : have you nothing to tell me? — How have you been entertained? — how do you like a ball?'* *' One fees a greatdealoffine company, to be fure, Ma*am,*' faid Ihe ; *' and one dances, and— and 1 believe every body was pleafed but me; but it was fo vvarm, the dance fo crowded — then I was fure to be puflied to the bottom ; for one lady came and faid, that was my place — I flood next to Mifs fuch a one; another thruft by, without a word of apology ; fo that not having courage to contend, 1 was at a diftance from every body I knew, and alone, in the- midft of a crowd. My partner too, with his fine fleps, ^^as never ill time ; and he is fo difagreeable, you know." — " I don't know, my dear; I hope it is. not Mr. Deacon^ of whom you fpcakfo flightingly.'V ** Indeed it is/* faid Ihe; S9 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. file ; ^^ I had rather not have danced at all tlian with him: hat he ofrered ; and my coufin Charlotte faid I could not refufe him. except 1 had been engaged : yet, when an officer afked her, (he turned off Mr. Bertram to Anne, in fpite of her en- gagement.'* '' Perhaps you would have been g! d to have danced with an officer too?*' '' No, indeed; I had no fuch in- clination; I did not care to dance at all, except the dance had been better conduct- ed." — *' So that, afccr all, my dear, you were not entertained." Not much, in- deed : my dear Mrs. Willars, I fliould have been fifty times happier at home with you : ho^^ ever, I am not forry to have been ; I fhall not be anxious to go again. ^ — Was your coufin's partner of your party? yes,- he was; he is a fine looking n^n, and very ihewy in his regimentals ; but he is neither well bred, nor agreeable : he feems^ as if he was of too much coiifequence to- be civil^ even to his partner-';: flares you- out VILLAGE ANi:CD0TE3. 89 out of countenance ; and never offers the moil: common-place artcntion to anyone. Someof his companions whodid not dance, but lay lounging along upon the benches, almoft the whole evening, came whifper- ing to him, while we were at tea, in the (Irangeft: manner, as if they weje talking of us ; the Captain turned his back uporr his partner and the company to converfe with them; aiid, except that he conde- fcended to take his tea when it was offered him, fcarce appeared to be of our party. No, indeed. Ma'am, I faw no body at ail like Mr. Willars, or even Mr. Ewer.— *' Such men as Mr. Ewer, my dear, do not make a figure at public places : his accompliflim.ents are not of the nature that excite attention at a ball ; a noify, empty, rattling coxcomb, would have Li:n times the notice and the chance.*' '' Therefore, my dear Mrs. Willars, I do not like balls and public places : How far 90 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. far more delighthil is an evening fpent in lively and iniirudive eonverfation v/ith you 1 I could not help thinking, that Mr. Ewer might, perhaps, be here; and, re- gretting my lofs — for he fhews you off. Madam, as well as you do him.'* You fee, my dear Edward, that this is a little flattery: ilic is a charming one; and, fo far, all is very well; bun the partiality with which (he feems to view^ this un- known Mr. Ewer, begins to give me feri- ous alarm: iheisat fuchanage and of fuch a temper, as make fuch impreffions doubly dangerous. Here is no relief from diili- pation and variety ; comparifons with all file meets with can only favour her de- lufion : — What is to be done? I fear to caution her, left I (hould give her the ideas I mean to check. His attentions to her, if they are particular, are too delicate to be avoided or refcnred. I cannot forbid him a houfe, where I am not at all related ; nor treat with diftance and referve a man fo VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 9! fo evidently fuffering under the frowns of fortune, and fo apparently deferving a better fate. Advife me, Edward, in my dreams ad- vife me, that this dear amiable child, of my adoption, be not the vi(flim of an un- fortunate partiality. If Harriet is un- happy, Sophia will be fo too. Come to our mutual relief, my Edward ; come and convince this little innocent, that there are men more amlabk than this dangeroiu Ewer. If I can but throw cold water upon this gentle flame till my Edward's return, I can then offer her an afylum, and a kind advice; but till then, alas! alas! — Sweet, good night. Parting is fuch fweet forrow, That r could fay, good in^ht, until 'tis morrow. Saturday^ 9^ VILLAGE ANfiGDOTES^ S/iturday, Sept. 19»- A cold, \vhich increafes upon me very fixity and the hazinefs of the weather, pre- vented nvf accompanying Harriet, this morning, to Mrs. Smith's ; and Ihe was too eager to take her a few more ncceflaries, which were completed yefterday, to delay the viiit on my account. She packed up a little bafket, very well filled, and fet off with our friend> Sailor, immediately after breakfart. She came running to my apart- ment on her return ; her fweet colour much heightened, and herfelf evidently flurried. ^ She fat down, out of breath, without fpeaking. '' You have walked too fail, my dear, faid I : I was to blame to let you go alone." — She blufned excef- fively; and, hefitatingly, faid, *' Why fo, Madam ; 1 hope there was no impropriety in it : indeed, I had :;oi an idea of njeeting any body there, or I would not ha\e gone, upon VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 93 upon any account, without you.'* ^' Of meeting any body ; who could you meet there, my love? I had no idea, either, of your meeting any one; I was onlv blam- ing you for walking fo fad, to flurry your- felf.'* — '^ Who could you pcfiibly meet?" — She wept outright. — *^ My dear Harriet, my dear child," continued I, *' Why are you fo affected ? how awkv/.ard I am thus to increafe your uneafinefs, by my endeavours to remove it : — Recover yourfelf, and tell me what has happened ; I am furc there is nothing, on your part, to difapprove. I at length colledcd from her, that ihe had found Mr. Ewer at the poor woman's houfe ; where he was fitting by her, and liflening fo patient and attentive to her long ftories, that Harriet entered unob- ferved. A v^'oollen curtain divides the only apartment of the cottage, and feparates the bed from the door. Harriet remained filent, without feeing any perfon, or being feen by any one, imagining that Mrs. Smith was 94 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. was talking to her apothecary : one of the children at length difcovered her; and Mr. Ewer precipitately arofe, paying his compliments to her, vvith almofl as much confufion, as (lie received them. She he- fitated to deliver her little prefent before him; which he feeming to perceive, al- mofl immediately withdrew. '^ I'hat good gentleman," faid Mrs. Sm^ith, as he retired, *^ who never feems to have money to lay out upon himfelf, has always fome to give the poor : he has done more good in the three months he has lived here, than all our rich neighbours in three vcars. I fent my Billy to farmer Clarke's, who is overfeer, lafl night, for fomething for my poor children, becaufe I was afliamed like, to be troublefome to your good ladyfliip, or Madam Peterfon ; he would not fend mc a halfpenny over my allowance, which will not find us bread; but this choice good man, happening to fee my little boy, who cried, poor fellow, at farmer darkens hard- heartednefs. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 95 heaitednefs, came himfelf, and brought me relief, and promifed to allow me fome- thing weekly: but don't tell, Mifs, for the parifli would take off my allowance, if they knew it : he has promifed, too, to fend my Billy to fchool.'* Harriet repeated thefe praifes with an air of exultation; yet hefitated to inform me, that the fubje6t of them overtook her, and had converfed with her all the way home; *' I ought not, perhaps, to have fuffered it. Madam," faid fhe ; ''but, while I was mullering up courage to fend him away, he engaged me in chat that greatly divert- ed me from my purpofe. He talked of you. Madam ; and interefled me fo much, that I was here almoft without perceiving it.— You can't think what a high opinion he has of you :— ^' And was he really,** faid I, " fo mal adroity as to entertain one lady with the praifes of another; — Do you know. ^6 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, know, my dear, that whatever he faid of me, it v/as you he flattered the moll lay this proceeding. " Indeed,'* faid fhe, '' if he thought the praife of my friend the moil pleaiing topic he could choofe, he did me only juiiice — it was not flattery : but fliall I tell you what he faid?*' — Sly gypfey. — '' No, Harriet ; if he only fpoke of me, I am content not to hear your converfation/* ^' He afked me about the ball. Ma'am." — '* And did you tell him that you faw no one there worthy to be compared with him?" '^ No, indeed," faid fhe, fmiling, and bluihing ; *' I know not if I have not faid fo, once too often, even to you." — •' What then did you tell him ?" I merely faid, *^ that it did not anfwer my expe.fla- tions — that I fhould have been much better entertained at home :" he then cautioned me againfl: fomething he called faflidiouf- nefs ; yet added, he did not wonder iMrs. Willars's fociety fhould fpoil me for mofl: others. VILLAGE ANECDOTES, 97 Others. You are fingularly favored, Mifs Harriet, faid he^ both by nature and tor- tune, in making fuch a friend. We met my uncle at the gate, who de- li red him to take his ftray quite home, and accept of fome refrefliment for his trouble: he complied only with the firfl: part of the invitation; for finding nobody in the par- lour, he did not flay to fit down. He dc- fired his befl refpecls to you, and went away; and that was ail, I afTurc you; I could not help it, indeed, Ma*am. ** Well, my dear, there is no harm, except Mr. Deacon fhould think any; and you will foon hear of it, if he does ; for he is com- ing to tea.** In etfcd, he came with in- quiries after his fair partner's health, whofe diftant looks, and manners, do not dif- courage him. He is, indeed, encouraged from every quarter. VOL. I. F Sunday^ 98 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. . Sunday, Sept, 20. My cold increafes, and afFecfts my eyes fo much, as to make writing very painful. Heaven preferve my Edward ! Monday y Sept. 21. Mr. Thomas w^ill not foon forgive me, for refuiing to point out the fpot where Sailor and I, yefterday, ftarted a covey of partridges : he fciys, I never deferve to eat another; and that, as far as it depends on him, I never fliall ; for he will give away every thing he kills all the winter. ^' Juft as you pleafe, Mr. Thomas, every one has their fancy, you know : you like to kill the game — I, to fee it fly." *' Ycu like to eat too, I thinks," faid he ,• ^' Tm zure, you and ear I VILLAGE ANECDOTl'S. 99 ziflers, and t'other wimen, ate up a k among ye, the fecond day of flioot- !ir, and never left me any thing, but what vas madded with fliot."— ** Well, k may )e fo, Mr. Thomas ; I am, perhaps, very nconfiftent : yet let me beg the chance of )nc more year, for the covey I difcovered, f it be only for your own fake.'* ^r. Thomas went off muttering, that he poacher would have them, if he did lot. Monday, SepL 28. I have had an inflammation in my Qyts, .11 the laft wxek, which has prevented me ither reading, writing, or working: and 'was forbid to go much into the air.— iiarriet has been my nurfe and conftant :9Jiipanion: Ihe has read to me, chatted F 2 with 100 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, with me, and, in fhort, afforded me all the relief my fituation would admit of: for I have fuffered cruelly at intervals. Mr. Ewer never failed a day to come with inquiries after my health; and always en- livened our little fociety, when he could make one of it : but he is got acquainted in the village, and is now much engaged. I I am glad to ufe my fingers and eyes ; but both grow weary. Harriet will tranfcribe for me a little ode, the fruit of my idle- nefs and leifure; which will, at leaft, ferve to convince my Edward, that in ficknefs, as in health, my heart is with him, j I fuppofe you arrived at ODE TO CTNTHIA. Pale regent of the midnight Iky, Whofe foften'd beam allows the gaze Of the wan lover's fixed eye, As ^y thy favoring glade he ftrays. Say, VILLAGE ANECDOTES. lOl Say, does thy noon my love delight; Does he fulute thy rifing ray ? And woo thy mild aufpicious light, To mufe on me- Sweet Cynthia, fay ? Does he prefer thy fober reign, To all the charms of perfed: day, In that foft clime, whofe jocund train, Rejoice in Sol's ftill foft'ring ray ? Where his warm beam delights to glow, Reflc<5ted in each laughing eye; In age, as youth, glad fpirits flow. Sweet produce of a cioudlefs flcy. Does he prefer thee, gentle queen, To the gay taper's mimic glare, That lij^htens up the feftive fcene, Where fparkle all the blythe and fair? Por, clear to Love's abftraAed thought, Is the foft radiance of thine eye ; Thy filver horn with calmnefs fraught. Wild joys and frantic pleafures fly. And, oh, congenial to my mind. Thy rays their timid luftre ftied ; To tender fadncfs oft inclin'd, How foorhing the pale day they fpr«ad!'* Oh! in this hour of ftill repofe. When all the azure vault ferene. Thy lovely face unclouded /hews. Say, doc? my Edward view the fcene? I 3 Oh, 102 VILLAGE ANECDOT£S, Oh, let me think this penUve eye. On the fame objed: lixt with mine; Fond fancy, cruel truth fupply, Then, Cynthia, in thy world we join* ODE A CYNTHIE. Dc la nuit pale fouveralne. Que I'amour invoque tout has, liOrftiue ta lueur incertaine, Vers le plaifir guide fes pas : Satisfais mon ame Inquiette ; Divine Cynthie, apprends-moi, Si Tobjet que mon coeur regrette, Te prend pour tcmoin de fa foi, Vellle-t-il, quand ton regne fombrc Occupe a route des cieux ? Alme-t-il a fuivre des yeux, Le cours que tu traces dans I'ombre t Errant dans ces climats lointains, Ou dardent les traits de ton frere, Salt — il a fa rive lumiere, Prefcrer tes feux argentins? Ou, dans la pompe d'une fete, Fuit-il I'eclat de cent flambeaux, Pour s'cgarer fous les berceaux, Ou perce u darte difcrette t Car VILLAGE ANECDOTES. lOJ Car Tamant fi^ch. a fes voei ::, En proie aux enniiis de I'abfcnce j K'prouve la douce iiiluence, De es rayois myft -rieux. De fon fo' ifPc A peine Zenhlre, 1'roublc le caluic qui te Init ; Et ta march e fcurble intcrdire, Les faux plaifirs et Ic vain bruit, D'tine tendre mc!ancoUe, Mon ccsur favoure les attralti, Quand, dans le filence ct 1^ frais, Ton orbe a rfver me convie. Scuverin d'un epoux chr'ri, Rein aldrs nc ricnt te diO rairc ; En fixant I'Aflre qui rcdaire, Je crois rae rapprocher de lui. Ah ! Quelle confolante idee! Oui, Cynthie, en fongeant a moi, De mon, Edward, la penf e, S'e lance au meme inltant vers toi, Pourfuivant Taimable chimcre, Nos ames franchiflent les airs ; Et des deux bouts de 1 unlvers, Vont fe reunir dans ta fphere. J? 4 tuefday^ I04 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Tuesdayy Sept, 29. 1 have more verfes for you, Edward ; the above is not all. Harriet fat by me tran- fcnbing the lines which you will find an- nexed i and of which here follows the hiftory : The only evening of my con- finement that I was left quite alone, there being a fupper at Mr. Figgins's, to which llie had received an invitation, and which I quite infifted upon her accepting, as all the family and neighbourhood were to be there. I had not, perhaps, fucceeded; though, with all my pofitivenefs, if a very plain hint, from Mr. Peterfon, had not backed m.e :--Unufed to oppofe au- thority from that quarter, my young friend left me, reluclantly, to my own reflections: I had leifure for them i for the party lafted till two in the morning, and 1 did nor retire to reft mu.h fooner. I thought VILLAGE ANECDOTES. IO5 I thought of our lafl: converfation, my Edward : do you recollect telling me, that you had entertained an idea of fetting off privately, without bidding me fare- well ; in order, you faid, to fpare us both the pangs of parting ; you know how I reprobated this fcheme ; and how cruel it appeared to me. I have not altered my opinion, as you will fee by what follows; where 1 have thrown it into verfe. It was the occupation of that evening's folitude. I fuppofe you had executed your projedt, PARTING. And was it then my grief to fpare, That fuUen and referv'd you were ; That thus unkind, you ftole away, Nor hinted 'twas the parting day ? Alas, you for my heart miflake. If thus you left mc for its fake. When friendftiip joins each kindred heart, It is a cruel talk to part ; Yet, if by fate's fevere decree. Such torture muft inflidted be : Better to wound in this refpe^ft, By tcnderncfs, than by ntglcd, F 5 To lOO VILLAGE ANECDOTES. To me, the tender ftarting tear, The figh ti.atheav«s the bredft fincere; Gentle complaints, reproaches kind, Hands fevering, hearts more clofcly'joiii'd. The lafl embrace — the parting pray'r— Sweet in their fadnefs, fcothing are. Willie fancy dwells on fuch a fcene, l"he pangs of abfence feel lefs keen ; I^adi v.-or'd, each look, is ponfif r*a o'er. As Pilfer 's prize their "tfe-cifwr^iifWe : The heart williwdl, the eyes may Sow, But 'tis wich " luxury of woe." But, oh ! without one parting look. Inhumanly to be forfook — Deprives fny heart of all relief. And gives'nev/ bitternefs'to grief; And fho'uld we never meet again. Will heighten to defpair my pain* Wedfiesday^ 30. Mifs Peterfons have prevailed, not- withftanding their .fatlier's dillike to red coats, and his difplcafure at the encourage- n)ent given by his eldeft daughter to one at VILLAGE ANECDOTES, tO/ at the late ball, to be permitted to venture, once more, among them, by accepting Mrs. Parkitt's invitation to fpend fome days at her houfe : they went yeflerday. Mrs. Peterfon was engaged on a vifit to a neighbour, and the gentlemen both ab- fent ; when Mr. Ewer calkd in about the hour of tea. Obferving me unufually de- jedled — for your filence, my Edward, hung heavy on my fpirits — he inquired of Har- riet, in a whifpcr, if Mrs. Willars had heard bad news ? When informed that my anxiety arofe from not hearing at all, he undertook to reafon me out of it, and pretty well fucceeded, in convincing me, that it was biirely poflible, and highly im- probable, that 1 C'uld have letters from you this month, or even next. — *' While the coolnefs of my ruind fuggrf s thefe re- flevflions, Madam," to me — he added, *' T do not ar all wonder they Ihould have ef- caped the agitation of yours : 1 cannot blame your uneafinefs: indeed, I do mod F 6 lincercly lOS VILLAGE ANECDOTES. fincercly fympathife with you in it; for next to the mifery of being unhappily married, the greatefl is, I believe, to be feparated when happily fo.'* ** I think," faid Harriet, " between the chance of be- ing unhappily married, or parted, if happy, it is bed: not to marry at all." *' I mud borro^v Dr Johnfon's words to anfwer you, young lady," returned Mr. Ewer — *' Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleafures." *' And don't you al- low, fir," rejoined Harriet, *' that there is more point than truth in them ; I am fure I am very happy, and have many pleafures ; and have not you, fir?" I know not why this artlefs quelHon fhould have difconcerred Mr. Ewer, (yet it evidently did;) he bluflied, paufed ; and, after fome hefitation, at length anfwered — *' I fliould be both infenfible and ungrateful to fay I have no pleafures, in the very moment of enjoyment, and to thofe who confer them: I have great pleafure in your focicty, be- lieve VILLAGE ANECDOTES. IO9 licve me, ladies; and v.m often indebted to you for a forgecfulnefs of pain, which, though tranfient, is a great relief/' — Be- fore we could anfvver this complinient, our palloral beaux arrived v.ith Mr. Deacon: the latter had taken liquor enough to ani- mate his hope and his courage ; he poiTef- fed hirrjfelf of Mr. Ewer's chair, who had rifen at his entrance, and drew it clofe to Harriet ; and, flaring her rudely in the face, called her his little fweetheart, in the tone of the utnioft familiarity. Har- riet blufned, frowned, and attempted to efcape to anotlier feat, in vain ; her perfe- cutor was too much elevated, befides en- couraged by her relations, to defifi:. Mr. Ewer gave him fome indignant glances ; and, perhaps, fuffering too feverely at witnefling diflrefs which he could not relieve, abruptly arofe, and went away, in fpite of Mr. Peterfon's repeated in- vitations to flay fupper. Harriet had not the liberty of returning while her agreeable no VILLAGE ANECDOTES. agreeable fuitor remained, Mrs. Peter- fon, wlio Carrie home ro {upper, fignified her pleafure that (lie iliould ftay. I Hayed too to keep her conipany : the glafs cir- culated brifkly alter fupper : her fvvain drank himfelf Hupid, and Ihe was left at peace ; but it was pad midnight before we retired. Farewell. Thursday, Oct. 1. Mrs. Peterfon fears I fhall be dull, or, as fne calls it, unkind, in the abfrnce of her daughters. She often propofes fc hemes of amufement, which I ufually decline; however, a fifliing party bemg planned this morning, and the weather proving favour- able, I readily agreed to accompany my young friend, who feemed eager to fee it. Mr. Thomas Peterfon, and a fervant, with calling nets and bafliets, led the way : we followed VILLAGE ANECDOTES. IIJ followed along the meadows, till Mrs. Pe-- terfon finding the grafs wet, quitted the party : Harriet and I were lliod againft fuch trifling inconveniencies 5 and fhe would by no means confent to let us ac- company her home While the fportfmeii folio vved the courfe of the river through a narrow path, rather too difficult for us, we featcd ourfelves on fon^c flumps of trees, whence we could fee them at once, and admire the w^ind.ing of it, which juft on this fpot is extremely beautiful. The oppofite bank has a narrow margin of meadow; it then rifts in a gentle fiope^, tjie top of which is covered with woods, now vkhly clad in all the varied tin,ts, of Autumuj and forming a beautiful con-. trad to the vivid greun below. — Some ilieep, with fleeces of a fnowy whitenefs, were feeding on the flanting fide of the hin,and the found of,aflute, brought ne^r by a, gentle breeze,, and the water, ren^- dered the fcene completely Arcadian. « And 112 WILLAGE ANECDOTES^ " And as I walk, fvveet mufic, breathe *' Above, about, or underneath ; « Sent by fome fpirit for mortaL' good, ♦* Or the unfeen genius of the wood." *' Where is the (hepherd ?*' faid Harriet, who, I believe, expeded to have fcen. one in all the elegance of palloral fimpli- city, with a crook ornamented with rib- bons and flowers. *' He is yonder my dear/' faid I, '' pointing to a little ragged boy lying on the ground ; who certainly was what fhe inquired for, though fuch a blot in the pidure had efcaped her notice : — *^ That the (hepherd, Mrs. Willars V faid fhe, *' that is a Shropfhirc fhepherd indeed. Oh, how you break the fpell! but I ftill hear the flute ; there is another not far off.*' Mr. Thomas now reminded us of him, whom we had almoll forgotten, with a lou^ holla, that he had got a perch ^^ two pounds; VILLAGE ANECDOTES. IIJ pounds; and impatiently calling to us to come and fee his fport. I took my com- panion's arm, and led her, reludant, from this inchanting fpot ; we traverfed the long grafs through an unbeaten, difagree- able part, to join the fifhermen, for they were going another way home ; and Mr, Thomas would not ftir a Hep to meet us. I fliould have left him and his fifh to have funk or fvvam together, and have returned by the way we came, had not another con- lideration led me to prefer that which he took, as it led from the found of the mulic, and of courfe from the mufician, whom, I could not but guefs at, and feared to ex- pofe my young friend to meet, her heart thus foftened, and her imagmation warm- ed, and thus prepared for the mofl dan- gerous imprcfTions. We followed our leaders, wliofe bafkets were well filled with fifh; and faw them throw the net feveral times unfuccefsiully. Mr. Thomas now grew tired, and propofed returning, to JI4 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. to which we readily agreed. On bur return, pafling a turnip field after we had left the river, on the fide of a coppice. Sailor, who is always of our walking parties, flaned a fine cock pheafant. Mr. Thomas and his man made a point, as their dogs might have done : the former curfed his flupid head for going a fifhing the firft day of pheafant Ihooting; and, ordering his man to mark the bird, fet down his bafket ; and, without the leaft apology, ran off in purfuit of a gun. In the mean time the bird rofe again, and diredled its flight to the wood. — The fervant, loaded as he was with the net, took to his heels to watch its direc'tion ] and we were left, with the bafkct of fidi and Sailor, to Ihift as we could. We flood looking at each other in a fort of ridiculous dillrefs, which ended, how- ever, in a fit of laughter. — '* To be Aire they will come back and fee f:r their filh. Ma'am,'* VILLAGE ANECDOTES. II5 Ma'am/' faid Harriet.—'* For their fifh, perhaps, they may, xny dear," Hud. I ; '' far we feem to be quite out of the queftion.'* We then feated ourfelves on the grafs, and waited patiently a full half hour, expeding their return : unwilling to leave our morn- ing's fport to the mercy of the firft paflen- ger that was able to carry it. — We were in a fort of dell, between two riling grounds, and could fee nothing beyond. Harriet went on all (ides to reconnoitre^ but could dif- cover no creature of whom to inquire our way, orfolxit aflillance. In this dilemma, we agreed that any thing was better than fitting flill to take cold ; we, therefore, took the bafl<:et between us, and made to- wards the river, in order to regain the path we knew. Our load warmed as well as wearied us ; and we were often obliged to flop and refl ; in one of thefe pau fes, juft as we were within knowledge, Sailor, who wa<^ ji^irnping and carefling, as fudJenly fprang av>ay, as if he had (iarted fomc other H6 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Other game. The faithful creature ran to greet an acquaintance, who always takes notice of him ; it was Mr. Ewer, who foon joined us ; and, after the firft compli- ments, he exprelTed his furprife to fee us fo incumbered. '' Who has loaded two fair ladies fo unconfcionably?'* faid he — '* Have you difcovered fome poacher's hoard ? for, to be fure, you never caught all this fifh yourfelves?** We were obliged to explain how we Came in charge of it, and to ac- cept of his afliflance to convey it home, which he abfolutely infifted upon : he hoifted his pack, and we fer forward once more. " My fcheme, on leaving home, was to have fiflied too, ladies,*' faid he; •' but I was beguiled by my flute, and have been fauntering on the banks of the river, and playing old tunes to beguile old forrovvs, the whole morning through. — I was, however, on the point of adjuRing my tackle to begin, when my good genius direded me to this meadn"j ^^^ a more convenient VILLAGE ANECDOTES. II^ convenient fport, where fo much happi- nefs awaited me." Mr. Ewer is certainly nothing lefs than handfome ; yet, at this n;ornent, I almofl thought him fo. Pleafnre flufhed his pale cheeks, and fparkled in his expreffive eye: he tripped lightly before us; and abfo- lutely carried his load with a grace.— His countenance was the only one that brightened at this unexped:ed ar.d oppor- tune rencontre: indeed all were pleafed, to the very dog : and who could blame us ? As for Mr. Ewer, his harmony of fpirits broke out in an extempore fong, which he ffruck up with infinite humour, as fol- lows : — Shepherds, I have loft my love, Have you feen my Thomas ; It) the path, hard by the grove, He has wander'd from us. We with him our home forfook, Near yon niifty mountain ; Here's Il8 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Here's the fifti the Ihepherd took At the river's fountain. Never fhall he fee them more, ^ Until his returning ; Should he find the dinner o'er, Joy will change to mourning. Thus entertained, our walk did not feem long : we reached home without feeing any thing of our company, or meeting farther advencUre; and Mr. Ewer having depolited his load, took his leave. . Mrs. Peterfon heard our relation with- out either furprife or concern ; fhe con- tented herfelf with hoping that Tom would bring home the bird : he was a dear boy, fhe faid, after game. Mr. P , on his return from a neighbouring market, was equally eafy about it : he feemed to think it quite a matter of courfe, that Tom Hiould leave his coulin and me to chance, for any whim that croft his noddle ; and that Mr, Ewer jdiould always be at hand, with VILLAGE ANECDOTES. II9 with good nature and politenefs, to extri- cate us ; thus the one will have no thanks, the other no blame. Our excurfion had, however, given us keen appetites to our dinner. Adieu. Friday y Oct. 2. I forgot to mention that the news of the Squire's death was premature: he has had a fevere flroke of the palfy, which, per- haps, he may recover ; at any rate, it ap- pears that he is in no immediate danger. This news has been current fome days in the village; it is now placed out of all doubt, by the arrival of Mr. Amrode, his fteward, who is come to colled: the rents; an office Mr. Allendon ufually did him- felf, at this feafon, when in health. The 120 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. • The fleward dined here to-day ; he is a man of good fenfe and knowledge of the world : he talked much, and to the pur- pofe. — He has, however, given conlider- able alarm by prognoflics of a fcarcity of corn, of which certainly there is not the fmallefl: appearance here ; however, as he inlifls it is the cafe almoft: every where elfe, and fpeaks with alTurance of the pre- cautions taken by government, Mr. Pe- terfon is half perfuaded to fend no more corn to market, left he fhould want it hereafter. If every body elfe is of the fame mind, an artificial fcarcity may pro- bably be produced, even though there may be no real failure in the crops. I tremble, my dear Edward, at the pro- bable confequences of thefe, I hope, groundlefs precautions. It was fo the re- volution was produced in France. I am called — Adieu till to-morrow. < Saturday^ VILtAGE ANECDOTES. 121 Saturday^ OB. 3. The wind blew hard lad night. — I lay- awake, and thought of my Edward: my ideas flowed into rhyme ; and here they follow: — While heaving billows rock that aching head, And frequent fqualls thy troubled flumbers rendj Is not thy fpirit in fond vifions led To the lone cottage, and the diflant friend ? Safe from the tempeft, and the whelming tide. That fheltcr'd cottage Hands fecurely low; There eafe, and hberty, and peace refide. And tranquil pleafures round fpontaneous grow* Ah, doft thou ne'er regret paft happy days, Nor give one figh to this receding fliore ! Ah ! doft thou never fay, in Pindar's lays, " Thofc filver fands of time fhall glide no more ?'* Here, fafe from ftorms, thy tender friend is caft. Her quiet ftate from cares, from tumults free— ■ Save, when as now deep-howls the angry blaft. Her anxious fpirit beats with fears for thee. Then fancy paints the frowning (ky all dark, The tempeft howling thro' each tatter'd fail; The exhauftcd mariner, the fhatter'd bark, Driv'n by the fury of the merc'kfs gale. ▼OL. r. 6 6th 122 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Methinks I hear the ftirieks of deep defpair, And 'midft loud thunders crackling timbers fall j And view thee ftedfaft ftilJ, the danger dare, Aflift the weak — chear, and encourage all. But hence, dire images of wat*ry graves, Haunt not my vifions, nor my foul affright; Paint me fweet Fancy, clear tranfparent wave% And Indian fun-fhine ever glowing bright. Oh, far be danger from my wand'ring friend, With profp'rous gales be flill his canvas fraught; His health, his fafcty, I to heav'n commend, *' In all the tender luxury of thought." Sunday^ Ocl. 4. At Mrs. Peterfon's requeil we called on Mifs Grove, this morning, on our return /rom the duties of the day; and had the pleafure of meeting the Mifs Summers, already mentioned, as vifiting there. She is pretty, very genteelly dreft, and alto- gether of fo elegant an appearance, that I was VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I2J was afloniflied beyond exprefTion. — When, to Mrs. Peterfon*s queflion after the health of fome acquaintance, (he anfwered, lite- rally thus — '^ I does not know, indeed; I hasn't zeed her this fortnight." Ac- cufbomed as I am to hear my poor mother tongue clipped and frittered, I confefs to you, my dear Edward, fuch an anfwer, from fo fmart a lady, almofl overcame my gravity : however, I might have laugh- ed without offence ; for Harriet was the only one prefent who would have fuf- pedled the caufe : fuch is the negligence of grammatical propriety connived al here. Mifs Summers was very earnefl: to pre- vail upon Harriet to be of a hunting party, which is to take place on Tuefday ; the latter pleaded want of Ikill in horfeman- Hiip, fear, diflike of the fport, and feveral lefs weighty objedions, in vain, — Mifs Summers was infinitely dexterous inparry- ing. them all. Mifs Grove oHered a very G 2 fafe 124 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. fafe and gentle nag of her own ; and her brother promifcd to be her trufty fquire, to ride by her, and never hard. — All this would, perhaps, have been inefFeclual, had not Mifs Summers declared, that if Mifs Harriet would not go, fhe too muft give up the plan; for flie did not choofe to be the only female. Harriet's good nature could not refift this plan ; and the party was agreed on, with her aunt's entire ap- probation. We were rifing to take leave, when who fbould arrive but Harriet's beau, the ele- gant Mr. Deacon ? — She attempted to flip by, but he feized her hand : " Stop a bit, Mifs; why we/ hasn't zeed one another this ere fo long," faid he, •* as he pulled heiT back; and forcibly feating her, drew a chair clofe to her fide." Mrs. Peterfon, of her own accord, followed his example ; and we all refumed our places. " Now that's right. Madam Peterfon," faid the youth. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I 25 youth, '* that's as it fliould be; if you had , gone away juft as I corned in, 't-would have looked as thof I froughied you like; and I hopes I beent fo ugly as ail that comes to, neither.** *' Mrs. Peteribn allured him he was a defperate good-looking gentle- man ; and that it always did her good to fee him." " Hark, what your aunt fays, Mifs/* faid the fwain ; *' and Ihe's.a maia good judge, I alTure you.'* Harriet was conftrained to fmile; but her countenance quickly fell, when (he underilood that he was to be of the hunting party. *' I'll take care of you myfelf, Mifs," faid he;*' "leave Grove and Mifs Summers. I have a mare that would make the i^rettieH: wo- man's nag in the county ;^but I keeps her for my wife when 1 marries": Do you know who Ihe's to be, Mifs?'* faid he, *' ad- drefling her in a loud whifper.'* '• Your wife will be a happy woman. Deacon,** faid Mr, Grove. — ''Ay, and a pretty one G 3 too — 126 VIIIAfiE ANECDOTES. too — won't ihe^ Mifs?'* anfvvered Mn D, ftill addreffing Harriet. 1 could have enjoyed thrs fccne^ which was highly comic, if the part my poor Harriet was conftrained to adl in it, had not been fo painful to her : on that ac- count 1 endeavoured to put an end to it, by reminding Mrs, Peterfon of the hour. I fucceeded in prevailing upon her to de- part ; but mill my principal aim ; for Mr. Deacon was in fpirits, and not to be re- pulfed fo eafily. — He infixed on attending us home; and forced Harriet to lean on his arm. Mrs. Peterfon invited him to dine ; an offer which he mod readily ac- cepted. The younger Mr. Peterfon was not at homiC ; the elder, who never puts himfelf out of his way for any one, dif- appeared immediately after dinner, and left Mr. Deacon entirely to the company of the ladies, where he foon began to feel very awkward. Mrs. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I27 Mrs. Peterfon having exhauflcd her %vhQle flock of queftions, remained filent. Harriet was too ill at eafe to fpeak ; aixi, by way of honouring the fcen^, I dcter- niined not to utter a fyllable. Poor Deacon damned and couo;hed ; and the more he Hudied for fomething to fay, the more he was at a lofs. After a filence of fome length, r broke it, by afking of Harriet, " if file wore focks?" in allufion to a ri- diculous (lory I have fomewherc heard of a lover, who, the firfl time he was left alone with his miftrefs, could find nothing elfe to fay to her. Harriet, who knew to what I alluded, was provoked to a lit of rilibility, in which I joined fo heartily, that' we Ihould fairly have laughed the enemy oft' the field, if his proteclrefs, Mrs. Peterfon, had not thought of a walk. She propofed to go through the wood to the Plough, where fhe hoped to meet her huf- band, and make him treat us with a fylla- bub, Mr* Deacon eagerly feconded the G 4 motion; I2S VILLAGE ANECDOTES, motion • no one objeds : and behold us once again on our march ; not, however^ exactly in the fame order as before; for Harriet took my arm, and difappointed her beau. As the path would admit but of two a breaft, he kept, however, as clofe toner as polTible ; now before, now behind us, never offering the leaft afliflance to Mrs. Peterfon, who flaved up the hill after us heartily, and foon fatigued ; but de- termined againft giving up a fcheme of her own propofing. I was loll in a pleafant kind of reverie, attending to the rulthngof the leaves, and admiring the beauty of the declining fun, of which we caught, now and then, a view through breaks in the trees ; when Mr. Deacon offered me a penny for my thoughts. *' Mr. Deacon imagines your thoughts are of no more worth than his own. Madam,*' faid Harriet. ^ — " I can tell you, Mifs," faid the fwain; " my thoughts are often worth VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 129 worth a great deal of money. — Why, I was jufi: then thinking about a tree, juft like that there; a good old oak, Mifs, that, I dare fay, will fetch me twenty or thirty good pounds; and *tisn't the only one, Mifs, by many : my thoughts are worth as much, mayhap, as another's.*' Any further difculTion, on the value of Mr. Deacon's thoughts, was here interrupted by the arrival of another knight, whom you will, perhaps, guefs was Mr. Ewer. — He had been to the houfe, with an inten- tion of drinking tea with us; and having being informed there of the.courfe we had taken, he fet out to join our walk. His compliments paid, he offered his arm to Mrs. Peterfon, who condefcended to ac- cept it. His attentions did not flop here; his converfation was addreffed to her ideas : — he talked of the dairy, the poultry yard, and the village news, like an old houfewife ; except that he contrived, even on fuc') a theme, to be entertaining. Mr. Deacon, o 5 you IJO VILLAGE ANECDOTES. you would have thought, might have con- trived to have feemed at home here ; but he is one of thofe awkward mortals who never appears fo any where. At length we arrived at the fpot, where Mr. Ewer's appearance had been fo opu portune for Mr. Peterfon. We all fhud- dered to obferve, how^ much it was remote from any probability of aflifiance from chance palTengers ; it being in the very thickeft part of the wood, where the path is fo little beaten, that Mrs. Peterfon''^ apron was very ill-treated by the thorns, which, in many places, almoft obflruct the pafTage. Harriet was unvvilling to move from the fpot; and made Mr. Ewer repeat every particular of the affray, and point out their exacl politions. It was ft ill viiible, where he had broke a way through the thicket to battel to the ailift- ance of Mr, Peterfon ; and the underwood was trodden down where the fcuffle had happened ; VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I3I happened : all this was deeply intereding to Harriet ; but Mr. Deacon betrayed every fymptom of impatience at the delay and the caufe of it ; and Mrs. Peterfon wifhed herfelf fafe out of fuch a nafty unkind place ; wondering, at the fame time, how Mr. Ewer could ever venture there alone. *' It is my favourite walk, Madam/* faid he, '' I always was partial to it ; but lince the day that I was fo happy as to be ufeful to Mr. Peterfon, I refort to it for relief; and never enter it, without a fenfa- tion of delight. — So many pleafant ideas are connedled with thefe Ihades, that every tree feems a tender friend, extending its arms, and whifpering comfort to my wound- ed fpirit. Here I bring my flute, my book, and fometimes my pen : I cut let- ters upoji the rind of the trees — I bring food to their melodious inhabitants, who have almoft lofl: their fears of me. I grieve G 6 to 1^2 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, to fee them lofe the Ihelter of their thick foliage* " The falling leaves of Autumn warnings bring, " That death and Winter are too near allied." But I beg pardon, I weary you with my romance.'* Mrs. Peterfon obferved, that fhe had always heard he was an odd gen- tleman : and Mr. Deacon looked a^ if he thought him mad. When we arrived at the Plough, Mr, Peterfon had Mt it about half an hour: we returned not, however, through the wood, but acrofs the common. Our beaux flayed tea ; and foon after Mr. Ewer took his leave. Mr. Deacon, who feemed to have flayed tp fee him out, immediately followed. Monday^ VILLAGE ANECDSTES, I33 Monday^ OB, 5. Mr. Ewer called early this morning, to beg to be admitted as our Chevalier for the day ; as all the tenants dined, by ap- pointment, at the Great Houfe: and we were likely to have no other. Mrs. Peter- fon, whofe prejudices againll him have given way to his engaging manners, in- vited him to ftay dinner; and he confent- ed, on condition, that we would permit him to efcort us to his cottage, in the afternoon, to take a bachelor's treat of tea with him: this being fettled, he remained ourgueft. _^We fpent the morning very agreeably ; for while Mrs. Peterfon was abfent on her houfhold affairs, he read and chatted with us: he has always a book in his pocket: this time it was Cowper*s Tafk — " which 1 did not lend you, ladies/* faid he; *' be- caufe IJ4 VILLAGE ANECDOTES-. caufe I meant to have the pleafure of read- ing it with you.'* He was in the right, my Edward ; for, belides the advantage of his obfervationSj he reads fo well, io na- turally, with fo much grace and feeling, that if fo charming a work was capable of being improved, it had certainly been fo in his delivery. — " Oh ! ffiornmgsy Worthy of the gods, cxclalm'd " The fabine bard — oh ! mornings^ I reply, " More to be priz'd, and coveted than yours, « As more illumin'd, and with nobler truths, " That I and mine, and thofe we love enjoy." — Cowper. The afternoon proving very {^it':\^ and beautiful, we {^x. out foon after dinner, in order to enjoy a long walk, by a way we did not know, but which Mr. Ewer re- commended as extremely pleafant : in ef- fed: it was fo ; for it leads along the flielv- ing fl<^irts of the wood, which we did not enter, having no occaiion, at this tempe- rate VILLAGE ANECDOTES. IJ^ rate feafon, to feek the relief of its fliade : all the way commands a moft beautiful •view of the river and the valley beneath. Mrs. Peterfon being out of breath with fo much afcending, we fat down to relieve her on the Hope of the hill. Mr. Ewer was pointing out fome beauties in the pro- fpecl to our obfervation, when a woman onhorfeback pafTed in the lane, ju (I beneath where we were feated ; fhe was incumbered with butter bafkcts, and certainly neither young nor handfome. Sailor, who had been courfing in a field on the oppofite fide, daflied fuddenly through the edge jull at thehorfe's head, which alarming the beaft, he leapt awkwardly on one fide, and threw his rider ; the poor creature fcreamed vio- lently, and lay without motion. We fcreamed alfo, and Mr. Ewer flew to her afliiiance : he lifted her up with the ut- moft tenderne'fs, and fom.c difficulty — be- fore we could reach the fpot he had helped her 136 VILIfAGE ANECDOTES. her on her horfe, which fhe feemed unable to guide ; he took the bridle with one hand, and fupporting her with the other, called out to us that he would fee her to a place of fafety, and overtake us before we could reach farmer Clarke's* Mrs. Peterfon was not pleafed with his defertion of us ; fhe defired never to hear of Mr. Ewer as a well-bred man ar^ain, for that Ihe never faw any thing fo rude in all her life ; jufl as if, faid llie, the horfe did not know his way home. There were fome of the party, however, that faw the matter in another light. Harriet has none of the felfifhnefs that claims exclufive attention ; ihe feemed to obferve with fatisfaction, that Mr. Ewer was always beloved where the greateft dilirefs was the call — llie flood riveted to the fpot as long as he continued in fight, her eyes gliflening with the tears of tendernefs and admiration. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I37 I perhaps judge for feelings by my own, Edward, for it was an interefting picture to a kindred mind, and to many it would per- haps have been a ridiculous one. Mr. Ewer leading cautioufly the forry looking beafl, watching its fteps, and every moment look- ing round to obferve how the poor woman bore the motion. Even Mrs. Peterfon was betrayed into involuntary applaufe — '^ One would think/* faid fhe, '' it was his mo- ther.'* As they now turned an angle of the lane, and we loft fight of them, we purfued our route, and arrived without difficulty at the farm houfe ; where Mrs, Clarke, with her befl tea things fet out, was ready to receive us. When fhe heard of our adventure, fhe perfuaded us to have our tea without wait- ing for Mr. Ewer; for ilie faid, if the woman who had met with the accident was old Dame Pratt, as flie fuppofed, flie lived a long way off, and it mip^ht be late before he returned. Mrs. Peterfon, who complained of third, was eager to follow her l^^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES. her advice, it was of couiTe adopted, and immediately after fhe propofed returning, alleging that it might be late before Mr. Ewer came back ; that there was no moon, that fne Ihould be afraid to return in the dark without a m,an ; and feveral other good reafons, which led me to fufpect a latent motive, of which (he herfelf was per- haps unconfcious : — to mortify Mr. Ewer, and make him repent his defertion of us — if that was her vicv/, Hie fucceeded complete- ly, for we reached home without being overtaken by him. We were how^ever hardly feated, and the hearth in a comfortable blaze, before he arrived, breathlefs, and all in a dew\ "I am fo concerned and fo difappointed, ladies,** faidhe; ''I had flattered myfelf that you would not have hurried a\^My fo abruptly : ' — could you poiTibly doubt of my making all the hafte in my power, in order, ai leafl, to have returned in time to have feen you home. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. IJ^ home, if I was denied the enjoyment of your company for half an hour at my her- mitage?*' — *'Idid not doubt it, lafiureyou, Mr. Ewer,'' faid I— ^' but /did/' faid Mrs. Pcterfon, interrupting me, *' I concluded you were gone off with the fair lady you pickt up on the road, and that it was of no ufe to ftay." As fhe left the room, Mr. Ewer faid, *' Mrs. Pererfon feems deter- mined not to admit my excufes ; indeed fhe is the only one of the company, to whom I fliould think it necelTary to offer any upon fuch an occafion ; to you, la- dies, I fhould plead for pity rather than pardon, conlidering the difappointment I have fuffered. It was impofnble to leave the poor creature, whom I had undertaken to efcort ; you faw how w^ry gently I was obliged to lead her, and evoi that motion Ihe could hardly bear ; but groaned often fo pitioufly, ihat I was frequently obliged to halt to give her relief. - 1 met nobody to whom I could confide her, and we were certainlv T40 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. certainly above an hour in going a mile and a half — when arrived at her home, a very finall farm on the uttermofl verge of the pariih, we found no perfon to help us ; there was only her daughter and grand- children, all too young to be of any fer- vice. When I helped her from her horfe, I found that flie had broken her arm, and was befides in fo much pain that I appre- hended fome inward hurt; in this dilemma, the poor wretch groaning, and her chil- dren weeping over her in helplefs diftrefs, I could think of no better expedient than to m.ount the old jade of a horfe, and ride to M — for the village furgeon : I met with him at home, and he promifed to fet out without delay. I madethe poor beaft fmoak in hopes of reaching farmer Clarke's before you had left it, but had not the good for- tune to fucceed : — mortified beyond ex- preilion, I made all poflll-'le hal>e, fiill flat- tering my felt that at lealt 1 Ihould overtake you. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I4I you. Sure you walked very fad, for Mrs. Clarke faid you had not long been gone.*' My aunt was afraid. Sir, faid Harriet, and rather timid, or, I affure you, we fhould have been glad to have flayed, to have known how the poor woman bore her jour- ney. — Well, faid he, if you two ladies think me fufficiently punilhed for my in- voluntary defertion of you, and afTure me that you do not add your difpleafure, I will endeavour to make myfelf eafy, and hurry back to fee that care is taken of the poor animal whom I rode fo hard ; and had only time to order a place in the fta- ble: — I (hall fee that he has Ibme corn and is well rubbed down, and then fend him home. We both aflured him of our entire approbation, nay admiration of his pro- ceeding ; and he left us requefting that each would give her hand in token of peace : we complied, my Edward, and I am fure you will 3 1^2 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. will fay we did right ; for my part I gave both my hands, faying, with Sycorax, " I will caft two eyes of pity on thee, " I will flretch two hands of pardon to thee," You fee how I difpofe of your hands, in your abfence, my love, yet I am fure you will not difaprove it. Tuesday, OB. 6. - *« O day, the faireft fure that ever rofe ! " Go v/ing'd with rapture take thy happy flight, *' And give each future morn a tindure of thy white." For thou haft brought me tidings of my Edward of rather a recent date, on the 20th of September; thou wert then well, my love, in good fpirits, and thinking of thy Sophy. My journal fails me at that pe- riod, ft)r I was indifpofed ; but it was about that time that I planned my ode to Cynthia, adding VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I43 adding the two lafl verfes^ one fvveet even- ing, that fhe was at full; — how lingularl/ delightful is it, that you Ihould have had nearly the fame ideas, at the fame time, and have addrefled them to the fame fweet Planet! — Did you think of the divided lo- vers mentioned in the Speclator, Edward, who had agreed always to look at the moon at the fame hour? But good wits jump, they fay, fo like wife do tender faithful hearts. Now is my joy a little incomplete, becaufe my Harriet is not at hand to fhare it with me. I anticipate t'le pleafure of her kind heart at her return. My altered looks will tell her all ; for you cannot ima- gine how, within this hour, I am grown plump and frelli. Here I was called to Mr. Ewer ; he beg- ged ten thoufand pardons for interrupting r*£ : it was much againfl my will, indeed. Madam, faid he, that you were difturbed. I merely called to enquire after your health, which 144 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, which I hope did not fuffer from the delay caufed by my unfortunate defertion of you yeflerday ; and to acquaint you that the innocent caufe of it is in a fair way of doing well, which, I am fure> will give you pleafure. I had a glimpfe of Mifs Harriet, as I was coming from thence ; but how charmingly you look ! — I held out my letter in triumph, Edward, and told him how lately you were fafe and well — he gave me joy with an air of intereft and delight ; and alTured me, that you mufl, long 'ere this, have reached your deflina- tion. No haven of reft for my Edward, who muft ftill be cruiftng on the fcas : there at leaft, however, I may hope to hear from him, and I fliall now anxioufly wait the arrival of my packet. We fpent the evening at Mr. Grove's, for 1 was in far too good fpirits to rcfufe Mrs. Peterfon's propofal to go there in quell VILLAGE ANECDOTES. I45 quefl of Harriet : we found her feated by her beau, and looking pale and fatigued ; Ihe, however, prefently caught the reflec- tion of her friend's countenance, and quit- ting her place precipitately, before Dea- con had time to prevent her, feated hcrfelf on half my chair, while I whifpered her the good news. Mrs. Peterfon told it aloud to the company, who queftioncd me concerning your iituation with more curi- ofity than feeling or good manners ; and it is not their fault if I am not extremely uneafy; their doubts and fears may take effed in due time, but jud then I was too happy to be difturbed by them. Wednesdayy OBobcr 7. Harriet was with me betimes this morn* ing, and related the particulars of her ye(lerday*s entertainment. It was the firll time (lie ever faw any thing of the kind, VOL. I. H and 146 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, and fhe enjoyed the onfet very much : the morning was ferene and clear, her horfe pleafant and tractable; and the whole piirty, confifting of almoft all the young men in the neighbourhood, uith Mifs Summers and herfelf, in high fpirits and good humour. They cantered fociably together till the dogs found a hare. Pufs doubled and turned as ufual, and, after leading them about an hour's very pleafant chace, at length took to an inclofed ground, where fuch as v>ere not lively or ardent enough to leap the hedge, fought an entrance by coafling round it. Among the firfl: of tbefe wa5 Harriet, whofe fpirits, all in motion with the exercife flie had taken, had loft all fenfe of fear — prefently determined, fhe rode forward alone, and was cut of fight of the reft when the poor perftcuted little animal darted through the hedge, and, fpent with f^itigue and af- fright, fell motionlefs at her horse's feet. Harriet, whofe anxiety, unlike that of the other VILLAGE ANECDOTES* l^'J Other hunters, was to fee it efcape, check- ed her nag, till fhe faw it recover, and make through an oppoiite hedge towards the wood. With trembling eagernefs flie watched it up the afcent, whence it might be feen at fome diftance, and particularly from the field which fhe had left the com- pany jufl entering. She heard the dogs and huntfmen advancing full fpeed. — *' Have you feen the hare, Mifs Hariict ? Ihe came this way,'* was called from twenty mouths at once, Harriet made no anfvver, but could not keep her anxious eye from betraying its track ; it had not yet reached the covert ; and a large greyhound was gaining fo faft upon it, that its efcape fecmed an im- poflibility. The company flioutcd, and Harriet fcreamcd, when, jufl entering the wood, the dog darted on his prcyj he had however over-leapt his mark, and when the fponfmen, with one accord, rullied forward to fee u re their prize, pufs was fafely fheitercd in the wood. II 2 In 148 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. In the firfl: tranfports of Harriet'sjoy flic fet her horfe off on a gallop, without any immediate aim; the beaft, put upon his mettle, was not fo ready to flop as to go, and carried her on much fader than (he chofe, or was horfe-woman enough to pre- vent ; at firfl fhe was not miffed, her ef- cape was unnoticed in the fupcrior interefl excited by that of the hare. Mifs Sum- mers was the firfl: that noticed it. ** I was fo frought, my dear," faid fhe to her after- wards, *' I could not think what was be- come of you." — '' By George ! Deacon,** faid Mr. Grove jun. *' your fweetheart has given us the flip," and, clapping fpurs to his horfe, rode after her: the whole com.pany followed, flioutingand hallooing, as if they were ftill in purfuit of a beaft r-irher than a lady, and feeming to think this new kind of hunting very good fport. Harriet's nag hearing the uproar, and the other hoifcs aft.^r him, was put upon his mettle, and galloped fo fail flie with dif- ficulty kcpi lier feat. - Mr. VILLAGE ANECDOTES, I49 Mr. Grove was now a little alarmed for her, and, requefting the reft of the coin- pa ny to defift their fporr, rode forward alone, hoping that his fifter mare would recognife her acquaintance in the horfe he rode, and fuffer him to join her. He was however miftaken, for the animal conti- nued galloping, and never flackened his pace till a gate acrofs the lane checked his further progrefs ; . he tlven flopped very quietly, and Harrier, a good deal alarmed, jumped off. Mr. Grove foon joined her, and, finding her pale and trembling, pro- pofed to afk at the farm houfe, juH: be- yond, for a glafs of water, adding, that he knew the inhabitants. Harriet was in no condition to rcfufe ; Ihe fuffered him to lead her to the door, which was opened to them by. a young woman ; fhe accepted her offer of a feat while the water was procur- ed, and, entering the houfe, was extremely furprifed to meet Mr. Ewer juft coming out of it. " What the d — 1 brought you H 3 here, l^O VILLAGE ANECDOTES. here. Ewer/' faid Mr. Grove? *' do you want a glafs of water to cure the vapours too? Mr. Ewer inquired, with an air of equal furprife, if Mifs Harriet was indif- pofed ? — for this unexpedled meeting had reftored her colour — and, underftanding what had happened, heundertookto procure her drops and water; the former of which the cottage certainly would not have afford- ed two days before; but they had tumbled on the very houfe where the poor old wo- man lived, whofe fall from her horfe had engaged Mr. Ewer's fervices and compaf- fion, and it was to his care it was owing that it afforded fuch an article of luxury. The daughter, underftanding that Harriet was an acquaintance of Mr. Ewer's, ran ten ways at once, without aim or objedt, but to fhew her readinefs to oblige. Mr. Ewer finding her in fuch good hands, re- fpedlfully withdrew. When VILLAGE ANECDOTES. JJf When Harriet recovereci, fi^e was anxious to fee poor Danie Pratt ; her daughter led her to a rootn meanly but neatly furniflied, where Ihc found the patient in bed, a good deal in pain, and having fome degree of fever. She inquired her circumftances, and found thifiy were not fuch as to preclude the liberty of a fmall prefent. '* As it was our dog/* faid fhe to the poor woman, *' who was the caufe of your misfortune, it is doubly our duty to feek to relieve it — depend upon any afli (lance we can af- ford." The daughter told her that the rtrange gentleman from Farmer Clarke's had en- gaged to pay the dodlor, and had fent them variety of comfortable things— '* He's a defperate good man, Mifs," add- ed fhe ; *' they fays as how that he's poor, but none of our rich neighbours find half fo much to give away.*' Harriet found a H 4 ribbon. 1^2 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. ribbon, which was Mr. Ewer's hat-band, upon the ftairs ; fne brought it away very curioufly wrapt up, and haftened to join her Efquire, who was impatiently calling for her. Mr. Deacon was likewife in waiting, and fne once more mounted her fleedj'and arrived without accident at Mr. Grove's, where great partof thecompany dined. Mr. Deacon was officioufly placed befide her, and treated like an accepted lover by all the company, except the perfon concern- ed ; her diflance and coolnefs availed her nothing, but to be treated like a child, who did not know what was proper for her. ]\lifs Summers wondered fhe was out of humour at having a fweetheart, and poor Harriet was very uncomfortable till our arrival releafed her. Thursday, OcJ, 8. What poor mortals are we, iny dear Edward I— How flight a breath fuffices to deftroy VILLAGE ANECDOTES, I53 de^roy the flender (Iru^lure of our happi- nefs ! I, that for thefe lafl: two days have trod in air, am now fo oppreft, I have fcarce fpirits to move ar all : and it is merelf a newfpaper piragraph, that has wrou i ed, Village ANECDOTES. 179 ed, and we fet off as foon as it could be got ready. We left the company at cards, and heard no more of the reft of our family till a late or rather an early hour. When we country folks nieet, we' are very unwilling to part. Corhpany our family muft have, we care not what, which, nor who, but without company vve cannot exift. Harriet is in better health to-day than fpirits-T-I drag- ged her out a walking this, morning, and thus efcaped feeing Mr. Ewer, who came with enquiries after her health. '' Oh ! Mrs. Willars," faid flie, and ftopt fhort — when her cou fins infornied her of the vifit. I believe file is a little inclined to be out of humour with me for taking her out, I enquired of the ladies^ how Mr. Ewer's hand was ? but they had forgot to afk : they fuppofed it was no great matter, as he did not complain. I 6 Jf^ednesday^ |80 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Wednesday^ Ocl. 14. To-morrow's feflival engages us all- Mrs. Peterfon fcolds,.and frets and buftles, the young ladies fly from the kitchen to the toilet, and from the toilet to the kitchen ; now the fupper is fetting out> now the head-drefs. Their brother fays, heexpecfls t^ fee a cap for a flde-difh, and a jelley for a top-knot : even Harriet brightens up, and confults her glafs and me, about what ihe fhall wear. I doubt the latent hope of feeing her deliverer has more to do with her cheerfulnefs than the ball at this entre nous. She now avoids fpeaking of Mr. Ewer, never trufting herfelf to utter his name, and never hearing it without blufh- ing. Thefe are fymptoms I am acquainted with, Edward. I can judge of the difor- der, but know not how to remedy, nor even to blame it. So many untoward circum- flances are continually throwing this man in our way, always infome amiable or in- terelting .VILLAGE ANECDOTES. iSl terefting light : it feems as if there was a confpiracy figainfl: my innocent Harriet's peace. I believe the deep concern J take in It, will one of thefe days infpire me with courage enough to afk Mr. Ewer a few queftions ; if he does not anfwcr me with fincerity and candour, I give up my judg- ment forever. Thursday y OB, 15. Mrs. Peterfon hopes I will excufe a poor dinner; herhufbandand fonare gone out, and every body is fo bufy. I beg her to give herfelf no trouble upon my ac- count ; for although I am no longer of age to give up my dinner for a dance, I have not forgotten that fuch things were. The dinner did really require fome apology, but as nobod)( ate but me,. I Haye dined as well as if there had been the belt fare, and no thoughts at all of a dance — fo much for the iSl VI-L'LAUE ANECDOTES, the fans "froici of thirty^one. I am going tohdip at the toilet of my adopted daught- er/ who in return will aflift at mine. — AdieU, dear Edward, how abfent lliall I 'be this eveni-ngl How will my wandering fpirit feek its home! I fhall iing, if called xipony p^n/eza mgi] Do you recoiled: the French fong you gave me with a {2in{y ? be fure to bear in mind this verfe : If when by chance the married rover, Stray heedlefs in unguarded hour ; Oh, may he on his way difcover. This moral; flow'r : . ; - " - ' ' Of faith and tru'th fo fondly plighted, A flrong fnemorial'lriiyit' bej ! W^bile Hymen whifpers 'ere they're flighted, Ah ! think on me. JLoriqlie par fois I'Epoux Volage, Hors de chez lui chorche le bonheur, Ah ! puilTf I'il fur ion paflagc. Voir cette fleur, voir cette fleur, *'' ) i C (.,1 ►. I^c la vertu la douce^ cmpife ; Lui ^appellant ferment et foi, I^'Hymeri tout bas lui (aura doie ; Penfcz a raoi, penlez a! moi. Friday, VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 1 83 Friday y Oct. 16. Shall I introduce you, my deareft Ed- ward, as fpedtator at a rural ball ? firft let me announce the company. The comely frefh-coloured woman, who bids you wel- come at your entrance, is Mrs. Petcrfon. The young lady who prelides^at jthe tea- table, is her eldeft daughter. Mifs Anne is pouring out the coffee. I believe I have already fufficiently defcribed them to you; left, however, you fliould miftake them, the eldeft is flie who has diftinguiftied her dark brown looks with. a yellow turban and a white feather ; — the youngeft has povydered her lighter hair, and wears a pink turban, ornamented with black, and a black feather. The tall young man, with features rather prominent, his hair tied ^nd po^ydered, who is fo officious about the tea-table, is the younger Mr. Grove. The drilling Captain leans over Mifs Pe- l^f |bn;s chair, difguifed in dark blue — the .J. little 184 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. little dapper-manjufl by is another Captain, alias Enlign Stark. Mifs Grove fits at the upper end of the room, neatly attired with a dark (ilk gown, and fmart black bonnet: the fhewy lafs befide her is Mifs Sommers : the pale lady oppofite is Mrs. Packitt of M — ; and the two young pcrfons hear her, fo extremely alike, are her twin lifters : thofe two yonng men, who are fo florid, (one tall, one middle (ized,) talking to- gether in the corner, are the Mr. Ber^ ctrams : there is a third near them with lank lean locks, and a fallow countenance; it h the elder Grove. The Figginses are the group juft entering : the very plump one is Mifs Jane; Ih-e wears the very identical white hat, of which I believe I have al- ready madehonourable mention —the eldefl lifter you will think handfome ; fhe has v^ry regular featu^-es, a t 'ear brown fkin, and a very ' pleafing countefrrmce : the youngeft is that good- hurrou red' la^s who has already Ibegtm dancing by her. elf : the VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 185 the two young men who efcort them are their brothers. There are Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, a couple that can hardly be called a pair : the huiband is that tall, thin, mean- looking man who ftands by the fire ; his wife, the fmart, fnug, fubfy lady in blue. Need I name the young perfon who fits a little behind your Sophia; her auburn locks curl thro* the plaits of a kerchief, wrought with a wreath of panfies, and (he is fur- ther diftinguiflied by a bunch of white ro fes ; her drefs is plain muflin ; obferve the flufh of modefiy on her cheek, and' the timid intelligence of her eye : ^^ 'tis my charming Harriet.'* '< Innocence In her heart abides, " Her eyes all candour fpeak ; " Decency o'er her garb prefides, <' And bluflies paint her check." " Duns fon coeur eft; I'innocencc, ** Dans fjs yeux ell la candour ; " Sa parure eft la decencc, " Jit fon fard eft b pudeur." VOL I. The JS6 VILLAGE ASECTfOTES, The tall^ penfive figure, with one hand in a fling, the other on my chair, you will quickly recognife to be Mr. Ewer; and the little round man, whofe unmeaning eye is fixed on Harriet, you will giiefs is Deacon. Mr. Peterfon is that thin fly- looking perfon, in mixed drab-coloured clothes ; and that tall youth, with h\s= hands in his pocket, looking at once fa knowing and fo awkward, is Mr. Thomas, his fon and heir. There are two more fa- milies, and feveral individuals ; but I have named all whom it is elTential for you to know. The mufic ftrikes up, and we are all in motion. — '' Well, fi{ter,howbe us to do?" faid Mr. Thomas — '' I'm for choofing part- ners, for my part, and changing every two dances.** Mifs Peterfon faid, ** (he was engaged fot the evening, the company might do as they pleafed.'* As this deter- mination occafioned fome confulion, it was at length a>;Teed, that the gentlemen fliould dcaw the ladies* fan^. Captain Sifton VILLAGE ANECDOTES. iSj Sifton fecured Mifs Peterfon's. Harriet tell to the lot of one of the Bertrams; and the dance began. After looking on a little, cards were propofed for the fpec- tators, and Mrs, Bennett, Mr. Kv.er, Mr. .Peteribn and I engaged at whid. 1 played with Mr. Ewer, who was extremely ab- fent, and we foon loft two rubbers.; he then declined playing any more^ making ^niany apologies for his want of attention ; 'which, he faid, ht had in vaim endea- voured to fubdue ; but he could not juf- tify any further abufe of my patience, or negledl of my intereft, though he was Jperfedly ihdifferent about his owiu ; r* ! Our party thus deranged, we went to take a view of the dancers, who had changed partners, all except the two Mifs Peter- fons, who il'dl retained their captains; and did fo all the evening, iji fpite of the murmurs of their ;paHoi;al beaux,., com- plaining lS8 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. plaining aloud of the preference given to flrangervS. They obviated .a direcfl breach of the rules by dhanging from one fifler to the other ; but never engaged, or, in- . deed, noticed any one elfe. This beha- viour excited univerfal difconient, and, in;fome meafure, interrupted the general good hum©u«r. The other ladies, who, perhaps, vi^ould have been glad to have flirted a little with the .gay Grangers, and would have monopolized them, if they could, as well as tihe Fvlifs: Pererfons, were extrcm.ely mortl'fied' at not having cthe -Opportunity. Mr. Peterfon (hewed his difpltafure, by a neglecl little Ihort of rudenefs to his military gueib, who, on their parts, did not condefcend to no- itice either him or his behaviour; but ^made extremely free both wiith his winc^ and hris daughters. Mr. Bertram the elder, whofe pretenfions to Mils Peterfon are -no fecret, was very near quarrelling with Captain VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 189 Captain Sifton ; however, one cooled as the other grew warm, and the mirth of the evening efcaped material interruption. Harriet, who had danced with Deacon, and afterwards with the younger Grovp, was again challenged by the fame : flie faid flie was fatigued, and wifhed to fit down, and accordingly fled for refuge to the par- lour and me ; her fwain however followed, faying, that he fliould be glad to lit dov/n a bit too. Another card party was ar- ranged ; Mr. Ewer was left out, but I was conftrained to make one ; the others were Mrs. Packitt, Mr. Grove kn. and Mr. Pcterfon. Harriet feated herfclf by me, her fwain took poft behind my chair, and Mr. Ewer was looking or rather leaning over Mrs. Packitt, (for he feemed loft m thought and totally inattentive to what was pafling,) who fat on my left by Harriet: — his wounded hand exadlly met her eye, who faw no other objed, but gazed on it till they 190 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. they filled with tears. The uncafinefs he fo evidently betra)'€d, at length gave her courage to afk him in a half vvhifper, if his hand was not very painful ? " 1 am dif- trefl: beyond invagination, faid flie, to know myfelf the caufe of your fuffering.'* Mr. E\\er*s countenance inftantly brightened ; '' no, indeed, Mifs Harriet, faid he, my hand gives me no pain at all; do you think I have fo little gallantry, I that value myfelf upon being a true knight, as to be afflicted at the wounds I receive in a fair lady's caufe, or to confider them other- wife than as badges of honour. I don't kjiow but I may wear a black patch all my life ; and sis for this fling, it is a mere mat- ter of parade I alTure you, intended to ex- cite interell and compaifion : — you are a proof how well it has fucceeded.'* ** And is it to be pitied that you look fogloomy ?** faid Deacon. ** Oh, Mr. Ewer may have good reafons for that,'* faid Grove, *' per- haps his wife has found him out, and is coming VILLAGE ANECDOTLSw I9I coming to feek him." Mr. Ewer, who had relap1'c<'i into iilencc/aaii. .melancholy, made no an fvver toithefe two Ipecches j — he rerm^ined, however, but aajnftaiiplon- ' ^Qr at the card tabl0O VILLAGE ANECDOTES. It was not poiTible, my dear Edward, to hear him and withhold one's confidence or one's tears. Harriet wept outright. — As foon as 1 could fpeak, I afTured him of our reliance on his worth, and fym- pathy in his forrows ; aiid befought him to coniidcr us always as tender friends, to v/hom he might fpeak of his misfortunes as little or as much as tended to relieve his {i^nfc of them. Mrs. Peterfon interrupted us here.— " How do you do. Madam ? how do you do^Mifs Harriet, after your perils ? ** Have you told Mr. Ewer how you fell a crying, in the midfl of your fong, before all the company laft night ? Her very beft fong, fir, that fhe ufed to fing fo well — « Hope told a flattering tale." Judge, Edward, of my feelings, and of poor Harriet's confufion during this ha- rangue.*^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES. SOl rangue.*' Mr. Ewer really, or affedlcdly inattentive— for he played his part fowell, it was impofTible to tell which was the firft to relieve us by inquiries after the health of the abfent part of the family. — •* The girls are tired enough/* faid Mrs, Peterfon; " they kept it up till four o'clock this morning: they are willing to make up for loft time, however; for I've feen neither of them yet.'* She had hardly uttered thefe words, when the young ladies entered the room. Mr. Ewer ** ad- drefled them with the ufual compliments; he faid, he waited upon the family with inquiries after their health; to which he Ihould have added apologies for his abrupt departure, if he could conceive fo infig- nificant a circumftance worthy of the leaft attention.** " Why, as you did not dance,** faid Mifs Peterfon,** it did not much fig- nify, to be fare, or elfe I (liould have been very angry with you; but you married men are always/^? lazy.'* " Lack-a-d^ify K 5 — ah,** 201 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. —ah,** faid Mrs. P^teiTon, " j-hey fays..as how you be married j welljl never fbould have. thought it : But what rnakes jo\j live here all alone, io unkind like, as if you belonged to nobody ; when, all the while, you have got a wife ?'* Mr. Ewer flightly bowed his head, but made no anfwer.-— *r:Mr. Ew^er may have good reafons. Mama," faid Mifs Anne. " Reafons, what reafons, child ?'* replied her mother, '* I know of no reafons why married people Ihould not live together; here is poor Mrs. Willars always moping about; — I dare fay Ihe is of my mind. Don't you wiili now. Ma'am, (addrefnng me,) that you had not married a failor?" — *' Why, Mama," faid Miss Peterfon, *' you fee other jnen can leave their wives as well as failors." — Mr. Ewer's politenefs here Hep- ped into his relief. *' No man," faid he, •' \vho was not indifpenfably obliged, would ever have left Mrs. Willars, if — he Itopped Ihort ; the Ladies, whofe curiofiry 3 was VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 203 was now all on fire, exclaimed, all at once, ''If what, Mr. Ewer?'' '' 1 beg your pardon/' faid he, '^ I forgot what I was going to obferve. — I wifli you a very good morning:'* and he vaniflied. He was the fubjecH: of converfation till dinner: much conjedlure was hazarded upon his extraordinary fituation : and when the gentlemen joined us, they contributed their remarks. Mr. Peterfon was of opi- nion, that he had abfconded for debt ; and fuppofed that his wife might concur at his abfence and concealment, rather than to fee him languifh in a prifon. He appealed to me, if I was not of his opinion. I denied, as with truth I could, all know- ledge of his affairs ; but added, that I did not think his embairaflments were of a pecuniary nature. *' He is a great favou- rite of Mrs. Willars's," faid Mr. Tho- mas, '' thof one would think this flory of his being married, which it feems he K 6 don't £04 VILtAGE ANECDOTES.' don't pretend to deny, might lower him a bit in her opinion/* — *' It has not in the lead, Mr. Thomas," faid I; ''on the contrary, as it convinces me he is unhappy in his reparation, whether by force or choice, from the perfon who (hould have fhared or fofrened his forrow^s, his cafe h fomewhat limilar to my own, and there- fore interefls me the more'* '' And what fays Coulin Harriet,'* rejoined he; " does Ihe think the better of him for being married too : does he in-te^rejly (drawling out the \vord,) her- too ^ the more upon that account ?** *' Harriet,'* blufhing, I an- fwered for her, *' that I was fure flie had too much fenie, as w^ell as humanity, to value a perfon of merit the lefs for being lingularly unhappy/* *' Well," faid he^ *' Deacon is coming this evening, and fhe may fettle that there point with him; he is a perfon of merit, and lingularly un- happy in her frowns ; for I'll be fworn, that cither of my fifters, or any other gi^l in VILLAGE ANECDOTES. HOj in the parifli, would jump at him." " Pray, Tom, anfwer for yourfelf," faid his eldefl: fifter, bridling : *• what, becaiife he's as great a clown as yourfelf, you think no- body can refift him." Clown or not, as you pleafes, Mifs," anfwered he; ''for my part, 1 thinks him vaflly before your fine captains, and myfelf too, I allure you; and if either of them offers to come in here again at the door. Til fliew them out of the window." '' Mifs Peterfon faid, fhe fhould not afk his leave, whether Ihe was to keep company with nothing but Hottentots. She would let him fee fhe had as much influence with her papa as he;" and flie burll mto tears. " Charlotte," faid her father, " you know, I hate red coats ; and I hope I Ihall never fee another under my roof." " Yes, Mifs Charlotte," faid her brother, ** we don't love lobfters here; we are too far froni the fe^ coafl, d'ye fee — they ftinks : we'll ao6 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. we*ll turn 'em into crabs, make 'em crawl out backwards — fo, Mifs Charlotte, fo ;— he then went out of the room backwards, laughing very loud, and afFedling to imi- tate the motion he defcribed. Mifs Pereifon was now fobbing aloud ; and her mother, whofe entire favourite fhe is, began fcolding her hufband for the part he had in her diflrefs. *^ You never had any genteel notions, Mr. Peterfon ; and becaufe your fon is as great a bear as yourfelf, you are always upholding him. Don't cry, my dear," continued Ihe, ** your papa has no obje(ftion to your keeping genteel company, I am fure."— ^* Mr. Peterfon, who is like wife fond of his daughter, was moved with her tears rather than with his wife's eloquence; he bade her be a good girl, and be civil tp Mr. Bertram, and all would be well." I left VILLAGE ANECDOTES, 20/ .. I, left them at this jundure, and was •foon follo\};ed; by Harriet, who fat. ^ with ine qll we were fummoned. to tea. We difcouifed fliniiliarly of Mr. Plwcr; both agreeing, that fo me great mifccndu(5l of his wife's muft have driven him from her. Harriet wondered, as, indeed, did I, how any woman could be wanting in duty and affedion to him. I was plcafed to find that fhe could fpeak of him with eafe, and without emotion ; and have no doubt, but her innocent heart will fpeedily rejecfl: all that is too tender in her regard for him, now that fhe is convinced from himfelf of his facred and irrevocable engagement; therert, thus purified, may be permitted to remain; and i ur convcrfation and inter- view, with this amiable unfortunate man, will henceforth have lefs refliaint, and more of confidence and friend Hiip. In the evening, Mr. Deacon did not fail his appointment. — '' Well, Mifs Har- riet/' 208 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. lier,** faid he, '' how do you do after your dance? I affures you I feiels a little (liff myfelf; (then, in a half whifper,) but if it had been ten times worfe, I could not have holpcd coming to fee you, after your uncle and aunt's fnubbingyou fo before all the company, as if you could help being a little vaporifh, as all young women are; now a good hufband would cure the vapors at once, and take you away from being always fnubbed like a child." The latter part of this difcourfe was quite whifpered ; for his good friend, Mr. Tho- mas, had takea care to place him as near as podible to his coufm. This eloquence did not, however, fucceed in obtaining a word of anfwer from the fair object to whom it was addreffed/ who, turning to me, endeavoured to force a converfation on the entertainment of the preceding evening: this, according with the ideas of all prefent, foon became general. ** Pray, fifter/* faid Mr. Thomas, " what do you call VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 20^ call that there ftep of your Captain*s ? — any thing but dancing, I hope." " I call that there ftep, the Scot's flep, Sir/' faid fhe, *' fmiling at his ignorance." '* A Scotch flep do you/* faid he; " What, a Highland reel, I fuppofe? I thought it had been fomething outlandifh. And t'other red-coat's was a RuHian ftep, I fuppofe? It was comparedly like a bear." *' You might have applied the comparifons to people it fuited better, brother," an- fwered fhe ; '^ but we can't fee ourfelves." *• A bull, if you pleafe, fifter, a true John Bull ; but no outlandifli animal^ no bear, no pig-tailed monkey, lifter." Here the dialogue fuffered fome inter- ruption, by the entrance of the two "Mr. Groves ; in the elder of whom, Mr. Tho- mas found a warm fupport ; and, in the younger, a fleady one. The military heroes were not fpared ; and their fair champions were driven, one after the other, froni every 210 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. every line of defence, Vv^hen nothing more was left to fay of their perfons and manners, but every word and look had been feverely fcrutinized, poor Mr. Ewer came in for his fhare ; and Mr. Grove fenior thought he had fummoned up all abufe in one word, when he pronounced him to be a difbanded officer: " There's fomethincr in his carriao;e that fmells of the military," faid he, *' I fhould have known it any where : but did you obferve. Deacon, how the fellow was cut up when 1 talked of his wife ? Ah, he*s got half a dozen, I'll be bound.'' '' S;ys Mr. Thomas, mayhap he thought to have pickt up an- other with money here, f he had not been found out. I knov\s of one that would have been willing en:>uj:^h, I believe." — *' I don't believe," faici Deacon, *^ that finy you'^g woman could ever have liked fuch a 1 ;ng, thin, dry, difmal-looking fkeleton." '' He's quite an oblong, to be fure," faid Mrs. Peterfon ; *^ but, poor man. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Slf man, I fuppofe *tis trouble." " He is certainly/* fa id Harriet with feme fpirit, *^ the \zvy reverie of Mr. Deacon, in every thing; and we cannot wonder at his find- ing him fo difguding." '' You don't think him fo, Harriet," faid Mr. Tho- mas," that's clear." *' No, really," faid" file, now no longer afraid to fpeak her opinion, " I think him a fufticiently per- fonable, and a very agreeable man." — '* There's no accounting for women's fancies," faid the elder Grove;" they al- ways like every thing they fhould difiike; and hate every thing they ought to like." The two fifters, to avenge the treatment of their military favourites, now joined,* with all their might, in defence of Mr. Ewer. " He is not handfome, 1 allow,"- faid the eldeft, " but next to Captain Sif- ton, he is the mod elegant man I ever faw." Mifs Anne w^ls warm in the praife of his attention to the Ladies, his delicacy,' and 212 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. and the happy medium in his carriage, Co rarely attained, between boldnefs and awk- ward timidity. " Mrs. Peterfon, herfelf, fpoke, with pleafure, of his attentions to her, on feveral occafions, when flie wanted a little afliilance; and might have looked for it from nearer friends, and older ac- quaintance, in vain. I might have funk into the earth for you, Mr. Deacon, that Sunday in the wood,** faid (he; '* but the inflant he came up, he offered me his a»rn." '^Deacon faid, he never thought of offering his arm to an old woman, when there were young ones in company :" and the other gentlemen added, " nor when there was not cither." You will believe, Edward, that attacks fuch as thefe can do our poor friend no injury; however, as they prov^ a wifli that way inclined, they are fo far unpleafant to hi& well-wifhers. Adieu, my love! I have fcribbled till I am quite tired. VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 21^ Sufidayf 18. The whole forenoon of yefterday was fpent in anxious expedation by the fair fifters, who had beftowed fome extraor- dinary pains on their toilet, in the hopes of a vifit from their parcnevs. Every found of a horfe*s foot, every opening of the door heightened Mifs Peterfon's fine bloom, and threw^ her lifter into momentary tre- mour. One held a book in her hand, while her eyes were fixt on the w^indow : the other as incffedually pretending to work, threw it down every moment on the flighteft pretence, running from the door to the window, from the window to the outer door, to catch a peep at the road. •* Sifter Anne, ftfter Anne, do you fee no^ body coming ?" but neither dragoon nor muflceteer appeared, which certainly was very ill-bred and provoking, for a better opportunity could not have offered of re- ceiving them well ; the gentlemen who have 214 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. have fuch objedtions to them, being both fome miles trom home. Alifs Peterfoa always fecure of her mother, obtained that the dinner fhould be deliyed, left we fhould have been furprifed at table ar fuch an un- genteel hour, as it is ufual with us to dine. For this circumftance an excufe of bufinefs was formed, and addrefl to me, with which ofcourfe I was perfectly fatisfied. At length we prevailed on ourfelves, all further pre- tences for delay failing, to aiTemble at din- ner ; but every thing was vrrong and every body out of humour ; we literally quarreU led with our bread and butter. This afternoon, Sunday, was fpent by the family at Mr. Grove's. I declined being of the party, and Harriet, at her ear- neft requefti was permitted to ftay aft home with me. One of the maids, whole name is SalIy,andwho gives me the little attendance I require, with an attention and good hu- mour that has won upon my good opinion, came VILLAGE ANECDOTES.- 215 came to us all in tears, with a tale of the diflrefles of her family; which are briefly as follow: — Her mother, a widow, lives in a little hut, on one fide the common I have fo often mentioned to you ; fhe has a family of two daughters and a fon ; the eldcft of the girls was well placed at fervice, but has lately returned home with an infant, the confeq'jenee of her mifccnduct, and the fmall pox : but what afflidls po. r Sally the moft, is the danger of her aged grandmo- ther, who b^ing likewife of the family, has caught the infection, and is extremely ill ; the youngeH: girl is likewife fickening,. and is little likely to be able long to help the others, as Ihe will fliortly want afTift- ance herfclf : to add to their diflrcfs, none of the neighbours u ill go near them, but Ihun the houfe as if it were infeded with the plague. The poor girl, who had been home for a holiday, returned almofl broken hearted at the fight of all this difirefs, and defcribed 2l6 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, defcribed it to us with fo much nature and fimplicity, that we were almofl as much afFedled as herfelf. In the midft of our confultations of what was to be done for their immediate relief^ arrived, very op- portunely, Mr* Ewer, who was fpecdily made acquainted with the fubjedl in debate, and as fpeedily interefled in it. A fub- fcription to pay a nurfe was inftantiy agreed upon, but where to find her was a point not fo eafily fettled; for whoever enters the houfe will be debarred all communi- cation with any other ; a hard condition to people whofc only fource is a little gofTop- ing. Sally could think of no perfon likely to undertake the office ; fhe, however, re- collecled that it was probable Mrs. Clarke, Mr. Ewer's landlady, might ; for befides that her hulband was overfeer, fhe herfelf had a very extenfive acquaintance ii* ihe parifh. This hint was fufficient for Mn Ewer, who inftantiy left us to go in quefl of VILLAGE ANECDOTES. ^l^ of her at home ; he was to return of courfe, and we waited tea for him. The reft to- morrow. Good night, my Edward. Monday 19. . I fhould have told you,, my dear Edward, that our poor Sally has never had the fmall pox ; there are others of the family in the fame cafe— thus (lie is precluded from giv- ing the help her good heart would chear- fully beftovv ; and flie has the additional diilrefs of a little fear upon her own ac- count, tho* I am convinced that is the leafl of her trouble, for (lie is as far from being felfilh as intereded. We waited the return of our envoy almofl: as impatiently as the Mifs P — s the ar- rival of their beaux, but without being dif- appointed as they were. He returned at VOL. I. L length 2lS VILLAGE ANECDOTES. length triumphantly :-^Mrs. Ckrkc kncTV of a poor widow in the neighbourhood very proper for our purpofc .;. fhc' was inrime- diately fent for, and Air. Ewer did not return till he faw her. on her way to Sally*s mother, the diflance not being very great from Farmer Clarke's : to day he is to fend an apothecary^ and he has undertaken him- felf the office of our almoner, as we muft not approach the infedled fpot/ for fear of fpreading the contagion. "This bVifidefsofhtt^ivhlhicc^'w^^ torily fettled, we were all in harmony of fpirits. Mr. Ewer, convinced by the coh- fidence repofed in him, that he had hot fuffered in our good opinion, feemed all at once reflored to happinefs, arid fpdke of his affairs with lefs referve, — *' I am very anxious/' faid he, ^'ladies, of convincing you, that I had no intefition of appearing under a feigned charad^r." I nevv r thought' my being married or not, a matter of con- fequence VILLAGE ANECD-aTES. 2xg fequehce enmigh to deferve an explanation. As I am fituated, whom could it concern? 1 am far from regretting the chance which has made it known to you, ladies, though had it been iViYl a fecret to all the village befides, I fliould have efcaped, as you well know, — troublesome queflions» that I can- not anfwer, and obfervations that pain me in fpite of all my contempt for the obfer- vers." From one interefting fubjecfl to another, we talked of you, my Edward : I was infeniibly led to prattle, and liflened to with partial attention, I'm fure wefpenp a mofi delightful evening. Tuesday 20; Mr. Ewer was fo kind as to call this morni'rtg on purpofe to bring Sally news of her friends; the child, which might be fpared, is in a fair way, but the poor old L 2 woman 220 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. woman very unlikely to recover; the others are doing well ; the apothecary recom- mended wine, which Mr. Ewer has taken care to fupply. Poor Sally, who tenderly loves her grandmother, is inconfolable that fhe cannot fee her ; but in the midfl: of her diftrefs, fhews the goodnefs of her heart by the warmth of her acknowledg- ment to all who have contributed to her relief. Mrs. Peterfon has fent fome good broth, prepared with her own hands : thus I flatter myfelf the poorfufFerers will want no article of neceflary relief. The fear of the diforder fpreading caufes much anx- iety here. Mrs. Peterfon herfelf has never had it, no more than the greater part of the fervants. Mr. Ewer mufl refrain from vi- iiting here, as long as he calls at the in- fedled cottage ; an attention it will be ncedlefs to recommend to him, now that he is apprifed of Mrs. Peterfon's alarms. Wednesday VILLAGE ANJiCDOTE^ 22 1 Wednesday, 2\. Our morning's walk has proved very un- fortunate; it has been fatal to poor Sailor, our conftant and faithful attendant. Our evil liar led us to feek the village church- yard, acrofs fome grounds, which are really pleafant ; but I never ihall like them again. The poor animal tript gaily before us, as he was wont, barking with joy at the birds, and every thing he faw — now almofl out of light in the Hubble, 'now frilkirtg towards us, to afk which way we meant to turn. As we Avere returnin|j, fome unlucky boys, entering , the church-yard, as we w^nt out of it, attracted his notice; hefioodwith his fore^paw :upon the ftyle a and with fuch force, that the poor animal could but give one cry, and run towards us, before he dropt and expired 1 I cannot e^prefs i^ 3 to . ;i22 yiLLACl ANECDOTES. to you, my dear Edward, our aflonifhmeiit and grief at this unlucky accident : — we both ftood ftupified and motionlefs, as if we too had felt the blow ; it was;fo inftan- taneous, fo unexpeded I — I could almofl have killed the faithful creature's unpro- V<),^'d alTailant : he ^yas, however, already ou,t of fight, and our poor breathlefs favour rile excited all our care: we lifted him from tbe ground as gently as poffible, ftili fiat.tering.ourfelves that, with proper reme- dies, he might be reftored ; we lugged hini between us a long mile, that we were ftill from home : at a little diflance from the houfe we defcried Mr. Thomas, whom I liever before was fo glad to fee, for he loves dogs, and poor Sailor was rather a favou- rite : we called to him with all our might ; at length we made him hear, and he came trudging to us leifurely enough, acrofs the ploughed ground. *' What, d'ye wants me/' fajd the fwain ? " what have ye got cuddled up there? a child? a hare? What the VffiL»A'GE ANEcDOtfvS. 2 23 thedd<'il5 podf''Sailot-!-~Ah! poor beafl, is deddenough; as dead as a door nail !— What kill*^ him ?'* When the accident was ex- plained to him, he bellowed Ibme hearty curfes on the young hang do^ that had done it, and fvyore if he could find him out be. would wjii.p him all oyer the parilh, 3sUd^ .4^ck J-iim, fiqi;Q ;he bargain. W^e were ; by this time arrived, and all the family aflembled j fatigued and heartily grieved., I threw, myfelf into a chair, and bur ft into a paffipn of tears. — *' It was my bufbfinvJ'* ^Sf P^ay £xcufe me — his faith- ful frierid aad follower : and almofl the lafl words he fiiid to mc, were, pray So- phJLXi^ taive care, of poor Sailor. I ufed to tjal^-k ^o ^lip of Ki^-cp^fler, and the poor cjnin)al,Wic;)u)d look; as if he underflopd me. P^ay try tOi bjqedbin;), he jnay not be quite dead.]/* Mr. Thomas fhook his head ; however, tjO fiitisfy me, cut off part of his tail ; a.few drops pf blood followed, and I fancied he might recover ; we poured a he- I- 4 tie 224 ^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES* tie water down his throat, but all was in^ efFedlual ; life's laft fpark was extinguifhed^ and his honeft, faithful, grateful heart, cold for ever ! I hope it is not a fault to be fo attached to a poor animal, and fo grieved for his lofs ; but indeed, my EdWard, I cannot help it. I know you loved the affectionate creature, and am fure that he loved you, next to your Sophia, who would fo joy- fully have greeted your return. He always knew your ftep at a diflance^ and was ready to tear down the door that parted him from you. Oh ! my poor Sailor ! I would have excufed myfelf from appearing at dinner, where I made a poor figure, and could hardly fwallow a mouthful. Mr. Peterfon rallied me, and faid, *'if I had had children I Ihould not be fo fond of dumb things;*' he faid '' he would get me another ; I might choofe out of his kennel." They think I behave like a child, Edward, and like a child they treat me ; not conceiving how very VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 22$ very dear to me is all that has relation to thee. Mr. Thomas, who could not account for the blow having proved fo fatal, has open- ed the dog, and difcovered, that the ftone flruck him directly on the heart, as he flood upon his hind legs. *' It was very extraordinary," he faid, and his mother obferved, " that his time was cbmei^* I have prevailed on the gardener to dig a neat grave jud under my window ; there fhall he be carefully dcpofited. " There fhall the morn her earli*ft fears heftow, « There, the firft rofcs of the year fhall blow." I fhall have a little neat flone erecfled, and prevail upon Harriet and Mr. Ewer to aflifl: me with an infcription ; though I defpair of our fuccceding fo well as the author of the following lines, which I met with fomewherein Oxfordfhire, to the me- mory of fuch another favourite : — h s " Thy 226 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. ; , . '< T]hy poor remains from vile negkcl tofaye, ' " Thus, faithful Trag, thy mafter mark'd thy grave." I think it hardly pofTible, upon fuch an occafioh, to hit upon two happier lines. Thursday 22. Mr^ IJwer regularly fends news of the cottagers, who are all doing very well, except the poor old woman, of whom little hope is entertained. Sally came fobbing into my room this morning, with news fo afflidling tQW^ht the man never would have gone; and I had left my writing txHings all about. I lliould not choofe the^nvaids to fee them. ^— Have you heard them Ja my rdoh^^^^^^ I^a'am ?" — *' Jsfo, my deaFi-Vi*id I, ^-^j' don't think any body has been there but me ; I went there to fee after jou, ^anc} .i^lV-he jrouj to wajlkj obfcrving that you' had beea w}rit-f jng, I concluded you wpul'4,.ngtt l^e long ablenft^ ^nd . was al^out to prepare foF ^ ftroll, rif lyou ^fe fo,-dir^pfed/i\,;*^ With all my^ heart,'.* .'f\id,(lic,,.:aljuming a more chearful air, '' I'll get my thingiS,, jajiid at. tend you diredly.*' ^' • -'-;"--'? '- V/t; diEvay>jof thejpro- pofed epitaph to poor Sailor. We- fettled that VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 235 that each of us iliouid try our talent fe* parately, and prevail on Mr. Ewer to do thefanie; then to compare tl>e efforts of our mufe, and choofe the beft of the threCi or felecl the beft thought to work upon,- as in our wifdoms yvQ fhould agree. You fee, my love, w^^ tre^t; it ^.s a ferious affair. ..r^:) o- The leaves begin to fall apace, my Ed-^ ward. A fmart froft, laft night, had JooXened the flight teni^re they- yet held by, and they fell ruflling about us, fo as fometimes to make us flart, and imagine fome living creature near us. Alas! poor Sailor ! At length, however, a little liv- ing creature did really appear; a pretty fquirrel croiTed the path before us as quick as thought, and fprang up a high tree, where, from his fccurity, he fat and chat- tered at us. 'Harriet, exti-emely delighJted witji this adventure, recollet^led (he had fome nuts in her pocket, which flie depo- fited 236 A^ILLACE ANECDOTES. iited in a hollow of the tree. We then left the little fportive thing to enjoy his treafure, having remarked the fpot, which was near fome aged firs. I tell you all my paflimes, my dear Ed- ward, exacflly as I IhouFd were you here, fometimes to fhare them. My chiefeft and bell entertainment, however, is thus' to converfe with thee. r T Farewell for the p re fen 1 1— Harriet 'is juft come to tell me that Mr; Ewer is be- loWj and the family waiting tea for me. Saturday, Oc9, 24. " In confequence of a plan, fettled lafl night, we are fetting off to fee a gentle- man's houfe and grounds, about fix or eight miles from hence. Mr. ViLLAqE ANECDOTES. JjJ Mr, Ewer drives Mrs. Peterfon and mc in the chaife ; the reft of the party, that is to fay, the family and Mr. Grove jun. go on horfe-back. Harriet has Mifs Grove's inare^ the fame fhe rode to the hunting. The weather proving favourable, we had a moft agreeable day : the ride, in- deed, was rather tedious ; the road being fo extremely bad, that we were feveral times obliged to alight, in order to efcape difagiceable joking and apprehenfions. — We arrived, at length, at" the park gate; where an old fervant, who keeps the lodge, and has the liberty of making her place a little profitable, by entertaining company there;, received us. — Here then we depo- fited ij9 TiLLAdE anecdotes; ficed our balket of provender; and having partak^en of fome portion of it, with keen Appetites, we fet out together on our furvey of the grounds. It is a very fweet fpot, eminently fa- voured by nature, and adorned by art, with equal tafte and expence. « Where Nature's hand hy art is deckt, ** And tafte herfelf is architeift." Smart. While feme of the party went to fee the houfe, the remainder, that is, Mifs Anne, Harriet, Mr. Ewer, and J, llrolled to a wood, at fome diflance, which appeared to boimd the plantation, and which we preferred exploring ; not having time for both, as we had heard the houfe con- tained nothing very curious or remark- able, we had reafon to applaud our choice, for the wood was a perfed: Arca- dia, VILLAGE ANECDOTES. ^39 diai'»'€>OHmining every beauty and ever yl variety that the hand of taftc and elcH! gance could afTemble ; yet they fay it is not large. ^be mndSn^ walks are innumerable, no m<5 t^efembllinpg each other • and: every oms "j)Mh ifliaJed intircly with ever- gret^ns^j'Tuch ^s li.urel, bay, lauruflinas, and what is commonly called mock- myrtle. It led up an afrent, (a little diffi- GAjk, and not fo fmboth ro the foot as the others), to an alcove, where, embowered in' fhruha of the fame durable kind, min* gled with real myrtle, with yellow and white everlafti ng flowers, the great ama-* iJanrhiis, &c. vvas a flirine of iimple work4 itaanfhtpj with this only infcription. To Fidelity, The figure of a dog, of the fpanici 240 VILLAGE ANECDOTES, fpaniel kind, admirably well ^executed, fuppofied the bafe. i^ '.' ; • «: = ' ''i' • ■.;; Ui'ji}^^ ^Vnn^ We concluded it to be the monumeht of fome faithful favourite ; and with a deep iigh to the memory of mine, I breathed a with that it was in my power to beflqw upon him fo honourable a memorial. ^"^ Now here is the very fpot to compofe," faid Mn Ewer; *' I really think if 1 was to remain here, 1 fhouid be infpired." " With fide- lity do you mean ?'* faid Mifs Anne. '* With a verfe or two in its praife. Ma- dam,** anfwered he: ''or, in other words, of poor Sailor's, Mrs. Willars's friend and faviourite.'* We quitted this fweet, feques- tered bower,^ with regret ; and turned into a wide path, fliaded with lofty oaks and pines : here hares and fquirrels fported very near us with little appearance of alarm; we forgot how time flipt away, and that it was no longer fummer. Mifs Anne had juft expreft a wifti for fome nuts that fhe had VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 24I had difcovered. rather out of her reach ; which Mr. Ewer haftencd to bend down to her, when a loud hallooing brought us a littletorecolledion. After our fii ft furprife, we prefently recognifed the fonorous pipe of Mr. T. Peterfon, calling to us all by name. Why, fifter; why, coufin ; Mr. Ewer, Mrs. Wilhirs, halloo 1 Do you aiean to play at hide and feek in the wood here all night ? Are you ftealing the fquire's hares and rabbits ? What the duce be you at ?'* Mr. Ewer whiftled in anfwer, and an echo repeating the found; it had the prettieft eftedl imaginable, it had a good one too; for, by riveting us to the fpot, where we were fo amazed, Mr. Thonuas eafily found and joined us: whereas, had we rambled about in queft of him, we might have been an hour before we could have effeded a meeting in thefe intricate paths. VOL. r. M Mr. 242 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Mr. Thomas hurried us along, grum- bling all the way that we had made him lofe his dinner ; — arrived at the lodge^ we found the refl of the party had difpatched theirs — we fwallowed a little very haftily; for Mrs. Pcterfon, in her terror of the bad roads, was in fuch haHe to be gone, that fhe had already begun to pack up the bafket. " You may pick a bit on the way," faid Ihe, *^ only think what a road we have home ; I fhall be frightened out of my wits to be dark.'* We reminded her that there was a moon, and that our hoftefs had pro- vided us a guide to lead us a better way : 'twas all in vain, we could obtain no delay. *' Come," faid flie, ftepping into the chaife, *' you'll make the better fupper." I took a bit of bread in my hand, for the air had fharpened my appetite, and followed. We met with but little inconvenience on our return; the road, by which we were condudted, proving very tolerable, and the moon VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 43 noon foon rofe bright enough to enable us o pick the bed. Mr. Ewer, whom it re- ninded of the following poetical defcrip- ion of night, which, he faid, he had read n a magazine, the author unknown, re- peated it at my requeft, and copied it for lie on our return. A NIGHT SCENE. From the lake grey vapours rife, Wide their hov'ring banners fpread ; Slow they wander through the flcies, And fettle round the mountain's head. wheeling her car at night's pale noon, Clad in majelly ferene, Bright afccnds the full-orb'd moon, And flowly dears the clouded fccne. Von rack before the lovely ray, Exalts his rugged brow to fight ; The joyful ftars attend her way, And fkirt the wand'ring clouds with light. Alute is the hill, the grove, the plain, The echoing ftorm has ccas'd to roar ; No noife, fave where the billowy main I^ow murmurs to the diftant fhorc. M 2 TJiis 244 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. This is the hour, the folemn hour, When bards awake their facred lays, And hermits in the lonely bow'r, Mufe on their great Creator^'s praife. I was much pleafed with thefe lines, which had every advantage in Mr. Ewer's rehcarfal of them. I have ah*eady told you, my Edward, that he has a particular ex- cellence in repeating verfe, — As I praifed them very much, he faid, *' they contained an image, v ith which he was not perfedly fatisfied— as he was doubtful whether it was true — that of the fiars refiedling light upon the clouds. Can you perceive it/' added he, *' yonder arc feveral bright ftars, and there are feme clouds ?'' **I cannot dift^n- guidi," faid I, ** whether that light does, or does not, proceed from the flars, in the fuperior luftre of the moon: — however, I have no inclination to dececl the poet in a millake, fo much has his defcription in ge- neral prejudiced me in his favour. "Rien n'eft beau que le vrai^ Madam^*' faid Mr. Ew er. VTLLAGE ANLCDOTES. 245 Ewer. *'Atleaft,'*raid I, ''many things may be agreeable upon paper, that are not ex- adlly true ; or what is to become of the whole race of poets and romance writers. You remember Waller's anfvver to Charles the Second. I'm afraid fuch is the flate of poor human nature, that many things are often found to be agreeable, becaufe they are not true." **I agree with you, Madam, in fome points," returned Mr. Ewer, *' but you muft allow, that in defcrlptions of nature, neither tlie poet nor the painter can be allowed to exaggerate; their works can be beautiful only, in proportion as they are conformable to truth." You will be- lieve, Edward, I did not conteft the ob- fcrvation. We chatted in this way 'rill we Reached home, without didurbing our companion, who flept very comfortably. We all fpent the evening together, talking over the events of the day. I did not find that we loft much by not feeing the houfe; and the party who faw it, did not envy our M 3 ft roll 246 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. Itroll to the wood. Thus all happily were fatisfied. Adieu ! Tu'esday 28. ^ Mr. Peterfon came home from his houfe of refort, the Plough, laft night, a little merry, and very communicative. '^ I've got fome news for you women folk, about Mr. Ewer/' laid he ; *' what will you give me for a bit of his hillory ?** From curio- fity or interell, all were attentive, and he related what follows: — Mr. P. always difpofed to be fociable, and to fhare his cheering cup, met with a perfon at the Plough, which is fituated on the road fide, very much of his own difpofition for con- viviality ; thiswas a rider, travelling for money and orders, who had (lopt to bait his horfeandrefrefhhimfelf: he isdefcribed by iMr. P. as a man of univerfal knowledge, e;reat VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 247 great good fenfe, &c. &c. In fhort, the/ were taking their bottle together in :i fniall parlour which overlooks the road, when Mr. Ewer, with a book in his hand, acci- dentally palled. '* Siire 1 Hiould know that man," faid the rider ; " yes ! it is Mr. Ewer, an old neighbour of mine: pray. Sir, does he live in thefe parts?'' Mr. P. an- fwered, "that he had lodged at a fann-houfc in the neighbourhood, forne months; that nobody knew who he was, and, till very lately, it was not known chat he was mar- ried ; that every body wondered what fliould bring him here; and, for his own part, though he did not trouble himfelf much about other people's bufmefs, he fliould be glad to know." The rider was very happy to have it in his power to oblige fo civil a gentleman, and related the following particulars: — *' I knew jMr. Ewer," faid he, '^ when he was a merchant at Briflol ; he was well refpe(5led, both in the trade and out of it ; and though too M 4 much 240 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. much a bookifh man to apply very aflidu- oufly to bufjnefs, and too much given to your fine feelings, and all that, to have much worldly wifdom, he carried on his affairs with honour and pun^luality, and Avas thought to be doing very well. His houfe was exaclly oppoiiteto my mother's, who being left a widow in rather ftrait cir- cumflances, let lodgings ; her firft floor was then occupied by a young widow lady, of extraordinary beauty; fhe appeared to be in genteel circumftances, having her woman and livery fervant ; paid well, ob- ferved great decorum in her condud:, and was reported to have a jointure of f^evcn hundred a year. She w^ent out but little, and faw no company, but ufually employ- ed herfelf reading or working at the win- dow, with the blinds down, for the benefit of more light. Her oppofite neighbour could not avoid feeing her, and was pro- bably ftruck Avith her beauty, Avhich cer- tainly was very firiking: it was not long before VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 249 before he found an opportunity of being introduced. As fhe was returning home one evening, rather late, and unattended, flie was alarmed at fome little buflle in the flreet, jufl: as ]\Ir. Ewer was pafTing by ; he offered his adiflance, which w^is accepted in the mofl interefling tremor imaginable fhe took his arm to fupport her tottering fleps ; and when arrived at my mother's, did not refufe his further aid to help her to afcend the llair-cafe. He waited of courfe till he faw her recovered ; and did not retire till he had obtained leave to re- peat his vifits to enquire after her health. They foon became very frequent, and Mrs, Emmerfon, for fo was the lady called, having occafion to display her numerous attracftions, eafily fccured her conqued. To make (liort of my ftory, my mother lofl her lodger, and Mr. Ewer led her a will- ing bride to the altar, about fix weeks after their firft interview. She difmifTed her attendant, and tyigaged my youngell filler, M 5 to 250 VILLACE ANECDOTES. to whom fhe took a fancy, to fupply her place: it is from her I knew what follows. —The honey moon went on fmoothly, and many fucceeding ones. Mr. Ewer was a tender, kind, indulgent hulband ; and the lady, though flie foon difcovered a tafte for gaiety and expence, not exactly coinci- dent with his temper, a gentle and aifec* tionate wife. After feme time, introduced him her twin brother, who was jufl: returned from the Wefl-Indies, where he hadbeea with his regiment : he was extremely like her in perfon, and their affeclion for each other was very great; but in fach near relations it excited neither furprife nor alarm. Mr. Ewer had a country-houfe in Wales, where he often fpent the fum- mer months, and fometimes his affairs called him to London. It was obferved that in his ab fence the Captain always came to keep his fifter company, both in town and country ; this however was not thought extraordinary, till my fiH^i* coming upon them VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 25T them unawares, was witnefs to fome fami- liarities which fraternal affedion could hardly juflify. She whifpered her obferva- tions aboutj and fufpicions arofe, which howeveer never reached Mr. Ewer, till in one of his journies toLondon, entering acci- dentally into a coffee-houfe at the weft end of the town,heheard one officer afk another after his brother-in-law by name. Sen- try is with his fifter at Briftol, or at her country houfe, faid the other: — with his filler! returned the firft, and how long has he had one ? I know all his family as well as I do my own, and this is the firfl time I ever heard of either brother or fiRer that he had. I know no m.ore than what he told me, returned the other : he is always going to fee his lifter, as he pretends. Hisfifler, indeed ! anfwered again the queflioner;, I'll wager 'tis his old miflrefs. He*s none of thofe that would run after fillers, even if he had one.'* Mr. Ewer loft none of this converfation; it gave him inexpreffiblc M 6 alarm ; 252 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. alarm ; he made it his bufinefs, before he left London, to inquire after the family of his brother-in-law, and had foon reafon to be but too well fatisfied that he was an only fon. He further learnt, from undoubted authorities, that he was an abandoned pro- fligate; that the connexion with his pre- tended fifler was no fecret ; that he had made her an allowance during his abfence, which was the jointure fhe boafted of, and which Mr. Ewer well knew had never been paid fince their marriage. — Fraught with all this dreadful intelligence, he took poft horfes and returned to Briftol fome days fooner than he was expelled ; it was late in the evening, and his lady and her brother were in the country ; he changed hoifes, and arrived in the middle of the nighty While he knocked for admittance, the Captain had jud time to efcape from Mrs. Ewer's room, but there were proofs enough that he had been there. Mr. Ewer would not fee his faithlefs wife; he returned con- vinced VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 25J vinced of her perfidy, and his diflionour — gave up his bufincfs in dcfpair ; difpofed of every thing to difiidvantage ; yet had the generofity to leave an annuity for his wife, ^vhofe worthlefs paramour, upon this dif- covery, haddeferted her. It \\asnot known Avhither Mr. E\\ er had retired : and the rider added, there could be no doubt of his being rather ftraitened in his circum- ftances, as he had, in the hurry of his dif- trefs, difpofed of his affairs fo ill. His grief was in proportion to his attachment to his wife ; which being very great, it was no wonder it had taken upon him fo vio- lent an cffecft. '* Each of our ladies was ready with her little obfervation upon this melancholy re- lation. Harriet alone was filent— her heart and eyes too full for utterance : one word would have betrayed how tenderly flie was interefted for the fufferer, which to avoid uttering, fhe fpeedily found a pretence to leave 254 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. leave the room. I folloved as foon as I GouM, and found her in tears, which fhe endeavoured to conceal. Without appear- ing to notice them, I faid, " poor Mr. Ewer's is indeed a cruel cafe; yet 1 feel re- lieved through all my concern for him, to be convinced that he is really, as he alTured us, an injured man ; fuftering for no fault of his own, -for no crime at lead : — for a marriage with a woman of whom he knew fo little, was certainly an imprudence ; and imprudence, my dear Harriet, is in this world often more feverely puniflied than guilt. How cruel would have been the difcovery, that a man fo high in our opinion was undeferving of it ! I know- not any pang more cutting to a generous mind, than a difappointment of this fort. Friendfhip may a little while furviveefteem, but how cruel is that interval ! Oh I I had much rather find my friend to be him that fuffers, than him that inflicts the injury." Chat of this kind relieved her, an-d ilie was foon VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 255; ibon well enough recovered to bear her part in it. This afternoon Mr. Ewer came to vifit US; it w.*fs impofTible to me not to feel more interefted for him, by all I had heard of his fad flory ! Alas, poor fufferer! faid I, to myfelf, how hard is thy lot — what is the abfence, or even the death of a beloved objecfl, in comparifon with a conviction of its unworthinefs. ** Alas, poor fufferer I'* methought, faid Harriet, " Mine it is not to pluck the cruel thorn, "That goads thy heart and rankles in thy breaft ; *' Or whtn of friends betray'd, of hope forlorn, " Hufh on my bofom all thy cares to reft." However that might be, we both thought fo much that wefpokc hardly at all; while Mr. Ewer, as if underdanding the filence of his fympathctic friends, made fhort an- fwers to the qucllions of the other ladies, who were diilradled to let him know, that they 256 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. they had gained fome infight into his affairs, and, in fpite of all their hints and innuen- does, took his liation near us. " I have at length furceeded in procuring you a little walking mate, Mrs. Willars," faid he, *' will you condefcend to accept a dog in- flead of an epitaph ; my mind is too ill at eafe to write poetry." So faying, he drew from his pocket a beautiful little puppy, of the fhock kind : — though half unwilling to have any more pets, I felt my heart too much foftened towards him to refufe his prefent. I thanked him ; and the little animal, which is a lady, is fettled in my good graces by the name oi Sappho. Har- riet has requefted to have the nurfing of it, and it is agreed that it is to remain in apartment till quite orderly and clean- ly ; by which means, Mrs. Peterfon's car- pets and floors are out of danger, and every body well fatisfied. Harriet brings me her nurfling to kifs before fhe goes to reft : now, kifs it for Mr. Willars, flie fays. Adieu^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 257 Adieu, my love! — heaven blefs you. I would fend you a thoufand kiffes if I could ; but 1 had rather you came to fetch them yourfelf. Adieu. JVcdnescIayy 29. Our poor Sally's grandmother has paid her debt to Nature, and left one, at lead, of her family, in very deep afHicftion ; which we have opportunity of obferving. — I heartily fympathize in this good girl's dif- trefs, whofe innate worth, and native ele- vation of fentiment, might adorn the bed education, and the mod elevated rank.— All her little earnings are devoted to the relief of her family ; and though endowed by nature with fuch pretty features as might excufe a little pleafure in adorning them, fhe never allows hcrfelf any un- neceflary ornament ; -but is always, though perfedly 258 VILLAGii ANECDOTES. perfedly neat, by far the plained drefTed of the three damfels which form our houfe- hold eflablifhmenc. As {he waits upon me, I have continual opportunities of obferving her. I often talk to her, and am fo pleafed with her fervice, and the good difpofition Ihe dif- covers, that were we fettled, my Edward^ in peace and comfort, (as one day I hope we fhall be,) I fliould be forely tempted to a breach of one of the commandments — to covet my neighbour's fervant ; how- ever, I would qualify it as a good relation of mine ufed to do, w hen tempted to de- lire the good things of another, by wifli* ing, if fhe were mine, that the owner had a better.. Thursday^ VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 259 Thursday^ 30. Ah, my deai* Edward ! how tedious is cxpedation. — I fancied it had been feveral months fmce kill: I heard from you ; and> on looking over my journal, I fmd it is not quite one. Oh ! could I but hear of you once a month ; could I but give you tidings of my exigence once in two ! Harriet is gone to M — with her ecu fins, to the ball, and to fpend a few days, much againft her inclination — not that, in this Jnflance, flie was at all conR rained, but her coulins feemed to defire her company ; and fhe has fo little felfiflmefs about her, that file is always ready to prefer the inclina- tions of others to her own. Very much out of fpirirs myfelf, and in no difpolition to be amufed by any of our neighbours, I. have, however, done fome- thing 26o VILLAGE ANECDOTES. thing almofl as meritorious, in fuffcring myfclf to be led by Mrs. Peterfon, much againfl: my will, on a vifit to Mifs Grove. My virtue was rewarded ; for we found company, and fpent the evening very agree- ably. I faw, for the firfb time, a young man who does the duty of the parifli, but ufually refides at M — . Mr. Ewer was likewife there, and two of the fair maids of the milL We talked a little of books^ and Mr, Ewer faid, he was reading a new work, in French, called Les Chevaliers du Lygne. I have {t^w it, faid the young parfon, but^ read no farther than the ghofl; when once I found it meant as really fuch. A ghofb, in this enlightened age, is quite an infult upon the underltanding. You were in the right. Sir, faid Mr. Ewer, to proceed no further, if you have an ohjcL^ion to chi- meras ; for the author treats, throughout her work, of heroifm, difinterefted friend- Ihip, VILLAGE ANECDOTES. 261 fliip, high honour, generous conflant love, and many fuch flrange things, as, in the enlightened age, have as little exiftcnce as fpirits. I thought it was very romantic and abfurd, jfaid Mr. Valance, the curate. What do you underftand by romance, J\lrs. Willars? faid Mr. Ewer, addrefTmg himfelf to me. I underiland, faid I, vir- tues out of the reach and the comprehenfion of common minds, fuch as you have jult named ; not, however, the madnefs of love, or of bravery ; but, I afTure you, I am very romantic m\ felf, and would not give much for any body, as my friend, that was not a little fo. Wc are agreed, faid he — the romance of love, is fcnfe refined into fentimcnt ; the romance of friendfliip, is a generous attachment, whether to per- fons of the fame or of another fcx, refined from all view of intercft or felf; the ro- mance of honour, is that much abufed word, in its true feafc ; that delicacy of virtue 262 VILLAGE ANECDOTES. virtue which, far from allowing what pro- bity would forbid, forbids much that probity might allow. — The rigid virtue of enlarged minds, of nice confciences, of elevated ranks, were they as they fhould be, all this is romance. Then, returned I, you will lend me the book, that I may read it in Harriet's abfence. He would have brought it me before he had done with it himfelf ; but that I ab- folutely refufed. I am to have it, how- ever, in a day or two. ^ END OF VOL. I Printed by A. Wilson, Wild Court. m] "NIVEMITY OF ILUNOIS-URBANA 01 iilllli 049090126 L*. \ jm^ '^<^ -•;>»».