thing instructive or entertaining from this old lady, who was particularly fond of children; and who knew how to please and amuse, without flattering or spoiling them.'

Behaviour in Promiscuous Society.—While resident under the parental roof, young females in general enjoy the protecting care of a parent or other judicious friend. Circumstances, however, may occasionally throw them for a short time, at least, into the society of strangers. In such a case an especial degree of personal prudence and circumspection is the more necessary.

A modest, retiring character, approaching to diffidence, is so generally the companion of female discretion, that it would seem almost unnecessary to drop a caution against any thing like display, or a desire to attract notice and admiration; yet such is the weakness of human nature, and such the influence of temptation, arising from being placed in unaccustomed circumstances, that some who have conducted themselves with great prudence and propriety at home, have been very much off their guard when thrown into promiscuous society, and have acted as if they were desirous of attracting the notice of the gay triflers around them. From such indiscretion, unthought-of mischiefs have resulted.

In doubtful circumstances, it is always safest to err on the side of caution and reserve; and a young woman would be much better thought of, who should travel a whole day, without speaking to or looking at her fellow-passenger, than one whose unabashed countenance, flippant tongue,

and familiar laugh, bespeak a vain and giddy mind, intent on obtaining notice, and by no means choice as to the quarter from whence it comes.

There is a medium between the two extremes ; and the young person who happily hits it, is likely to derive real interest and advantage from persons of intelligence and respectability, into whose society she may be accidentally cast, and to leave on their minds a favourable impression of herself. A discreet young person, when thrown among strangers, will generally find it advisable to direct her attention to those of the party whose superior age should show wisdom. She will soon perceive if the strain of their discourse justifies this expectation. If so, she will listen with unwearied interest; perhaps, will be a silent listener through the whole conversation: and she will have treasured up something worth remembering.

But it is very probable (for benevolence and condescension generally attend upon real intelligence and knowledge) the interested countenance of the modest listener will attract the attention of the speaker. Some kind remark will be addressed to her, and she will be encouraged to take part in the conversation, so far as to request such information or explanation, as shall enable her to listen with the greater advantage.

Some young people have to recollect with great and permanent pleasure, being accidentally cast for a few hours into the society of eminent literary or scientific characters, or persons who have gained extensive stores of knowledge by travelling, or by close observation of human nature. Who that, when travelling with eminent men, would not wish

to make the most of such an opportunity, and to treasure up the greatest possible portion of useful information and interesting reminiscences? And who would not most bitterly regret if her own frivolity, self-conceit, and affectation, had excluded her from the share of improvement she might have obtained?

In mixed society, young persons should cautiously avoid familiarity with those of whose general character they are ignorant. Persons may be very agreeable and fascinating companions for a short time, whose acquaintance would be undesirable, injurious, and disgraceful. The writer recollects, when a child, hearing Mr. R., an old gentleman, state that he once travelled from Bath to London, with a most agreeable gentleman, who seemed to possess universal information. Among many other interesting discussions which beguiled the way, the stranger suggested an ingenious plan for the improvement of the police system, and expressed deep regret at the prevalence of vice, especially in the metropolis. Mr. R. was much struck with his remarks; and as the coach entered the inn-yard, they were still engaged in interesting conversation, which both seemed unwilling to break off. The stranger received a frank and cordial invitation to dine in Finsbury-square, which he politely accepted, and promised to be there at an appointed hour; indeed, as soon as he had disposed of his luggage.

Mr. R. hastened home, and informed his wife of the agreeable gentleman who was about to pay them a visit. The appointed hour arrived, but the stranger did not make his appearance.

The

dinner was kept waiting a considerable time. Mrs. R. suggested, that perhaps the gentleman had met with some circumstance that prevented his fulfilling his engagement, and that they had better begin dinner without him. "Let us wait five minutes longer," said Mr. R., "and then, if he has not arrived, we will sit down to dinner." He felt for his watch to mark the time; but lo! his watch was gone-a very valuable gold watch, chain, and seals. The visitor never arrived, the lost watch was never found; but sometime afterwards, when the notorious pickpocket B― was tried for the crime for which he was transported for life, Mr. R., who happened to be in court, recognised in the prisoner at the bar, his agreeable stage-coach companion! This was not a common occurrence; but the fact of such a thing having once occurred, is enough to excite prudence and caution. Some young persons have been more grievously injured than was Mr. R., by their indiscretion in furnishing an address, communicating family circumstances, or making appointments with persons of whose character they were not acquainted.

Young persons should be especially cautious of making any ostentatious pretensions to learning, or to illustrious connexions. Such tricks are sure to expose them to contempt and ridicule; perhaps to the more serious mortification of having their pretensions disproved, and their falsehood exposed. A dashing young lady from a country town, on entering a stage-coach, began to converse very familiarly, and endeavoured to draw attention to herself, by boasting of her intimacy with all the

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principal families in and around the town. especially mentioned the name of a baronet in the neighbourhood, whom she said she was going to visit at his town house. Most of the passengers were perfectly uninterested in her tattle, and took little or no notice of it, or her; but an officer in one corner of the coach eyed her with a mixture of wonder and contempt. When the coach stopped to change horses, Coachman," said the officer," who is that girl in the coach ?" What, an outside, Sir, that was put in when it rained?" "Yes, very likely." "That's Miss Betts, Sir, daughter of Betts, the shoemaker. I believe she is going to London to service, or apprenticeship, or some such thing; I hope there is no inconvenience, Sir? if there is, she shall come outside again." "Oh no, no; by all means let her remain inside."

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As soon as the passengers were again seated, the officer thus addressed the young lady: "Miss Betts, as you intend to honour me with a visit at my town house, I am sorry that I shall not be at home to receive you; but I wish you would desire my valet to give you a pair of shoes of your father's making, which pinch my corns most infamously. Perhaps you will be good enough to take them home with you, and request your father to stretch them, or make me a pair to fit better, and then send in his bill." To the no small consternation of the young lady, she now perceived that her fellow-traveller was no other than Sir C. P., with whose name she had made so free. He was the commanding officer of a yeomanry corps who were about to assemble in a distant part of