give him their attendance, though out of school-time; because he
was obliged to be at home again before the afternoon, to meet a
person who would confer some favour on him, and would be highly
disobliged should he not keep his appointment: 'And I know (said
Mrs. Teachum) my little dears, you would rather lose your own
amusement, than let any one suffer a real inconvenience on your
accounts.' They all readily complied, and cheerfully set to their
writing; and in the afternoon Mrs. Teachum permitted them to leave
off work an hour sooner than usual, as a reward for their
readiness to lose their amusement in the morning: and being met
in their arbour, Miss Dolly read as follows:



THE STORY OF CAELIA AND CHLOE.

Caelia and Chloe were both left orphans, at the tender age of six
years. Amanda their aunt, who was very rich, and a maiden, took
them directly under her care, and bred them up as her own
children. Caelia's mother was Amanda's sister; and Chloe's father
was her brother; so that she was equally related to both.

They were left entirely unprovided for; were both born on the same
day; and both lost their mothers on the day of their birth: their
fathers were soldiers of fortune; and both killed in one day, in
the fame engagement. But their fortunes were not more similar
than their persons and dispositions. They were both extremely
handsome; and in their Childhood were so remarkable for liveliness
of parts, and sweetness of temper, that they were the admiration
of the whole country where they lived.