pleasure of finding her much better, and able to enjoy their company,
and the account they gave of their excursion.

Emily first entered the parlour, and, gently opening the door,
affectionately enquired after her mother's health.

"My head is much better, I thank you, my dear," replied Mrs. Bernard:
"but why are you alone?--where are your brothers and sisters? All safe
and well, I hope?"

_Emily_. Yes, quite well, and in high spirits, I assure you. They
requested to get out at the lodge-gate, that they might have a race
through the garden. Feeling rather tired, I preferred riding.

At this moment Louisa came running in, quite out of breath. The others
soon followed her, laughing merrily.

_Louisa_. Oh! mamma, how I wish you had been with us. We have had such
a happy day, and have seen so many curious things.

_Ferdinand_. What a nice woman Mrs. Horton is, mamma. She has been so
kind to us.

_Edward_. Dear me, Louisa and Ferdinand, how loud you talk. You forget
mamma's head.

"Gently, my dears, gently," said Mrs. Bernard: "moderate your delight a
little. I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed year day, and shall
like to have a full account of all you have seen, when you can enter
upon it quietly. In the mean time, go and put by your hats and tippets,