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Tales and Novels — Volume 02 by Maria Edgeworth
page 29 of 623 (04%)
I ever wrought in the mine made me one half so hot as setting these
puppets to work.

"When my exhibition was over, good Mr. Y---- came to me, and consoled
me for all disasters, by the praises he bestowed upon my patience and
ingenuity: he showed me that he knew the difficulties with which I had
to contend: and he mentioned the defects to me in the kindest manner,
and how they might be remedied. 'I see,' said he, smiling, 'that you
have endeavoured to make something useful for the entertainment of my
boys; and I will take pains to make it turn out advantageously to you.'

"The next morning I went to look at my show-box, which Mr. Y---- had
desired me to leave in his study; and I was surprised to see the front
of the box, which I had left open for the spectators, filled up with
boards, and having a circular glass in the middle. The eldest boy, who
stood by enjoying my surprise, bid me look in, and tell him what I saw.
What was my astonishment, when I first looked through this glass--'As
large as the life!--As large as the life!' cried I, in admiration--'I
see the puppets, the _wheelbarrows_, every thing as large as life!'

"Mr. Y---- then told me, that it was by his grandson's directions that
this glass, which he said was called a magnifying-glass, or convex-lens,
was added to my show-box. 'He makes you a present of it; and now,' added
he, smiling, 'get all your little performers into order, and prepare for
a second representation: I will send for a clock-maker in this town, who
is an _ingenious_ man, and will show you how to manage properly the
motions of your puppets; and then we will get a good painter to paint
them for you."

"There was at this time, in Exeter, a society of literary gentlemen, who
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