EVENINGS AT HOME.

 

INTRODUCTION.

T'Hr mansion-house of the pleasant village of Beech-
grove was inhabited by the family of Fatrzorye, con-
sisting of the master and mistress, and a numerous
progeny of children, boys and girls. Of these, some
vere educated at home under their parents’ care, and
some were sent out to school. The house was seldom
unprovided with visitors, the wntimate friends or rela-
tions of the owners, who were entertained with cheer-
fulness and hospitality, free from ceremony and parade.
They formed, during their stay, part of the family,
and were ready to concur with Mr. and Mrs. Fair-
borne in any littie domestic plan for varying their
amusements, and particularly for promoting the in-
struction and entertainment of the younger part of
the household. As some of them were accustomed to
writing, they would frequently produce a fable, a story,
or dialogue, adapted to the age and understanding of
the young people. It was always considered as a high
favour when they would so employ themselves; and
when the pieces had been once read over, they were
carefully deposited by Mrs. Fairborne in a box, of
which she kept the key. None of these were allowed
to be taken out again till all the children were assem-
bled in the holidays. It was then made one of the
evening amusements of the family to rummage the
budget, as their phrase was. One of the youngest
children was sent to the box, who, putting in its little
hand, drew out the paper that came next, and brought

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