CHAP. XXII.
Journey to London.
THE girls were viſibly improved; an air of intelligence began to animate Caroline's fine features; and benevolence gave her eyes the humid ſparkle which is ſo beautiful and engaging. The intereſt that we take in the fate of others attaches them to ourſelves; thus Caroline's goodneſs inſpired more affection than her beauty.
Mary's judgment grew every day clearer; or, more properly ſpeaking, ſhe acquired experience; and her lively feelings fixed the concluſions of reaſon in her mind. Whilſt Mrs. Maſon was rejoicing in their apparent improvement, ſhe received a letter from their father, requeſting her to allow his daughters to ſpend the winter in town, as he wiſhed to procure them the beſt maſters, an advantage that the country did not afford. With reluctance ſhe conſented, determining to remain with them a ſhort time; and preparations were quickly made for the journey.
The wiſhed-for morning arrived, and they ſet off in a tumult of ſpirits; ſorry to leave the country, yet delighted with the prospect of viſiting the metropolis. This hope ſoon dried the tears which had bedewed their cheeks; for the parting with Mrs. Maſon was not anticipated. The autumnal views were new to them; they ſaw the hedges exhibit various colours, and the trees ſtripped of their leaves; but they were not disposed to moralize.
For some time after their arrival, every thing they ſaw excited wonder and admiration; and not till they were a little familiariſed with the new objects, did they aſk reaſonable queſtions.
Several preſents recruited their purſes; and they requeſted Mrs. Maſon to allow them to buy ſome trifles they were in want of. The requeſt was modeſt, and ſhe complied.