of beauty, lay innocently reclining on their soft pillows. Short as might be the period of their childhood, yet fate had so ordained it, that however formed to shine and eclipse, the seasons advancing in their successive changes were to contribute only to deepen the mists encompassing their future destiny.
Unable to fathom the hidden ways of Providence, building upon a continuation of prosperity, how pleased, how elated, the parents' eyes contemplated the expanded graces and accomplishments of their daughters! It ever gave a delight unbounded to Mrs. De Brooke to steal from the busy scenes of the world, which then so much engaged her, to visit the young plants of her culture, and inspect the progress of their education. Competent as was their governess to instil into the minds of her pupils moral, scientific, and rational knowledge, yet Mrs. De Brooke, when occasion offered, lost not the means of perfecting them also in the more elegant branches of female acquirements.
Thus it might be said that, though so young, they were as 'polished corners,' and thus diffused joy through the breast, conjuring visions of happiness before the mental eyes of their fond parents.
