GROVE HALL;
OR, "LIVING LIKE OTHER PEOPLE."
MR. BOARDMAN was originally from the country. There he married. With no other capital than industry, frugality, and enterprise, he commenced business in one of our largest cities. His trade gradually expanded, through a series of years, till he was ranked as one of the first importers of the city. He was noted for his industrious habits, while prudence and coolness marked his mercantile career. His lady, with the frugal notions brought from her parental home, rendered her dwelling the abode of comfort without ostentation, and plenty without luxury.
Years rolled on, and they reared a large family-four daughters and six sons. The children, as they grew up, mingled in the routes and round of city life. The circumstances of the family naturally introduced them into the gay circles of the élite ; and, of course, Helen and Josephine were at the great fête of the season, giving by the Churchills. It was nearly twelve, on the following morning, when they arranged their toilet, and appeared at the breakfast table.
" Good morning, my dears," said the doting and indulgent mother: "how did you enjoy yourselves last evening?"
" Delightfully, ma !" said Josephine ; " I wish you had been there. The mansion at the Oaklands is so elegant ! Everything is superb, and they have room for a jam. The great hall overlooks the romantic lake, where there are two beautiful swans ; and the Sylvan Bower sent forth the sweetest strains, making the spirits dance in all the delights of a fairy scene. Oh, ma ! we must have a country-house. I am determined to coax pa. We must live like other people."
" Yes, dearest mother," added Helen , " we must retire to the country. Your health requires a pure atmosphere. Pa shall build a country-seat-just like the Churchills. They are honoured by every body. "
The good father left his counting-house, and came home to dine. The daughters, full of their determination, talked of nothing but ".a country-house. " And from that time, until " Grove Hall" was commenced, the indulgent parent heard little else save the delights, healthfulness, and elegance of a " country-seat." The city residence was entirely re-modelled , to keep pace with the elegance of " Grove Hall," and the Boardsmans were honoured with the presence of the ton, at the L
FEB. 1839.