recital of what they had seen, or where they had been, you would naturally be led to inquire into the different situation of the places; which they liked best, and on what account they gave the preference. These inquiries will furnish ample matter for conversation, and enable you to pass your time agreeably.

Lady L. I have observed many people tiresome in their conversation, and not the least entertaining.

Ment. I have met with many in the course of life, who may not unjustly be compared to a pump, from which the water is drawn with difficulty; and also with others, who, from their pleasing volubility, may be compared with equal propriety, to a flowing river.

Lady M. I shall also tell them what lessons we learn, and inquire whether they are taught the same.

Ment. I am pleased, my dear Lady Mary, to find you are desirous to form a degree of comparison between their improvement and yours; as it will excite emulation, and create in your mind a strong desire to make a rapid progress in your learning. For my own part, if I were a little girl, nothing would mortify me so much as the being remarkably backward

of

of my age; a tall girl is more particularly bound to hasten her improvement, as persons in general form great expectations from her external appearance, and are extremely disappointed to find an infant mind in almost a woman's body; expressing their astonishment in the following terms: "What pity it is so large a casket should contain such a bauble!"

Lady M.. Do
Do you think my mind is a

bauble?

Ment. You should never, my dear, suppose yourself the person pointed at in any general observation; as it is a maxim of true politeness to exempt the present company from any personal reflection. The intrinsic value of your mind depends on the care you take to embellish and adorn it. Like the diamond in its natural state, it is unpolished; the one derives its lustre from the skill of the lapidary, the other from education.

Lady L. I have a great inclination, my dear Madam, to give Lady Jane Placid one of my pretty trinkets; I am sure she will like it, it is so beautiful.

Ment. I have not the least objection: but would advise your Ladyship not to enumerate its beauties when you present it; but rather

tell

tell her it is a trifle, and not worth her acceptance; yet you hope she will receive it as a token of affection. You should never enhance the value of any favour you confer, but always endeavour to point out the perfections, and increase the worth of those you receive. The mention of benefits reminds me to warn you not to speak of those you confer (before, or to the person on whom they were bestowed), as it entirely cancels the obligation, and clearly indicates you performed the service more from ostentation than friendship.

Lady L. I will never for the future speak to my servant of any favour she receives from me. I used to be perpetually telling her what returns I expected for my kindness; and never thought she could do enough for me!

Ment. To convince you how different my sentiments are in this respect, I never exact, or even wish a return for any service I perform; though I endeavour in every instance. to testify my gratitude to those persons who have obliged me.

Lady M. I hope, my dear Mentoria, I shall acquit myself properly at the tea-table: I shall be less at a loss, because I have often. made tea for you..

Ment.

Ment. I make no doubt your guests will be perfectly satisfied, as a wish to please generally produces the desired effect. Attend to the necessary forms, and endeavour to make the tea agreeable to their taste; you must also be careful not to slop the table, overset the urn, or be guilty of any thing to cause confusion and disturbance.

Lady L. That would be a sad affair, as it would turn all our joy into sorrow! But how, my dear Madam, are we to be employed after we have drank tea?

Ment. You should propose several kinds of amusements; and when the ladies have determined the choice, pursue it without deliberation, for fear their carriage should fetch them when you are in the height of your diversion; which might perhaps oblige you to leave it.

Lady M. How must I take leave of them? I am sure I shall be sorry to part with friends I so much esteem.

Ment. Your feelings will suggest to your Ladyship the best mode of expressing them, which I should suppose will be to this effect: That you regretted being deprived of their company so early, and that you had no idea it was so late, you had been so happy in their conversation. You should also desire them to

present

present your love, or compliments, to every part of the family.

Lady M.

I think you seem to have regulated our conduct from the time of the ladies coming into the house to their departure from it, by your kind instructions.

Ment. Yet it may not be unuseful if I extend them a little further, to direct your behaviour after they are gone. Nothing is more usual or disgusting, than to see persons of all ranks and degrees, criticise on the dress and general deportment of their departed guests: and often ridicule and condemn those things behind their backs, which, to their faces, they approved or applauded. Let me entreat you never to make your friends appear in a disadvantageous light, but, on the contrary, extol the perfections and accomplishments they possess, and cast a veil over their defects.

Lady L. I shall observe this rule, never to make a jest of any person; particularly of those with whom I live on terms of friendship.

Ment. I hope your Ladyship will keep to - this excellent resolution; for my own part, when I see people wounding the reputation of their friends, I always expect to come in for my share of the general slaughter. Nothing

but