XX. Disappointment.

Mamma shall we visit Miss Hammond to-day?

As seated at breakfast, exclaim'd little Ann:

The morning is fine, and the sun's very bright;

And I hope you will go, dear Mamma, if you can;

For I've felt so much pleasure to think of the play

I shall have at her house all the time that we stay,

That I've scarcely been able to sleep all the night.

So earnest was Ann in her wish to go out,

That when she was silent her looks seem'd to ask;

And to coax her mamma, then she climb'd on

her knee,

And kiss'd her and promis'd to learn all her task,

They went and Miss Ann was delighted no doubt,

Till she found Mr. Hammond confin'd by the gout,

And his daughter from home, that she wanted to

see.

Now homeward returning Ann said with a sigh,

Mamma, how unlucky our visit to-day;

I expected such pleasure to meet with Annette;

She is always so kind and good humour'd at play,

And I'm so disappointed I'm ready to cry.

Her mamma made a soothing and tender reply,

And taught her to bear what's in vain to regret.