Julia. I am glad you have confidence in me: but, mamma, do you know, Lady Beauchamp said she would ask you to give me leave to spend an evening with her little girl. Shall you permit me to go, mamma?
Mrs. V. I cannot decide now, my dear: when Lady Beauchamp fixes a time for your visit, I shall be able to judge whether it will be convenient and proper for you to accept the invitation or not.
Julia. I hope it will be convenient and proper. I dare say I should be very happy, and spend the evening very agreeably. Do not you think so, mamma?
Mrs. V. Yes, most probably you would.
Julia. Mamma, did you know strawberries were ripe?
Mrs. V. It is too early for them in the open air. Those that are ripe at this season of the year, must be forced.
Julia. Yes, Lady Beauchamp said they grew in—in some house.
Mrs. V. In a hot-house.
Julia. Yes, yes, in a hot-house; that is what she said. What is meant by a hot-house, mamma?
Mrs. V. A house built on purpose to hold plants. The top and sides are made of glass, in frames, something like windows, which shut tight to keep out the cold air. At one end there is a stove for a fire, to heat the air within the house. Round the walls are flues, to let the heat from the fire reach every part. Flues are passages left in the inside of the walls: they are somewhat like pipes. When the frames are shut, no cold air can get into the house from the outside, so the gardener can keep the plants as warm as he chooses. The flowers and fruit blow and ripen in a hot-house, as they do in the gardens in summer. This is called forcing them; that is, making them more forward than they would naturally be at this season. When you go to see Lady Beauchamp, perhaps she will allow you to look at her hot-house; then you will understand better what I have said.