“I will give you ten minutes to guess,” said she; “after which we will go to supper.”
The ten minutes soon passed away, during which they puzzled themselves in vain; after which she satisfied their anxious inquiries, by shewing them the word Rye-gate. Each wondered that they had not guessed what was so very plain, and they retired to bed, highly entertained with what they had heard, Caroline protesting she would get a book of enigmas and charades with the very first shilling she could obtain from her papa.
CHAP. II.
A mild and sweet-tempered old man or woman, whose mind is rather chaste than severe, and whose manners are discreet rather than grave, is the most graceful ornament which humanity can boast, and the most effectual agent which virtue can employ.
Rousseau.
The next evening, after each had completed the domestic occupation of the day, Mrs. Fitzallan, in compliance with the desire of her young family, resumed the history of the goldfinch.
“The cheerful and hospitable disposition of Farmer Somers led him to give readily into any little plan for the amusement of the youthful party, who, far from feeling his presence a restraint on their pleasures, were never so happy as when, collected around him, they could make him umpire of their debates, or participator of their amusements. Unlike the austere parent, whose brows are ever contracted with a frown, and whose step, when heard, is sufficient to strike terror into the minds of his children, if their faults required correction, Mr. Somers possessed the happy art of reproving with such gentle arguments as proved superior judgment without wounding affection, and entered with spirit into all their trifling pastimes.
“As the birthday of Fanny drew near, the indulgent Somers promised them a rural jubilee, and the farm soon became a scene of pleasing bustle. The residence of this happy family was a neat brick dwelling-house, built in a modern style, the barns and outhouses detached so as not to spoil the appearance of the building, which was much improved by sash-windows, and the elevation of a flight of steps, which were ornamented on each side by flower-pots, containing a variety of blooming plants; a grass-plot and border, with a nice gravel-path, graced the front of the house, round which the fragrant jessamine grew in wild luxuriance. On the green, tables were spread for the rustic guests, who were to be indulged that day with extra good cheer, and unrestrained licence to do as they pleased—a privilege which they had too much regard for their master and his family to abuse.
“The willing hands of Fanny prepared the dainties, Mr. Somers having previously taken care that the robust appetite should be first satisfied with excellent, substantial food. Each honest peasant had the girl of his heart beside him; and their heartfelt glee, which, though expressed in the unpolished accents of simple nature, communicated a glow of pleasure to every spectator. A pipe and tabor was not forgotten; and Somers, inspired by the surrounding gaiety, drew his violin from the case wherein it had been buried for many years, and delighted them with scientific sounds of merriment, while, dropping the master for the obliging host, he instructed them in the intricate figure of the mazy dance, which was led off by Miss Fitzallan and young Somers, succeeded by Fanny and a neighbouring farmer’s son, who had recently solicited her father’s permission to address her. They continued this diversion with spirit, till the rising moon gave notice that the hour of rest drew nigh, and a signal was given by Mrs. Somers that supper was ready.
‘We must husband our pleasures, my children,’ said the farmer; ‘in the sports of to-day we must not forget the duties of to-morrow; the grass is already damp, and even in the midst of revelling, disease may punish us, if we neglect the admonitions of prudence. Let us adjourn to the house, and after devoting a few hours more to pastimes, which we may with safety indulge, retire to rest, satisfied with the amusements of the day, and rise in the morning, able and willing to pursue our allotted labour.’