From this time the little girl began to conform to their ways, which were at first so strange to her, while her affection for Mrs. Meridith and her young lady daily increased, and Bella took every opportunity of reminding her how much they deserved it.
Sixteen years of Anna's life had now passed away, and her understanding and manners improved every day. William Campbell still continued in the farm, and often supplied the place of his father at the neighbouring markets; but John, who was of Anna's age, had for some time expressed a wish for another employment, and Mrs. Meridith proposed his being articled as a clerk to a lawyer in the neighbouring town, and who conducted her affairs in the neighbourhood.
"I look upon your children," said she to Mr. Campbell, "as my relations, and mean to assist them as far as is in my power, if you approve of my plan, Anna; and I will go over to L—, and speak to Mr. Mansell, and, perhaps, for the sake of the young man, we may remain there a few months, in which time he will be introduced to those few acquaintance I have there, and I hope his behaviour will be such, that for his own sake they will notice him after we come away."
Mr. Campbell expressed his thanks. "Would my son take my advice," said he, "he would prefer the happy country life to the toils and puzzles of the law; but he is now old enough to know his own mind, and if he prefers it, I will wait on the gentleman you mention, and both John and myself will thank you, madam, to speak in his favour." John was delighted: it was what he always wished; and if Mrs. Meridith would be so kind, he would endeavour not to disgrace her recommendation.
The nearness of L— to Downash also made it desirable, as his father or brother visited it every market-day, and he should not feel it as any separation from them. But his three sisters were of a different opinion: they said he would soon become a gentleman and forget them, and none of the family liked to lose his society.
Anna was surprised to hear Mrs. Meridith talk of spending a winter at L—, as she had often heard her rejoice that her residence was not nearer to it.
"I do it," said her friend, "to shew you something of society. The world is much the same every where, only as the circle advances in higher life, dissipation and dissoluteness of manners too often increase; you have read a great deal of what this world is, but it is necessary you should see something of it also, as your years increase, and not gather all your information from books. I know the society in a country town is not considered either very agreeable or improving, yet there may be some families at L— with whom you may form a pleasant acquaintance; and I wish also to show the neighbourhood that I do indeed look upon you as my daughter."
"It is for my sake then, mamma, you are going to L—," returned Anna; "I can hardly bear you should leave Rosewood on my account."
"I do not expect to meet with any thing which will compensate for the change," said Mrs. Meridith; "but a little variety is necessary for you, and after the seclusion I have lately lived in, I could not bring myself to venture farther from home at present; neither would it be prudent for you, who must be gradually initiated, if ever you join the giddy round of gay life, or it might be too much for you."