Sir Charles and Lady Grandison are expected this afternoon. We are all glad, the servants join in the general joy. Is it not a good sign, when the servants are attached to their masters? I will endeavour to be good and humane, when I am a man, it is so delightful to be loved.
But I must again speak of my friend Charles. Dr. Bartlett asked us after breakfast if we would take a short walk. Charles, who is much better, desired to be excused going with us. My leg, said he, is not quite well; if I walk much on it, my father and mother would perceive it, and I do not wish to give them a moment’s uneasiness, I would rather lose the pleasure of the walk. He then remained in his chamber, and Emilia, Edward, and I, accompanied Dr. Bartlett, and we had the following conversation.
EMILIA.
Why is it not always summer, Sir? The summer is far more delightful than the winter.
DR. BARTLETT.
If it was always summer, we should not enjoy as much pleasure as we do at present. The succession of the seasons rouses our attention, and gives variety to the year; you would be tired of the most beautiful prospect, if it never varied. You have experienced this very often, I believe. Some months ago, I gave you an optic glass, and you were so pleased with it that you would leave off eating to amuse yourself with the wonders it discovered: now your curiosity sleeps, it is thrown aside; some months hence it may come in play again. So it is with the trees and flowers; the change of summer and winter is adapted to our nature, while the earth is allowed a resting time; during which it gathers fresh strength to bud forth in the beautiful livery of spring.
EMILIA.
I never viewed it in this light. Oh! there is a great frog.
DR. BARTLETT.
Why are you frightened, they will do you no harm.