Amelia.—An excellent plan—I wonder I did not think of it before. I will set about it directly.
Oswald.—Here is a sheet of Ames's best letter-paper, and here is my new writing-box. Let it be used for the first time in a good cause.
Amelia.—(sits down and writes.)—I never wrote any thing with more pleasure.
Oswald.—Be sure to put "early genius."
Amelia.—I have.
Oswald.—Let me see—I never saw any writing of yours look so pretty. Now, I will put up the parcel, and tie it round with red tape, and seal it, for girls seldom do such things well—(he folds the book in the paper, ties, and seals it.) There, now direct it.
Amelia.—The next thing is, who shall we get to carry it to Edwin?
Oswald.—Why not William?
Amelia.—I do not wish my father to know it, lest he should think I set too little value on his Christmas present; and I will never ask a servant to do any thing for me that is to be kept from the knowledge of my parents.
Oswald.—That is right. I will take the packet to the Intelligence Office, round the corner, and give one of the black boys that are always loitering there, a trifle to carry it to Mr. Lovel's, and just leave it with whoever opens the door.