very dull, especially as you all persist in looking so provokingly comfortable. Margaret stitches away at that everlasting baby's cap with such perseverance and tranquillity, that I am quite tired of seeing her needle go in and out; and Rose seems as happy as possible, sitting by the fireside, and poring over that book of melancholy poetry. As for you, Elizabeth," continued Fanny, turning away from the window, and bending over her sister, who was finishing a beautiful landscape, "I do not believe that you have even noticed whether it is wet or fine."

Margaret and Rose looked up and smiled; and Elizabeth laid down her pencil on the table, and replied with a merry laugh, "Well, Fanny, and what

have you gained by your careful observance of the weather? I am quite willing to compare the advantages of my occupation with yours."

"No, no!" said Fanny, hastily; "I am not fond of making disagreeable comparisons, so I will grant at once all that you can possibly say in favour of diligence and industry; and I think I really might find some more useful employment than looking at that dull, unchangeable sky till my eyes ache, or staring at the good-humoured servant girls, who are hurrying with their large baskets to market. What shall I do ?" continued Fanny, thoughtfully: for as she was not in the habit of regulating her pursuits by any well-arranged plan, much of her time was often wasted

in considering how it should be employed.

66

Suppose you were to finish your purse?" said Margaret.

"It is certainly time it was finished," answered Fanny, as she reached her work-box, and took out her nettingneedles and her tangled crimson silk;

"I am sure it has been a perfect annoyance to me for the last fortnight, and I am now sorry that I began it. However, it will help to beguile this weary morning, and make me forget my disappointment."

Fanny sat down by her sister with a firm resolution to arrange and complete her neglected piece of work; and her fingers soon moved with that rapidity and energy which was so characteristic

of her disposition. Fanny was not fond of needlework; and the half-finished pieces which usually strewed her drawer, testified to her want of perseverance; yet if she really made up her mind to do anything, it was quickly accomplished.

"Well, this is indeed a wet day!" said Elizabeth, as the dark clouds cast their shade over her drawing, and the rain-drops fell heavily against the window; "but I like it better than that changeable, unsettled weather, which makes it difficult to decide whether you shall venture out or stay at home."

"So do I," replied Fanny; "still I prefer a bright and unclouded sky. But the present is more like the realities of life. Dark clouds and storms are

perpetually gathering over our pathway; and the fairest prospect is shaded before we can realize its enjoyment. Sorrow and disappointment are our constant attendants."

"Oh no!" exclaimed Margaret, earnestly; "your description, Fanny, is not a fair one. You are looking only at the dark side of things, and the inference draw from it is untrue."

you

"I am sure," answered Fanny, "that one cannot live long in this world without learning by experience that it is full of care and vexation. Trouble and misery are the only certainties of life."

Margaret shook her head. "You forget," she said, "the innumerable blessings which are so constantly showered upon us; and the rich joys and