the time she would have spent in read books to more advantage. I have kn good people," continued she, "who wo ple taking up a volume of elegant liter of philosophy or science, alleging, had not the time to spare from better whose consciences would yet allow spend months in working a cap or a chief; and who were in the habit of e themselves in such domestic affairs as circumstances, could be as well done servants."

"Elizabeth has learned this from so new friends," said Mr. Leddenhurst: uncommon thing for persons of low educ I contracted views, to entertain this kin lousy against general information. Ind things which their own circumstances permit them to enjoy; whatever they knowledge to understand or taste to ap they are apt to consider as inconsistent piety.

Many very good people are subje prejudice, and are apt to consider as d

and a little more liberality would convince them, are, in their way and in their place, aids and ornaments to Christianity."

"The opposite extreme is, however, so much the most general and the most abused," said Miss Weston, "and this is so much the safest of the two, that one had need be cautious in censuring it. Where one person abstains from general reading for conscience, or rather for prejudice' sake, how many are there who read bad books without any regard to conscience, and who are prejudiced against good ones!"

The Leddenhursts were sorry that Elizabeth had withdrawn herself so much from their society; especially as they did not feel perfectly satisfied with the present style of her professions. They did not, however, venture to form so decided a judgment concerning her as was declared of Emily by some of the good people at Miss Pryke's.

Emily had no ambition to gain their favour; indeed she paid too little regard to public opinion and her dread and abhorrence of unfelt professions, led her to avoid those very appear

them to form a more favorable judgme piety. They shook their heads at her sprightliness; while Elizabeth was pr "a gracious and growing character."

95

CHAPTER VIII.

ONE spring evening, Elizabeth had taken her accustomed seat by the side of Miss Pryke's counter. While they were talking, she sometimes put aside the shawls and ribbons that blinded the window with the end of her parasol, to see what was passing without. But there was nothing to be seen except some children at play in the middle of the square and Mr. Preston standing in his usua position at his shop door-and old Mr. and Mrs. Parsonson returning from their evening walland the setting sun shining the old market cross, just as it did hundred years ago.

It was seldom that any thing happened to disurb the tranquillity of this remote place; except that a show, or a conjurer, or a company of strolling

plazera sometimes stonned to amisa tha inhabit

terrupted by the sound of distant music. beth started from her seat, exclaiming:

Hark, Miss Pryke! what can that b bass-drum I declare!"

For now it came nearer and louder, a sently a full band, in gay green and white, a lively march, followed by the regiment, the boys and girls of Broadisham, crowde the market-place.

"How partial I am to military music Elizabeth, as she stood nodding to the tune rank after rank passed the shop door.

This was a lively evening for Broadish was all bustle and animation: maids and tresses, masters and men, appeared at thei and windows. Trains of soldiers, stooping tall caps, were seen entering the lowly d he Angel, the King's Arms, and the Red while a party of ocers assembled before th of the new Hotel.

The teachers of the Sunday school ha