[Illustration: _Umbrella Maker_] Does she not look as if she thought something might be the matter with it? I think she had better borrow a pair of spectacles of the optician. Let us go a little nearer, mamma, I wish I could hear her speak." As Caroline promised to keep a guard over her risible muscles, her mamma granted her wish of being nearer to the little old woman, who was prying all over the nice new umbrella. "Six and twenty shillings, Mr. Bates! why how could you think of asking a person like me, to give you six and twenty shillings! If you will take twenty, Mr. Bates, I will have it, though I think it looks a little soiled." The man assured her that he could not take less than what he had asked, but that she might have a cotton one much cheaper. "A cotton one, indeed! no, no, I am not so badly off, but what I can buy a silk umbrella if I like, but I won't give that money for one. So good morning, Mr. Bates." "Umbrellas are a modern invention," said Mrs. Durnford, "at least within thirty or forty years, and in the country in particular they are very useful, but in London they are troublesome, from the number of passengers which we meet. I think, Caroline, that you must have a new parasol, for yours forms but a sad contrast to your sister's, though it was bought at the same time. I think the parasol equally as convenient, and as necessary to our comfort as the umbrella. It shades us from the burning rays of a summer sun, and enables us to take a long walk without being incommoded by its beams. We will now take a look at those WORK BASKETS. [Illustration: _Work Baskets_] Mark the different expression visible on the countenances of those two little girls. See, Maria, how happy and contented that dear fat cherub seems, with her newly purchased basket on her arm; while her sister, not yet suited, eagerly stretches forth her hand, anxious to examine more than she has already seen." "Baskets are made from the osier and the willow, are they not, mamma?" said Maria. "Yes, my dear girl, and extremely pretty they make them by colouring the wood, which has a pleasing effect. They have brought the art of basket-making to great perfection. I think I must treat myself with one to hold fruit, and another for biscuits." "When you are suited to your mind," said Mr. Durnford, "we will next examine the beauties of the WORK TRUNK MAKER. [Illustration: _Work Trunk Maker_] Come here, Emily, and tell me the name of this ware, as it is called."