it neatly bound, and as Emily and Louisa equally deserved the prize, they drew lots, and it fell to the former. Several young persons who had perused the little work, united in begging it might be printed, that they also might have it in their libraries. This, my dear young readers, is the origin of DOMESTIC PLEASURES. The conversations recorded in the following pages, are chiefly such as have, at different times, taken place between my little friends and myself. I sincerely wish you may derive, not only amusement, but instruction, from the transcript; and that it may convince you, no pleasures are so pure as _domestic pleasures_; no society so delightful, as that experienced in the affectionate intercourse of parents and children, by a _happy fire-side_. FRANCES BOWYER VAUX. * * * * * The Persons. MR. AND MRS. BERNARD. EMILY, aged _Fifteen_. CHARLES, _Fourteen_. EDWARD, _Twelve_. LOUISA, _Ten_. FERDINAND, _Seven_. SOPHY, _Five_. DOMESTIC PLEASURES. * * * * * CONVERSATION I. The rain came down in torrents, and beat violently against the parlour windows, whilst a keen autumnal blast made the children shiver, even by the side of a good fire. Their little hearts glowed with gratitude, when they reflected on their happy lot, sheltered from the bitter wind and driving sleet; and contrasted it with that of many miserable little beings, who were, no doubt, exposed, at that very moment, to the pitiless raging of the storm. "Ah, mamma," said Ferdinand, a little boy of seven years old, "how I feel for those poor children who have no home to shelter them, and no fire to warm their cold hands. I often think of them, and it reminds me of the hymn I learned some time ago. "Not more than others I deserve, Yet God hath given me more; For I have food whilst others starve, Or beg from door to door." "I am glad to find that you can feel for others in distress, my boy," said Mrs. Bernard; "and hope you will each, my dear children, cultivate that benevolent affection called compassion, which enables us to enter into the distresses of others, and feel for them, in worse measure, as we do for ourselves. But we must not rest satisfied with only pitying their sorrows; as far as lies in our power, it is our duty to relieve them." "That would be delightful indeed, mamma," said Ferdinand; "but what can such children as we are, do towards assisting our fellow creatures?--at least, such a little boy a I am. I thought it was only men and women, who could do good to others by their charity and benevolence."