thought it would be a play-thing they would much enjoy; to this he immediately consented, and went himself to procure one. [Illustration] Miss Piners, who were in as great a hurry with their preparations as Jemima, behaved with less composure on the occasion: they tossed every thing out of their drawers in search of such toys as they could possibly take with them, and wanted to pack up their whole stock of play-things (which, indeed, was a very large one), and then as fast as Dinah put what they desired into their trunk, Ellen snatched it out if it belonged to her sister; and Sally did the same unless it happened to be her own. So that, quite tired with their teazing, naughty behaviour, she turned it topsy-turvy, and declared she would not put up any one thing except their clothes; and added, She wished they were gone, with all her heart. [Illustration] I shall not take up your time with any account of their journey, nor endeavour to describe the places which they passed through in their way to Smiledale, whither they arrived about five o'clock in the afternoon. Jemima ran to her mamma with a degree of rapture which evinced the sincerity of her joy, in returning to her embraces, as soon as her brothers would permit her to disengage herself from their caresses; for as they knew the day which was fixed for their return, and could nearly guess at the time she would arrive, they had taken their stand at the very place where they had parted with her; and as soon as the carriage came in sight, they ran with their utmost speed to meet it, and came back again, jumping by the side, and when the coach stopped, were so eager to welcome their sister, that they would scarcely leave room for her to get out, and they were in such a hurry to show her every new acquisition they had made since her departure, that they would not allow her time to speak to any body but themselves. Charles wanted her to go into the hall to look at his linnet; and William was as earnest to take her to his rabbits; while Jemima, who was equally ready to oblige them both, stood still, without knowing which she should first consent to follow; till Mr. Placid, taking hold of her hand, thus moderated the impatience of his sons:--My dear boys, I am much delighted to see your mutual affection for each other, and the pleasure you express at your sister's return; but do not be in such a hurry to show her those things which she will to-morrow have sufficient time to inspect. We all wish at present to enjoy her company, and therefore defer your intention of taking her from us to-night, as I hope you will have no occasion to fear a speedy separation; besides, I think you are a little wanting in politeness, not to take notice of your cousins. Charles said he did not know them; and William declared he did not want them; and both acknowledged they had nothing to say to them. [Illustration]