The Vicar of Wakefield; . and to arm her with resolution to bear thepresence of her offended mother. I took every oppor-tunity, from the prospect of a fine country, through whichwe passed, to observe how much kinder Heaven was to usthan we to each other; and that the misfortunes ofnatures making were very few. I assured her, that sheshould never perceive any change in my affections, andthat, during my life, which yet might be long, she mightdepend upon a guardian and an instructor. I armedher against the censure of the world, showed her thatbooks were sweet unreproaching companions to themiser
The Vicar of Wakefield; . and to arm her with resolution to bear thepresence of her offended mother. I took every oppor-tunity, from the prospect of a fine country, through whichwe passed, to observe how much kinder Heaven was to usthan we to each other; and that the misfortunes ofnatures making were very few. I assured her, that sheshould never perceive any change in my affections, andthat, during my life, which yet might be long, she mightdepend upon a guardian and an instructor. I armedher against the censure of the world, showed her thatbooks were sweet unreproaching companions to themiserable, and that, if they could not bring us to enjoylife, they would at least teach us to endure it. The hired horse that we rode was to be put up thatnight at an inn by the way, vsdthin about five miles frommy house; and as I was willing to prepare my familyfor my daughters reception, I determined to leave herthat night at the inn, and to return for her, accompaniedby my daughter Sophia, early the next morning. It was 152. THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD flight before we reached our appointed stage ; however,after seeing her provided with a decent apartment,and having ordered the hostess to prepare properrefreshments, I kissed her, and proceeded towards now my heart caught new sensations of pleasure, thenearer I approached that peaceful mansion. As a birdthat had been frighted from its nest, my affectionsoutwent my haste, and hovered round my little firesidewith all the rapture of expectation. I called up themany fond things I had to say, and anticipated thewelcome I was to receive. I already felt my wifestender embrace, and smiled at the joy of my little I walked but slowly, the night waned apace. Thelabourers of the day were all retired to rest; the lightswere out in every cottage; no souiids were heard butof the shrilling cock, and the deep-raouthed watch-dog,at hollow distance. I approached my little abode ofpleasure, and, before I was within a furlong of theplace,
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