THE RETREAT,

"For talking Age and whispering Lovers made."

BY MRS. ELIZA ROOKE.

"Try well each pretence,
And keep to plain sense,

For then, you'll have LITTLE to fear."

LONDON:

BINNS AND GOODWIN, 44, FLEET STREET;

AND 19, CHEAP STREET, BATH.

BARNSTAPLE: HEARSON.

1854.

249.6.518.

PREFACE.

To illustrate the truth of the Scriptures, with the value of filial love, and obedience to parents, has been the Author's aim, in presenting THE RETREAT to the public. This is her first humble effort, and she offers it, not without a thorough conviction of its many imperfections, but, nevertheless, seeking shelter under the wing of charity.

Trafalgar House, 1854.

E. R.

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THE RETREAT.

CHAPTER I.

In one of those peaceful retirements which the north of Devon peculiarly affords, was a spot,

"Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid,

And parting summer's lingering bloom delayed."

The Retreat was situated with a warm and genial aspect to the south, quite a cottage ornée; surrounded by evergreens, the jessamine flourished, and all those lovely shrubs which are nature's gifts, and which, when sheltered, grow luxuriantly wild. The family, whom we shall now introduce to our readers, lived at the Retreat.

"How happy are we!" said Laura to her elder sister Ellen, as they took their morning walk in the lovely month of May, in their own Retreat; "for whilst not isolated, how retired from the vulgar gaze; and we seem to inhale the early odours of the morning air with so much delight!"

B