Lady M. sue your plan.

Now, my good Mentoria, pur

Ment. I shall begin by informing you of the use of Diphthongs. Example: Esop is to be read Esop; as the double letter takes the sound of the single E. The words Edipus and economy are pronounced agreeable to the same rule. When two consonants precede a vowel, that which joins to the vowel forms the sound, as in the word Ptolemy, which is read Tolemy; or in Czar, the title of the Emperor of Russia, usually called the Zar. I shall now specify a few instances where the h is mute; as in the word chart, which signifies a map, and should be pronounced cart. The word chaos and chalybeate are subject to the same rule; as also magna charta, which is the law that constitutes the freedom of the English nation. When two letters of the same sort join, the first is generally sounded hard; as in access, accept, accelerate. An exception to this rule is evident in the words accord, accuse, and accumulate. When an n follows an m, the sound of the n is wholly lost; as in hymn, condemn, &c. If a g precedes n, the former bears no part in the sound: which is evinced in the words malign, benign, reign, and feign. When

an h follows a p, they neither of them preserve their natural sound, but are compounded into that of the letter f; as, physician, phosphorus, and philosopher. I will not, my dear, at present give any other instance to enforce what I have already said; so shall now dismiss you, with an exhortation to retain those I have just recited; which will induce me to enlarge soon on this, or any other subject: so adieu!

DIALOGUE

DIALOGUE III.

WEDNESDAY.

ON POLITENESS, CIVILITY, AND GRATITUDE.

Lady Louisa.

PRAY, my dear Mentoria, what is to be the subject of your instructions this morning?

Mentoria. I really have not determined that point: but believe they will chiefly consist of reflections that will naturally arise from whatever engages our attention.

Lady Mary, I have a great favour to ask, but have scarcely courage to tell you what it is: yet I think you would be inclined to grant it.

Ment. Why should your Ladyship scruple to make your requests known? there are very few improper, if they are presented with moC 4

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dest diffidence, and in deference to superior judgment. This turn of mind the French call mauvaise honte, which signifies false shame; from which I would wish you wholly exempt. I am ever inclined to promote your amusement; and dare say in the present instance, I shall have no cause to reject your petition.

Lady M. To keep you no longer in suspense, Lady Louisa and myself wish you would permit Lady Jane Placid and Lady Ann Sprightly to spend a day with us.

Ment. So this, my dear Lady Mary, was the mighty affair you could not summon courage to utter! I not only give my consent to it, because I do not disapprove of it, but from the strongest inducement of wishing you to form an intimacy with them; as they are the kind of companions I wish you to associate with.

Lady L. Which do you like best, my dear Mentoria, Lady Jane Placid, or Lady Ann Sprightly?

Ment. Their qualities are so very different, it is difficult to determine which is the most worthy of admiration. They both possess great merit, though in such a different line, they

will

will not admit of a comparison; as Lady Ann's vivacity enlivens Lady Jane's composure and serenity; and Lady Jane's complacency keeps Lady Ann's cheerfulness within proper bounds: so that you see they both derive advantage from the contrast which is found in their characters.

Lady M. May we invite Miss Simple the same day?

Ment. By no means: you should always endeavour to form your party of such persons whose sentiments and pursuits are supposed to agree. Lady Frances Trifle and Lady Betty Hoyden will be more suitable to Miss Simple.

Lady L. How shall we divert ourselves? I hope you will give me leave to make tea.

Ment. You must regulate your own amusements, and perform the duties of the table both at dinner and tea, as I shall spend the day out, that I may not check your mirth; which, I hope, will not exceed the bounds of good sense and politeness.

Lady M. I am afraid, my dear Mentoria, we shall be very uncomfortable without you; and be at a loss how to entertain our guests.

Ment. To obviate this objection, I shall lay down a few rules, to regulate your conduct

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