This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827. Excerpt: ... PART II "Indeed," said Miss Emma, "I think We have been kept too much out of the world: and though I certainly respect the motive which has induced our parents to act as they have done, yet 1 may express my disapprobation of it. We are like so many state-prisoners, who have every indulgence except unfettered liberty, which I regard as - Heaven's best gift to man.'" Miss Orme. "I have no doubt, my dear, but your parents act conscientiously in prohibiting the novel, and the cards; but you must know that religious people in general do so: though I have known some who have made a very splendid profession, who have not objected to play a game at whist after family prayer in the evening." "Yes, and so have I. I was on a visit at Mr. R 's some few months since, when the bagatelle-table and backgammonboard were brought out for our amusement; and I don't know when I have spent a more pleasant evening." "And who is Mr. R, my dear? Is he a pious man? or does he belong to the world?" "He professes to be a pious man; and I should suppose he is one, for he has prayer in his family morning and evening" "Had he family prayer, the evening you refer to, before or after these innocent games were introduced?" "Oh, it was omitted that evening." Miss Holmes. "And why, my dear, was it omitted? Was it not because he was ashamed to place the Bible on the same table with the baggatelle and gammonboard?--and because, after entiling others to a conformity to the customs of the wor d, he could not, in their presence, go and pray, that they might be renewed in the spirit of their mind; Do you recollect the remarks which you made on your return home?" "They have escaped my recollection. Miss Holmes. "After paying a compliment to his politeness, and extreme courteousness, you obser...