Charles Dorning was a fine romping boy of eleven years; he had no bright flaxen curls like our friend George, but straight dark hair, which, however, was so glossy and neat that no person thought it unbecoming.  His eyes were the blackest I ever saw, and so sparkling when animated with merriment, that it was impossible to resist their influence, and maintain a serious deportment if he were inclined to excite your risibility.  Charles was a merry boy, but so innocent in his mirth, that Mr. Wilton was always pleased to have him for his son’s companion, knowing by observation that his mirth was devoid of mischief, and that he possessed a most inquiring mind, which urged George on to the attainment of much solid knowledge that would be greatly serviceable to him in after years.

I flatter myself you will, from this slight sketch, be able to form some idea of the “new members,” and regard them as old acquaintances, as you already do Emma and George.

While they were drinking tea, there was an animated conversation, which still continued when the meal was over, until the tray had disappeared, and John had brushed the crumbs from the table; when Mrs. Wilton said, “Suppose we adjourn into the next room, and commence business”

There was a general move, and in a few moments the table was surrounded, and each person preparing to enjoy the evening’s occupation.  Miss Leslie seated George next to her, because she could assist him considerably in finding places on the maps; and Charles Dorning was gallant enough to offer to point out the localities for Emma.  Thus they were arranged.  Grandy only was away from the table:  she was in her customary seat by the fire, with the pussy at her feet, and her fingers nimbly engaged on a par a tete, which she was knitting with extraordinary facility considering her age and impaired vision.

“Who is to commence?” inquired Mr. Wilton.  “Emma, what have you prepared?”

EMMA.  “Dora is to begin, papa, and my paper will be required presently.”

MR. WILTON.  “Very well.  We are all ready, Dora, and most attentive.  I think, as we have hitherto commenced with our own quarter of the world, it would be more systematic to do so now.  Are you prepared for the seas of Europe?”

DORA.  “I will readily impart all I have prepared, sir, and be thankful to listen to the rest.

“Europe is bounded on the north by the frozen ocean, south by the Mediterranean sea, east by Asia, and west by the Atlantic ocean.  Seas being smaller collections of water than oceans, I have selected them for our first consideration, and, thinking the Mediterranean the most important of Europe, I have placed it at the head of my list.  This sea separates Europe from Africa, and is the largest inland sea in the world.  It contains some beautiful islands, and washes the shores of many countries planted with the myrtle, the palm, and the olive, and famous both in history and geography as scenes of remarkable adventures, warfares, and discoveries.  Numerous rivers from Italy, Turkey, Spain, and France empty their waters into this great sea.  Africa sends a contribution from the mighty Nile, that valuable river which is of such inestimable benefit to the Egyptians.