Our lives were molested by few of those cares that are incident to childhood.

By accident more than design, the indulgence and yielding temper of our aunt was mingled with resolution and stedfastness.

She seldom deviated into either extreme of rigour or lenity.

Our social pleasures were subject to no unreasonable restraints.

We were instructed in most branches of useful knowledge, and were saved from the corruption and tyranny of colleges and boarding-schools.
Our companions were chiefly selected from the children of our neighbours.