id not think of that before. Yes, I can wash the ribbon, and I shall
not much care about it looking faded and shabby, if it be clean. So, at
all events, there will be that money towards purchasing what new things
you still require."

"I am sure it is very good of you, Mary," replied her sister, the anxious
expression of her countenance somewhat relaxing; but, alas! this was only
the removal of one of many similar troubles. The bright dress and the
new bonnet required many other articles to correspond, for the purchasing
of each of which some new sacrifice was exacted from the gentle Mary. And
Harriet suffered all this for the selfish gratification of a mere vanity,
which, disdaining their humble abode, and so repining at God's will,
which had changed her position from wealth to poverty, sought, at any
hazard, to flutter in fine clothes, and to maintain a false appearance!
Instead of perceiving the beautiful and unselfish character which Mary
was developing, in the careful and cheerful discharge of her humble
duties, Harriet had latterly begun to feel contempt for her,--a feeling
which grew so strongly, that, before she departed on her visit, she had
quite arrived at the conclusion that Mary was a very inferior person to
herself, and fit for no more exalted station than that which seemed to
await her.

On the whole, this opinion was a source of satisfaction to Harriet
Mannering, since it relieved her own mind from any anxiety about leaving
her father--she felt so very sure Mary would attend on him carefully.
Thus, the very virtues of the one sister were made the excuse for the
selfish vanity and haughtiness of the other; until, priding herself on
some beauty, and a few showy accomplishments, I believe the elder sister
at last thought she was conferring almost a favour by becoming Mrs.
Somerton's guest.

Mrs. Somerton was a kind-hearted lady; and her real motive for inviting
one of Mr. Mannering's daughters to pass some time with her, was to
ascertain if her disposition and acquirements were such as to fit her for
a situation in the family, as an assistant, or under-governess to her
children. I think her plan was a very good one, for it afforded her more
opportunity of judging of Miss Mannering's real character, than if she
had been quite conscious of Mrs. Somerton's intention; and, considering
the important trust that lady was confiding to Harriet, I think she was
justified in taking any measures short of deceptio