from the rules of our
persuasion?" said Susannah, smiling.

"I feel the kindness and the sacrifice you are making to please me,
Susannah," replied I; "but let us lose no time."

I handed her down to the carriage, and we drove to the Park. It was a
beautiful day, and the Park was filled with pedestrians as well as
carriages. Susannah was much astonished, as well as pleased. "Now,
Susannah," said I, "if you were to call this Vanity Fair, you would
not be far wrong; but still, recollect that even all this is productive
of much good. Reflect how many industrious people find employment and
provision for their families by the building of these gay vehicles,
their painting and ornamenting. How many are employed at the loom,
and at the needle, in making these costly dresses. This vanity is the
cause of wealth not being hoarded, but finding its way through various
channels, so as to produce comfort and happiness to thousands."

"Your observations are just, Japhet, but you have lived in the world,
and seen much of it. I am as one just burst from an egg-shell, all
amazement. I have been living in a little world of my own thoughts,
surrounded by a mist of ignorance, and not being able to penetrate
farther, have considered myself wise when I was not."

"My dear Susannah, this is a chequered world, but not a very bad
one--there is in it much of good as well as evil. The sect to
which you belong avoid it--they know it not--and they are unjust
towards it. During the time that I lived at Reading, I will candidly
state to you that I met with many who called themselves of the
persuasion, who were wholly unworthy of it, but they made up in outward
appearance and hypocrisy, what they wanted in their conduct to their
fellow-creatures. Believe me, Susannah, there are pious and good,
charitable and humane, conscientious and strictly honourable people among
those who now pass before your view in such gay procession; but society
requires that the rich should spend their money in superfluities, that
the poor may be supported. Be not deceived, therefore, in future, by the
outward garments, which avail nothing."

"You have induced me much to alter my opinions already, Japhet; so has
that pleasant friend of thine, Mr Masterton, who has twice called since
we have been in London, but is it not time that we should return?"

"It is indeed later than I thought it was, Susannah," replied I, looking
at my watch, "and I am afraid that my father will b