ly believe I
should have got the better of it, and been willing to have learnt of my
cousin, and should have loved her for teaching me, if any one had told
me it was right; and if it had not been that Betty, the maid who took
care of us, used to be for ever teasing me about the preference that was
shown to my cousin, and the neglect I always met with. She used to tell
me, that she wondered how I could bear to see Miss Molly so caressed;
and that it was want of spirit not to think myself as good as she was;
and, if she was in my place, she would not submit to be taught by a
child; for my Cousin Molly frequently offered to instruct me in anything
she knew; but I used to say (as Betty had taught me) that I would not
learn of her; for she was but a child, though she was a little older;
and that I was not put under her care, but that of my grandmamma. But
she, poor woman, was so old and unhealthy, that she never troubled her
head much about us, but only to take care that we wanted for nothing. I
lived in this manner three years, fretting and vexing myself that I did
not know so much, nor was not so much liked, as my Cousin Molly, and yet
resolving not to learn anything she could teach me; when my grandmamma
was advised to send me to school; but, as soon as I came here, the case
was much worse; for, instead of one person to envy, I found many;
for all my schoolfellows had learned more than I; and, instead of
endeavouring to get knowledge, I began to hate all those who knew more
than myself; and this, I am now convinced, was owing to that odious
envy, which, if not cured, would always have made me as miserable as
Mrs. Dison was and which constantly tormented me, till we came to live
in that general peace and good-humour we have lately enjoyed: and as I
hope this wicked spirit was not natural to me, but only blown up by
that vile Betty's instigations, I don't doubt but I shall now grow
very happy, and learn something every day, and be pleased with being
instructed, and that I shall always love those who are so good as to
instruct me.'

Here Miss Patty Lockit ceased; and the dinner-bell called them from
their arbour.

Mrs. Teachum, as soon as they had dined, told them, that she thought
it proper they would use some bodily exercise, that they might not,
by sitting constantly still, impair their health. Not but that she was
greatly pleased with their innocent and instructive manner of employing
their leisure hours; but this wi