irtuous, even in the
midst of oppression and distress, while the event is yet doubtful, and
apparently against them; and, on the contrary, in the confusion of mind
which the vicious are tormented with, even whilst they falsely imagine
themselves triumphant.'

Mrs. Teachum then taking the book out of Miss Jenny's hands, and turning
to the passage, said, 'How does Lady Brumpton show us the wretched
condition of her own mind, when she says,

'"How miserable 'tis to have one one hates always about one! And when
one can't endure one's own reflections upon some actions, who can bear
the thoughts of another upon them?"

'Then with what perturbation of mind does she proceed, to wish it was in
her power to increase her wickedness, without making use enough of her
understanding, to see that by that means she would but increase her own
misery.

'On the other hand, what a noble figure does Lord Hardy make, when, by
this wicked woman's contrivances, he thinks himself disinherited of his
whole fortune, ill-treated, and neglected by a father, he never had in
thought offended! He could give an opportunity to a sincere friend, who
would not flatter him, to say,

'"No; you are, my lord, the extraordinary man, who, on the loss of an
almost princely fortune, can be master of a temper that makes you the
envy rather than pity, of your more fortunate, not more happy friends."

'This is a fine distinction between fortunate and happy; and intimates
this happiness must dwell in the mind, and depends upon no outward
accidents.

'Fortune, indeed, is a blessing, if properly used; which Camply shows,
when by that means he can assist and relieve his worthy friend.

'With what advantage does Lady Charlotte appear over her sister, when
the latter is trifling and dancing before the glass, and the former
says,

'"If I am at first so silly as to be a little taken with myself, I know
it is a fault, and take pains to correct it."

'And on Lady Harriet's saying, very giddily, that it was too soon for
her to think at that rate, Lady Charlotte properly adds,

'"They that think it too soon to understand themselves, will very soon
find it too late."

'In how ridiculous a light does Lady Harriet appear, while she is
displaying all that foolish coquetry! And how different a figure does
she make, when she has got the better of it?

'My Lady Brumpton, when alarmed with the least noise, breaks out into
all the convulsive starts natural to conscious g