ng, that she was now very sensible of the truth of what she had
just been saying, she hoped she would take this opportunity of obliging
them with the history of her past life: which request she made no
hesitation to grant, saying, the shame of her past faults should by o
means induce her to conceal them.

THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY.

Miss Dolly Friendly was just turned of eleven years of age. Her person
was neither plain nor handsome: and though she had not what is properly
called one fine feature in her face, yet the disposition of them were so
suitable to each other, that her countenance was rather agreeable than
otherwise. She had generally something very quiet, or rather indolent,
in her look, except when she was moved by anger; which seldom happened,
but in defense of some favourite or friend; and she had then a
fierceness and eagerness which altered her whole countenance: for she
could not bear the least reflection or insult on those she loved. This
disposition made her always eager to comply with her friends' requests;
and she immediately began, as follows:

THE LIFE OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY.

'I was bred up, till I was nine years of age, with a sister, who was one
year younger than myself. The chief care of our parents was to make us
love each other; and, as I was naturally inclined to have very strong
affections, I became so fond of my sister Molly, which was her name,
that all my delight was to please her; and this I carried to such a
height, that I scrupled no lies to excuse her faults: and whatever she
did, I justified, and thought right, only because she did it.

'I was ready to fight her quarrels, whether right or wrong; and hated
everybody that offended her. My parents winked at whatever I did in
defence of my sister; and I had no notion that any thing done for her
could be unreasonable. In short, I made it my study to oblige and please
her, till I found at last it was out of my power; for she grew so very
humoursome, that she could not find out what she had most mind to have;
and I found her always miserable; for she would cry only because she did
not know her own mind.

'She never minded what faults she committed, because she knew I would
excuse her; and she was forgiven in consideration of our friendship,
which gave our parents great pleasure.

'My poor little sister grew very sickly, and she died just before I
came to school: but the same disposition still continued; and i