of a garb of humility."

"If I thought so, Japhet, even I would throw it off," replied Susannah.

"It certainly is not pleasant that everyone should think that you walk
out on purpose to be stared at, yet such is the ill-natured construction
of the world, and they will never believe otherwise. It is possible, I
should think, to dress with equal simplicity and neatness, to avoid gay
colours, and yet to dress so as not to excite observation."

"I hardly know what to say, but that you all appear against me, and that
sometimes I feel that I am too presumptuous in thus judging for myself."

"I am not against you, Susannah; I know you will do what you think is
right, and I shall respect you for that, even if I disagree with you;
but I must say, that if my wife were to dress in such a way as to
attract the public gaze, I should feel too jealous to approve of it. I
do not, therefore, blame Mr Cophagus for inducing his pretty wife to
make some alteration in her attire, neither do I blame, but I commend
her for obeying the wishes of her husband. Her beauty is his, and not
common property."

Susannah did not reply: she appeared very thoughtful.

"You disagree with me, Susannah," said I, after a pause; "I am sorry for
it."

"I cannot say that I do, Japhet: I have learnt a lesson this day, and,
in future, I must think more humbly of myself, and be more ruled by the
opinions and judgment of others."

Mr and Mrs Cophagus then came in. Cophagus had resumed his medical
coat and waistcoat, but not his pantaloons or Hessians: his wife, who
had a very good taste in dress, would not allow him. She was in her
grey silk gown, but wore a large handsome shawl, which covered all but
the skirts: on her head she had a Leghorn bonnet, and certainly looked
very pretty. As usual, she was all good humour and smiles. I told them
that we had been walking out, and that Susannah had been much annoyed by
the staring of the people.

"Always so," said Cophagus, "never mind--girls like it--feel pleased--
and so on."

"You wrong me much, brother Cophagus," replied Susannah, "it pained me
exceedingly."

"All very well to say so--know better--sly puss--will wear dress--people
say, pretty Quaker--and so on."

Susannah hastily left the room after this attack, and I told them what
had passed.

"Mrs Cophagus," said I, "order a bonnet and shawl like yours for her,
without telling her, and, perhaps, you will persuade her to put them
on."

M