lents. I agree with good Bishop Hull, that it
is better to thin the blossoms that the rest may thrive; and that in
encouraging too many propensities, one faculty may not starve another."

Lady Belfield expressed herself grateful for the hints Mr. Stanley had
thrown out, which could not be but of importance to her who had so large
a family. After some further questions from her, he proceeded:

"I have partly explained to you, my dear madam, why, though I would not
have every woman learn every thing, yet why I would give every girl, in
a certain station of life, some one amusing accomplishment. There is
here and there a strong mind, which requires a more substantial
nourishment than the common education of girls affords. To such, and to
such only, would I furnish the quiet resource of a dead language as a
solid aliment, which may fill the mind without inflating it.

"But that no acquirement may inflate it, let me add, there is but one
sure corrective. Against learning, against talents of any kind, nothing
can steady the head, unless you fortify the heart with real
Christianity. In raising the moral edifice, we must sink deep in
proportion as we build high. We must widen the foundation if we extend
the superstructure. Religion alone can counteract the aspirings of
genius, can regulate the pride of talents.

"And let such women as are disposed to be vain of their comparatively
petty attainments, look up with admiration to those two cotemporary
shining examples, the venerable Elizabeth Carter and the blooming
Elizabeth Smith. I knew them both, and to know was to revere them. In
_them_, let our young ladies contemplate profound and various learning
chastised by true Christian humility. In _them_, let them venerate
acquirements which would have been distinguished in a university,
meekly, softened, and beautifully shaded by the gentle exertion of every
domestic virtue, the unaffected exercise of every feminine employment."

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Ever since Mr. Tyrrel had been last with us, I had observed an unusual
seriousness in the countenance of Sir John Belfield, though accompanied
with his natural complacency. His mind seemed intent on something he
wished to communicate. The first time we were both alone in the library
with Mr. Stanley, Sir John said: "Stanley, the conversations we have
lately had, and especially the last, in which you bore so considerable a
part, have furnished me with matter for reflection. I hope