WhenmysisterBrunettafoundthatIhadsuchasupernaturalpoweratmycommand，thoughsheknewnotwhatitwas，shedesistedfromeverattemptinganymorebyforcetodisturbme;andnowonlyusesallsortsofartsandcontrivancestodeceiveme，oranypersonswhomIwouldwishtosecure。Oneofmyfather’sdailylessonstomewas，thatIshouldneveromitanyonedayofmylifeendeavouringtobeasserviceableasIpossiblycouldtoanypersonindistress。AndIdailywander，asfarasmyfeetwillcarryme，insearchofanysuch，andhitherIinvitethemtopeaceandcalmcontentment。Butmyfatheraddedalsothiscommand，thatIshouldneverendeavourdoinganyfarthergoodtothosewhomadversityhadnottaughttohearkentothevoiceofreason，enoughtoenablethemsotoconquertheirpassionsasnottothinkthemselvesmiserableinasaferetreatfromnoiseandconfusion。
ThiswasthereasonIcouldnotgratifyyouinrelatingthehistoryofmylife，whilstyougavewaytoragingpassions，whichonlyservetoblindyoureyes，andshutyourearsfromtruth。Butnow，greatqueen（forIknowyourstate，fromwhatyouventedinyourgrief），Iamreadytoendowthislittleprincesswithanygiftinmypower，thatIknowwilltendreallytohergood;andI
hopeyourexperienceoftheworldhasmadeyoutooreasonabletorequireanyother。’
Thequeenconsideredalittlewhile，andthendesiredSybellatoendowtheprincesswiththatonlywisdomwhichwouldenablehertoseeandfollowwhatwasherowntruegood，toknowthevalueofeverythingaroundher，andtobesensiblethatfollowingthepathsofgoodnessandperformingherdutywastheonlyroadtocontentandhappiness。
Sybellawasoverjoyedatthequeen’srequest，andimmediatelygrantedit，onlytellingthePrincessHebe，thatitwasabsolutelynecessarytowardstheattainmentofthisgreatblessing，thatsheshouldentirelyobeythequeenhermother，withouteverpretendingtoexaminehercommands;for’trueobedience（saidshe）consistsinsubmission;andwhenwepretendtochoosewhatcommandsareproperandfitforus，wedon’tobey，butsetupourownwisdominoppositiontoourgovernors——this，mydearHebe，youmustbeverycarefulofavoiding，ifyouwouldbehappy。’Shethencautionedheragainstgivingwaytothepersuasionsofanyoftheyoungshepherdessesthereabouts，whowouldendeavourtoallurehertodisobedience，bystrivingtoraiseinhermindadesireofthinkingherselfwise，whilsttheyweretearingfromherwhatwasindeedtruewisdom。’For（saidSybella）mysisterBrunetta，wholivesinthecastleshedrovemefrom（aboutamilefromthiswood）endowsyoungshepherdesseswithgreatbeauty，andeverythingthatisinappearanceamiable，andlikelytopersuade，inordertoallureawayandmakewretched，thosepersonsIwouldpreserve：
andallthewisdomwithwhichIhaveendowedthePrincessHebewillnotpreventherfallingintomysister’ssnares，ifshegivestheleastwaytotemptation;formyfather’sgifttoBrunetta，inherinfancy，enablesher（asItoldyou）tosucceedinallherdesigns，excepttheyareresistedbythevirtueofthepersonsheispractisingagainst。Manypoorwretcheshasmysisteralreadydecoyedawayfromme，whomshenowkeepsinhercastle;wheretheyliveinsplendorandseemingjoy，butinrealmisery，fromperpetualjarsandtumults，railedbyenvy，malice，andallthetrainoftumultuousandtormentingpassions。’
ThePrincessHebesaid，shedoubtednotbutsheshouldbeabletowithstandanyofBrunetta’stemptations。Hermotherinterruptingher，criedout，’Oh，mydearchild，thoughyouareendowedwithwisdomenoughtodirectyouinthewaytovirtue，yetifyougrowconceitedandproudofthatwisdom，andfancyyourselfabovetemptation，itwillleadyouintotheworstofallevils。’Herethefairyinterposed，andtoldthePrincessHebe，thatifshewouldalwayscarefullyobserveandobeyhermother，whohadlearnedwisdominthatbestschool，adversity，shewouldthen，indeed，beabletowithstandandovercomeeverytemptation，andwouldlikewisebehappyherself，andabletodispensehappinesstoallaroundher。Nothingwasomittedbythefairytomakethisretirementagreeabletoherroyalguests;andtheyhadnowpassednearsevenyearsinthisdelightfulgrove，inperfectpeaceandtranquillity;whenoneevening，astheywerewalkinginthepleasantwoodwhichsurroundedtheirhabitation，theyespiedundertheshade，andleaningagainstthebarkofalargeoak，apooroldman，whoselimbswerewitheredanddecayed，andwhoseeyeswerehollow，andsunkwithageandmisery。Theystoppedassoonastheysawhim，andheardhimintheanguishofhisheart，withaloudgroan，utterthesewords：’Whenwillmysorrowsend？WhereshallIfindthegoodfairySybella？’Thefairyimmediatelybeggedtoknowhisbusinesswithher;andsaid，ifhissorrowswouldendonfindingSybella，hemightsethisheartatease;forshestoodnowbeforehim，andreadytoservehim，ifhisdistressesweresuchaswouldadmitofrelief，andhecouldprovehimselfworthyofherfriendship。TheoldManappearedgreatlyoverjoyedathavingfoundthefairy，andbeganthefollowingstory：
’Ilivefromhenceathousandleagues。AllthistiresomewayhaveIcomeinsearchofyou。Mywholelifehasbeenspentinamassingwealth，toenrichoneonlyson，whomIdotedontodistraction。
ItisnowfiveyearssinceIhavegivenhimupalltherichesI
hadlabouredtoget，onlytomakehimhappy。But，alashowamI
disappointed！Hiswealthenableshimtocommandwhateverthisworldproduces;andyetthepoorestwretchthatbegshisbreadcannotbemoremiserable。Hespendshisdaysinriotandluxury;
hasmoreslavesandattendantsthanwaitinthepalaceofaprince;andstillhesighsfrommorningtillnight，because，hesays，thereisnothinginthisworldworthlivingfor。Allhisdaintiesonlysatehispalate，andgrowirksometohissight。Hedailychangeshisopinionofwhatispleasure;and，onthetrial，findsnonethathecancallsuch;andthenfallstosighingagain，fortheemptinessofallthathehasenjoyed。Sothat，insteadofbeingmydelight，andthecomfortofmyoldage，sleeplessnights，andanxiousdays，arealltherewardsofmypastlaboursforhim。
ButIhavehadmanyvisionsanddreamstoadmonishme，thatifI
wouldventurewithmyoldframetotravelhithera—footinsearchofthefairySybella，shehadaglass，whichifsheshowedhim，hewouldbecuredofthisdreadfulmelancholy，andIhavebornethelabourandfatigueofcomingthislongtiresomeway，thatImaynotbreathemylastwiththeagonizingreflection，thatallthelaboursofmylifehavebeenthrownaway。ButwhatshallIsaytoengageyoutogowithme？Canrichestempt，orpraiseallureyou？’
’No，（answeredthefairy）neitherofthemhaspowertomoveme;
butIcompassionateyourage;andifIthoughtIcouldsucceed，wouldnotrefuseyou。TheglasswhichIshallbidhimlookin，willshowhimhisinwardself;butifhewillnotopenbothhiseyesandheartenoughtotruth，tolethimunderstand，thatthepleasureshepursuesnotonlyarenotbutcannotbesatisfactory，Icanbeofnosortofservicetohim。Andknow，oldman，thatthepunishmentyounowfeelisthenaturalresultofyournothavingtaughthimthisfromhisinfancy;for，insteadofheapingupwealth，toallurehimtoseekforhappinessfromsuchdeceitfulmeans，youshouldhavetaughthim，thattheonlypathtoitwastobevirtuousandgood。’
Theoldmansaid，heheartilyrepentedofhisconduct，andonhiskneessoferventlyimploredSybella’sassistance，thatatlastsheconsentedtogowithhim。Thenstrikingonthegroundthreetimeswithherwand，thecarandhorsesroseup，andplacingtheoldManbyher，aftertakingleaveofthequeen，andbeggingthePrincessHebetobecarefultoguardagainstalltemptationstodisobedience，shesetoutonherjourney。
ItbeingnowcometothelatesthourthatMrs。Teachumthoughtproperforherlittlescholarstostayoutintheair，shetoldMissJennythatshemustdeferreadingtheremainingpartofherstorytillthenextday。MissJennyalwayswithgreatcheerfulnessobeyedhergoverness，andimmediatelyleftoffreading;andsaidshewasreadytoattendher;andthewholecompanyroseuptofollowher。
Mrs。Teachumhadsomuchjudgment，that，perceivingsuchareadyobediencetoallhercommands，shenowendeavoured，byallmeansshecouldthinkof;tomakeherscholarsthrowoffthatreservebeforeher，whichmustevermakeituneasytothemforherevertobepresentwhilsttheywerefollowingtheirinnocentdiversions;
forsuchwastheunderstandingofthisgoodwoman，thatshecouldkeepuptheauthorityofthegovernessinherschool，yetattimesbecomethecompanionofherscholars。Andasshenowsaw，bytheirgoodbehaviour，theydeservedthatindulgence，shetookthelittledumplingbythehand，and，followedbytherest，walkedtowardsthehouse，anddiscoursedfamiliarlywiththemtherestoftheevening，concerningalltheirpastamusements。
SATURDAY。
THESIXTHDAY。
ItwasthecustomonSaturdaystohavenoschoolintheafternoon，anditbeingalsotheirwritingdayfrommorning—schooltilldinner，Mrs。Teachum，knowinghoweagerMissJenny’shearerswerefortherestofthestory，accompaniedthemintothearbour，earlyintheafternoon，whenMissJennywentonasfollows：
THEFAIRYTALECONTINUED。
ThequeenandthePrincessHeberemained，bythegoodfairy’sdesire，inherhabitationduringherabsence。Theyspenttheirtimeinserenityandcontent;theprincessdailyimprovingherselfinwisdomandgoodness，byhearkeningtohermother’sinstructions，andobeyingallhercommands，andthequeeninstudyingwhatwouldbeofmostusetoherchild。Shehadnowforgotherthroneandpalace，anddesirednothingforher，thanherpresentpeacefulretreat。Onemorning，astheyweresittinginalittlearbouratthecornerofapleasantmeadow，onasuddentheyheardavoice，muchsweeterthantheyhadeverheard，warblethroughthefollowingsong：
ASONG。
Virtue，softbalmofeverywoe，Ofev’rygriefthecure，’TisthoualonethatcanstbestbestowPleasuresunmix’dandpure。
Theshadywood，theverdantmead，AreVirtue’sflow’ryroad;
NorpainfularethestepswhichleadToherdivineabode。
’Tisnotinpalacesofhalls，Sheortheirtrainappear;
Faroffshefliesfrompompouswalls;
VirtueandPeacedwellhere。
Thequeenwasallattention，andattheendofthesongshegazedaroundher，inhopesofseeingthepersonwhoseenchantingvoiceshehadbeensoeagerlylisteningto，whensheespiedayoungshepherdess，notmucholderthanthePrincessHebe，butpossessedofsuchuncommonanddazzlingbeauty，thatitwassometimebeforeshecoulddisengagehereyesfromsoagreeableanobject。Assoonastheyoungshepherdessfoundherselfobserved，sheseemedmodestlytooffertowithdraw;butthequeenbeggedhernottogotillshehadinformedthemwhoshewas，that，withsuchacommandingaspect，hadsomuchengagedtheminherfavour。
Theshepherdesscomingforward，withabashfulblush，andprofoundobedience，answered，thathernamewasRozella，andshewasthedaughterofaneighbouringshepherdandshepherdess，wholivedaboutaquarterofamilefromthence;and，toconfessthetruth，shehadwanderedthither，inhopesofseeingtheyoungstranger，whosefameforbeautyandwisdomhadfilledallthatcountryround。
ThePrincessHebe，wellknowingofwhomshespoke，conceivedfromthatmomentsuchaninclinationfurheracquaintance，thatshebeggedhertostayandspendthatwholedaywiththeminPlacidGrove。Herethequeenfrowneduponher，forshehad，bythefairy’sdesire，chargedhernevertobringanyone，withoutherpermission，intothatpeacefulgrove。
TheyoungRozellaanswered，thatnothingcouldbemoreagreeabletoherinclinations;butshemustbeathomebynoon，forsointhemorninghadherfathercommandedher，andneveryetinherlifehadsheeitherdisputedordisobeyedherparent’scommands。
Heretheyoungprincesslookedonhermotherwitheyesexpressiveofherjoyatfindingacompanion，whichshe，andeventhefairyherself，couldnotdisapprove。
WhenRozellatookherleave，shebeggedthefavourthatthelittleHebe（forsoshecalledher，notknowinghertobeaprincess）
mightcometoherfather’ssmallcottage，andtherepartakesuchhomelyfareasitafforded;awelcome，shesaid，shecouldinsureher;andthoughpoor，yetfromthehonestyofherparents，whowouldbeproudtoentertainsorareabeauty，shewascertainnosortofharmcouldhappentotheprettyHebe，fromsuchafriendlyvisit;andshewouldbeinthesameplaceagaintomorrow，tomeether，inhopes，asshesaid，toconducthertoherhumblehabitation。
WhenRozellawasgone，thequeen，thoughhighlypossessedinherfavour，bothbyherbeautyandmodestbehaviour，yetponderedsometimeonthethought，whetherornoshewasafitcompanionforherdaughter。SherememberedwhatSybellahadtoldher，concerningBrunetta’sadorningyoungshepherdesseswithbeauty，andotherexcellences，onlytoenablethemthebettertoallureandenticeothersintowickedness。Rozella’sbeginningheracquaintancetoowiththeprincess，byflattery，hadnogoodaspect;andthesuddeneffectithaduponher，soastomakeherforget，orwilfullydisobey，hercommands，byinvitingRozellatoPlacidGrove，werecircumstanceswhichgreatlyalarmedher。But，bytherepeatedentreatiesoftheprincess，shegaveherconsentthatsheshouldmeetRozellathenextday，andwalkwithherinthatmeadow，andinthewood，butuponnoaccountshouldshegohomewithher，orbringRozellabackwithher。Thequeenthen，ingentleterms，chidtheprincessforherinvitationtotheyoungshepherdess，whichwascontrarytoanabsolutecommand;andsaid，’Youmust，mydearHebe，beverycarefultoguardyourselfextremelywellagainstthosetemptationswhichwearthefaceofvirtue。Iknowthatyoursuddenaffectiontothisapparentgoodgirl，andyourdesireofhercompany，topartakewithyoutheinnocentpleasuresofthishappyplace，arisefromagooddisposition;butwheretheindulgenceofthemostlaudablepassion，evenbenevolenceandcompassionitself，interfereswith，orrunscountertoyourduty，youmustendeavourtosuppressit，oritwillfarewithyou，asitdidwiththathen，who，thinkingthatsheheardthevoiceofalittleducklingindistress，flewfromheryoungones，togoandgiveitassistance，andfollowingthecry，cameatlasttoahedge，outofwhichjumpedasubtleandwickedfox，whohadmadethatnoisetodeceiveher，anddevouredherinaninstant。Akiteatthesametime，takingadvantageofherabsence，carriedaway，onebyone，allherlittleinnocentbrood，robbedofthatparentwhoshouldhavebeentheirprotector。’Theprincesspromisedhermotherthatshewouldpunctuallyobeyallhercommands，andbeverywatchfulandobservantofeverythingRozellasaidanddid，tillshehadapprovedherselfworthyofherconfidenceandfriendship。
Thequeenthenextmorningrenewedherinjunctionstoherdaughter，thatsheshouldbynomeansgofartheroutofthewoodthanintothemeadow，whereshewastomeetRozella，andthatsheshouldgiveherafaithfulaccountofallthatshouldpassbetweenthem。
Theymetaccordingtoappointment，andtheprincessbroughthomesogoodanaccountoftheirconversation，whichthequeenimaginedwouldhelptoimprove，ratherthanseduceherchild，thatsheindulgedherinthesamepleasureasoftenassheaskedit。Theypassedsomehourseverydayinwalkingroundthatdelightfulwood，inwhichweremanysmallgreenmeadows，withlittlerivuletsrunningthroughthem，onthebanksofwhich，coveredwithprimrosesandviolets，Rozella，bythesideofhersweetcompanion，usedtosingthemostenchantingsongsintheworld：
thewordswerechieflyinpraiseofinnocenceandacountrylife。
Theprincesscamehomeeverydaymoreandmorecharmedwithheryoungshepherdess，andrecounted，asnearasshecouldremember，everywordthathadpassedbetweenthem。Thequeenveryhighlyapprovedoftheirmannerofamusingthemselves;butagainenjoinedhertoomitnothingthatpassedinconversation，especiallyifithadtheleasttendencytowardsalluringherfromherduty。
Oneday，astheprincessHebeandRozellawerewalkingalone，andtalking，asusual，oftheirownhappystate，andtheprincesswasdeclaringhowmuchherownhappinesswasowingtoherthoroughobediencetohermother，Rozella，withatoneofvoiceashalfinjest，said，’Butdon’tyouthink，mylittleHebe，thatifItakeaverygreatpleasureinanythingthatwilldomenohurt，thoughitisforbidden，Imaydisobeymyparentsinenjoyingit，providedIdon’ttellthemofittovexthemwiththethoughtthatIhavedisobeyedthem？Andthen，mydear，whatharmisdone？’
’Greatharm（answeredtheprincess，lookinggraveandhalfangry）：
Iamashamedtohearyoutalkso，Rozella。Areyounotguiltyoftreachery，aswellasdisobedience？Neitheroughtyoutodeterminethatnoharmisdone，becauseyoudonotfeeltheimmediateeffectsofyourtransgression;fortheconsequencemaybeoutofournarrowinexperiencedview;andIhavebeentaughtwhenevermymotherlaysanycommandsonme，totakeitforgranted，shehassomereasonforsodoing;andIobeyher，withoutexaminingwhatthosereasonsare;otherwise，itwouldnotbeobeyingher，butsettingupmyownwisdom，anddoingwhatshebidme，onlywhenIthoughtproper。’
Theyheldalongargumentonthishead，inwhichRozellamadeuseofmanyafallacytoproveherpoint;buttheprincess，asshehadnotyetdepartedfromTruth，norfailedinherduty，couldnotbeimposedupon。Rozella，seeingeveryattempttopersuadeherwasinvain，turnedallherpastdiscourseintoajest;saidshehadonlyamindtotryher;andwasoverjoyedtofindhersosteadyinthecauseoftruthandvirtue。Theprincessresumedherusualcheerfulnessandgoodhumour。Rozellasungherasonginpraiseofconstancyofmind;andtheypassedtherestofthetimetheystayedtogether，astheyusedtodo。
But，justbeforetheyparted，Rozellabeggedshewouldnottellhermotherofthefirstpartoftheconversationthathadpassedbetweenthem。Theprincessreplied，thatitwouldbebreakingthroughoneofhermother’scommands，andthereforeshedarednotgrantherrequest。Then，saidRozella，’HereImustforeverpartwithmydearlittleHebe。Yourmother，notknowingthemannerinwhichIspoke，willhaveanillopinionofme，andwillnevertrustyouagaininmycompany。Thuswillyoubetornfromme;andlosswillbeirreparable。’Thesewordssheaccompaniedwithafloodoftears，andsuchlittletendernesses，asquitemeltedtheprincessintotearsalso。Butshestillsaid，thatshecouldnotdaretoconcealfromhermotheranythingthathadhappened，thoughshecouldnotbutown，shebelievedtheirseparationwouldbetheconsequence。’Wellthen（criedRozella）Iwillendeavourtobecontented，asourseparationwillgiveyoulesspainthanwhatyoucallthismightybreachofyourduty：andthoughIwouldwillinglyundergoalmostanytormentsthatcouldbeinvented，ratherthanbedebarredonemomentthecompanyofmydearestHebe，yetIwillnotexpectthatsheshouldsufferthesmallestdegreeofpain，oruneasiness，tosavemefromlosingwhatisthewholepleasureofmylife。’
TheprincesscouldnotbearthethoughtofappearingungratefultosuchawarmfriendshipasRozellaexpressed;and，withoutfartherhesitation，promisedtoconcealwhatshehadsaid，andtoundergoanything，ratherthanlosesoamiableafriend。
Afterthistheyparted。ButwhentheprincessenteredtheGrove，shedidnot，asusual，runwithhasteandjoyintothepresenceofherindulgentmother;forhermindwasdisturbed：shefeltaconsciousshameonseeingher，andturnedawayherface，aswantingtoshunthepiercinglookofthateye，whichsheimaginedwouldseethesecretlurkinginherbosom。Hermotherobservedwithconcernherdowncastlook，andwantofcheerfulness。Andaskingherwhatwasthematter，sheanswered，herwalkhadfatiguedher，andshebeggedearlytoretiretorest。Herkindmotherconsented;butlittleresthadthepoorprincessthatwholenight，forthepainofhavinghermindtouchedwithguilt，andthefearshewasunderoflosingherdearcompanion，keptherthoughtsinonecontinuedtumultandconfusion。Thefairy’sgiftnowbecamehercurse;forthepowerofseeingwhatwasright，asshehadactedcontrarytoherknowledge，onlytormentedher。
ShehastenedthenextmorningtomeetRozella，andtoldherallthathadpassedinherownmindtheprecedingnight;declaringthatshewouldnotpasssuchanotherforthewholeworld;butyetwouldnotdispensewithherpromisetoher，withoutherconsent;
andthereforecametoaskherleavetoacquainthergoodmotherwithallthathadpassed：’For（saidshe）mydearRozella，wemust，ifwewouldbehappy，doalwayswhatisright，andtrustfortheconsequences。’HereRozelladrewherfeaturesintothemostcontemptuoussneerimaginable，andsaid，’Praywhatareallthesemightypainsyouhavesuffered？Aretheynotowingonlytoyourwantofsenseenoughtoknow，thatyoucandoyourmothernoharm，byconcealingfromherthis，oranythingelsethatwillvexher？
and，mydeargirl（continuedshe）whenyouhaveonceenteredintothiswayofthinking，andhaveputthisblinddutyoutofyourhead，youwillspendnomoresuchrestlessnights，whichyoumustseewasentirelyowingtoyourownimaginations。’
Thisstartledtheprincesstosuchadegree，thatshewasbreakingfromher，but，puttingonamoretenderair，Rozellacried，’Andcanyouthen，mydearHebe，determinetogivemeupforsuchatriflingconsideration？’Thenraisinghervoiceagain，inahaughtymanner，shesaid，’Ioughttodespiseandlaughatyouforyourfolly，oratbestpityyourignorance，ratherthanofferasincerefriendshiptoonesoundeserving。’
Theprincess，havingonceswervedfromherduty，wasnowinthepowerofeverypassionthatshouldattackher。
Prideandindignation，atthethoughtofbeingdespised，boremoreswaywithher，thaneitherherdutyoraffectiontoherfondmother;andshewasnowdetermined，shesaid，tothinkforherself，andmakeuseofherownunderstanding，whichshewasconvincedwouldalwaysteachherwhatwasright。UponthisRozellatookherbythehand，and，withtearsofjoy，said，’Now，mydearestgirl，youarereallywise，andcannottherefore（accordingtoyourownrule）failofbeinghappy。Buttoshowthatyouareinearnestinthisresolution，youshallthismorninggohomewithmetomyfather’scot;itisnotsofaroff，butyouwillbebackbythetimeyourmotherexpectsyou;andasthatwillbeobeyingthechiefcommand，itisbutconcealingfromherthethingthatwouldvexher，andtherewillbenoharmdone。’Herearayoftruthbrokeinuponouryoungprincess;butasafalseshame，andfearofbeinglaughedat，hadnowgotpossessionofher，she，withasoftsigh，consentedtotheproposal。
Rozellaledtheway。Butjustastheywereturningroundthewalk，whichleadsoutofthewood，alargeserpentdartedfromonesideoutofathicket，directlybetweenthem，andturningitshissingmouthtowardstheprincess，asseemingtomakeafterher，shefledhastilyback，andranwithallherspeedtowardsthegrove，andpantingforbreath，flewintothearmsofhereverkindprotectress。
Hermotherwasvastlyterrifiedtoseehertremble，andlooksopale;andassoonasshewasalittlerecovered，askedhertheoccasionofherfright，andadded（withtearsrunningdownhercheeks）’Iamafraid，mydearHebe，somesaddisasterhasbefallenyou，for，indeed，mychild，Ibuttooplainlysawlastnight——’
Heretheprincesswassostruckwithtrueshameandconfusion，forherpastbehaviour，thatshefelldownuponherknees，confessedthewholetruth，andimploredforgivenessforherfault。
Thequeenkindlyraisedherup，kissedandforgaveher。’Iamoverjoyed，mydearchild（saidshe）atthisyoursweetrepentance，thoughtheeffectofmereaccident，asitappearsbutsent，withoutdoubt，bysomegoodfairy，tosaveyoufromdestruction;
andIhopeyouarethoroughlyconvinced，thattheserpentwhichdroveyouhome，wasnothalfsodangerousasthefalseRozella。’
Theprincessanswered，thatshewasthoroughlysensibleofthedangersshehadavoided，andhopedshenevershouldagain，byherownfollyandwickedness，deservetobeexposedtothedangerfromwhichshehadsolatelyescaped。
Somedayspassed，withouttheprincess’sofferingtostiroutofthegrove;andinthattimeshegaveawillingandpatienteartoallhermother’sinstructions，andseemedthoroughlysensibleofthegreatdeliveranceshehadlatelyexperienced。Butyetthereappearedinhercountenanceanuneasiness，whichthequeenwishingtoremove，askedherthecauseof。
’Itis，dearmadam，’answeredtheprincess，’becauseIhavenotyethaditinmypowertoconvinceyouofmyrepentance，which（thoughIknowittobesincere）youhavehadnoproofof，butinwordsonly;and，indeed，myheartlongsforanoccasiontoshowyou，thatIamnowabletoresistanyallurementwhichwouldtemptmefrommyduty;andIcannotbeeasytillyouhavegivenmeanopportunityofshowingyouthefirmnessofmyresolution;andifyouwillgivemeleavetotakeawalkinthewoodalone，thisevening，Ishallreturntoyouwithpleasure，andwillpromisenottoexceedanyboundsthatyoushallprescribe。’
Thequeenwasnotmuchpleasedwiththisrequest;buttheprincesswassoearnestwithhertograntit，thatshecouldnotwellrefuse，withoutseemingtosuspecthersincerity;whichshedidnot，butonlyfearedforhersafety，and，givingherastrictcharge，nottostirastepoutofthewood，ortospeaktothefalseRozella，ifshecameinherway，shereluctantlygaveherconsent。
Theprincesswalkedthroughalltheflowerylabyrinths，inwhichshehadsooftenstrayedwithRozella;butshewassoshockedwiththethoughtsofherwickedness，thatshehardlygaveasighforthelossofacompaniononcesodeartoher;andasaproofthatherrepentancewassincere，thoughsheheardRozellasinginginanarbour（purposelyperhapstodecoyher）sheturnedawaywithouttheleastemotion，andwentquitetotheothersideofthewood;
wherelookingintothemeadow，inwhichshefirstbeheldthatfalsefriend，shesawagirlaboutherownage，leaningagainstatree，andcryingmostbitterly。Butthemomentshecameinsight，theyoungshepherdess（forsuchbyherdresssheappearedtobe）
criedout，’Ohelp，dearyounglady，helpme;forIamtiedheretothistree，bythespitefulcontrivanceofawickedyoungshepherdesscalledRozella：myhandstoo，yousee，areboundbehindme，sothatIcannotmyselfunloosetheknot;andifIamnotreleased，heremustIlieallnightandmywretchedparentswillbreaktheirhearts，forfearsomesadaccidentshouldhavebefallentheironlychild，theirpoorunhappyFlorimel！’
ThePrincess，hearingherspeakofRozellainthatmanner，hadnosuspicionofherbeingoneofthatfalsegirl’sdeludingcompanions;butratherthoughtthatshewasafellow—suffererwithherself;andtherefore，withoutanyconsiderationoftheboundsprescribed，shehastenedtorelieveher，andeventhoughtthatsheshouldhavegreatpleasureintellinghermother，thatshehadsavedapooryoungshepherdessfromRozella’smalice，andrestoredhertoherfondparents。Butassoonasshehadunloosedthegirlfromthetree，andunboundherhands，insteadofreceivingthanksforwhatshehaddone，thewickedFlorimelburstintoalaugh，andsuddenlysnatchingfromthePrincessHebe’ssideherfather’spicture，whichshealwaysworehanginginaribbon，sheranawaywithit，asfastasshecould，overthemeadow。
ThePrincesswassoastonishedatthisstrangepieceofingratitudeandtreachery，andwassoalarmedforfearoflosingwhatsheknewhermothersohighlyvalued，thathardlyknowingwhatshewasabout，shepursuedFlorimelwithallherspeed，beggingandentreatinghernottobereavehersobaselyandungratefullyofthatpicture，whichshewouldnotpartwithfortheworld：butitwasalltonopurposeforFlorimelcontinuedherflight，andtheprincessherpursuit，tilltheyarrivedatBrunetta’scastle—gate;wherethefairyherselfappeareddressedandadornedinthemostbecomingmanner，and，withthemostbewitchingsmilethatcancomefromdazzlingbeauty，invitedtheprincesstoenterhercastle（intowhichFlorimelwasruntohideherself）andpromisedher，onthatcondition，tomaketheidlegirlrestorethepicture。
Itwasnowsolate，thatitwasimpossiblefortheprincesstothinkofreturninghomethatnight;andthepleasingaddressofBrunetta，togetherwiththehopesofhavingherpicturerestored，soonprevailedwithhertoacceptofthefairy’sinvitation。
Thecastleglitteredwithgaudyfurniture;sweetmusicwasheardineveryroom;thewholecompany，whowereallofthemostbeautifulformsthatcouldbeconceived，strovewhoshouldbemostobligingtothistheirnewguest。Theyomittednothingthatcouldamuseanddelightthesenses。AndthePrincessHebewassoentrancedwithjoyandrapture，thatshehadnottimeforthought，orfortheleastseriousreflection;andshenowbegantothink，thatshehadattainedthehighesthappinessuponearth。
Aftertheyhadkeptherthreedaysinthisroundofpleasureanddelight，theybegantopullofthemask;nothingwasheardbutquarrels，jars，andgallingspeeches。Insteadofsweetmusic，theapartmentswerefilledwithscreamsandhowling;foreveryonegivingwaytothemostoutrageouspassions，theywerealwaysdoingeachothersomemaliciousturn，andonlyuniversalhorrorandconfusionreigned。
Theprincesswashatedbyall，andwasoftenasked，withinsultingsneers，whyshedidnotreturntoherpeacefulgrove，andcondescendingmother？Buthermindhavingbeenthusturnedasidefromwhatwasright，couldnotbearthethoughtsofreturning;andthoughbyherdailytears，sheshowedherrepentance，shamepreventedherreturn：butthisagainwasnottherightsortofshame;forthenshewouldhumblyhavetakenthepunishmentduetohercrime;anditwasratherastubbornpride，which，assheknewherselfsohighlytoblame，wouldnotgiveherleavetosuffertheconfusionofagainconfessingherfault;andtillshecouldbringherselftosuchastateofmind，therewasnoremedyforhermisery。
JustasMissJennyhadreadthesewords，Mrs。Teachumrememberingsomeordersnecessarytogiveinherfamily，leftthem，butbidthemgoon，sayingshewouldreturnagaininaquarterofanhour。
Butshewasnosoonergonefromthem，thanourlittlecompany，hearingthesoundoftrumpetsandkettle—drums，whichseemedtobeplayingatsomelittledistancefromMrs。Teachum’shouse，suddenlystartedfromtheirseats，runningdirectlytotheterrace;and，lookingoverthegardenwall，theysawatroopofsoldiersridingby，withtheseinstrumentsofmusicplayingbeforethem。
Theywerehighlydelightedwiththegallantandsplendidappearanceofthesesoldiers，andwatchedthemtilltheywereoutofsight，andwerethenreturningtotheirarbour，whereMissJennyhadbeenreading;butMissNannySpruceespiedanothersuchtroopcomingoutofthelanefromwhencethefirsthadissued，andcriedout，’O！hereisanotherfinesight;letusstay，andseethesegobytoo。’’Indeed（saidMissDollyFriendly）IaminsuchpainforthepoorprincessHebe，whilesheisinthatsadcastle，thatIhadratherhearhowsheescaped（forthatIhopeshewill）
thanseeallthesoldiersintheworld;andbesides，itisbutseeingthesamethingwehavejustlookedatbefore。’Heresomewereforstaying，andothersforgoingback;butasMissDolly’spartywasthestrongest，thefewwereashamedtoavowtheirinclinations;andtheywerereturningtothearbour，whentheymetMrs。Teachum，whoinformedthemtheirdancingmasterwasjustarrived，andtheymustattendhim;butintheeveningtheymightfinishtheirstory。
Theyweresocurious（andespeciallyMissDollyFriendly）toknowwhatwastobecomeoftheprincess，thattheycouldhavewishednottohavebeeninterrupted;butyet，withoutonewordofanswer，theycompliedwithwhattheirgovernessthoughtmostproper;andintheevening，hasteningtotheirarbour，Mrs。Teachumherselfbeingpresent，MissJennywentoninthefollowingmanner：
THEFAIRYTALECONTINUED。
Thequeen，inthemeantime，sufferedforthelossofherchildmorethanwordscanexpress，tillthegoodfairySybellareturned。
Thequeenburstintotearsatthesightofher;butthefairyimmediatelycriedout，’Youmayspareyourself，myroyalguest，thepainofrelatingwhathashappened。Iknowitall;forthatoldman，whomItooksuchpityon，wasaphantom，raisedbyBrunetta，toalluremehence，inordertohaveanopportunity，inmyabsence，ofseducingtheprincessfromherduty。Sheknewnothingbutaprobablestorycouldimposeonme，andthereforeraisedthatstoryofthemiseryoftheoldman’sson（frommotiveswhichtoooften，indeed，causethemiseryofmortals）;asknowingIshouldthinkitmydutytodowhatIcouldtorelievesuchawretch。Iwillnottellyouallmyjourney，norwhatIhavegonethrough。Iknowyourmindisatpresenttoomuchfixedontheprincess，toattendtosucharelationI’llonlytellyouwhatconcernsyourself。Whenthephantomfound，thatbynodistresshecouldperturbmymind，hesaidhewasobligedtotellthetruth，whatwastheintentionofmybeingdeludedfromhome，andwhathadhappenedsince;andthenvanishedaway。’Herethefairyrelatedtothequeeneverythingthathadhappenedtotheprincess，ashasalreadybeenwritten;andconcludedwithsaying，thatshewouldwanderaboutthecastlewalls（forBrunettahadnopoweroverher）;andifshecouldgetasightoftheprincess，shewouldendeavourtobringhertoatruesenseofherfault，andthenshemightagainberestoredtohappiness。
Thequeenblessedthefairyforhergoodness;anditwasnotlongbeforeSybella’scontinualassiduitygotherasightoftheprincess;forsheoftenwanderedalittlewaytowardsthatwoodshehadoncesomuchdelightedin，butnevercouldbringherselftoenterintoit：thethoughtofseeingherinjuredmothermadeherstartback，andrunhalfwildintothefatalcastle。Rozellausedfrequentlytothrowherselfinherway;andonhearinghersighs，andseeinghertears，wouldburstintoasneeringlaughatherfolly;toavoidwhichlaugh，thepoorprincessfirstsufferedherselftothrowoffallherprinciplesofgoodnessandobedience，andwasnowfallenintotheverycontemptshesomuchdreaded。
Thefirsttimethefairygotasightofher，shecalledtoherwiththemostfriendlyvoice;buttheprincess，stungtothesoulwiththesightofher，fledaway，anddidnotventureoutagaininseveraldays。ThekindSybellabeganalmosttodespairofregainingherlostchild;butneverfailedwalkingroundthecastlemanyhourseveryday。Andoneevening，justbeforethesunset，sheheardwithinthegatesaloudtumultuousnoise，butmorelikeriotousmirth，thaneitherthevoiceeitherofrageoranger;
andimmediatelyshesawtheprincessrushoutatthegate，andaboutadozengirls，laughingandshouting，runningafterher。
Thepoorprincessflewwithallherspeedtillshecametoalittlearbour，justbythesideofthewood;andherpursuers，astheyintendedonlytoteaseher，didnotfollowherveryclose;
but，assoonastheylostsightofher，turnedallbackagaintothecastle。
Sybellawentdirectlyintothearbour，whereshefoundthelittletremblerprostrateontheground，cryingandsobbingasifherheartwasbreaking。Thefairyseizedherhand，andwouldnotlethergotillshehadprevailedwithhertoreturntothePlacidGrove，tothrowherselfoncemoreathermother’sfeet，assuringher，thatnothingbutthishumblestateofmindcouldcurehermiseryandrestoreherwontedpeace。
Thequeenwasfilledwiththehighestjoytoseeherchild;butrestrainedherselfsomuch，thatsheshowednottheleastsignofit，tillshehadseenhersometimeprostrateatherfeet，andhadheardherwithtearsproperlyconfess，andaskpardonfor，allherfaults。Shethenraised，andoncemoreforgaveher;buttoldherthatshemustlearnmorehumilityanddistrustofherself，beforesheshouldagainexpecttobetrusted。
Theprincessanswerednot，butwithamodestdowncastlookwhichexpressedherconcernandtruerepentance，andinashorttimerecoveredherformerpeaceofmind;andassheneverafterwardsdisobeyedherindulgentmother，shedailyincreasedinwisdomandgoodness。
Afterhavinglivedoninthemostinnocentandpeacefulmannerforthreeyears（theprincessbeingjustturnedofeighteenyearsold）
thefairytoldthequeenthatshewouldnowtellhersomenewsofherkingdom，whichshehadheardinherjourney;namely，thathersister—in—lawwasdead，andherbrother—in—lawhadmadeproclamationthroughoutthekingdom，ofgreatrewardstoanyonewhoshouldproducethequeenandthePrincessHebe，whomhewouldimmediatelyreinstateonthethrone。
ThePrincessHebewasbywhensherelatedthis，andsaidshebeggedtoleadaprivatelife，andnevermorebeexposedtothetemptationofenteringintovice，forwhichshealreadyhadsoseverelysmarted。
Thefairytoldher，that，sinceshedoubtedherself，shewasnowfittobetrusted;for，saidshe，’Ididnotlikeyourbeingsosureofresistingtemptation，whenfirstIconferredonyouthegiftofwisdom。Butyouwill，myprincess，ifyoutakethecrown，haveanopportunityofdoingsomuchgood，that，ifyoucontinuevirtuous，youwillhaveperpetualpleasures;forpower，ifmadearightuseof，isindeedaverygreatblessing。’
Theprincessanswered，thatifthequeen，hermother，thoughtitherdutytotakethecrown，shewouldcheerfullysubmit，thoughaprivatelifewouldbeotherwiseherchoice。
Thequeenreplied，thatshedidnotblameherforchoosingaprivatelife;butshethoughtshecouldnotinnocentlyrefusethepowerthatwouldgivehersuchopportunitiesofdoinggood，andmakingothershappy;since，bythatrefusal，thepowermightfallintohandsthatwouldmakeanilluseofit。
Afterthisconversation，theygotintothesamecarinwhichtheytravelledtothewoodofArdella;arrivedsafelyatthecityofAlgorada;andthePrincessHebewasseated，withuniversalconsent，onherfather’sthrone;wheresheandherpeoplewerereciprocallyhappy，byhergreatwisdomandprudence;andthequeen—motherspenttheremainderofherdaysinpeaceandjoy，toseeherbeloveddaughterproveablessingtosuchnumbersofhumancreatures;whilstsheherselfenjoyedthatonlytruecontentandhappinessthisworldcanproduce;namely，apeacefulconscience，andaquietmind。
WhenMissJennyhadfinishedherstory，Mrs。Teachumleftthemforthepresent，thattheymightwiththeutmostfreedommaketheirownobservations;forsheknewsheshouldbeacquaintedwithalltheirsentimentsfromMissJennyafterwards。
Thelittleheartsofallthecompanywereswelledwithjoy，inthatthePrincessHebewasatlastmadehappy;forhopeandfearhadeachbyturnspossessedtheirbosomsforthefateofthelittleprincess;andMissDollyFriendlysaid，thatRozella’sartfulmannerwasenoughtohavedrawninthewisestgirlintohersnares;andshedidnotseehowitwaspossibleforthePrincessHebetowithstandit，especiallywhenshecriedforfearofpartingwithher。
MissSukeyJennettsaid，thatRozella’slaughingather，andusingherwithcontempt，shethoughtwasinsupportable，forwhocouldbearthecontemptofafriend？
ManyandvariousweretheremarksmadebyMissJenny’shearersonthestoryshehadreadtothem。Butnowtheyweresoconfirmedingoodness，andeveryonewassosettledinheraffectionforhercompanions，that，insteadofbeingangryatanyoppositionthatwasmadetotheirjudgments，everyonespokeheropinionwiththeutmostmildness。
MissJennysatsometimesilenttoheartheirconversationonherfairytale。Butherseeingthemsomuchalteredintheirmanneroftalkingtoeachother，sincethetimetheymadetheirlittleremarksonherstoryofthegiants，filledherwholemindwiththemostsincerepleasure;andwithasmilepeculiartoherself，andwhichdiffusedacheerfulnesstoallaroundher，shetoldhercompanionsthejoytheirpresentbehaviourhadinspiredherwith;
butsayingthatitwasaslateastheirgovernesschosetheyshouldstayout，sherose，andwalkedtowardsthehouse，whithershewascheerfullyfollowedbythewholecompany。
Mrs。Teachumaftersupper，again，inafamiliarmanner，talkedtothemonthesubjectofthefairytale，andencouragedthem，asmuchaspossible，toanswerherfreelyinwhateversheaskedthem;
andatlastsaid，’Mygoodchildren，Iamverymuchpleasedwhenyouareinnocentlyamused;andyetIwouldhaveyouconsiderseriouslyenoughofwhatyouread，todrawsuchmoralsfromyourbooks，asmayinfluenceyourfuturepractice;andastofairytalesingeneral，remember，thatthefairies，asItoldMissJennybeforeofgiantsandmagic，areonlyintroducedbythewritersofthosetales，bywayofamusementtothereader。Forifthestoryiswellwritten，thecommoncourseofthingswouldproducethesameincidents，withoutthehelpoffairies。
’Asforexample，inthisofthePrincessHebe，youseethequeenhermotherwasnotadmittedtoknowthefairy’shistory，tillshecouldcalmhermindenoughtohearkentoreason;whichonlymeans，thatwhilstwegivewaytotheragingofourpassions，nothingusefulcaneversinkintoourminds。ForbythefairySybella’sstoryyoufind，thatbyourownfaultswemayturnthegreatestadvantagesintoourownmisery，asSybella’smotherdidherbeauty，bymakinguseoftheinfluenceitgaveheroverherhusband，toteasehimintotheruinofhischild;andasalsoBrunettadid，bydependingonherfather’sgift，toenablehertocompleteherdesires，andthereforeneverendeavouringtoconquerthem。
’Youmayobservealsoontheotherside，thatnoaccidenthadanypowertohurtSybella，becauseshefollowedthepathsofvirtue，andkepthermindfreefromrestlesspassions。
’YouseehappinessinthegoodSybella’speacefulgrove，andmiseryinthewickedBrunetta’sgaudycastle。Thequeendesiringthefairytoendowherchildwithtruewisdom，wasthecausethatthePrincessHebehaditinherpowertobehappy。Buttakenotice，thatwhensheswervedfromherduty，allherknowledgewasofnouse，butonlyrenderedhermoremiserable，bylettingherseeherownfollyinthestrongerlight。Rozellafirsttemptedtheprincesstodisobedience，bymovinghertenderness，andalarmingherfriendship，infearingtopartwithher;andthenbypersuadinghertosetupherownwisdom，inoppositiontohermother’scommands，ratherthanbelaughedat，anddespisedbyherfriends。Youarethereforetoobserve，thatifyouwouldsteadilypersevereinvirtue，youmusthaveresolutionenoughtostandthesneersofthosewhowouldallureyoutovice;foritistheconstantpracticeofthevicious，toendeavourtoallureotherstofollowtheirexample，byanaffectedcontemptandridiculeofvirtue。
’BythePrincessHebe’sbeingdrawnatlastbeyondtheprescribedbounds，bythecriesandentreatiesofthatinsidiousgirl，youaretolearn，thatwhateverappearanceofvirtueanyactionmaybeattendedwith，yetifitmakesyougocontrarytothecommandsofthosewhoknowbetterwhatisforyourgood，thanyoudoyourselves，andwhocanseefartherintotheconsequencesofactionsthancanyourtenderyears，itwillcertainlyleadyouintoerrorandmisfortune;andyoufind，assoonastheprincesshadonceoverleapedthebounds，anotherplausibleexcusearosetocarryheron;andbyafalsefearofincurringhermother’sdispleasure，shereallydeservedthatdispleasure，andwassoonreducedintothepowerofherenemy。
’Theprincess，yousee，couldhavenohappinesstillshereturnedagaintoherobedience，andhadconfessedherfault。Andthoughinthisstoryallthisisbroughtaboutbyfairies，yetthemoralofitis，thatwheneverwegivewaytoourpassions，andactcontrarytoourduty，wemustbemiserable。
’Butletmeoncemoreobservetoyou，thatthesefairiesareonlyintendedtoamuseyou;forrememberthatthemiserywhichattendedthePrincessHebe，onherdisobedience，wasthenaturalconsequenceofthatdisobedience，aswellasthenaturalconsequenceofheramendmentandreturntoherduty，wascontentandhappinessfortherestofherlife。’
HeregoodMrs。Teachumceased，andMissJenny，inthenameofthecompany，thankedherforherkindinstructions，andpromisedthattheywouldendeavour，totheutmostoftheirpower，toimprintthemontheirmemoryfortherestoftheirlives。
SUNDAY。
THESEVENTHDAY。
Thismorningourlittlesocietyroseveryearly，andwerealldressedwithneatnessandelegance，inordertogotochurch。
Mrs。TeachumputMissPollySucklingbeforeher，andtherestfollowed，twoandtwo，withperfectregularity。
Mrs。Teachumexpressedgreatapprobation，thatherscholars，atthissolemnplace，showednosortofchildishness，notwithstandingtheirtenderage;butbehavedwithdecencyanddevotionsuitabletotheoccasion。
Theywentagaininthesameorder，andbehavedagaininthesamemanner，intheafternoon;andwhentheyreturnedfromchurch，twoyoungladies，LadyCarolineandLadyFannyDelun，whohadformerlyknownMissJennyPeace，andwhowereatpresentinthatneighbourhoodwiththeiruncle，cametomakeheravisit。
LadyCarolinewasfourteenyearsofage，tallandgenteelinherperson，ofafaircomplexion，andaregularsetoffeaturessothat，uponthewhole，shewasgenerallycomplimentedwithbeingveryhandsome。
LadyFanny，whowasoneyearyoungerthanhersister，wasratherlittleofherage，ofabrowncomplexion，herfeaturesirregular;
and，inshort，shehadnottheleastrealpretensionstobeauty。
Itwasbutlatelythattheirfatherwas，bythedeathofhiseldestbrother，becomeEarlofDelun;sothattheirtitleswerenew，andtheyhadnotbeenlongusedtoyourladyship。
MissJennyPeacereceivedthemasheroldacquaintance：however，shepaidthemthedeferenceduetotheirquality，and，atthesametime，tookcarenottobehaveasifsheimaginedtheythoughtofanythingelse。
Asitwasherchiefdelighttocommunicateherpleasurestoothers，sheintroducedhernew—madefriendstoheroldacquaintance，andexpectedtohavespentaveryagreeableafternoon。Buttodescribethebehaviourofthesetwoyoungladiesisverydifficult。LadyCaroline，whowasdressedinapinkrobe，embroideredthickwithgold，andadornedwithveryfinejewels，andthefinestMechlinlace，addressedmostofherdiscoursetohersister，thatshemighthavethepleasureeveryminuteofuttering’Yourladyship，’inordertoshowwhatsheherselfexpected。Andasshespoke，herfingerswereinperpetualmotion，eitheradjustinghertucker，placingherplaitsofherrobe，orfiddlingwithadiamondcross，thathungdownonherbosom，hereyesaccompanyingherfingersastheymoved，andthensuddenlybeingsnatchedoff，thatshemightnotbeobservedtothinkofherowndress;yetwasitplain，thatherthoughtswereemployedononlythatandhertitles。MissJennyPeace，althoughshewouldhavemadeitherchoicealwaystohavebeenincompanywhodidnotdeserveridicule，yethadshehumourenoughtotreataffectationasitdeserved。AndsheaddressedherselftoLadyCarolinewithsomanyladyships，andsuchpraisesofherfineclothes，asshehopedwouldhavemadeherashamed;butLadyCarolinewastoofullofherownvanity，toseeherdesign，andonlyexposedherselftentimesthemore，tillshereallygotthebetterofMissJenny，whoblushedforher，sinceshewasincapableofblushingforherself。
LadyFanny’sdresswasplainandneatonly，nordidshementionanythingaboutit;anditwasveryvisibleherthoughtswereotherwiseemployed，neitherdidsheseemtotakeanydelightinthewords’Yourladyship’：butshetossedandthrewherpersonaboutintosomanyridiculouspostures，andastherehappenedunfortunatelytobenolooking—glassintheroomwheretheysat，sheturnedandrolledhereyessomanydifferentways，inendeavouringtoviewasmuchofherselfaspossible，thatitwasveryplaintothewholecompanyshethoughtherselfabeauty，andadmiredherselfforbeingso。
Ourlittlesociety，whoseheartsweresoopentoeachother，thattheyhadnotathoughttheyendeavouredtoconceal，weresofilledwithcontemptatLadyCarolineandLadyFanny’sbehaviour，andyetsostrictlyobliged，bygoodmanners，nottoshowthatcontempt，thatthereservetheywereforcedtoputon，laidthemundersogreatarestraint，thattheyknewnotwhichwaytoturnthemselves，orhowtoutteroneword;andgreatwastheirjoywhenLadyCaroline，astheeldest，ledtheway，andwithaswimmingcurtsey，herheadturnedhalfroundononeshoulder，andadisdainfuleye，tookherleave，repeatingtwoorthreetimestheword’misses，’toputtheminmind，thatshewasalady。ShewasfollowedbyhersisterLadyFanny，whomadeaslowdistinctcurtseytoeveryoneintheroom，thatshemightbethelongerunderobservation。AndthentakingMissJennybythehand，said，’Indeed，Miss，youareverypretty，’
inordertoputtheminmindofherownbeauty。
Ourlittlesociety，assoonastheywerereleased，retiredtotheirarbour，where，forsometime，theycouldtalkofnothingbutthisvisit。MissJennyPeaceremarkedhowmanyshapesvanitywouldturnitselfinto，anddesiredthemtoobserve，howridiculouslyLadyCarolineDelunturnedherwholethoughtsonherdress，andconditionoflife;andhowabsurditwasinLadyFanny，whowasaveryplaingirl，tosetupforabeauty，andtobehaveinamannerwhichwouldrenderhercontemptible，evenifshehadthatbeautyherownvanitymadeherimagineherselfpossessedof。
MissNannySprucesaid，’Shewasgreatlyrejoicedthatshehadseenherfolly;forshecouldverywellrememberwhenshehadthesamevanityofdressandsuperiorityofstationwithLadyCaroline，thoughshehadnot，indeed，atitletosupportit;andinwhatmanner，shesaid，shewouldtelltheminthestoryofherlife。
THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSNANNYSPRUCE。
MissNannySprucewasjustnineyearsold，andwastheveryreverseofPattyLockit，inallthings;forshehadlittlelimbs，littlefeatures，andsuchacompactnessinherform，thatshewasoftencalledthelittlefairy。Shehadthemisfortunetobelameinoneofherhips;butbygoodmanagement，andabrisknessandalacrityincarryingherself，itwasaverysmallblemishtoher，andlookedmorelikeanidlechildishgait，thananyrealdefect。
THELIFEOFMISSNANNYSPRUCE。
’Mydelight，’saidMissNannySpruce，’eversinceIcanremember，hasbeenindressandfinery;forwheneverIdidasIwasbid，I
waspromisedfinecoats，ribbons，andlacedcaps;andwhenIwasstubbornandnaughty，thenmyfinethingswerealltobelockedup，andIwastowearonlyanoldstuffcoat;sothatIthoughttheonlyrewardIcouldhavewastobedressedfineandtheonlypunishmentwastobeplainlydressed。BythismeansIdelightedsomuchinfineclothes，thatIneverthoughtofanythingbutwhenIshouldhavesomethingnewtoadornmyselfin;andIhavesatwholedaysconsideringwhatshouldbemynextnewcoat;forIhadalwaysmychoicegivenmeofthecolour。
’Welivedinacountryparish，mypapabeingtheonlygentleman，sothatallthelittlegirlsintheparishusedtotakeitasagreathonourtoplaywithme。AndIusedtodelighttoshowthemmyfinethings，andtoseethattheycouldnotcomeatanybutveryplaincoats。However，astheydidnotpretendtohaveanythingequalwithme，Iwaskindenoughtothem。Astothosegirlswhoseparentsweresoverypoorthattheywentinrags，I
didnotsufferthemtocomenearme。
’WhilstIwasathome，Ispentmytimeverypleasantly，asnoonepretendedtobemyequal;butassoonasIcametoschool，whereothermisseswereasfineasmyself，andsomefiner，Igrewverymiserable。Everynewcoat，everysilverribbon，thatanyofmyschoolfellowswore，mademeunhappy。Yourscarletdamask，MissBettyFord，costmeaweek’spain;andIlayawake，andsighedandweptallnight，becauseIdidnotdaretospoilit。Ihadseveralplotsinmyhead，tohavedirtiedit，orcutit，soastohavemadeitunfittowear;bysomeaccidentmyplotswereprevented;
andthenIwassouneasy，Icouldnottellwhattodowithmyself;
andsoafraid，lestanybodyshouldsuspectmeofsuchathing，thatIcouldnotsleepinpeace，forfearIshoulddreamofit，andinmysleepdiscoverittomybedfellow。Iwouldnotgothroughthesamedreadsandterrorsagainfortheworld。ButIamveryhappynow，inhavingnothoughtsbutwhatmycompanionsmayknow;forsincethatquarrel，andMissJennyPeacewassogoodastoshowmewhatI’msureIneverthoughtofbefore，thatis，thattheroadtohappinessisbyconqueringsuchfoolishvanities，andtheonlywaytobepleasedistoendeavourtopleaseothers，I
haveneverknownwhatitwastobeuneasy。’
AssoonasMissNannyhadfinishedspeaking，MissBettyFordsaid，thatsheheartilyforgaveherallherformerdesignsuponherscarletcoat;but，addedshe，LadyFannyDelunputmenolessinmindofmyformerlife，thanLadyCarolinedidyouofyours;andifMissJennypleases，Iwillnowrelateit。
THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSBETTYFORD。
MissBettyFordwasofthesameagewithMissNannySpruce，andmuchofthesameheight，andmightbecalledtheplainestgirlintheschool;forshehadnothingpleasingeitherinherpersonorface，exceptanexceedingfairskin，andtolerablegoodblackeyes;butherfacewasill—shapedandbroad，herhairveryred，andallthesummershewasgenerallyveryfulloffreckles;andshehadalsoasmallhesitationinherspeech。Butwithoutpreamble，shebeganherlifeasfollows。
THELIFEOFMISSBETTYFORD。
’Mylife，’saidMissBettyFord，’hashithertopassedverylikethatofMissNannySpruce，onlywiththisdifference，thatasallherthoughtswerefixedonfinery，myheadranonnothingbutbeauty。Ihadaneldersister，whowas，Imustown，agreatdealhandsomerthanme;andyet，inmyownmind，atthattime，Ididnotthinkso，thoughIwasalwaystolditwasnotformetopretendtothesamethingswithprettyMissKitty（whichwasthenameofmysister）;andinallrespectsshewastakensomuchmorenoticeofthanIwas，thatIperfectlyhatedher，andcouldnothelpwishingthat，bysomeaccident，herbeautymightbespoiled：
wheneveranyvisitorscametothehouse，theirpraisesofhergavemethegreatestvexation;andasIhadmademyselfbelieveIwasaverygreatbeauty，Ithoughtthatitwasprejudiceandill—natureinallaroundme，nottoviewmeinthatlight。MysisterKittywasverygoodnatured;andthoughshewasthuscriedupforherbeauty，andindulgedmostonthataccount，yetsheneverinsultedme，butdidallinherpowertoobligeme。ButIcouldnotloveher，andsometimeswouldraiseliesagainsther，whichdidnotsignify，forshecouldalwaysjustifyherself。Icouldnotgiveanyreasonforhatingher，butherbeauty，forshewasverygood;
butthebettershewas，IthoughttheworseIappeared。Icouldnotbearherpraiseswithoutteasingandvexingmyself。Atlast，littleKittydiedofafever，tomygreatjoy，though，aseverybodycriedforher，Icriedtooforcompany，andbecauseI
wouldnotbethoughtill—natured。
