Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/93

Rh consequence of her having once repeated some remark of mine, she involved me in a very unpleasant difficulty with a friend, and created a difference that has not been reconciled to this day.”

“With such a person I am sure I should want as little to do as possible,” replied the lady. “I am sorry to hear what you say, for I had formed a very good opinion of Emily, and felt like adding her to the number of my friends. But there is no telling what people are. As for her, the last fault I should have supposed her to be guilty of is the one you mention.”

“I did not mean to convey quite so strong an impression to your mind,” said Ellen B, perceiving that she had really injured Emily. “I would not have you understand that Emily is a common tattler and busybody in other people’s matters, for she is not. I only meant to put you on your guard, in case you became well acquainted with her. Myself a sufferer from having a thoughtless remark repeated by her, it seemed to me only right that I should warn a friend in time.”

“Perfectly right, Ellen, and I thank you for what you have done. As to Emily R, I believe I shall not follow up the acquaintance. I have a large circle of intimate friends, with