Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/75

Rh that the advantages were so much in favour of her niece; the Misses Arden having by close application to languages, mathematics, and voluminous histories studied but to become dull, and to be deprived of those active intelligences of brilliant imagery, taste, and sentiment which give to woman's mind its loveliest ornament.

Arrived at home, Mrs. Arden adjourned with Rosilia to her dressing-room, and whilst, changing her morning's attire, she arrayed herself in the splendid costume of a rout, to which, as on most other evenings, she was then engaged, to divert Rosilia during the intermediate time she displayed before her the contents of her jewelcase, richly studded with precious stones. Rosilia was not a mere superficial observer of things, but enjoyed the pleasurable advantages of a contemplative mind; and hence the sight of these sparkling gems was equally gratifying to her mental as to her outward vision; for herein were exhibited to her view the wonderful works of the Creator, combined with the ingenuity of the creature; then raising her thoughts still higher, from effects to causes, she soared on the wings of a vivid contemplation into the sublime regions of the Revelations, which presented to her searching mind