Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/153

Rh worldly cares, I try to ſmooth his wrinkled brow, and think mine a voice of melody, when it has had that effect.

Very true, replied Mrs. Maſon, accompliſhments ſhould be cultivated to render us pleaſing to our domeſtic friends; virtue is neceſſary; it muſt ever be the foundation of our peace and uſefulneſs; but when we are capable of affection, we wiſh to have ſomething peculiar to ourſelves. We ſtudy the taſte of our friends, and endeavour to conform to it; but, in doing ſo, we ought rather to improve our own abilities than ſervilely to copy theirs. Obſerve, my dear girls, Mrs. Trueman's diſtinction, her accompliſhments are for her friends, her virtues for the world in general.

I ſhould think myſelf vain, and my ſoul little, anſwered Mrs. Trueman, if the applauſe of the whole world, on the ſcore of abilities, which did not add any real luſtre to my character, could afford me matter of exultation. The approbation of my own heart, the humble hope of pleaſing the Moſt High, elevates my ſoul; and I feel, that in Rh