Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/52

Rh CHAP. V.

Lying.—Honour.—Truth.—Small Duties.—Hiſtory of Lady Sly and Mrs. Trueman.

HE little girls were very aſſiduous to gain Mrs. Maſon's good opinion; and, by the mildneſs of their behaviour, to prove to her that they were aſhamed of themſelves. It was one of Mrs. Maſon's rules, when they offended her, that is, behaved improperly, to treat them civilly; but to avoid giving them thoſe marks of affection which they were particularly delighted to receive.

Yeſterday, ſaid ſhe to them, I only mentioned to you one fault, though I obſerved two. You very readily gueſs, I mean the lie that you both told. Nay, look up, for I wiſh to ſee you bluſh; and the confuſion which I perceive in your faces gives me pleaſure; becauſe it convinces me that it is not a confirmed habit: and indeed, my children, I ſhould be ſorry that ſuch a Rh