you do not approve of our plans, but I am quite certain you never could commend the ways of the religious people here: I see so much that is artificial among them, and so much that is disagreeable and unnecessary, that I must confess I feel glad to have come to the conclusion, not to consider it a point of conscience to join them."

Mary thought she might have fallen upon a better course; and if she could not associate comfortably with one party, to have refrained from mingling with the other. "Yes, my dear Miss Conroy, if I was really a religious person, I dare say I might do so, but I am not this; and to tell you the honest truth, I have been so accustomed to variety, that I cannot live without a little society; it does me good; and if I cannot see a few acquaintance among the good people, I must take what I can find among the others: besides, they are not so bad as people say; I have found two or three already, who will listen to any thing on religion. You may say, and perhaps with truth, that I, who do not act up to my knowledge, have no right to pretend to teach others; but what little I know, I like to impart, although I may not profit much myself. I was at a large dinner party at the Herberts

yesterday, and sat beside an old lady, with whom I talked for an hour on the subject as well as I was able. I do think she was much interested; she said she would read her Bible, and seemed much affected when she spoke of her sins, and her forgetfulness of God. I do not pretend to say that I accepted the invitation with any other idea than that of amusing myself; but I was glad that an opportunity occurred of trying to do good. I must say I do not see that it is necessary for us to give up all our acquaintance for the sake of being thought of by a set of people who judge almost entirely from exterior marks; if I could see those persons act towards others with affectionate Christian kindness, I should consider them under the influence of something better than common principle; but whilst they continue so repulsive and so ready to put the worst construction on the conduct of others, I cannot say I think I am required to sacrifice all my friends for their good opinion. I go to the houses of other people without fear of their remarks; if I can do any good I am glad; if not, I am not, I hope, sinning very grievously: I act upon the tenth chapter of the epistle to the Corinthians, If any of them that believe not, bid

you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience' sake.""

Mary asked if there might not be danger of putting a stumbling-block in another's way, even though her own mind might not be injured? Why, as to that, my dear Miss Conroy, I don't pretend to be an example to any one; I hope no one is foolish enough to look up to me as a pattern; but I do think my ways must stumble others less than the repulsive, cold, and (I will say) illiberal habits of the religious people. I am quite tired of trying to please them. I see that I never shall be considered by them as any thing but a very worldly-minded wicked person, and it is of no use trying any more. I went one evening lately to the Rectory: Colonel Percy was absent from home, and I was accompanied by a Lieutenant's wife, of the Depot, whom they invited. Certainly my companion was by no means a fit person for a party of that kind. She had been the widow of a wealthy citizen, and had lately married a Lieutenant much younger than herself; as they had no rooms ready, I invited her to our house, and she was to go with me. If fat and good-nature could have procured any one a welcome, Mrs. Mogg would have met

with a warm reception; but when she came down from her room I was perfectly bewildered! -there was the pearl necklace, and gold chains, and feathers in her head, white lace gown, long white gloves, and white satin shoes, all to appear in at the Rectory among the plaindressed religious ladies: however, nothing was to be done, so on we drove, and I introduced my good-natured vulgar friend, finery and all. Mrs. Mires had on a close cap without ribbons, and a brown gown high up round the throat; the other ladies were nearly as plain; fortunately I had on a muslin dress, with very little ornament. Mrs. Mogg looked at her finery, and then at the others, and whispered to me that she feared she ought not to have dressed. I tried to comfort her, but every now and then the white satin slipper peeping forth among the black stuff and leather shoes, amused me enough. Mrs. Mires eyed my companion from head to foot, and then turned away. I must say I should have felt more embarrassed, had I not made it a rule never to mind people's opinions, provided I felt I was not acting wrong; and as the unfortunate lady came under my care, I resolved to bear it all. Several other persons came in, in the course of the evening, and cast their eyes most inquiringly upon us. I am

afraid I lost all their remaining confidence, for there was more silence than usual. Mr. Mires made some attempts at conversation, but the others not seconding him, the subjects dropped. Mrs. Mogg looked at me behind her fan, and seemed quite at a loss how to feel at length Mr. Mires perceiving the awkwardness of our situation, proposed some sacred music, and called upon me; it happened that poor Mrs. Mogg was a fine performer, and took great delight in Handel's compositions. I mentioned this to Mr. Mires, and my friend was soon seated at the organ, and I believe astonished every one by her skill. She was quite at home in this employment, and when we returned, expressed her satisfaction at being called upon to fill up the blank in conversation; but her idea of the parties among the religious people, was certainly not very favourable."

Mrs. Percy was interrupted in her narration by visitors, and Mary took her leave.

On mentioning the Percys to Mrs. Harding, her friend seemed to hesitate in answering her inquiries. She said she had from the first been fearful of their stability, and was sorry to say her apprehensions had not diminished.

Mary asked if she did not think that, humanly speaking, more might have been done if they