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GOSSIPING AND EVIL SPEAKING.
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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