"I don't find it so, Miss. Me and Eliza are company for one another; but you are quite too still—you should visit more. Now, be persuaded; go up stairs and dress yourself smart, and go and take tea, in a friendly way, with Miss Mann or Miss Ainley: I am certain either of those ladies would be delighted to see you."
"But their houses are dismal: they are both old maids. I am certain old maids are a very unhappy race."
"Not they, Miss: they can't be unhappy; they take such care of themselves. They are all selfish."
"Miss Ainley is not selfish, Fanny: she is always doing good. How devotedly kind she was to her stepmother, as long as the old lady lived; and now when she is quite alone in the world, without brother or sister, or any one to care for her, how charitable she is to the poor, as far as her means permit. Still nobody thinks much of her, or has pleasure in going to see her: and how gentlemen always sneer at her!"
"They shouldn't, Miss; I believe she is a good woman: but gentlemen think only of ladies' looks."
"I'll go and see her," exclaimed Caroline, starting up: "and if she asks me to stay to tea, I'll
