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future; vainly she reasoned, vainly she pleaded. Mrs. Hart always made the same reply: "If people won't follow advice, 'tis a sign they are not much to be pitied."
In consequence of this maxim, Juliet next heard, that the small room and bed which she occupied, were wanted for another person.
Alas! she thought, how long must we mingle with the world, ere we learn how to live in it! Must we demand no help from the understandings of others, unless we submit to renounce all use of our own?
These reflexions soon led her to hit upon the only true medium, for useful and safe general intercourse with the mass of mankind: that of avowing embarrassments, without demanding counsel; and of discussing difficulties, and gathering opinions, as matters of conversation; but always to keep in mind, that to ask advice, without a pre-determination to follow it, is to call for censure, and to risk resentment.
