ALL IS NOT GOLD THAT GLITTERS. 71

the two in her carriage, but there could be no
doubt as to Helen’s being the most dignified ;
both girls were almost rustic in their manners,
but rusticity and vulgarity are very distinct in
their feelings and attributes. They could not
do or say aught that was vulgar or at variance
with the kindnesses of life—those tender no-
things which make up so large a something in
the account of every day’s existence. Similar,
withal, as the cousins were in appearance, they
grew up as dissimilar in feelings and opinions
as it is possible to conceive, and yet loving each
other dearly. Still Helen never for a moment
fancied that any one in the village of Abbeyweld
could compete with her in any way. She had
never questioned herself as to this being the
case, but the idea had been nourished since her
earliest infancy—had never been disputed, ex-
cept perhaps when latterly a town belle, or even
a more conceited specimen, a country belle, vi-
sited in the neighbourhood ; but popular voice
(and there is a popular voice, be it loud or gen-
tle, everywhere) soon discovered that blonde,
and feathers, and flowers, had a good deal to do
with this disturbing of popular opinion; and
after a few days, the good people invariably
returned to their allegiance. ‘Ah! ah!’ old
Mrs. Myles would observe on these occasions—
“Ah! ah!”—I told you they’d soon find the
fair lady was shaded by her fine laces. I dare-
say now she’s on the look-out for a good match,
KK