180 BEAUTY.

 

her. I would almost blush to look into her
face; and yet, I respect and esteem her
highly. Pity, that personal vanity should
spoil one who has so many good qualities
—so much to win our love and admira-
tion.”

The young men moved away, and Mary
heard no more. Enough, however, had
reached her ears to overwhelm her with
pain and mortification. She soon after re-
tired from the company. The rest of the
night was spent in weeping.

The lesson was severe, but salutary.
When Percival next met Mary Marvel, her
dress and manners were much more to his
taste; but she had changed too late to win
him to her side, for his heart now wor-
shipped at another shrine.