44 THE HISTORY OF

“1 thank you, Charlotte,” said I, “1 shall
want no help.”

‘* Mind that,” said my mistress; ‘she takes
such pleasure in working for this smart youth,
that she will not have your help, Charlotte.”

Charlotte laughed.

But I will not repeat all their free jests,
O! how truly did the wise king Solomon say,
that the thoughts of the wicked are an abomi-
nation to the Lord. (Prov. xv. 26.)

Charlotte insisted upon helping me in my
work; and, as it was very Jate, Mrs. Bennet
asked her to stay with her all night.

When I had finished my ironing, and had
got them their suppers, I asked leave to go to
bed, that I might hear no more of their vain
discourse ; and when I was alone in my little
room, I knelt down and besought my Saviour
to remember me, and to save me from being
corrupted by this evil world.

Early the next morning, I began my work;
before Mrs. Bennet and Charlotte came down
to breakfast.

As soon as breakfast was over, my mistress
went out, and Charlotte and I sat down to
work before the door. We were for some time
silent; at length, Charlotte, throwing down her
work, took out of her pocket a small pattern
of flowered silk, which she shewed me, asking
me how I liked it.

“It is very pretty,” said I.

‘Should you not like a gown of it?” said she.

**No,” I answered; “I think that a silk
gown would not become a poor servant.”