46 THE HISTORY OF

Charlotte, “I am very easy about that; for I
shall only do to her as she does to others, even
to the very best of her friends. For not a day
passes, to my knowledge, but she cheats some
of her customers; and, as to telling lies, she
minds them not the least, when she can get a
few pence by them.”

« But,” said I, “if your poor mother does
wrong, that is no reason you should imitate her.
Remember these words, my dear Charlotte,
which are taken from the holy Bible: All liars
shall have their part in the lake which burneth
with fire and brimstone.” (Rev. xxi. 8.)

** But I am resolved,” answered she, ‘to
have the gown, so you may spare your preach-
ing; only I beg you to say nothing about it.”

‘Will you answer me one question, Char-
lotte?” said 1. «* How did you get that half-
guinea which you have already given for your
gown? I know that but last week you told
Mrs. Bennet that you had spent all you had in
the world on a new hat.”

“O! I am not obliged to tell you that,”
said she, laughing: “ but all I will say is, that
I got it where I hope to get more.”

‘*I begin to be much afraid for you,” said I;
“ this love of fine clothes will one day or other
end in some sad evil. Indeed, my dear Char-
lotte, I beg you to think no more of this silk
gown; be assured, that if you could even get it
honestly, no one would honour you the more
for being dressed above your station; any un-
due degree of finery shews vanity and pride, if
not something worse. Nor is it right for us to