THE INDOLENT CORRECTED. 87

tion. However, she still retained her good affectionate
heart, which knew no change, and she fondly loved
her mother, and really often tried to conquer her evil
habit ; and when she occasionally did get the better
of it, she astonished every one by the amount of in-
telligence she possessed. At such times, Doralice’s
heart would refill with hope and joy, but this happi- —
ness lasted only a very short period, for at the end of
a few days Eglantine would again fall into her ordi-
nary apathy. She felt her fault, but instead of per-
severing against it, she gave way to discouragement.
Besides, she never accustomed herself to reflect, and
she did not feel all the ingratitude she had to answer
for in having so badly repaid the anxious cares of her
fond and tender mother ; she only said to herself :-—
“Tis true I have caused many useless expenses, but
what is spent on me cannot affect much our large
fortune ; besides, I am still very young, I am rich, and
tis generally said I am handsome. With all these
qualities, I surely can pass without education.’
’Twas exactly as if she had said—‘I can live without
showing any gratitude to my mother. What would
be the use of making her happy if it cost me any
trouble?’ This is how we reason when we are un-
accustomed to proper reflection. Eglantine never