156 THE COUSINS.

to her father with an inquiring expression.
Mr. Lovett noticed it, and, in order that she
might hear the answer, he asked Miss Bennet,
“How can good looks be devoted to the service
of God ?”

“Why, it seems to me, sir, that the greatest
value of good looks is, that they make us agree-
able to others, and give us an opportunity of
acquiring influence over them; and if we use
that influence for good, we are doing God service
—are we not, sir?”

“Yes, you are very right; we are doing the
most acceptable service to God when we acquire
influence over our fellow-creatures, in order that
we may make them better and happier.”

“ Well, sir, that is what I think our good looks
were given us for; but there are some thought-
less people in this house, with whom my poor
Kate likes, naturally enough, to stop and talk
sometimes, instead of sitting all the time with
asick body like me; and they put silly notions
in her head, talking of her beauty, as if it was
something to be proud of, and as if it would
make other people think much of her, whether