et him, to trace out his past
career.

Why had he worked so hard--why had he worked so well? Was it indeed for
the sake of his mother, or from regard to Mr. Learning, or because he
had been taught by Duty in all things to do his best? Dick looked round
upon Nelly's little room; every article there reminded him of patient
perseverance, of steady application, not because labour had been easy
and pleasant, but because she had felt it to be _right_. Dick, who was a
very intelligent boy, could not but see, now that reflection was forced
upon him, that he had spent his hours and furnished his cottage only to
please and enrich himself, to triumph over his brother and sisters, to
gain the silver crown of Success, and to gratify evil Pride! Yes, Pride
had urged him to every effort: Pride had made him resolve that no
cottage should be as splendidly furnished as his own; Pride had dogged
his steps, directed his labours, had introduced him to mischievous
Folly, and, worst of all, had made him look down on his best friends and
nearest relations, and insult his gentle little sister! Ah! this was the
bitterest reflection of all!

"How Pride used to make me laugh at the laziness of Lubin, the vanity of
Matty, the lameness of my dear little Nelly, though that was no fault of
her own. I remember now but too well that it was through him that I
insulted the sister whose talents might be less than mine, but whose
virtues should have been my example. It was Pride who made me ashamed
to ask forgiveness, or express regret for words as unjust as they were
unkind. Yes, this sore trial must have been sent to warn me that he who
takes Pride as his bosom companion will sooner or later repent of having
done so. What Pride can offer is but a sorry exchange for the peace, the
harmony, the love which it seems his delight to destroy! Was it Pride
who nursed me through my illness? Was it Pride who so gently bore with
my wayward humours; who prepared the cooling draught for my fevered
lips, and never seemed weary of watching beside me all through the long
dreary night? O Nelly, not one word of reproach did I ever hear from
your tongue; but my heart reproaches me the more for having mocked at
your tender counsels, given way to impatient temper, and thrown away
your love as a worthless thing at the bidding of haughty Pride!"

"Did I not hear my own name?" said a voice at the door, and the beams of
the setting sun threw a dark shadow across the threshold.