uld return the compliment; for a good method leads to proper
conduct."

CHAPTER VII.

The young ladies had always to write an extract from one of the
sermons they had heard at church on the sabbath day. In this
exercise of memory Miss Damer particularly excelled; the most
difficult sermon she could transcribe almost word for word. This had
excited the spirit of envy in Miss Vincent. The week after the
dispute upon the medal, when Miss Damer opened her book, wherein she
had written a sermon with extreme neatness, she found every line so
scrawled, that one word could not be distinguished from another.
Surprised at this proof of secret malice, she involuntarily gave the
book to Miss Cotton, who was seated by her. Mrs. Adair, however,
desired to look at it. After examining every page, she said, and at
the same time fixed her eyes upon Miss Vincent, "I pity the young
lady who has done this; she has betrayed one of the meanest passions
of the human mind." She now looked anxiously round the room; "I see
few countenances," she added, "where envy reigns.

"Miss Vincent, had you ever this book in your hand? speak in a
moment--yes, or no: I want no other word!"

"No, ma'am; I never had the book in my hand, I can declare with truth."

"Miss Bruce, is this your work? for I know you are a little busy-body."

"O no, ma'am! I would not blot any lady's book for the world."

Mrs. Adair now turned to Miss Arden: "my dear, have you been amusing
yourself with your companion's book?"

"No, ma'am."

"The mystery, I think, will soon be explained: and I fear I shall find
that there has been more artifice than truth in a young lady's
assertion. Come hither, Isabella, I wish to speak to you."

Little Isabella's features betrayed confusion and terror: and as she
slowly walked up the room, she burst into tears. "Do not be afraid,"
said Mrs. Adair, in a soothing tone of voice, "I am not angry with you.
Tell me plainly how it was. What did your sister say to you?"

"O, ma'am, she said--O dear, I wish I were at home--"

"Come, speak the truth, my dear. You know you are one of my best little
girls. Tell me how you were led into this error. Speak openly, and do
not be afraid."

"I have not done it--I mean, I have--O dear, where is mamma?"

"Happy at home, I make no doubt. But were papa and mamma here, it would
make no difference, for I must have the truth. Did you mark this book?"

"O dear, yes, ma'am! but I would not have done