University of Virginia Library

Anxious to make the best possible use
of the education I have received; and fully impressed
with the idea, that the human mind is
capable of continual improvements, it is my constant
endeavour to extract honey from every
flower which falls in my way, or, to speak without
a figure, to derive advantage from every incident.
Pursuant to the advice of our excellent
Preceptress, I keep this perpetually in view;
and am therefore disappointed when defeated in
the attempt.

This afternoon I have been in company with
three ladies, celebrated for their beauty and wit.
One of them, I think, may justly claim the reputation
of beauty. To a finished form, a fair
complexion, and an engaging, animating countenance
are added. Yet a consciousness of superior
charms was apparent in her deportment;
and a supercilious air counteracted the effects of
her personal accomplishments. The two others
were evidently more indebted to art than to nature
for their appearance. It might easily be
discovered that paint constituted all the delicacy
of their complexion!

What a pity, that so many are deceived in their
ideas of beauty! Certain it is, that artificial additions
serve rather to impair than increase its
power. “Who can paint like nature?” What
hand is skilful enough to supply her defects?
Do not those who attempt it always fail, and
render themselves disgusting? Do they not really
injure what they strive to mend; and make it
more indifferent than usual, when. divested of its
temporary embellishments? Beauty cannot possibly
maintain its sway over its most obsequious
votaries, unless the manners and the mind unitedly
contribute to secure it. How vain then is
this subterfuge! It may deceive the eye, and
gain the flattery of the prattling coxcomb; but
accumulated neglect and mortification inevitably
await those who trust in the wretched alternative.

From their good sense, I had been led to
expect the greatest entertainment. I therefore
waited impatiently till the first compliments were
over, and conversation commenced.

But, to my extreme regret, I found it to consist
of ludicrous insinuations hackneyed jests, and
satirical remarks upon others of their acquaintance
who were absent. The pretty fellows of
the town were criticised; and their own adventures
in shopping were related with so much minuteness,
hilarity, and glee, that I blushed for the
frivolous levity of those of my sex, who could

substitute buffoonery for wit, and the effusions of
a perverted imagination for that refined and improving
conversation, which a well cultivated
mind and a correct taste are calculated to afford!

If, said I to myself, this be the beauty and
the wit of polished society, restore me again to
the native simplicity and sincerity of Harmony-Grove!

I took my leave as soon as politeness would
allow; and left them to animadvert upon me.
Independent for happiness on the praise or censure
of superficial minds, let me ever be conscious
of meriting approbation, and I shall rest contented
in the certain prospect of receiving it.
Adieu.