if you do, there is an end to virtuous emulation, the mind cannot attend to both; for when the main purſuit is trivial, the character will of courſe become inſignificant. Habitual neatneſs is laudable; but, if you wish to be reckoned a well, an elegantly dreſſed girl, and feel that praiſe on account of it gives you pleaſure, you are vain; and a laudable ambition cannot dwell with vanity.
Servants, and thoſe women whoſe minds have had a very limited range, place all their happineſs in ornaments, and frequently neglect the only eſſential part in dress—neatneſs.
I have not the leaſt objection to your dreſſing according to your age; I rather encourage it, by allowing you to wear the gayeſt colours; yet I inſiſt on ſome degree of uniformity: and think you treat me diſreſpectfully when you appear before me, and have forgotten to do, what ſhould never be neglected, and what you could have done in leſs than a quarter of an hour.
