Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/140

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her father's ſpirit of independence, and determined to ſhake off the galling yoke which ſhe had long ſtruggled with, and try to earn her own ſubſiſtence. Her acquaintance expoſtulated with her, and repreſented the miſeries of poverty, and the mortifications and difficulties that ſhe would have to encounter.  Let it be ſo, ſhe replied, it is much preferable to ſwelling the train of the proud or vicious great, and deſpiſing myſelf for bearing their impertinence, for eating their bitter bread; better, indeed, is a dinner of herbs with contentment. My wants are few. When I am my own miſtreſs, the cruſt I earn will be ſweet, and the water that moiſtens it will not be mingled with tears of ſorrow or indignation.

To ſhorten my ſtory; ſhe came to me, after ſhe had attempted ſeveral plans, and requeſted my advice. She would not accept of any conſiderable favour, and declared that the greateſt would be, to put her in a way of ſupporting herſelf, without forfeiting her highly valued independence. I knew not what to adviſe; but whilſt I

was