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more spirit than to fall in with his old-fashioned notions."
"My father wishes us always to be dressed according to our station, and our fortune," returned Mary; "and I think it a pity such notions should ever be out of fashion."
"But they are," said Bell, "and that's enough. Who thinks of being so mean as to confess, that they cannot afford any thing expensive? I wish you saw how the young ladies in Edinburgh dress! I don't mean those who have fortunes, for there is nothing in that; but those who have not a shilling to depend on. Yet they are all so fine, that one is ashamed to be seen beside them! Look there, and see whether I have one decent thing to put on."
"Indeed, your things are very good," returned Mary, "if you would be persuaded to keep them properly. I wonder you would not do it for the sake of having a comfortable room; for it is always
