It was well known, that though Fanny boasted of
not being afraid to tell to people's faces what she thought of them,
she was not less fearless in talking of the same things in their
absence; so that she differed from common backbiters only in having
more--shall we call it impudence?
It is a harsh name, but let us analyze the principle. What spirit
possesses the human heart, when it shows a disposition to make others
uncomfortable? Is it frankness--we know that it is sometimes dignified
with that name; though it is little akin to the true Christian
faithfulness, which, always at peace with truth, never offends against
true courtesy. Charity regards the little foibles incident to fallen
human nature with a lenient eye, never pointing them out to the
scornful gaze of another, but remembering that they are to be touched
tenderly, if touched at all; _secretly_, too, apart from the scrutiny
of another, and by disinterested friendship alone.
"The Sliver girls make fools of themselves, and of each other," said
Fanny, when Margaret and Susan, arrived at their own house, coldly took
leave of the company.
"I know it," replied Alice. "To think that they will associate with us
girls, pretending to be young, when everybody knows that they are not:
dressing, prinking, reading novels, and making poetry; while their poor
old slave of a mother is making butter and cheese.
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